MONASH UNIVERSITY

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Experimental mapping of electron densities in nano-structured materials. This project aims to map electrons in nano-structured materials using a new technique combining the latest solid-state theory with electron scattering experiments in one of the world’s most advanced electron microscopes. It is expected that by revealing the electronic structure of nano-scale features in bulk materials for the first time, their functions will become fully explainable. Aside from this new capability, other expected outcomes include discovering how heat is converted into electricity in thermoelectric materials and how precipitates affect alloy strength. The benefits may include more informed materials design, more efficient thermoelectrics for sustainable energy technologies, and higher strength-to-weight ratio alloys. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering This Project seeks to investigate energy materials and structural alloys at the most fundamental level of electronic structure, and at a scale never investigable before, in order to understand their properties. The research will employ advanced electron microscopy techniques to map electrons in some of the nano-structured materials which underpin key technologies in our economy, including the energy and advanced manufacturing industries. The knowledge gained in this project will enable the bottom-up design of these specialised nanostructured materials, and may be more generally applicable to other materials. Outcomes will include improved materials design, and added value for high-performance materials. Specifically, the improved performance of thermoelectric materials and aluminium alloys will have boost sustainable energy technologies as well as the automotive, aerospace and packaging industries.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Senescence, sociality and sex. As individuals age, their body functions and survival prospects decline. Why some individuals deteriorate slower and later in life, is a critical question we cannot adequately answer, although the social environment has been suggested to be important. Using a recently established molecular biomarker of aging, this project aims to experimentally investigate in a wild bird if age-related decline is faster when individuals lack social support or face sexual competition. Expected outcomes are insights into key determinants of delayed aging and longer lifespan. Potential benefits include improved understanding of drivers of healthy aging, and improved ability to predict population persistence and identify conservation priorities. Field of research: 0602 - Ecology This Project will provide answers to the key question why some individuals age more slowly and/or live longer. Specifically, it will determine whether the social environment can directly affect aging outcomes. Better social conditions are associated with slower aging, but whether social support is the direct cause of this improvement, can only be tested with experiments. To do so, the project uses wild social birds as a model, because they have a suitable social system, and are amenable to experimentation. The outcomes will show if age-related decline is faster when individuals experience stronger competition or lack social support. Anticipated benefits of this project are pioneering discoveries in evolutionary aging research, strengthening Australia's leading role in this area. Because individual risk factors for rapid aging and short lifespan extrapolate to risks for decline of wildlife populations, further benefits include improved ability to design targeted wildlife conservation strategies. Outcomes may ultimately help identify factors contributing to healthy aging in human populations.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Metallosupramolecular Cages for Enantioselective Applications. The project aims to explore new synthetic routes to functional supramolecular cages/containers which are able to selectively host small molecules in their interior space, and may provide feedback upon the presence of a guest (i.e. molecular sensing) or catalyse reactions within the enclosed cavity. The project expects to produce chiral cages that are capable of detecting specific enantiomers in solution and act upon them. The expected outcome is a deeper understanding of the structure/property relationship of these novel species and steps towards application. This should provide benefits given the application of solution-based methods for enantioselective sensing/catalysis are of significance in high-value pharmaceutical synthesis. Field of research: 0303 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry The project will explore new synthetic routes to create molecular cages that are able to selectively sense, sequester, or enhance the reaction of important biological or pharmaceutical compounds in solution; these functions are of downstream importance in high-value synthetic applications, particularly pharmaceutical synthesis, environmental and biomedical fields. Developing new classes of materials, and understanding their behaviour at a chemical level, is of great importance to advance this field towards applications and benefits. The project will develop a sound understanding of the processes behind capturing important molecules within this new class of confined nanospace. The outcomes of this project will be materials with future scope for commercial application in pharmaceutical or biomedical applications. These have the potential for benefits to health (through more efficient drug synthesis and delivery) and corresponding economic benefit to Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Photoreversible hydrogels to study stem cell memory and fate. This project will develop materials whose stiffness can be reversibly increased and decreased by the simple application of light, and use these to build knowledge of how stem cell fate is regulated. The influence of mechanical cues on the structure and organisation of the nucleus will be determined. Expected outcomes are new synthetic and light-reversible culture materials, and fundamental insights into how forces change the nucleus to alter stem cell aging and fate. The findings will provide critical information required for the future development of assays to measure cell potency and instructive biomaterials to drive stem cell expansion and tissue-regeneration and will have impact by underpinning future advances in stem cell technologies. Field of research: 0903 - Biomedical Engineering Stem cell and tissue-engineering could drive significant growth for Australia via the manufacture of high-value, specialised goods. Estimates suggest that capturing just 5% of the market would bring $6 billion/yr revenue and create thousands of highly skilled jobs. The ability to fully restore the function of damaged body tissues would also benefit many, particularly in our aging population. Mesenchymal stem cells are a key cell type whose demand is escalating for use in fundamental studies through to clinical trials. A critical problem is our inability to produce high-quality cells and they rapidly lose their beneficial properties when cultured using existing technologies. This is influenced by the way that cells react to the conditions around them. This project will generate new understanding of how cells are altered by their physical environment by combining the cells with biomaterials whose properties can be controlled by light. The information can be used to develop improved technologies for stem cell production whilst the biomaterials will have wider application across multiple cell and tissue types.