MONASH UNIVERSITY

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Intelligent Robotics for Pharmaceutical Formulation Development. This project aims to transform the labour and time-intensive process of drug formulation development by optimising the process workflow, through collaboration between biochemists and the proposed intelligent and scalable robotic system. This project expects to enable the robot to leverage the expert knowledge of the biochemists while automating rote tasks. The expected outcome of this project is an intelligent robot that can collaborate with human coworkers to accelerate drug formulation. This should provide significant benefits by lowering drug costs and the development time of new drugs. Field of research: 4602 - Artificial Intelligence The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that fast development and manufacture of drugs or vaccines to combat an emerging virus or disease are crucial for both health and economic wellbeing. Yet, the current drug formulation process is slow and laborious and requires biochemists to perform many experiments manually. This project seeks to develop an intelligent robotic system that can collaborate with humans and automate some of these laborious experimental tasks more efficiently and effectively, which is an essential step to bring us closer to Industry 5.0, for humans and robots to work together for more efficient and cost-effective solutions. This ultimately leads to significant commercial benefits for the industry and millions of Australians in need, through lower drug costs and faster delivery of crucial new drugs.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Optimising sleep, alertness and safety in shift work industries. This project aims to address the impaired alertness, and high risk of workplace errors and accidents that are associated with sleep loss and circadian misalignment during shift work. The project will deliver an innovative industry-driven digital technology to provide automated, customised sleep management strategies to shift workers, and will develop a framework for effective wide-scale deployment of the technology within Australian shift working organisations. The project will close the gap in resources currently available to support sleep in shift workers and will reduce the significant burdens of shift work for alertness, productivity and safety. Field of research: 5201 - Applied and Developmental Psychology Shift workers experience increased risk of workplace injuries and errors, and up to 36% increased risk of accidents. Sleep disruption and circadian misalignment among shift workers are significant contributors to these risks. By providing a personalised, digital technology that provides scientifically validated recommendations for sleep management in shift workers, this research will target the personal and economic costs of workplace accidents and errors, estimated to cost more than $400 million to the Australian economy each year. With demonstrated deployment in a safety-critical industry, the project will establish the essential framework to facilitate wide-scale implementation across a broad range of shift working industries in Australia, providing effective management of alertness and safety risks to the 16% of employees that are engaged in shift work nationally. This project responds to the 2019 Parliamentary Inquiry into Sleep Health Awareness in Australia, which identified sleep health in the workplace as a national priority to reduce safety risks.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

NOVEL MASS-SCALE BIOSYNTHESIS: TAILORING CHEMICAL LOGIC & BIOSYNTHESIS. No new antibiotics against Gram-negative ‘superbugs’ are expected to be available in the near future. We have exhausted the chemical space from the natural product pool and lack a fundamental understanding of antibiotics in nature, this is a major hurdle for antibiotic design targeting bacterial resistance. This proposal aims to engineer unique chemo-enzymatic platforms for the synthesis of new lipopeptide scaffolds which will significantly expand the chemical space available for novel antibiotic discovery. The development of these unique platforms will greatly expand our inventory of natural product antibiotics and will represent a major technological break-through for Australia's biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors. Field of research: 3404 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry The vast majority of antibiotics we use are produced by soil microbes. In today’s world, superbugs (bacteria resistant to all antibiotics) are causing significant societal and economic harm. We can no longer rely on nature’s gifts to protect the global community from these deadly bacteria- novel biotechnological approaches are needed. A major shortfall in this sector is the lack of manufacturing technologies that harness the production systems in soil microbes for the manufacture of next generation antibiotics capable of killing superbugs. This project will address the gap by collaborating with the Australian Biotech industry to develop and scaleup these manufacturing platforms. The outcomes will be a world-first and a major biotechnological advancement that will place Australia at the forefront of this vital manufacturing sector. Importantly, this breakthrough manufacturing platform will enable the mass-scale production of new antibiotics locally, thereby fostering industry jobs and creating a competitive advantage for the Australian Biotech sector.