MONASH UNIVERSITY

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2024 · 2024-03

BEACON2: A Multi-Arm, Multi-Stage Platform Trial For Relapsed... Category: Health and Medical Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2024 · 2024-03

A randomised controlled trial of interventions to reduce the pain and... Category: Health and Medical Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2024 · 2024-03

Co-design and evaluation of a resource to improve patient-clinician... Category: Health and Medical Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2024 · 2024-03

The role of clinical trials and invasive haemodynamics in optimising... Category: Medical Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2024 · 2024-02

RNA therapy targeting Connective Tissue Growth Factor in diabetic kidney... Category: Medical Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Data Driven Discovery of New Catalysts for Asymmetric Synthesis. This project aims to discover new catalytic strategies for the synthesis of valuable nitrogen-containing molecules. An innovative approach combining statistical modelling techniques and chemical synthesis tactics will be used to establish a unique platform for predictable catalyst design that significantly accelerates the discovery process. As a result, new organometallic catalysts that efficiently convert simple and readily accessible chemical building blocks into complex chiral amine derivatives in a safer and more cost effective manner will be identified. These new catalytic strategies will be of significant utility, enabling the invention and more sustainable manufacture of agrochemicals, life-saving medicines, and functional materials. Field of research: 3402 - Inorganic Chemistry This project will combine advanced chemical synthesis technologies and statistical modelling techniques to discover new catalytic strategies to manufacture valuable chiral amines. As current manufacturing processes are energy intensive and produce significant amounts of waste, this project is expected to deliver safer, more energy efficient and more sustainable strategies to manufacture amine derivatives from common feedstock chemicals. In addition to reduced energy consumption and increased sustainability, the innovative new catalytic strategies will afford access to functional molecules that are inaccessible using existing technologies, underpinning the invention of new agrochemicals and pharmaceutical agents. The chemical sector is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in Australia, contributing $38 billion annually towards Australia’s GDP and employing over 60,000 people. Throughout this project we intend to work closely with this sector to ensure that the new manufacturing strategies can be adopted by local industry, delivering global competitive advantage that further enhances Australia’s prosperity. In alignment with recent efforts to consolidate Australia's sovereign manufacturing capacity, the new catalytic strategies will also drive the invention of new advanced materials including polymers, composites, pigments, and fuels, delivering broad social and economic benefits across Australia's electronics, construction, pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Efficient and effective methods for classifying massive time series data. This project aims to transform the theory and practice of time series classification. The current state of the art cannot handle the massive numbers of time series that describe many critical problems facing humanity, such as disease transmission and climate change. This project seeks to develop methods that can analyse dynamic processes at global scale, delivering the most accurate classifiers feasible within a given computational budget. Expected outcomes of this project include efficient, effective and broadly applicable time series classification technologies. This should provide significant benefits to myriad sectors, transforming data science for time series problems and supporting innovation in industry, commerce and government. Field of research: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science Artificial intelligence is transforming all sectors of Australian society, through such developments as smart phones, devices, and cars; travel navigation; industrial automation; forecasting infection spread, prevalence and outcomes; and the genetic analysis that underpins new and refined vaccines. Current artificial intelligence is poor at accounting for change over time. This project aims to create new artificial intelligence technologies that better understand change over time and can use that understanding to better inform decisions and actions. In particular, it seeks to develop technologies that can analyse the massive quantities of time varying data that can potentially be brought to bear on critical global challenges such as the spread of diseases and climate change. The project will develop new widely-applicable AI technologies that can best use large quantities of time varying data to greatest effect. This will unlock value and provide competitive advantage for Australian industry, commerce, defence, governance, research and health by allowing them to better understand and exploit their large and growing time varying data assets.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