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Secure and Energy Efficient mmWave Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Communications. Future wireless networks comprising unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in millimeter wave bands will provide ubiquitous connectivity to a massive number of devices, even in unexpected situations such as disaster relief. Common wireless security solutions are developed only for terrestrial infrastructures but are unsuitable for mmWave UAVs due to the high mobility and limited energy supply. This project aims to develop novel energy efficient physical layer security techniques to prevent system attacks and malfunctions. The expected outcomes will deliver innovative solutions to safeguard future wireless networks. The project should benefit Australia in advancing knowledge base in wireless security and supporting future critical infrastructures. Field of research: 0804 - Data Format Security technology for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) aided millimeter wave communications is an area of strategic worldwide interest, with far-reaching potential for industrial, economic, environmental, and social impact. Without strong security foundations, malicious attacks in UAV-aided mmWave communications will threaten to outweigh its benefit. UAVs’ high mobility and the use of limited power resource make them vulnerable to attack. Current research on wireless security focuses on terrestrial wireless communications, which is not suitable to overcome these challenges. The outcomes of the project will go beyond current wireless security limitations to open up new opportunities for Australian industrial innovation in the area of UAV and mmWave communications. Our innovations will present valuable opportunities to provide Australian young researchers with world-class training in the area of wireless security technology, thus maximising our national competitive advantage in the relevant field.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Towards an Active and Passive L- and P-band soil moisture satellite mission. This project tests alternate configurations for remote sensing of soil moisture using a new state-of-the-art Active/Passive (ie radar/radiometer) P-/L-band (ie microwave) satellite concept through a series of airborne field experiments. Timely soil moisture information is critical to improved water management for food production in the face of climate variability. The challenge is to do this accurately over large areas with an appropriate spatio-temporal detail, and for a soil depth that closely approximates the layer which impacts crop/pasture growth and influences management decisions. The longer P-band allows deeper penetration into the soil while the active/passive combination uses the respective resolution and accuracy characteristics. Field of research: 0909 - Geomatic Engineering Soil moisture is a highly critical resource for the Australian agricultural economy which is stressed by climate change. Daily monitoring of paddock scale soil moisture from space represents a powerful tool to inform land management, allowing accurate crop yield and pasture growth predictions. At the continental scale, soil moisture information will result in better weather, climate and extreme flood prediction skill and the ability to assess effects of climate change on Australia. It is therefore critical that farmers and scientists have access to the soil moisture data they need, so the available water can be optimised for food production and the climate impacts better understood. This project lays the foundation for a new satellite capability to meet this need; successful demonstration of a combined L- and P-band Active and Passive sensing technology may lead to a dedicated satellite that would supersede the L-band SMOS (passive only) and SMAP (active and passive) satellites. It will also allow for operational soil moisture from the L-band NISAR and P-band BIOMASS active satellites soon to be launched.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Sustainability transformation pathways for small to medium enterprises. Our planet is on the brink of environmental disaster: biodiversity loss is at mass-extinction rates, agricultural systems are under strain and pollution is threatening human health. Business enterprises have a crucial role to play in addressing these time-critical issues. This project examines how small to medium enterprises’ (SMEs) capacity for experimentation and innovation enables their adoption of sustainable business models to drive sustainable transformations. The research outcomes are critical for understanding and supporting innovative strategies for organising and governing SMEs’ pathways to a sustainable society. The knowledge developed will support business sustainability transformations in Australia and internationally. Field of research: 1604 - Human Geography Small-medium enterprises are a significant contributor to Australia’s economic, social and environmental welfare. They are critical to Australia’s transition towards a more sustainable economy and society. This research will advance the capacity and support for small-medium enterprises to adopt sustainable business models. The study will inform potential policy and practice that supports small-medium enterprises in becoming hubs of sustainable innovation. Australia and other countries are grappling with the significant policy challenge of accelerating economic growth while also implementing sustainable transformation. This project will help identify cost-effective ways for small-medium enterprises to access government and other organisations’ resources for embedding sustainability. It will also provide insights into ways for streamlining associated government policies. This knowledge will directly benefit Australia’s economic and environmental prosperity via facilitating small-medium enterprises’ sustainable transformations.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