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Reinventing compostable packaging. This project aims to develop a new generation of authentically home-compostable packaging materials, focused around meeting immediate and future needs for food packaging. The materials used will be of sustainable origin, helping to decarbonise our packaging industry, and presenting a new paradigm in protecting consumer goods in a more responsible way. In doing so, it is anticipated that Australia will be able to reduce and eventually avoid reliance on single-use plastic packaging in foods and the environmental problems it causes, without compromising on food safety or freshness. Field of research: 3406 - Physical Chemistry This project aims to generate new, home-compostable packaging materials for food products, to help address the environmental crisis generated by single-use plastic packaging. This new packaging will stop air and water getting through, keeping foods fresh and safe, and will be made from sustainable sources. These products will increase the capacity for Australian manufacturers to meet the 2025 target for 100% of packaging to be compostable, reusable or recyclable. The key industry partner is an innovative start-up with the connections required to take newly developed products directly to Australian and international consumer markets. Using food-safe components will ensure simple routes to product approval. In demonstrating the potential for new packaging modes, other Australian manufacturers can leverage developed technology in producing home-compostable packaging products attractive to both domestic and international food producers, and the technological advancements also have potential applications in providing sustainable product packaging for other industries.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Artificial intelligence empowered multi-modal biomedical imaging. This Industry Fellowship aims to transform biomedical imaging using artificial intelligence with world-leading industry partners. The project expects to make a major advance in multi-modal Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Positron Emission Tomography image reconstruction for robust, accurate and efficient imaging. This project timely addresses industry needs with novel solutions and will establish a technology roadmap to inform and de-risk future research and development in image reconstruction. The project outcomes should provide benefits to Australians with cost-effective imaging and benefits to Australia's biomedical industry with well-aligned intellectual properties and training of future scientists with industry knowledge. Field of research: 4003 - Biomedical Engineering This project seeks to improve medical imaging technology, using artificial intelligence to enhance image quality and efficiency. Every year, more than 9 million Australians access radiology services that produce different kinds of scans, but the current technology lacks the ability to effectively combine these scans. The project aims to create a better way to combine scans by developing artificial intelligence-based image reconstruction theories and software, co-designed with industry partners. The new technology has the potential to benefit health professionals to diagnose patients more quickly, reducing the number of hospital visits and therefore the cost of healthcare in Australia. Furthermore, the project will develop intellectual property and train future scientists in this new technology, which can contribute to Australia’s competitive advantage in biomedical imaging, biomedical engineering, and artificial intelligence in digital health. Industry partners will be able to commercialise the technology to benefit Australian patients.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

On-Site, Reponsive and Less Invasive Drug Testing In Corrective Services. This project aims to develop a new drug screening system using nanomaterials interfaced with advanced mass spectrometry to improve testing speed, cost, and accuracy, and minimise the distress associated with current drug testing programs within corrective services. Currently, testing programs are costly, with confirmation taking multiple weeks, preventing appropriate responses to drug use and support service recommendations. Additionally, vulnerable people in custody or on corrective orders find conventional urine testing distressing, especially when previously exposed to sexual violence. New accurate, rapid saliva testing on-site will revolutionise drug monitoring and provide an Australian designed solution for correctional jurisdictions. Field of research: 4018 - Nanotechnology The project aims to replace conventional urine testing in corrective services with a nanomaterial-assisted drug testing technology that detects drugs in saliva with a high degree of confidence, on-site. The technology still employs the gold-standard detection process (mass spectrometry), however, the liquid phase conventionally used in a laboratory settings is replaced with a dry nanomaterial substrate, thus allowing a drug testing platform that can operate in a corrective centre. This new technology addresses a significant problem with corrective drug testing time-frames and costs, by allowing instant results to be obtained from a saliva sample on-site for situationally responsive action. The outcomes of this new technology will benefit the social and financial management of drug use in the prisoner/corrective orders population, improve the safety of corrective staff and establish a technology that could work globally in similar settings. To date, the drug testing technology has been effective on prisoner samples provided Corrective Services NSW, but is yet to be piloted in an operational environment.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

