MONASH UNIVERSITY

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Digitally-guided catalytic strategies for complex molecule synthesis Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Unlocking sperm transcription via mechanical stimulation. This project aims to reveal how the shape and fluid properties of the mammalian female reproductive tract help sperm switch on previously hidden genetic instructions for fertilisation. Using specialised micron-sized fluidic devices to mimic these conditions, this project will uncover the biological steps that enable sperm to adapt, produce new proteins, and prepare for fertilisation. Expected outcomes include identifying proteins that support egg recognition and energy use, as well as gaining new insights into the molecular biology of sperm migration within the mammalian reproductive tract. This knowledge may lead to new understanding and better animal breeding methods. Field of research: 4012 - Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Engineering Fertility is critical to Australia’s $32 billion livestock industry, yet the molecular mechanisms regulating sperm activity in the mammalian reproductive tract remain poorly understood. This project aims to reveal how mechanical stimulation in the female reproductive tract triggers sperm transcriptional activity, challenging the long-standing belief that sperm are transcriptionally inactive. Using microfluidics, proteomics, and RNA sequencing, we will define how changes in viscosity and confinement influence sperm gene expression and fertilisation competence, offering groundbreaking insights into mammalian reproduction. The outcomes will have direct applications in animal breeding, improving artificial insemination efficiency, enhancing genetic selection of high-fertility stud animals, and reducing breeding costs. Additionally, insights into sperm transcription under mechanical stimulation will drive innovations in bio-inspired microfluidic systems that optimise breeding practices by mimicking natural reproductive environments. This project aligns with Australia’s national priorities in biotechnology and reproductive science, reinforcing global leadership in these fields. Findings will be disseminated through industry partnerships, workshops, and policy outreach to ensure translation into breeding programs and commercial applications, delivering sustainable growth and long-term benefits for Australia’s agricultural sector.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Evolution of aridity in the Red Centre expressed in linear dunes. This project aims to understand how the linear dunes that cover one third of Australia’s surface record the history of aridity in the Red Centre over the last 125 thousand years. Correct interpretation of these records is highly significant as there are very few alternative ways to infer the environmental conditions during population of the continent and megafaunal extinction. Expected outcomes of this project are to revaluate the history of aridity in Australia’s interior from the sand grains and layers inside the dunes by developing new computational and laboratory techniques. This project will benefit Australia by providing new, robust environmental context for late Quaternary history in the arid interior. Field of research: 3705 - Geology This project is about using the layers of sediment within the sand dunes in the interior of Australia to infer how aridity has evolved over the last 200 thousand years. It is addressing two primary research gaps. First is improving our capability to infer past climate from one of the few available environmental proxies in the arid zone. Second is revaluating past inferences from these sand dune layers which used flawed and outdated techniques. This research will benefit Australians in two primary ways. First, for social and cultural benefit, we will produce a clearer narrative of climate change over this period that serves as critical context for the spread of aboriginal societies and cultures through the continent. Second, for environmental, economic, and commercial benefit, we will discover how the landscapes of Australia’s arid interior we now use for agriculture and other economic sectors adjusted to changes in past climate, which are readily applicable to present & future climate change. To ensure there is maximal understanding, translation, use and adoption of our research beyond academia in the future, we will promote our research outcomes through three primary methods. First, we will ensure our research is covered in public-facing media such as The Conversation and other outlets. Second, we will deliver our research findings to the Aboriginal Corporations who we work with for field research. Third, we will incorporate our findings into our tertiary education content.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Identification and characterization of cellular derived immunogenic RNA. Cellular RNAs traverse the cytoplasm during their lifecycle and must be distinguishable from pathogenic RNA (e.g. virus) by the innate immune sensing system. A-to-I RNA editing of cellular RNA by ADAR1 is a critical mechanism in establishing and maintaining self-tolerance to cellular double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). However, despite a detailed understanding of the pathway mediating sensing and response to unedited cellular dsRNA, we lack definitive experimental evidence of the identity of the immunogenic dsRNA. This project directly addresses this by bringing together world leading fundamental knowledge and tools to define and experimentally validate the identity, features and characteristics of immunogenic cellular dsRNA. Field of research: 3102 - Bioinformatics and Computational Biology How can the cell differentiate between its own RNA, that