New Insights on Modelling Time Trends with Panel Data: Theory and Practice. This project aims to tackle important challenges in time trend modelling by taking advantage of panel data structures. This project expects to propose flexible models in time trend modelling to retrieve reliable inference. The expected outcomes include innovative econometric models and methods that have a wide range of applications, and are particularly suited for empirical problems within large and complex systems. This will provide significant benefits to all fields in which data displays any form of trending behaviour. The proposed model is used to evaluate the economic consequences of climate change and global housing market contagion, which provide strong evidence-based insights to the environmental and economic policies in Australia. Field of research: 1403 - Econometrics Time trends are widely observed in many time series data from different fields. This project aims to develop flexible and innovative econometric models and methodologies that can be used to identify and analyse the impacts of time trends in a variety of data sets, particularly in data with a panel structure. This project expects to advance economic knowledge in time trend modelling using new and innovative techniques. These new econometric models and methods have a wide range of applications, and are particularly suited for empirical problems within large and complex economic and social systems. The proposed modelling framework will be applied to two empirical questions: (1) the economic consequences of climate change; and (2) the macro-financial implications of global housing market contagion. These two applications will provide strong evidence-based insights to improve environmental and economic policies in Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Outmaneuvering correlated noise in quantum computers. The project aims to characterise and control quantum machines available today. These machines overwhelmingly suffer from noise with complex structures. Thus, a key target of the project is to develop a theory to describe and manipulate complex quantum processes. The project then intends to apply this theory to commercial-grade quantum computers. This approach is anticipated to lead to a new understanding of time-correlated complex quantum processes and develop methods to enhance the performance of today's quantum computers. Noise characterisation and mitigation should have commercial value and benefit research groups working to develop quantum technologies, both in Australia and internationally. Field of research: 0206 - Quantum Physics Australia has made substantial investments in the development of quantum technologies. Yet, Australia is often thought to lag in terms of commercial activities, especially in comparison with the level of activity in North America, Europe, and China. Our project aims to integrate cutting edge research in quantum computing with commercial activities. We will develop new methods to mitigate noise in quantum technologies and test them on IBM's commercial-grade quantum computers. Thus, our research activity has a high potential for commercialisation. Our project is designed so that Australia remains a key player in the development of commercial-grade quantum hardware and software. Our project will also have non-commercial outcomes: a theory for complex correlated quantum noise. This knowledge will be available to academic researchers in Australia, many of whom are working to build commercial-grade quantum computers and quantum sensors. They will be able to make use of these scientific discoveries to enhance the performance of the technologies in their labs.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Parameterisation of voltammetry in a machine learning environment. Important devices in modern society such as batteries, fuel cells and medical sensors exploit special properties of complex electrochemical reactions. The aim of this multidisciplinary project is to develop an integrated approach to intelligent collection and analysis of large electrochemical data sets in a machine-learning environment. As a result, it will become possible for the first time to globally model and quantitatively parameterise all aspects of the dynamic electrochemistry associated with exceptionally complex electrochemical reactions in a statistically significant framework. Problems to be addressed are of biological and chemical significance. An end product will be a commercially viable, user-friendly instrumentation package. Field of research: 0301 - Analytical Chemistry Fuel cells, batteries and biosensors underpin much of modern society. Since they are based on electrochemical principles, dynamic forms of the technique can be used to interrogate the phenomena that govern their operation. However, the complexity of the mechanisms that underpin these devices has restricted quantitative modelling and parameterisation. In this multi-disciplinary project, an intelligent electrochemical system will be developed for quantitative studies of complex chemical and biologically significant processes by integration of in-house instrumentation and simulation packages, machine learning and Bayesian inference. The outcomes will include a commercially viable user-friendly system that can be exploited by users of electrochemistry with limited understanding of the mathematical basis. This research represents a contribution to breakthrough science and smart information use and ultimately will support instrument development by an Australian company.