High-performance ammonia electrosynthesis devices. The project aims to develop a robust process for electrosynthesis of ammonia using devices manufactured by Melbourne company Jupiter Ionics P/L and innovative electrolyte components. Towards this aim, tailored ion-shuttling compounds need to be designed and investigated to enable continuous generation of ammonia in scaled-up flow devices. This is expected to generate new knowledge in practical electrochemistry, catalysis and sustainable synthesis. Key project outcome is a technology for production of ammonia from renewables that is pollution-free and highly scalable in contrast to the current process. Resulting benefit to Australian agriculture businesses is a method for distributed fertiliser generation without the use of fossil fuels. Field of research: 3406 - Physical Chemistry The global chemical and fertiliser industry is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. This project aims to develop a sustainable and efficient way to produce ammonia, a vital chemical for farming, using abundant renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. It will develop new functional materials that will increase the efficiency and productivity of an Australian-invented electrolytic technology, making it more cost-effective and scalable. This will help reduce pollution and create a cheaper way for farmers to get the fertilizers they need. The project is aligned with Australia's Hydrogen and Ammonia for Power policy and climate change strategies. The new technology will be commercialised by the key industry partner, an Australian start-up company, and propel it into a world-leading position for green ammonia technology. It will also provide solutions for long-term storage and export of Australian renewable energy, boosting the economy and creating new jobs.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Novel gestural technologies for musicians with physical disability. This project aims to address the under-representation of people with disability in the Australian music industry by developing innovative, accessible gestural instruments. Teaming up with key industry partner, YourDNA Creative Arts, an accessibler arts organisation, this interdisciplinary project expects to generate new knowledge in instrument design, inclusive technology and creative artificial intelligence. Using mixed-methodologies, expected outcomes include music and performance which is socially inclusive, economic participation, and the health and well-being of musicians with disability. This should provide significant benefits to Australian society by breaking down barriers that hinder their effective participation in society. Field of research: 3603 - Music By addressing barriers to creative opportunities for musicians with physical disability, this project aims to promote social engagement and connection, economic participation, and a sense of self-worth and empowerment through music-making and performing. Supporting the creative and professional practice of musicians with physical disability will lead to a greater visibility of their stories and experiences in Australian culture, which can help break down attitudinal barriers that hinder the effective participation in society of people with disability. It will also lead to new employment opportunities in the Australian music industry as it rebuilds from the effects of COVID-19. It aligns with Australia’s National Disability Strategy, promoting social inclusion, economic participation, health and well-being, and enjoyment of life.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Phase Change Materials for Renewable Energy Storage. This project aims to develop a new generation of phase change materials (PCMs) and their scaled-up, sustainable production processes to advance the technology of thermal energy storage. The significance of this proposal stems from its potential to boost renewable energy penetration and uptake by creating inexpensive and reliable energy storage technologies based on PCMs and thermal batteries. Working with partners Boron Molecular P/L and Energy Storage P/L the anticipated outcomes of this project will be practical and accessible energy storage devices that can be implemented at various distributed levels and integrated into existing supply networks, providing cheap energy in the form of heat and electricity from zero-carbon sources. Field of research: 3403 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry On average, more solar energy reaches the surface of Australia than any country on earth. However, renewable sources account for a tiny portion of Australia's energy production. A major reason for this is inadequate storage solutions. This project seeks to make it easier and cheaper to store energy from the sun and wind. It will develop advanced materials, made from sustainable sources, that can hold on to this energy and release it later when needed. The benefits to Australia include the ability to make greater use of energy from renewable sources, improving the economics of solar and wind farms and thereby contributing to Australia's transition to a low-carbon economy. It will also help create new jobs and make energy cheaper for consumers. Project partners include a local chemical producer and energy storage company that can help to commercialise the new energy storage materials into devices that can be integrated into existing energy supply networks.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Advanced separation membrane for sustainable lithium mining and recycling . The project aims to develop and commercialise a novel membrane-based technology based on a newly invented lithium-selective ceramic-polymer membrane for low-cost and environmentally friendly lithium recovery and recycling from various sources. The project expects to generate deep knowledge in the design and scaling up of lithium ion separation membranes, and create a lithium extraction prototype for on-site lithium extraction testing. Expected outcomes of the project include full commercialisation of the lithium separation membrane and new intellectual property for establishing a new membrane manufacturing industry that is critically needed for transforming lithium mining and recycling industries. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Australia is one of the largest lithium exporters in the world and lithium-ion batteries play a key role in renewable energy and the transition to a low-carbon future. The current lithium mining process is costly and bad for the environment and recycling of used lithium-ion batteries is becoming a major challenge. This project aims to commercialise a new membrane-based technology for cheaper and environmentally friendly lithium recovery and recycling from various sources. Project partners consist of Australian lithium industry and mining companies who will help prototype and test the new technology, including at mining sites. The project will increase Australia's capability in the battery materials industry and contribute to the circular economy by providing effective processes for battery recycling. It will also enable larger vehicles to become electric, provide training of new engineers and scientists, and create new jobs.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