needs to be tolerated, from foreign RNA like a virus that is a threat? We now know that cells mark their own RNA through a process called A-to-I RNA editing. This editing is done by an enzyme called ADAR1. This changes the structure of the cells own RNA, making it invisible to the cells defence system. We have a detailed understanding of the genetics and pathways involved in reacting when ADAR1 is lost, but we do not know what the specific RNAs are that are causing the cell to react. This international collaboration will use the unique tools and methods the applicants have to identify and then experimentally demonstrate the identity of the cells own potentially immunogenic RNAs. Knowing this will allow us to understand features that can make an RNA more or less immunogenic, foundational knowledge in the field. This project will enhance Australia’s research capacity by combining RNA immunity with computational biology to expand our understanding of how cells tolerate their own RNA. Our results will be shared via publications and presentations (e.g. A-RNA, AIMS - both industry attended), and news, social media and public lectures, it will boost Australia’s profile and direct future research. This project aligns closely with multiple priorities of Australia's RNA Blueprint (Depart of Industry). While discovery focussed, this research could eventually bolster Australia’s biotechnology sector via new knowledge and tools.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Transforming CO2 Utilization into Sustainable Resource Recovery Solutions. This project introduces a transformative approach to CO2 utilization in sustainable subsurface resource recovery, using CO2 foam as a stimulation fluid to convert CO2 from waste into a tool for efficient extraction. This dual-purpose method enhances recovery while sequestering CO2 in deep geological formations, providing a sustainable alternative to water-based stimulation. By optimizing CO2 foam properties for high-pressure environments and analysing fracture networks, this research aims to improve extraction efficiency with minimal environmental impact. Expected outcomes include a realistic, scalable framework that aligns with global carbon neutrality goals and advancing Australia’s leadership in sustainable resource management. Field of research: 4019 - Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy Australia aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and substantially reduce its carbon footprint by 2035. This research supports these national objectives by pioneering a geothermal energy solution using innovative CO2 foam technology. Unlike conventional methods reliant on limited water resources and prone to seismic risks, our CO2 foam approach reduces water usage by 80–90%, minimises seismic impacts, and significantly improves energy efficiency. By repurposing CO2 as the primary stimulation and circulation fluid, this technology uniquely addresses both emissions reduction and renewable energy generation. Implementation will deliver economic benefits through reduced energy costs, the establishment of sustainable industries, and enhanced energy security. To maximise adoption beyond academia, we will engage industry stakeholders, government agencies, and peak bodies through targeted workshops, industry forums, and policy briefings, notably with the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) Mineral Forum. Collaboration with industry partners will demonstrate feasibility and relevance. Accessible summaries, technical reports, and policy documents will inform policymakers, industry, and the wider community, enhancing practical adoption. Environmentally, this initiative advances sustainability commitments by sharply cutting emissions, conserving water, and reducing ecological impacts, thus strengthening Australia's global leadership in low-carbon innovations.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

A New Microbial Model to Study Phage Biology in the Gut Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Engineering enzymes for controlled peptide modification. This project aims to (1) understand the mechanism and control the specificity of peptide crosslinking by engineered enzymes and (2) to exploit these enzymes as biocatalysts to produce complex bioactive peptides. This project intends to generate new knowledge on the biocatalytic synthesis of peptides using a highly interdisciplinary approach and essential tools that have been developed. The anticipated outcomes of this project are an enhanced understanding of how to the control the function of biocatalysts for peptide synthesis and to use these biocatalysts to synthesis complex bioactive natural products. This knowledge is vital for future efforts to develop biocatalytic methods for peptide production. Field of research: 3404 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry This project will invent new biocatalytic methods to chemically manipulate peptides, which are the building blocks of proteins. These methods aim to transform the way complex peptides are manufactured by chemical synthesis. The new processes emerging from this research will expand Australia's research capability and global competitiveness in the field of biotechnology, delivering significant commercial benefits to the third largest manufacturing sector in Australia. Social benefits may also be realised through the discovery of new bioactive molecules, which will have value in agriculture, health and medicine. This project will support the training of researchers together with international collaborators in the fields of chemical biology, biotechnology, and computational biology, who will implement these processes through partnerships with Australian and international biotechnology companies. Engagement with these companies will lead to adoption of the research outcomes, leading in turn to new inventions and discoveries that will provide Australian-owned intellectual property.