A multimodal infrared, Raman and fluorescence submicron imaging microscope. A new multimodal microscope system incorporating infrared, Raman and fluorescence imaging can study the chemical composition of single bacteria, plants, small organisms along with hard and soft materials at an unprecedented level of detail. This breakthrough technology has various applications in biology, aquatic chemistry, nanochemistry and forensic archaeology. The system will also support sustainable chemistry, material analysis, green energy and battery development, placing Australia at the forefront of multimodal materials characterisation. Overall, this advancement will deepen our understanding of the chemical and biological world and have broad-reaching benefits across multiple disciplines. Field of research: 3401 - Analytical Chemistry This project aims to use a new multimodal submicron imaging microscope to perform chemical imaging on both hard and soft materials. The technology will enable researchers to better understand biological systems and develop materials with important technological applications. Chemical imaging at an unparalleled level of detail will facilitate the detection of progenitor stem cells, antimicrobial resistance, toxins in plant tissue, and toxicity of microplastics containing pharmaceuticals. The effects of nanoparticles on cells and associated toxicity can also be studied. New protocols will be developed for measuring materials in green energy technologies, such as the development of new lithium batteries and electrocatalysis. The technology will be used to characterise the deactivation/regeneration of catalytically converting carbon dioxide to fuels and investigate water splitting. In addition, materials from Egyptian mummies will be studied to understand the embalming processes and causes of death. Expected outcomes include interdisciplinary collaborations to develop new protocols for studying cell phenotypes, material characterisation for green energy, environmental monitoring, advanced catalytic materials and forensic archaeology. Overall, this project offers an exciting opportunity to advance our understanding of the chemical and biological world and develop new materials with important technological applications.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Before and after the Last Ice Age: GunaiKurnai archaeology along the Snowy. This project aims to transform our understanding of the deep-time Aboriginal occupation of Victoria's Snowy River landscape, by excavating a network of sites dating back to >52,000 years. This project expects to generate new knowledge in archaeology and palaeoclimatology through partnership research in Gunaikurnai Country. Expected outcomes of this project include unprecedented details of Aboriginal occupation, ritual installations, wooden artefacts, ancient human DNA, use of deep caves and open landscapes, and economic strategies dating back to the Last Ice Age and beyond. This should provide significant benefits in community research, greater social understandings of Aboriginal connections with Country, and a more inclusive Australia. Field of research: 4501 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture, Language and History Before and After the Last Ice Age investigates Australia's deep-time Aboriginal history by applying a community partnership approach to archaeological and palaeoclimate research in the Victorian Buchan–Snowy River landscape. Partnered with the GunaiKurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GKLaWAC) and Rock Art Australia, this project promises to transform how this landscape is understood by uncovering new information about superbly preserved ancient artefacts, including ancient DNA and buried 12,200 year-old ritual structures with wooden artefacts. These are among the longest archaeologically traced continuous ritual sites and items of material culture anywhere in the world, and the oldest known wooden artefacts in Australia. Grounded in a partnership that centres on the needs and aspirations of a First Nations community, benefits of this project include helping to tell the stories of the GunaiKurnai Old Ancestors via their ancestral residential, resourcing, and special-purpose secluded places. Results of the project would be shared on-Country with the GunaiKurnai community and incorported into the public education and visitor programs of GKLaWAC. They would also be promoted through the public networks and social media resources of Rock Art Australia, as well as in a range of public forums and national and international media.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Precise, Cytosolic Dendrimer Delivery Systems. This project aims to use precisely targeted dendrimer technology to improve the delivery of poorly permeable molecules to their subcellular sites of action. Our cutting edge approach combines innovative phage screening techniques and advanced dendrimer synthesis. The outcomes of this proposal will be: 1) a targeting system that is manufacturable at scale and reasonable cost, 2) a dendrimer delivery system that is rapidly internalised into specifc target cells and 3) bio-responsive dendrimers that promote delivery of their cargo into the cytosol. This work will strengthen a highly successful collaboration between the Australian biotech company Starpharma and Monash University, to design the next generation of nanomaterials delivery systems. Field of research: 3106 - Industrial Biotechnology This project will harness the expertise, infrastructure and capabilities of Monash University to support expansion and enhancement of the technology and intellectual property base of the Australian Biotechnology company, Starpharma. Australia is emerging as a world leader in the field of biotechnology and this project will provide significant support for the economic growth and commercial success of Starpharma as it transitions to the world stage in the field of advanced biomedical manufacturing. It will provide valuable intellectual property for commercialization by Starpharma. This is particularly vital in this time of economic uncertainty, where maintaining and developing the high value manufacturing base is critical. The project will also promote employment and training opportunities and expand the national science base in the rapidly growing field of macromolecular biotechnology and synthetic biology.