High performance electrolyte for the vanadium redox flow battery. Vanadium batteries present a highly-scalable, sustainable solution for storage of renewable electricity, but the technology needs to be improved for robust and efficient operation in the warm Australian climate. This project aims to design and extensively test new high-performance electrolyte compositions with advanced thermal stabilising additives for safe long-term battery operation at 60 °C. New knowledge in materials science and electrochemistry will be generated. The core outcome of the project is a sustainable large-scale energy storage technology ready for immediate application in Australia. This will support the transition of the Australian energy sector to renewables and provide businesses with distributed energy storage solutions. Field of research: 3406 - Physical Chemistry The challenge of large-scale renewable energy storage could be addressed through use of the Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB). These batteries have advantages such as unlimited upgrading capacity, long cycle life (>25yrs), safe and friendly to the environment (no fire risk), as well as active materials able to be recycled at low cost. There are challenges around the heat tolerance of these batteries, preventing broad uptake, especially under the hot Australian sun. This project seeks to expand the narrow temperature range of operation through developing new and innovative thermal stabilising additives for the electrolyte. Expected outcomes of this project include a new, advanced, more stable battery, with high energy holding ability and outstanding thermal stability that does not need an expensive and energy-consuming cooling system. Project outcomes will develop the Australian renewable energy sector and provide businesses with affordable and reliable on-demand electricity. Manufacture of the new electrolyte will take place in Australia for the local and international markets.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Synergising nanoemulsion and lipid biomimetic design for advanced delivery. This project aims to identify the critical design characteristics of lipid formulations of lipid-modified probes or drugs (lipid biomimetics) that together promote integration into lipid absorption pathways and target the lymphatic system that drains the small intestine. This has significant potential since the intestinal lymphatic system is a key immune tissue, the site of immune response to autoantigens and antigens derived from food and the microbiome. The project will deliver a design roadmap of the required characteristics for lymphatic targeting, and in particular, will identify novel lipid nanoemulsions that work synergistically with lipid biomimetics to enhance lymphatic imaging and delivery applications. Field of research: 3214 - Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences Understanding how the gut absorbs ingested material is critical for nutrition and the development of next-generation Australian food and drug products. Most food components and drugs are absorbed and taken up into the blood and pass through the liver before reaching the circulation. This can result in unwanted breakdown in the liver, calling for injection. This Project will develop new technology to deliver molecules into the lymph system and not the blood. This avoids breakdown in the liver and targets the gut lymph nodes where immune responses to environmental or dietary allergens occur. Project outcomes have the potential to revolutionise drug delivery and nutrition. Benefits to Australia will be the development of IP, new technologies and next generation products – supporting economic growth, employment and training in Australia. The commercial partner, PureTech, will lead development of these products with long-term benefits to Australians, especially those with autoimmune and gut inflammatory illness.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Upscaling genetic management of wildlife populations. Earth’s biodiversity is in crisis: many species are threatened with extinction and need our help. Genetic management helps to stop extinctions and promotes the health and continued existence of our wildlife. This project aims to understand how to use genome science to support preservation of four endangered species in changing climates and apply these learnings to help other species to survive and thrive. Anticipated outcomes include innovative approaches to aid conservation decision-making, automated analyses of genome data, and improved conservation training. The expected benefits include larger, healthier populations of four species, new ways of saving other species, and the provision of important resources for conservation managers. Field of research: 4104 - Environmental Management Australia has many unique and much-loved wildlife whose populations are collapsing due to habitat loss and worsening conditions, notably warming climates, droughts, wildfires and floods. Their genetic diversity and population health are declining, threatening evolutionary resilience. Cheap and quick ways to monitor and improve population health are urgently needed. This project will create new ways to prevent extinctions and improve the health and resilience of native plants and animals using genome analyses. The project uses four endangered species to develop, automate and showcase innovative processes to rescue biodiversity. Healthy biodiversity supports human health, food security and the economy, and, with better tools and funding for environmental restoration, Australia’s alarming biodiversity loss could stop. The methods developed will be applicable to all species and will be globally deployed through Project members who specialise in upscaling and using such methods in biodiversity conservation. As climate change impacts world ecosystems, the benefits of healthy biodiversity cannot be overstated.