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Unravelling the mitochondrial role in climate adaptation Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Towards effective goal-based governance for sustainable development. This project aims to develop a novel theory to enhance the effectiveness of the next global sustainable development agenda, building on experience with the current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The assumption underlying the SDGs was that policymakers would rally behind them, create institutions and dedicate resources to achieve them by the 2030 deadline. However, the SDGs effectiveness in driving action and policy change has varied substantially across contexts. Through analysing empirical data from different countries, interviews and workshops, this project will systematically explain those variations. This is crucial knowledge as the world begins to shape the next sustainable development agenda in the lead up to 2030. Field of research: 4407 - Policy and Administration Goal-setting in policy making is an approach to drive policy and action towards desired outcomes. This project investigates why the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as the most ambitious global goal-setting exercise, have had varying effects on policy and action across countries. Despite global adoption in 2015, the SDGs have had little effect in Australia, while in countries like Indonesia or Germany they have had extensive impact and become the basis of national strategic planning. We don’t know what factors drive these varied effects. This knowledge gap is problematic, not only for the success of the SDGs, but also for effectiveness of other current and future goal-based agendas, such as Australia’s wellbeing agenda or Closing the Gap agenda. By identifying critical factors that drive policy mobilisation around goals, this research will enhance the effectiveness of these agendas, which aim to deliver wide-ranging economic, social and environmental benefits for Australians. The outcomes will also inform future global policy by providing much needed insights to improve the feasibility of the next global sustainable development agenda, as we approach the SDGs deadline in 2030. We will engage with UN agencies and policy makers in Australia, New Zealand and Europe to disseminate findings and inform deliberations for the post-2030 agenda. We will use the 2027 UN SDG Summit as one significant platform for engaging with policy makers and media outlets about this research.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Revealing Order in Organic Semiconductors with Cryo-Electron Microscopy. This project aims to utilise cryo-electron microscopy as a disruptive tool to uncover the functional microstructure of organic semiconductor devices. The project expects to generate new knowledge of how structure relates to processing and function in organic semiconductor devices by utilising the ability of cryo-electron microscopy to image organic samples with high resolution, high contrast, low beam damage and in their true operating conditions. Expected outcomes of this project include new strategies to design and optimise a range of devices to drive new technologies. These technologies would provide benefits in the energy, health, communications and manufacturing sectors. Field of research: 3406 - Physical Chemistry This project aims to develop new ways to measure the molecular packing structure of organic electronic materials using cryoelectron microscopy. This research is of both fundamental and commercial importance. Organic semiconductors and electrochemical materials are important materials that have myriad applications in low energy lighting and displays, flexible solar cells, conformable electronic devices and wearable sensors. They are formed through solution-processing, a manufacturing technique that creates thin films in which the organic molecules pack in many different semi-crystalline structures that contain a lot of disorder. The performance of these materials is critically dependent on the molecular-level packing in the device, but currently there is no method that can sensitively measure their semi-crystalline structure. This project will develop innovative cryoelectron microscopy methods to provide new ways to measure the structure of organic electronic materials for Australian researchers and industry and enable them to solve difficult problems and accelerate materials discovery and design. This could generate novel materials, manufacturing techniques and products for energy, health, communications, and manufacturing. These new microscopy tools will be promoted at workshops for materials scientists and chemists and implemented in electron microscopy facilities that are open to all Australian researchers and industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Low-cost, sustainable hydrides for green energy storage. This project aims to develop a technologically simple method for the renewable-powered production of borohydride salts with outstanding energy density using unique material and process designs recently developed at Monash University. New knowledge in sustainable technologies is expected to be derived from in-depth studies of the hydride formation mechanisms under previously unexplored conditions. The target project outcome is a first-of-the-kind sustainable, low-cost borohydride synthesis method that can replace the current high-cost, fossil-fuel-based process. This is expected to benefit the Australian energy sector by enabling inexpensive storage and distribution of renewable electricity in the form of a sustainable solid energy