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Transforming Auslan education in Australia. This project aims to develop innovative and enduring resources for Auslan teaching. Australia has a acute skills shortage in sign language teaching. This project is a novel interdisciplinary collaboration with Deaf Auslan teachers that aims to build their capacity to apply linguistic insights in their own teaching. Expected outcomes include new knowledge of how to effectively teach sign languages, evidence-based teaching resources, training materials about Auslan in Auslan and a National Network delivering preservice Auslan teacher training, ongoing professional learning and a resource hub. Anticipated benefits include professionalising Auslan teaching, improving student learning and creating a more inclusive Australia for Deaf people. Field of research: 4704 - Linguistics Australia has an Auslan education crisis. Not enough teachers are available to meet demand for classes and no training pipeline exists for new or current teachers to improve their skills. This project aims to address this crisis by partnering with Deaf Auslan teachers and organisations to develop innovative and enduring resources for Auslan teachers. It will generate new knowledge in the globally under-researched area of sign language teaching and create enduring partnerships and mobility between universities and Auslan teachers. The project will uncover skills and practices needed to effectively teach sign languages along with evidence-based teaching resources and training materials about Auslan in Auslan. It will also create a national network delivering preservice training to Auslan teachers, ongoing professional learning activities and a resource hub. The benefits of the research include professionalising Auslan teaching, improving student learning and retention and creating a more inclusive Australia for Deaf people

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Precision Nutrition through controlling the gut-particle biointerface . The project aims to enable more rational design of efficient food systems through understanding the complex interactions that occur between the surface of food particles and our gut. The project expects to generate new knowledge on how biomolecules in the gut interact with particles, using novel techniques to study the gastrointestinal processing of food. Expected outcomes of the project include developing new frameworks for the design of more efficient foods tailored to specific populations enabling a new concept of ‘precision nutrition’ and connecting industry with advanced techniques. This should provide significant benefits in efficiency of delivery of nutrition, food utilisation, and new product concepts for the industry partner. Field of research: 3406 - Physical Chemistry The project will establish a new framework for selection of components for food structuring that will enable enhanced digestion and delivery of nutrients from food. Australia can help solve the global issue of better food and nutrition by creating foods that efficiently deliver nutrients through improved gut interactions. The food industry contributed 11% or $187 billion towards Australia's GDP in 2018 and hence innovations can have a large impact on Australia's economy, through both food innovation and the health and social outcomes that result from improved nutrition. For the Australian population in particular, a key element of the food equation is the design of foods that meet the needs of specific populations such as the elderly, to enable them to thrive and contribute to Australia's social and economic fabric until much later in life. We will link the capabilities of Australia's large research facilities with this direct industry problem, and will establish this framework through innovative experiments that determine the response of food structure to the environment in our gut and potentially revolutionise food design. The fellowship will also create a network of industry scientists and academic researchers working in this field that will enable wide dissemination of the newly established methods and techniques for broad adoption. The network will also promote non-confidential research findings through channels such as social media, websites, reports and podcasts.