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Nanopore sensors for multiplexed, ultra-fast gene detection. The aim of this research is to develop the application of protein nanopores for multiplex identification of DNA samples for ultrafast gene detection. This is a type of barcoding of organism DNA that allows for rapid gene identification. This technology aims to address a significant need for rapid, on-the-spot identification of organisms. Applications include rapid identification of pathogenic bacteria in infections and identification of organisms in environmental sampling. Current methods are relative slow, require DNA amplification and specialised laboratories. This proposal aims to fine tune the properties of the large nanopore, polyC9, with respect to size and charge, as well as to identify and characterise novel large nanopores. Field of research: 3106 - Industrial Biotechnology Rapid confirmation of species within a mix of living things is not yet possible. This project bar-codes genes for on-the-spot identification of living things in the field including those that cause disease, spoil food and pollute waterways. A great advantage of this Project technology is its many rapid and diverse applications across areas from environmental through to human health. It could allow doctors to quickly identify the cause of an infection and provide appropriate treatment to improve patient recovery time; determine if industry emissions are contaminating waterways; or detect agents of spoilage during food production. This quick and mobile identification tool will enable speedy intervention, improving the health of Australian industry, environment and communities. The novelty of project technology will encourage companies to invest further in Australian research and development. The project strongly aligns to the interests of the project Industry Partner, Oxford Nanopore, who have existing products that can be readily modified to include the project technology for use towards new applications.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

The impact of human futures on Australia’s digital and net zero transition. Transition to an inclusive, trusted sustainable future depends on successfully aligning technological, climate and human futures. Yet our knowledge about human futures is inadequate, lacking the qualitative foresight crucial to Australia’s transition to digital and automated technologies and net zero carbon emissions. This fellowship will innovate new ethnographic methods to investigate the role of future human values, practices and trust in developing a path towards technologically supported environmental sustainability. The research programme will deliver a sector-crossing base of knowledge about human futures and a framework for qualitative futures research with applications in planning for digital and net zero transitions. Field of research: 3303 - Design Australia aims to be a top ten digital economy and society by 2030 and plans to reach the net zero carbon emissions target by 2050. Achieving these ambitions is essential to guaranteeing a safe, inclusive and fair future society. But our futures are jeopardised by a knowledge gap regarding how humanity will navigate these transitions and how social systems will adapt. Bringing these plans to fruition must confront the complex challenge of aligning new technologies with human values and trust in decision making. This programme of research will solve this by increasing our understanding of the social factors involved in technological change, and allowing new foresight and planning to design inclusive, human futures. It will deliver unprecedented large-scale qualitative models of possible Australian futures and will combine this with quantitative forecasts to aid sustainable transitions in our economy (including in energy and automation). The outcomes will assist government departments, policymakers, industries and not-for-profits in planning and designing trusted, safe, and inclusive infrastructure, technology, services and training. Research findings will be directly available to these stakeholders through consultative reporting and varied and accessible dissemination forums, dialogues and publications.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

The cognitive neuroscience of motor skill learning. The capacity to produce skilled motor behaviour is essential for success in almost every aspect of our lives, whether it be playing sport, driving a car, operating machinery at work, or touch-typing. This project aims to establish the causal role of brain regions in motor skill learning by combining cutting-edge techniques in neuroimaging and brain stimulation. It is expected to lead to fundamental new knowledge on how new motor memories are created to enable the expression of skilled motor behaviour. The knowledge gained from this project may identify new strategies for learning skills that are widely applicable to education, industry, sport, and health. Field of research: 5202 - Biological Psychology This project will investigate the neural mechanisms of motor skill learning. Skilled motor behaviour is essential for success in almost every aspect of our lives, whether it be playing sport, driving a car, operating machinery at work, or touch-typing. It is critical that we understand the processes in the brain that drive learning and memory to attain a high level of motor skill so that optimal strategies can be developed to support learning in workplace, health, and education settings. This research will generate new knowledge regarding how skill is attained, and pioneer new approaches to stimulate structures deep within the brain that were previously inaccessible. The knowledge gained through this ground breaking research could lead to improved training and increased productivity of the Australian workforce.