carrier. Field of research: 3406 - Physical Chemistry While being a critical commodity used in core industries like fertiliser production, hydrogen will become an even more important component of the Australian economy both internally and as a major export product. Limiting this transition are the high costs and safety risks of hydrogen storage – challenges this project aims to resolve by developing a sustainable technology for producing storage hydrides at record energy efficiency, based on recent material and process design breakthroughs by Monash researchers. This innovative technology will enable, currently impractical, conversion of water and renewable electricity to solids that are safe to store and transport worldwide, while allowing for rapid release of pure hydrogen for on-site use by ammonia, steel, cement, aluminium, refining, energy generation and other industries of all scales. This will produce environmental, social, economic and commercial benefits by decarbonising major industries, creating new jobs, and opening up high-profit opportunities in the national and international hydrogen markets. To ensure effective adoption of the new sustainable hydrogen storage technologies, the project will engage with companies of various scales specialising in energy storage, ammonia production and chemical synthesis through well-established connections. Thus, the project will support Australia’s 2050 Net Zero objective and reinforce national economic and energy security by transitioning key industries to sustainable production.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Skillphabets: Teaching robots new skills by reducing information asymmetry. Tool use is a key aspect of human intelligence, relying on the extraction of perceptual information and fine motor skills. The ability to break down complex tasks into reusable skills is crucial for problem-solving. For instance, a teacher may teach a child to write by starting with basic strokes that form letters, which then combine into words and sentences. This can be challenging due to information asymmetry between teacher and student. This project will enable robots to learn reusable skills (Skillphabets) from human teachers by minimising this information asymmetry. Anticipated outcomes include improved alignment between humans and AI, pretrained Skillphabets and applications spanning defense, aerospace, agriculture and manufacturing. Field of research: 4602 - Artificial Intelligence The Australian government recognises robotics and AI as critical technologies of national interest. This research programme will develop improved ways for humans to teach robots how to act in unpredictable and complex settings. While current robots can learn individual skills from human demonstrations, a major challenge is combining these skills to accomplish complex goals—such as in robot assembly, smart manufacturing, robotic surgery, and construction robotics. To address this, our project will enable robots to acquire reusable skills involving dexterity and tool use, guided by human teachers. This will contribute not only to more capable robots but also to a deeper understanding of how to align human intent with AI behaviour. Our research will strengthen Australian expertise in intelligent robotics and produce general-purpose tools that make it easier to ensure robots act in ways that humans expect and desire. Anticipated spin-outs and technology transfer opportunities include a library of pre-trained robot skills available for use by others and mechanisms that allow robots to rapidly switch between different tools. Impact extends to applications in defence, agriculture, surgical assistive robots, advanced manufacturing beyond current paradigms and the potential for versatile robots supporting ageing workforces by automating complex, high-demand or dangerous tasks. We aim to communicate and demonstrate our results in publications, public workshops and outreach activities.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

The evolution of heat tolerance and life history in the Anthropocene Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Evolutionary rewiring and controlled remodelling of bacterial cell surfaces. This project aims to investigate the fine-tuning mechanisms that modulate control over which molecules are displayed on the outermost surface of bacterial cells. The project expects to generate new knowledge on how the environment stimulates production of the bacterial surface features, and how rapidly bacteria can respond to the environment by remodelling their surface features. Expected outcomes from this project include knowledge gain as well as methods and technology development. This project should provide significant benefits in research training excellence as well as the means to better predict the behaviours of bacteria and better use bacteria in biotechnological applications. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology This project addresses the means by which many bacteria can reprogram the properties and terrain of their outer surfaces, a process we refer to as outer membrane remodelling. There is as yet no literature addressing how bacterial outer membranes are remodelled, and Australia is at the forefront of studies addressing this newly recognized process in bacterial cell biology. Training of new students and staff in this arena provides a means for career development in the pursuit of knowledge using a wide array of technologies drawn from disciplines ranging from genomics to microbiology to RNA biology to biochemistry and membrane biology, and the research could provide benefits in biotechnology, food security and other commercially important sectors. For these studies we isolate bacteria from Australian environments, in partnership with the Traditional Custodians of the land and water that we survey. The outcomes of this research will be publicised through social media channels, scientific conferences and seminars, local newspapers and magazines and open-access scientific publications to maximise the understanding, use and adoption of the research in future.