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Katungal: Managing archaeological sites threatened by sea level rise. This project aims to investigate Aboriginal coastal archaeological sites and landforms endangered by sea level rise. It expects to generate new knowledge on the distribution, characteristics and antiquity of archaeological sites in vulnerable landforms of the Gippsland coast. Expected outcomes are the development of a new, nationally and internationally applicable method to predict and monitor the susceptibility of coastal archaeological sites to erosion, and the training of a generation of Aboriginal Sea Rangers in land-and-sea Country research, monitoring and management. This should provide significant benefits for the management of coastal archaeological sites and landscapes by Indigenous organisations and land management agencies. Field of research: 4501 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture, Language and History Significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander coastal archaeological sites and landforms are being destroyed by accelerating rates of erosion caused by sea level rise, storm patterns and encroaching coastal developments. These threatened coastal archaeological sites and landforms need to be investigated, and mitigation strategies need to be developed before it is too late. Working in close partnership with Aboriginal representative organisations with significant areas of coast and sea Country, this Industry Laureate project intends to transform how coastal archaeological sites are researched, and to train a new generation of Aboriginal Sea Rangers to map, monitor and manage coastal landscapes threatened by erosion. The benefit of this research is to document and safeguard vulnerable coastal sites and landforms that connect Aboriginal peoples to Country, and to share in culturally appropriate ways knowledge about the significance of these coastal places with the broader Australian and international public. These benefits will be achieved through an extensive program of partnership research and training with First Nations organisations and State and national agencies, as well as the production and release of a documentary film.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Innovative sleep and circadian technology to optimise athletic performance . Sleep is the greatest natural performance enhancer we have, and yet improving sleep remains a national priority. This project aims to develop, implement and validate a set of personalised sleep recommendations to optimise wellbeing and performance, and integrate it into a practical, scalable digital solution. With an initial focus on female athletes, this project will use innovative science and technology to develop new intellectual property that can improve sleep and performance, highlighted as a critical need in the Government’s National Plan ‘Sport 2030’. The expected outcomes will provide a direct benefit to elite, sub-elite and community sports organisations, as well as society at large through increasing productivity and performance. Field of research: 5202 - Biological Psychology Disrupted sleep has been identified as a major cause in reducing productivity and performance, costing economies billions of dollars annually. The CSIRO cited poor sleep as one of the global megatrends in their ‘Our Future World 2042’ report, aimed at guiding strategic and policy directions for long term investment. On top of this, the Australian Sports Commission have identified the need to: 1) invest in technologies to optimise performance, 2) partner with adjacent sectors and 3) prioritise female research. In collaboration with technology partner, Readiness, and a number of elite sports partners, the aim of this project is to develop technology driven solutions to deliver precision-based sleep recommendations for optimising performance. This aligns with the National Sports Plan (Sport 2030) and the Government priorities of changing the game with science and technology, which are estimated to have high impact on economic prosperity. The project outcomes will lead to valuable intellectual property for optimising performance through sleep which can be commercialised as a standalone product, or licenced to other organisations. As well as providing core capabilities in digital technology development, the partners will provide a pathway to market, ensuring that outcomes of this project can be translated to community sports, business, and education. This project addresses a gap in the human performance sector, where marginal gains make the difference between success and failure.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

A near-space surveillance capability for natural disasters. This project aims to address a gap in natural disaster surveillance by progressing the scientific basis of a near-space monitoring capability using passive microwave imagery. This project expects to advance new knowledge for providing the soil and fuel moisture data needed by fire, flood and landslide risk prediction models, and in producing real-time flood inundation and fire front maps. Expected outcomes of this project include an unprecedented surveillance capability for fires, floods and landslides by leveraging emerging capabilities in near-space sensing using high altitude drones. This will offer significant benefits in both natural disaster risk prediction and real time monitoring of natural disaster status, leading to saved lives. Field of research: 4013 - Geomatic Engineering Australia is cursed with floods followed by droughts accompanied by fires. New technologies are urgently needed for risk prediction and monitoring of these regularly occurring natural disasters. Satellites suffer from an inability to see through smoke and cloud (optical), low spatial resolution (passive microwave) and infrequent temporal repeat (radar). However, the recent development of long endurance (3 to 12 months) high altitude (20 km) long wingspan (30+ m) drones provides an opportunity to develop a unique high spatial resolution passive microwave surveillance system with loiter capabilities over areas of interest. The intended benefit and impact of this capability would be real-time information on the likely development and progression of floods and fires, and the risk of landslides. Such information is vital for emergency services in terms of public and first responder safety, and in the efficient tasking of ground and/or air assets used in managing the emergency response. Accordingly, this project will help save Australian lives, improve community resilience, promote social stability and wellbeing, protect natural resources and reduce economic losses. This project will also build world class research capacity in this important cross-disciplinary area and train the next generation of young researchers and engineering leaders required for a safe and secure Australia. Moreover, outcomes will be promoted through social media and industry workshops.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