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Partial differential equation: Schrodinger operator and long-time dynamics. This project aims to develop new analysis methods associated to the Schrodinger operator, and to solve several challenging problems regarding dispersive partial differential equations (PDE). Long-time dynamics of PDE solutions are a key goal in both pure and applied mathematics, and have been extensively studied by leading mathematicians and mathematical physicists. However, it is unknown how to investigate large solutions when the order of the PDE's nonlinearity is low. This project expects to develop new methods to attack such problems. The results of the project will be of great importance in mathematics and physics, as many fundamental physical models in areas such as optics, fluid mechanics and quantum mechanics fit the paradigm. Field of research: 4904 - Pure Mathematics This Project aims to enable a more rigorous description and prediction of scientific, engineering or financial phenomena that change over time. The rigorous studies of this Project will provide a more advanced, theoretical basis to launch investigations and predictions not currently possible within many fields of science, engineering and finance such as numerical simulation, fluid dynamics and option pricing and risk management. Project outcomes will increase the basic knowledge of how things flow, advancing many scientific, engineering and financial fields with regard to the ability to describe, predict and then use more complex phenomena. For example, Project outcomes will help researchers in fluid dynamics better understand how flow of traffic or air evolves over time, which is crucial in designing efficient transportation systems and predicting weather patterns. Project outcomes will also help researchers in finance gain a deeper understanding of how options and derivative securities evolve over time, which could lead to improved pricing models and risk management strategies.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Aluminium at the centre of sustainable catalysis. The project aims to establish new directions in the field of Lewis acid catalysis by creating a unique set of aluminium compounds. As catalysis is an important principle of green chemistry and as aluminium is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust (i.e. sustainable), the project's aims are exceptionally well aligned with the society's targets to alleviate the negative effects of human activities on the environment. Expected outcomes of this project include significant advances related to industrially relevant processes, potentially degradable polymers and valorisation of the most prevalent greenhouse gas. Thus, the overall project should provide significant benefit to our collective efforts to mediate human impact on climate change. Field of research: 3402 - Inorganic Chemistry The global chemical industry is continually growing to meet the needs of an expanding population, and this industry relies on catalysts to efficiently manufacture many vital chemicals. Designing chemical catalysts based on inexpensive and non-toxic elements has become increasingly important in meeting environmental and sustainability targets. This project investigates Aluminium for use as a “green catalyst”. It will aid the Australian chemical industry’s growth by offering innovative methodologies to address fundamental aspects of chemical catalysis, for use in production of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The project will reduce energy requirements, reaction times and waste production in comparison to conventional procedures, and is therefore considered ‘green chemistry’. Aluminium is one of the most abundant metals in the Earth’s crust, and its use in catalysis is at the centre of sustainability. As a result, this project enables next-generation sustainable manufacturing within Australian chemical industries, while at the same time resulting in a positive impact on the environment.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Creating conservation landscapes that effectively safeguard biodiversity. The current extinction crisis creates an imperative to protect remaining habitat wherever it occurs. This project aims to reveal how to improve protection for biodiversity outside of designated Protected Areas by advancing the concept of Conserved Areas, where conservation can be a product of other goals. This project is expected to generate novel insights into how to recognise Conserved Areas, reveal the risks and benefits associated with different type of protection and develop vital tools to ensure these areas effectively conserve biodiversity. Benefits will include a blueprint to meet global environmental commitments using well-designed systems of Protected and Conserved Areas as part of integrated conservation landscapes. Field of research: 4104 - Environmental Management Continued biodiversity loss requires urgent action. Australia has pledged to end deforestation, reduce emissions, and protect 30% of land and sea by 2030. To achieve this, Australia needs to define conservation areas more broadly than the current formal nature reserves. This Project uses evidence-based research to develop and test new tools and measures that promote and monitor successful biodiversity conservation across diverse areas, including water catchments, urban reserves and sacred sites. A key outcome will be defining Conserved Areas that protect biodiversity outside formal reserves, recognising the contribution that landholders make to conservation, including Indigenous and local communities. The Project delivers environmental and social benefit by providing a blueprint to assist communities to understand, record and enhance their conservation efforts. It will generate an inclusive and integrated plan for the Australian Government to meet their global commitments, creating internationally recognised Conserved Areas that protect biodiversity beyond the boundaries of currently recognised reserves.