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Hiding in nooks and crannies: critical metals in mineral-water systems. This project aims to support Australia's future as a bespoke, sustainable provider of “critical minerals” for the transition to a carbon-neutral economy by deciphering the complex physico-chemical affecting the deportment of these elements in the Earth's crust and in processing plants. This project will generate fundamental physico-chemical data and innovative thermochemical models using interdisciplinary approaches across geochemistry, chemical thermodynamics, and computational chemistry. Expected outcomes include improved prediction of the deportment of critical metals in natural and engineered systems, enabling the specific targeting and extraction of critical metals. This should provide significant benefits to the Australian economy. Field of research: 3406 - Physical Chemistry Critical minerals like germanium, cobalt, and rare earths are vital for clean energy (e.g., solar panels, electric cars) and defence technologies. Yet global shortages and foreign monopolies threaten Australia’s economic security and green energy transition. Commercial success requires a new approach that minimises capital investment, maximises agility, and respects the highest sustainability and social responsibility standards. This project tackles this challenge by creating predictive tools that enable scientists and engineers to uncover how these minerals form in rocks and how to extract them more efficiently—while minimising environmental harm. Our research will create new tools to: • Locate hidden mineral deposits, boosting Australia’s exploration industry. • Optimize mining processes, cutting costs and waste for companies extracting critical minerals. • Safeguard the environment by predicting how mining byproducts (e.g., uranium) behave long-term. To ensure real-world impact, we will: • Share models with industry via partnerships with mining companies and government agencies (e.g., CSIRO, Geoscience Australia) to guide exploration and processing. • Train the next workforce through workshops for geologists and engineers, and science communication (e.g., The Conversation articles). By making Australia a leader in clean, efficient mineral supply chains, this research will strengthen our economy, create jobs, and help meet global climate goals.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Advancing the diagnosis and management of primary aldosteronism, a... Category: Medical Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Improving access to postpartum contraception through a midwifery model... Category: Medical Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

AUTOMATEd risk assessment and screening for MElanoma and skin cancer... Category: Medical Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Enhancing learner feedback literacy using AI-powered feedback analytics. The project aims to advance the understanding of learner feedback literacy in higher education contexts by proposing an analytics-based mechanism to innovatively capture and analyse trace-data-based behaviour when learners interact with feedback. This innovative approach will enable personalised support using AI techniques to help learners reflect on feedback critically and take meaningful actions. The project addresses a critical challenge in supporting learners to develop the capabilities needed to benefit from feedback, due to an inadequate understanding of how they use feedback. This will, in turn, enhance feedback effectiveness and contribute to improved learning experiences, better graduate outcomes, and lifelong learning success. Field of research: 3904 - Specialist Studies In Education Feedback is one of the most powerful tools to enhance learning success and work productivity across educational and work contexts. However, effective utilisation of it requires critical capabilities known as feedback literacy. To address a critical gap of the underutilisation and inconsistent effectiveness of feedback in Australian higher education, this research project will enhance learner feedback literacy by offering a new approach to measuring and supporting it, focusing on automatic capture and analysis of trace data on learners’ real-time engagement with feedback.This innovative approach will overcome the limitations of existing self-report measures of feedback literacy, which are susceptible to bias, poor memory, and delays in providing timely support. By advancing feedback literacy, the project directly supports national priorities in education, innovation, and workforce readiness. Our project has significant social and economic benefits, including improved graduate outcomes, workforce readiness, and a reduction in costs associated with student attrition. Our pioneering research into AI-powered analytics in feedback literacy support will increase Australian expertise in effective and responsible use of AI in education. The results will be developed into training modules for professional development delivered through open-access resources and free workshops. We will also organise conferences open to policymakers and the technology industry to promote project results.