ARC Research Hub for Infrastructure Net Zero. The NetZero Hub aims to transform Australia's construction sector through digitalising the infrastructure lifecycle for net-zero, targeting challenges like excessive carbon emissions and outdated practices, which currently impede sustainability. In line with Australia's 2030 Digital Economy Strategy, the Hub utilises infrastructure digital twins, integrated with low-carbon materials, eco-friendly structural designs, and state-of-the-art operation and maintenance methods to reinvent the performance and profitability of the infrastructure industry, a critical national economic and employment sector. It will help Australia meet its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, and drive a data-driven sustainable industrial revolution. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering The construction industry is responsible for nearly a quarter of Australia’s carbon footprint. The NetZero Hub addresses the critical research gap of reducing carbon emissions in infrastructure lifecycle. It will collaborate with industry to introduce digital twins (computational models) powered by AI, robotics, and sustainable practices, into everyday business. This innovation modernises both construction and maintenance, promising reduced overheads, heightened performance, and Australia’s transition to a data-driven low carbon industrial revolution. The Hub's benefits to Australians extend beyond economic gains, advancing environmental, social and cultural dimensions. By backing sustainable techniques, it bolsters Australia's pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2050 and positively impacts the environment and quality of life through efficient resource usage and waste reduction. The widespread adoption of AI, robotics, and digital twin technologies cultivates a technological culture, contributing to an innovative and progressive society. The Hub’s close partnership with the construction industry will ensure widespread adoption of disruptive technology at both local and international levels. Its pioneering role enhances Australia's global profile, making it an attractive destination for international collaborations and investments, while its expertise in cutting-edge sustainable construction technologies positions the nation at the forefront of innovation in the industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Engineering optimal particle maturation in multicomponent sprays. This project aims to develop novel methods to precisely measure and control particle maturation processes in multicomponent technical aerosols. The project expects to generate knowledge in the field of multiphase fluid mechanics and aerosol science through a combination of laser fluorescence, X-ray scattering and microscopy techniques. Expected outcomes of this project include a capacity to engineer particle size and shape in multicomponent aerosols across a range of aerosol devices which are capable of outperforming currently available products while enabling the transition to more environmentally friendly propellant chemicals. This project aims to benefit the pharmaceutical industry by accelerating the design of aerosol delivery systems. Field of research: 4012 - Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Engineering This project aims to expand and accelerate the development of aerosol delivery devices used in pharmaceutical products, industrial processes and consumer products through the development of new technologies to study the behaviour of particles in turbulent sprays. The existing tools available to industry for the design of aerosol products are relatively slow and do not provide deep insight into how the aerosol particles form. This project will bring together concepts from the fields of engineering, physics and pharmaceutics to develop new laser based systems which will enable the measurement of individual aerosol particles inside a spray in real time. This will accelerate the process of designing new generic pharmaceutical devices and consumer aerosol products which are more efficient and environmentally friendly. Australians stand to benefit from these developments through lower pharmaceutical prices and reduced emissions from aerosol products. The research outcomes will be promoted beyond academia via industry trade publications and conferences, and through their adoption by the industry partner as an industry-leading tool for accelerated commercial product design.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Electrified Reactor System for Green Manufacturing of Chemicals and Fuels. This project aims to develop an advanced electrified reactor system for the manufacturing of chemicals and fuels with net-zero or even carbon-negative emissions in Australia. The project is significant for promoting the implementation of renewable energy to mitigate emissions from the chemical industry. The expected outcomes include cutting-edge designs and technologies for modern manufacturing, and the training of next-generation engineers to advance Australia's energy transition initiative and securing its sovereign capability in the chemical supply chain. These efforts can provide key benefits in addressing the major challenges in balancing the sustainability and profitability of Australia's industries in the carbon-constrained future. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering This project develops a novel electrified reactor system towards using renewable energy in the chemical industry. Success will provide the chemical industry a net zero and even carbon-negative emission profile, in addition to efficient production of value-added chemicals within the future 2050 Net Zero Emission scheme. The chemical industry is currently the third-largest manufacturing sector in Australia, generating around 8% of the total carbon dioxide. There is a significant lack of the adoption of renewable energy and electrification in the industry. Successful completion of the project will promote the energy transition of Australia's chemical industry, unlocking the ability to convert abundant crop waste within the rural Australia into green chemicals and fuel, providing new job opportunities and sovereign capability. Furthermore, the project will enforce Australia's leadership in the Research, Development and Deployment of the next-generation chemical reactor and process design, delivering world-class knowledge and talents essential for achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The project will be conducted through a close collaboration between academics and industry partners with complementary expertise and skills in both the knowledge chain and value chain, as well as existing market, thereby improving the technology readiness level, and overcoming the major technical barriers for the future scale-up and technology translation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

RNA at facultative heterochromatin: why is it there and how can we use it? This project aims to determine how the product of all genes, termed RNA, affects gene packaging once genes are turned off and how gene packaging can be modulated for applications in biotechnology. The project will determine how RNA participates in the packaging of genes and how it alters the function and activity of proteins that work to package genes into a compact structure. The project also aims to develop methods to loosen the compact structure of chromatin to facilitate the modification of genes and effectively introduce new genes into cells. The benefit will be new knowledge and new methods for the biotechnology industry, to enable the development of cell lines and future crops for food technology, synthetic biology and agriculture. Field of research: 3105 - Genetics This project aims to determine how the immediate product of all genes, termed RNA, affects the packaging of genes. The project also intends to develop methods to reduce the amount of RNA around certain groups of genes for applications of biotechnology. The outcome will be twofold: (i) The project will lead to fundamental knowledge of the structure of genes, how RNA shapes their structure and how RNA affect the activity of proteins that are tasked in the packaging of genes in the cells of all multicellular organisms. (ii) The project is also aimed to develop methods that will enable efficient genome modification of genes even if they are packed in a tight structure that otherwise may interfere with their modification. Additionally, the project will enable stable expression of new genes that were artificially introduced into the cells, called transgenes. The benefit will be in the form of new methods to overcome challenging problems with genome modification and transgene expression. The project intends to enable the development of tools that will benefit the Australian society and economy through impact on food technology, synthetic biology and agriculture. Specifically, the new knowledge and methods for genome modification and stable transgene expression would enable faster and more affordable development of robust artificial genetic circuits, cell lines and crops for applications ranging from more nutritious food to drought-tolerant crops.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Partition functions through the lens of topological recursion. This project aims to resolve deep mathematical mysteries concerning structures known as partition functions, which arise in theoretical models of the universe. Novel insights and approaches will come from the developing yet powerful theory of topological recursion, which provides a clarifying and unifying lens. Expected outcomes include the resolution of outstanding conjectures concerning topological string theory and quantum invariants, as well as new connections between these concepts. The project will lead to significant benefits, such as the formation of international collaborations, the training of researchers in an area of fundamental importance, and the enhancement of Australia's reputation as a powerhouse in mathematical physics. Field of research: 4904 - Pure Mathematics Humanity has been involved in a century-long quest for a theory that describes the universe at the small and large scales. A variety of mathematical mysteries have arisen from this progression of ideas, involving knots in three-dimensional space, surfaces in six-dimensional space, and more. Novel insights will be combined with recently discovered concepts to resolve these deep mathematical mysteries and unlock new avenues for exploration. The activity and interest generated by these discoveries will forge new