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Additive Manufacturing of Nanotwinned Titanium Alloys for Critical Use. The project aims to use 3D printing technology to create new titanium alloy components that are substantially lighter and stronger than current versions and therefore highly relevant for high temperature and stress uses in leading-edge industries such as aeroplane manufacture. The project expects to create new means to strengthen and improve the resilience of the commercial alloys’ microstructure with unprecedented in-service performance and thereby substantially broaden the industrial adoptions of 3D-printed products. This should also provide significant cost and environmental benefits and enhance Australia’s international standing in cutting-edge research on advanced manufacturing and materials. Field of research: 4014 - Manufacturing Engineering The project aims to produce new 3D-printed titanium alloys with unprecedented mechanical attributes for critical uses in aerospace (e.g. aeroplane manufacture), defence and energy industries. To date, 3D-printed titanium alloys still lack the ability to withstand extreme temperatures and stresses, limiting their practical use for producing many valuable components. The project will provide essential knowledge and 3D printing routes to fabricate commercial titanium alloy parts that have novel microstructures and exceptional mechanical properties to resist damage in harsh service environments. This will widen the adoption of cost-effective 3D printing technology enabling it to access to new markets and supply chains, benefit Australia’s local additive manufacturing industry, and improve the environmental performance of Australia's advanced manufacturing sectors.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Home helper robots: Understanding our future lives with human-like AI. This fellowship aims to understand and plan for the social effects of embedding ‘cute’ home helper robots into people’s everyday lives. The project is expected to generate new knowledge and resources to understand and respond to the emerging opportunities and risks associated with home helper robots, including their ability to support household tasks, and to provide child and aged care and companionship. Expected outcomes include an improved understanding of anthropomorphised robots in everyday life and innovation in home helper robot theory and imaginaries. This should provide benefits such as informing robot design and policy to improve social outcomes, consumer protections and human-robot relationships. Field of research: 4410 - Sociology Australia faces access and affordability challenges associated with childcare, aged care, and mental health support for people suffering from loneliness and depression. Home helper robots are uniquely poised to address these challenges; however, their risks and opportunities are largely unknown. The trend towards ‘cute’ robots generates potential privacy, security and wellbeing vulnerabilities that are underexplored, while broader social considerations are underexamined. This research will offer government and consumer protection agencies, regulators and policy makers essential knowledge needed to realise and address the benefits and risks of this emerging class of robotics. Understanding and responding to these opportunities and challenges will help Australian governments and care providers anticipate future household needs, as artificial intelligence and robotics are further embedded in the home environment. The new knowledge and resources produced by this project will place Australia at the forefront of the social implications and opportunities for robotics and artificial intelligence.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

ARC Training Centre for Development of Advanced Radiochemical Technologies. This project aims to train the next generation of radiochemists and discover new molecular approaches to harness radioactivity. Novel chemistry exploiting molecular incorporation of radioactive elements, stable chelation of metal radionuclides, bioconjugation methodologies, radioactivity capture via nanomaterials and cages, and the design of new peptidomimetic targeting molecules will deliver technological advances to radiopharmaceutical science. Outcomes will include a highly-skilled workforce and enhanced commercial capacity to meet a rapidly escalating global radiopharmaceutical market. This project will provide significant benefits by securing an internal supply chain and know-how for cutting-edge radiochemical technologies. Field of research: 3402 - Inorganic Chemistry Australia's geographical isolation necessitates a heavy reliance on locally-produced radioactive elements and goods. A diminishing specialist workforce in nuclear chemistry risks disruption to both the manufacture and distribution of domestic nuclear supplies needed for our health, manufacturing, agriculture and research sectors. This project will train the next generation of radiochemists to design and safely handle unsealed radioactive materials, and additionally deliver new radiochemical chelates, radiolabelling methodologies , and radiotracer/theranostic designs. An extensive leadership team, assembled from academia, national and international nuclear science organisations, and Australian industry, will co-design and deliver the multi-disciplinary specialist training program. This critical investment in post-graduate/doctoral training in fundamental nuclear chemistry, radiochemistry, and targeted radionuclide science will generate a highly-skilled workforce to the radiopharmaceutical sector and ensure that Australia remains at the forefront of this critical field.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