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Polymer network engineering of membranes for precision ion separation. This project aims to develop a novel polymer network engineering approach to address a longstanding challenge in polymer membranes for precision ion separation. It seeks to provide new insights into the synthesis of stable, functional polymer networks and their impact on ion selectivity and transport properties. Expected outcomes include the development of next-generation polymer-based membranes with superior single-ion separation efficiency, innovative methodologies for polymer membrane fabrication, and enhanced theoretical frameworks for ion transport in confined channels. This research should contribute to Australia’s leadership in sustainable technologies for extracting and recycling critical resources and clean energy materials. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Australia is a leading producer and exporter of critical minerals, including lithium and rare earth elements. However, current extraction and recycling processes for these resources are inefficient, energy-intensive, and environmentally harmful due to heavy chemical usage. There is an urgent need for more efficient refining technologies to address these longstanding challenges. This project seeks to bridge fundamental knowledge and technology gaps by developing advanced polymer membranes as ultrafast and ultraselective filters for the sustainable extraction and recycling of lithium and rare earth elements. The proposed research is expected to generate new intellectual property, fostering commercial development and accelerating the adoption of advanced membrane technology in partnership with Australian industry. In particular, these advanced membranes would play a crucial role in the environmentally friendly recovery of lithium and other valuable metals from the vast quantities of spent lithium batteries generated by Australia's rapidly expanding electric vehicle and energy storage sectors. This will contribute to the growth of Australia’s manufacturing and resource industries while reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact. Therefore, the scientific breakthrough achieved through this project will enable the development of novel membrane technology, positioning Australia as a global leader in critical mineral refining and recycling technology.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Towards Personalized, Interactive, and Responsible Avatar Agents. This project tackles three main challenges in avatar AI agents - interactivity, personalization, and safety - by combining human understanding with avatar creation and integrating avatar generation with deepfake detection. The research will advance knowledge in multi-modal human understanding, diffusion-based personalized avatar creation, and explainable deepfake detection. Expected outcomes include cutting-edge tools for avatar generation and deepfake detection, positioning Australia as a global leader in this field. The project will enable various real-world applications such as virtual companions, elderly care, and personalized tutoring, driving significant economic benefits. Field of research: 4603 - Computer Vision and Multimedia Computation AI-powered avatars, supported by large language models, are increasingly used in virtual companions, digital lectures, news reporting, and storytelling. Despite advances in realistic avatars, current systems still lack personalization, meaningful interactivity, and responsible safeguards. This project aims to address these challenges by focusing on three key areas: Multi-modal human understanding – Enhancing AI’s ability to understand users through various input modes (e.g., speech, facial expressions, and gestures); Personalized avatar generation – Creating avatarscustomized to align with individual user preferences (e.g. replicating the appearance, facial expressions, and gestures of a deceased family member), while addressing significant challenges to enable rapid, seamless, and continuous avatar generation; Explainable deepfake detection – Integrating safety mechanisms to detect and mitigate AI-generated manipulations, ensuring ethical and responsible deployment. By advancing these areas, this project could establish Australia as a global leader in avatar technology. The outcomes have strong potential for real-world impact and economic benefit in virtual companionship, elderly care, personalised tutoring, and safer AI-generated media through reliable deepfake detection. We will share findings with researchers, businesses, and entrepreneurs via publications, conferences, seminars, and industry workshops, with plans to file patents and license the technology to partners.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

From Care to Corrections: Preventing the criminalisation of care leavers. This project investigates the criminal justice system involvement of young people transitioning from foster, kinship or residential out-of-home care systems in early adulthood. Through strong Aboriginal leadership and governance, analyses of linked administrative data and consultations with young adults and professionals will be undertaken to develop knowledge of the characteristics and service system pathways of care leavers experiencing criminal justice system contact. Outcomes will include the identification of innovative strategies to prevent the criminalisation of young adult care leavers, enhancing their civic and social inclusion. Other project benefits include increasing community safety and reducing criminal justice expenditure. Field of research: 4409 - Social Work In 2022-23, 4200 young people aged 15-17 around Australia were discharged from state out-of-home care placements with kinship, foster, or residential caregivers. A wealth of evidence shows that compared with their peers in the broader community, care leavers face poorer outcomes across several life domains, including higher rates of criminal justice system contact. This is a highly costly and concerning outcome for a group whose circumstances