interactions and cement existing collaborations with international research networks, thus enhancing Australia's reputation as a powerhouse in mathematical physics. Additional benefits include the training of the next generation of thinkers, equipping them with the expertise to pursue further cutting edge research or to create critical impact in industry, thereby ensuring Australia's future prosperity. Results will be disseminated in distilled form to the broader public via lectures and articles, and to various cognate research communities via seminars and publications. The project will make important contributions to pure mathematics, a body of knowledge that invariably leads to myriad downstream applications. In particular, the proposed research draws together various mathematical strands, whose development has the long-term potential to enable advancements in data science, wireless communication, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to high value platform chemicals. The project aims to improve the sustainability of Australia's third-largest manufacturing sector - the chemical industry - by scaling up our patented process for continuous production of platform chemicals using waste biomass avoiding fossil fuels. Platform chemicals are base compounds that produce many other chemicals and solvents used in daily life. We are unaware of any reactor with continuous production capability. The reactor can produce multiple platform chemicals, but this project will focus on two high-value ones worth over US$10000/kg. The project will enhance Australia’s manufacturing capability and secure its global chemical supply chain position. reducing carbon footprint and contributing to our net-zero emission target by 2050. Field of research: 3007 - Forestry Sciences Based on our patented and published work, this project aims to scale up a continuous process to manufacture high-value platform chemicals sustainably from renewable and low-cost feedstock - waste biomass, available widely in Australia. These platform chemicals have multiple industrial applications, such as manufacturing biodegradable polymers, chemicals for agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. The scale-up will be achieved by integrating fundamental scientific work with engineering work, leading to a simpler reactor design for processing, lower manufacturing costs and high availability of the reactor during operation. The project's outcomes include new intellectual property on product formulation and process parameters for the commercial development of a scalable reactor, thereby contributing to the growth of sustainable biochemicals and biofuel manufacturing from renewable feedstock and reducing fossil-carbon emissions. With continued support from the industry partner, the research outcomes will be promoted towards commercial adoption. The overall impact goes beyond the laboratory, contributing to a greener, more sustainable bioeconomy for Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Microbial gas metabolism in the mammalian gut: from enzymes to ecosystems. Hydrogen gas is one of the most central, but least understood, metabolites cycled in the gut. This fellowship will provide the first system-wide understanding of hydrogen production and consumption in the guts of both humans and ruminants. By uniquely synergising studies at the enzyme, cellular, and gut ecosystem scales, we will resolve the microbial and enzymatic mediators of hydrogen cycling, determine how they function at a molecular level, and demonstrate how they interact to shape gut processes. The project will provide wide-reaching benefits by increasing fundamental understanding of gut function, ecology, and biogeochemistry, and will guide efforts and develop partnerships to mitigate methane emissions from the livestock sector. Field of research: 3107 - Microbiology Hydrogen gas occurs at high levels in the guts of humans and animals. Gut microbes produce this gas in large amounts during digestion of foods. Other microbes then convert this gas either into nutrients that we absorb or the wasteful greenhouse gas methane. This project will determine how hydrogen cycling works in both humans and livestock. We will resolve at fine detail how different enzymes and cells either make or use hydrogen. These insights will then be used to determine what controls the balance of nutrient versus methane production in the gut. In partnership with agritech giant DSM, this knowledge will be harnessed to develop strategies to increase nutrient production and reduce methane emissions from livestock. By doing this, we may be able to simultaneously increase the productivity and sustainability of the livestock sector, a $24 billion dollar industry that accounts for 11% of Australia’s emissions. This work will also contribute to Australia’s developing hydrogen industry and therefore has significant economic potential.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Dynamic Single-Atom Liquid Metal Nanozymes. This project aims to initiate a paradigm shift in biocatalytic technology. It proposes a new class of nanoscale artificial enzymes (nanozymes), harnessing the extraordinary properties of liquid gallium-based alloys. The developed liquid nanozymes are expected to surpass the limitations of traditional solid-state nanozymes in terms of catalytic activity and selectivity. The proposed research integrates a blend of theoretical and experimental methods, aiming to advance our understanding of artificial enzymes. The strategic objectives of this project focus on synthesizing liquid metal nanoalloys, investigating the structure–function relationship for model enzymatic reactions, and expanding their applications in biocatalysis and biosensing. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Nanozymes, a growing class of artificial enzymes, represent nanomaterials that can replicate the activity of natural enzymes. This project aims to pioneer a new type of nanozymes, leveraging the unique properties of liquid gallium-based alloys. The anticipated outcomes include nanozymes with liquid-like properties that can offer enhanced catalytic efficiency compared to solid-state nanozymes. As such, this project can potentially revolutionise industrial processes, from manufacturing to waste treatment, bolstering Australia’s position in sustainable technology. The project’s focus on developing platforms for biocatalysts and biosensors aligns with national health priorities by aiming to improve diagnostic methods, potentially reducing the healthcare burden. Additionally, environmental applications, such as pollutant degradation, directly contribute to protecting Australia’s unique ecosystems. Investment in this research will foster collaboration between Australian universities and high-tech industries, nurturing a knowledge-based economy and creating new opportunities in academic research. By leading the way in this innovative field, Australia can become a hub for artificial enzyme technology, attracting international partnerships and investment. In summary, the project stands to deliver on multiple fronts of national interest: advancing research excellence, economic gains through technological innovation, environmental preservation and enhancing public health outcomes.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Percolation models with strong and oscillatory correlations. Percolation theory studies how global connectivity in a complex system arises out of local properties of that system, for example how the connectivity of an electric car charging network depends on the spread and density of the charging stations. This project aims to deepen our understanding of percolation models with strong and oscillatory correlations, and resolve longstanding questions on the existence and nature of their phase transitions. The techniques developed will be applicable to a broad range of mathematical disciplines, such as Gaussian analysis, point process analysis, and spatial modelling, and insights arising from the project will benefit researchers in applied disciplines such as transport and telecommunication modelling. Field of research: 4905 - Statistics Consider a map of the public electric car charging stations in Australia. By drawing a circle centred at each station, one could work out the connectivity of the network for a car with a given range. How sensitive are the properties of this network to the range of the car, and how does this depend on the distribution of the charging stations? This project aims to answer questions like this by addressing gaps in the mathematical theory of percolation, which studies the connectivity of complex systems. Strengthening this theory will have strong commercial and economic benefits for Australian researchers and industries that use percolation models, such as transport modelling, telecommunications, oceanography and astrophysics. The impact of the project will be maximised by publishing its insights through industry organisations such as the IEEE, and in public-facing outlets such as the Conversation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Next-generation synthetic tissues and their effects on cell function . This project aims to develop and 3D-print cell-friendly materials at the microscale to create artificial body tissues, and use these to understand how cells build and maintain our bodies. It expects to develop new tools that will allow us to understand how tissue composition, stiffness and structure influence biological processes. Expected outcomes include new bio-friendly materials for microscale 3D printing, new knowledge of how tissue structure influences cells, cross-disciplinary international collaboration and research training. Significant benefits should include increased understanding of cell mechanics and new technologies that will underpin future alternatives to live animal testing and create engineered tissues. Field of research: 4018 - Nanotechnology The ability to build synthetic body tissues “in a dish” that properly mimic the biological processes in our bodies would have many applications in biological research and pharmaceutical testing, or even to create implants that can restore our bodies following disease or injury. Inside our bodies, cells receive information from the surrounding tissue matrix. This guides their function and only the correct combination of cues will ensure that the biological response is accurate. To develop synthetic body tissues, we therefore need to understand how cells respond to the biochemistry, mechanical properties and shape of the tissue matrix that they reside in. This project will develop a new technology that can build synthetic tissue structures, with control of the tissue biochemistry, mechanical properties and architecture, all at the scale of an individual cell. These will then be used to test cell responses. The knowledge created will be shared with researchers and industry through publications, presentations and workshops to inform the future development of more accurate tissue models. The findings will benefit Australia by creating knowledge and technologies that will give Australian biomedical and pharmaceutical companies a competitive advantage and create highly skilled jobs.