ARC Research Hub for Value-Added Processing of Underutilised Carbon Waste. This Hub aims to advance upcycling technologies and associated regulatory and social engagement for processing underutilised carbon waste within Australia. Its anticipated goal is to deliver value-added products, and improved technology readiness levels for full exploitation of carbon wastes from agriculture, tyres and plastics. It will also train a large talent pool providing interdisciplinary knowledge and entrepreneurial skills for post-hub commercialisation. The Hub will benefit rural Australia by transforming local job markets and manufacturing capability. Ultimately, this Hub will make a significant contribution towards achieving Australia’s National Waste Action Plan goal by 2030, and a circular economy for a sustainable future. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering This Hub seeks to address the pressing accumulation of carbon wastes such as scrap tyres, plastic and crop waste that are either sent overseas, to landfill, or stockpiled, causing detrimental environmental impacts. The upcycling technologies developed by this Hub will help to reclaim value from waste, supporting Australia’s goal to achieve 80% recovery from waste streams by 2030 and ultimately transition to a circular economy. The Hub’s experts, industry partners and council cover the full value chain and will work together to advance the technology readiness level, promote technology uptake, advise on policy and regulations, and educate the next-generation of researchers needed for Australia to be at the forefront of waste reduction and circular economy initiatives. The Hub will benefit regional communities through a focus on establishing social acceptance, restoring manufacturing and job opportunities and providing resilience against supply chain disruption. The products produced through upcycling will be valuable both locally and internationally and the technologies also have commercial potential.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

ARC Research Hub for Smart Process Design and Control . ARC Research Hub for Smart Process Design and Control aims to develop and apply advanced computational technologies to model and optimise complex multiphase processes by integrating the novel multiscale and AI modelling approaches. The outcomes include theories, computer models and simulation techniques, advanced knowledge about process modelling and optimisation, innovative technologies and processes for low carbon operations, and tens of postdoc and PhD students through academic, industrial and international collaboration. Their application will significantly improve energy/process efficiency and reduce CO2 emission. The Hub will generate a significant impact on the mineral and metallurgical industries which are important to Australia. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering Mineral and metallurgical industries are critical to Australia’s economy - one of the world's largest exporters of iron ore, bauxite, alumina, coal and many other resources. These industries suffer from low efficiency and reliability and increasing pressure to reduce harmful environmental impacts. The hub will develop novel, smart, low-carbon technologies that will help transform Australia’s mineral and metallurgical industries by improving efficiency and increasing profitability. These technologies will benefit industry partners through commercialisation opportunities, as well as enable increased exports and revenue from raw materials and products. The research and collaborations of the Hub will greatly increase the knowledge base critical to these industries, and enhance Australia's position in the forefront of particulate and multiphase research. The Hub will train over 40 of the next generation of research scientists and qualified engineers needed to meet the continuous challenges in cost reduction and efficiency improvement in these core industries.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Unlocking the archive: reuniting Indigenous languages and their communities. Australia is experiencing a crisis in the loss of Indigenous languages. Drawing on both international best practice and local knowledge, this project aims to develop innovative and enduring resources for community-driven language maintenance and revitalisation. By collaborating with and building the capacity of Indigenous language workers and organisations, the following transformative outcomes are anticipated: (1) tools to unlock linguistic terminology and methods; (2) resources for language revitalisation; (3) an evaluation of existing strategies for language revitalisation; (4) new understanding of Indigenous people's perceptions of language change and how this informs their language goals. Field of research: 4704 - Linguistics Australian Indigenous languages are at risk of extinction. Most of the original 490 Indigenous languages spoken in Australia only exist as academic or archival records, with fewer than 100 still spoken, and some of these by only one person. This Industry Fellowship seeks to develop widely accessible educational tools and resources that enable Indigenous communities to reclaim and revitalise their language and heritage. The plan to achieve this outcome involves working directly with Indigenous organisations to help them re-engage with, and revitalise. their languages. This will be achieved through the co-development of training programs, widely accessible multimedia training resources, and expert evaluation and delivery of linguistic training. Built around the needs of the Key Industry Partner, this project aims to produce enduring and usable language resources that are of benefit Indigenous communities, and other Australians, around Australia.