have often been long-known to social and health services. This project investigates the criminal justice system involvement of young people transitioning from out-of-home care in early adulthood, and aims to identify evidence-informed and culturally appropriate strategies to address these outcomes. It will also produce new knowledge regarding the implementation of Indigenous research governance. The study aligns with several nationally agreed policy priorities including the need to improve outcomes for care leavers, and to reduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander criminalisation. Other study benefits will include evidence-informed strategies to enhance community safety and reduce criminal justice expenditure, alongside strengthened opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination, research opportunity and capacity. The research findings will be publicly shared via journal articles, webinars and policy briefs to maximise dissemination, and enhance translation to socially-useful policies and programs.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Deciphering the role of granzyme K in immune and organismal aging. This project seeks to elucidate the role of granzyme K, a serine protease markedly elevated in aged T cells, in driving immune and organismal aging. Leveraging a well-established colony of aged granzyme K knockout mice, a multidisciplinary network of collaborators, and extensive expertise in studying immune and organismal function both in vitro and in vivo, this research aims to uncover whether this 'hallmark of aging' actively contributes to the biological aging process. The anticipated outcomes include a deeper understanding of: (i) the mechanisms underlying aging, (ii) the connection between immune aging and organismal decline, and (iii) potential therapeutic avenues to reprogram or rejuvenate the biological decline that occurs with age. Field of research: 3202 - Clinical Sciences This project addresses a critical gap in our understanding of biological aging by investigating the role of Granzyme K (GzmK), a pro-inflammatory molecule markedly elevated in aged mice and humans. Although implicated in immune and organismal aging, no direct evidence currently demonstrates a causal role for GzmK. This study will use advanced genetic and cellular tools to determine whether GzmK actively contributes to the ageing process and to what extent it shapes immune function and tissue integrity over time. As Australia’s population ages, it becomes increasingly important to understand the basic biological mechanisms that drive aging and age-related decline. By identifying molecular factors that influence immune ageing and tissue homeostasis, this research will contribute new knowledge with long-term potential to inform strategies that promote resilience in later life, support productivity, and reduce dependency. Findings will be shared within academia through high impact publications and presentation at national and international conferences. Beyond academia, we will make our data publicly available, we will engage the public through lectures, interviews and social media, and establish collaborations within relevant research networks, and industry. This foundational work aligns with national priorities to understand the human life cycle, including aging to ultimately support thriving communities (Priority 2), and lays the groundwork for future translational advances.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Fluid dynamical processes in the formation of magmatic ore deposits. Sulfide deposits in solidified magmas are some of the world’s most valuable ores. Their formation is driven by fluid dynamical processes that are not well understood and are not accounted for in exploration tools. This project aims to use mathematical modelling and analogue experiments to examine the key physical processes involved in the motion of liquid sulfides in crystal-rich molten magmas and the ultimate location and form in which this liquid is deposited. Expected outcomes include theoretical developments in interactions between viscous liquids and granular material and improved understanding of magmatic ore formation. This should enable development of new exploration tools based on physical processes. Field of research: 4901 - Applied Mathematics Magmatic sulfide deposits are some of the world’s most valuable ores. They are important sources of nickel and cobalt, crucial metals for most electrical vehicle and grid-scale rechargeable batteries, as well as copper and platinum-group elements. Australia has 10% of known deposits worldwide and given its geology should have significantly more. However, they are notoriously difficult to find. The metal-bearing sulfide liquid that formed these deposits is a tiny portion of the host magmatic system and the fundamental processes whereby this liquid agglomerates and the locations where it is ultimately deposited are poorly understood. This project will use mathematical modelling and analogue experiments interpreted together with carefully characterised core samples to better understand these fluid dynamical processes. The knowledge obtained is expected to improve the success of mineral exploration by highlighting the structures to target within formations as well as uncovering the signatures of sulfide liquid migration within a magmatic system. By contributing towards finding new resources, the project can provide economic and environmental benefits for Australia. The new knowledge will be communicated through presentations at specialist seminars and workshops and publication in scientific journals.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Next-Gen Thermal Resilient Liners: Redefining Pit Energy Storage... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research