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Estimating and Testing Heterogeneous Structural Changes. This project aims to develop new methods of extracting non-central, irregular patterns from data, and to detect such patterns in climate data and city-level racial composition data. The project expects to have methodological and empirical contributions, propose innovative data-driven approaches, and extract important features of climate and racial-composition data. The anticipated outcomes of this project are new methods of measuring the relationship between human activities and extreme weather, and for quantifying dynamic racial composition. These empirical results should demonstrate the substantial benefits of the new methods by presenting important empirical evidence for designing policies against extreme weather and racial segregation. Field of research: 1403 - Econometrics Data is a valuable resource that is used to improve public policies and to generally enhance the wellbeing of Australia. The Australian Government has released administrative data sets for academic research. Accompanying the rise of massive data, this project proposes innovative scientific methods to extract relevant information for policy design in Australia. First, the Australian Government promulgated environmental change as one of nine national research priorities. The methods developed under this project are intended to uncover the relationship between human activities and extreme weather, which possibly causes droughts, floods, and wildfires. The result will be beneficial for understanding how we can achieve sustainable economic growth while minimising threats of extreme weather to society. Second, this project aims to measure dynamic racial composition data in Australian cities and understand which kinds of cities are more likely to exhibit racial segregation. The result will have important implications for Australia in the maintenance of its successful multicultural society.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

A New Theory Of Good Arguing. This project aims to develop a new and improved theory of argument and disagreement. The project expects to overcome a problem that affects researchers in various fields, including cognitive psychology, education, linguistics, philosophy and political science, and that negatively impacts the quality of public debate across the board. Expected outcomes of this project include enhanced capacity to investigate the function of reasoning in human beings, and improvement in the quality of arguing in diverse areas, including academic and public debate. This project should provide significant benefits for fundamental research into human behaviour and evolution, and for the understanding of argument and disagreement across a wide range of domains. Field of research: 2203 - Philosophy Disagreement is a basic feature of human interaction that impacts relationships at personal, local, national and international levels. Understanding the nature and proper use of reasoning and argument in the negotiation and resolution of disagreement will be beneficial in a range of contexts that require the capacity to resolve inherent disputes and tensions, across such fields as artificial intelligence, communications, linguistics, political science and psychology. By clarifying the nature of 'good argument', and by pioneering efficient and practical methods for improving our collective arguing skills, this project aims to improve reasoning and critical thinking skills within schools, universities, corporations, and in public life more broadly.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

MOF-polymer 3D composites for liquid organic hydrogen carrier utilisation. This project aims to address the hydrogen transportation challenge by utilising liquid organic hydrogen carriers rather than other techniques involving high pressures or cryogenic temperatures that need complex infrastructure. This project expects to generate knowledge in the hydrogen economy area using the novel approach of simplifying the separation of the liquid carriers before and after their release of hydrogen. Expected outcomes of this project include largely enhanced hydrogen transportation efficiency by recently discovered new materials. This should provide significant benefits such as a huge economic opportunity for Australia, both for domestic low cost clean energy, and for export to Asia in the hydrogen economy. Field of research: 0303 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry This project underpins the development of new jobs in Australia. The research will have impact across the energy and manufacturing sectors. The hydrogen economy is an area of priority development of the nation, and this project seeks to speed and empower that by allowing current infrastructure to be used. By transporting hydrogen within a liquid carrier, all the nation's petrochemical infrastructure can be utilized for an additional purpose. This project addresses a key bottleneck, which is the efficient release of the hydrogen from within its liquid carrier. A unique Australian discovery has been previously made with regards material that can achieve this separation, and here we seek to more deeply understand this concept so that a working prototype can be delivered at the end of the project.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

De-tabooing depression and anxiety: Mental health communication in old age. This project aims to uncover how older Australians talk about and understand depression and anxiety, and it seeks to raise awareness of these debilitating conditions via new media. There has been much medical research in this area, and while language has been identified as highly relevant for recovery, little is known of how people express their experiences around mental well-being. The research gap is even wider for the worst affected in the population — older adults. These illnesses are shrouded in taboo, and symptoms often go undetected. The expected outcomes of the project are improved communication about mental well-being and the celebration of the lives and stories of older Australians — an integral but vulnerable segment of society. Field of research: 2004 - Linguistics Many older Australians suffer from late-onset depression and anxiety, but little is known about these conditions due to a lack of research and the stigma surrounding these illnesses. Instead of talking openly about their mental health, older adults often camouflage their language when expressing how they feel. The fallout from this behaviour is potentially disastrous – symptoms go undetected and treatment does not come in time. Yet health and illness are not solely physiological conditions; they are also sociocultural concepts that can best be captured by examining the language we use to describe them. The aim of the research is threefold: to uncover how older Australians talk about and understand mental wellbeing; to raise public awareness of these debilitating conditions via new media such as podcasting; and to suggest language strategies for clinical and nursing professionals working in aged care. By lifting the taboo around late-onset depression and anxiety, the project ultimately seeks to help older Australians lead happier and healthier lives.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Machine Learning and Shape Optimisation of Fluid-Structure Interactions. This project aims to address vibrations of solid structures by utilising a combination of advanced experimental and computational methods. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of flow-induced vibrations utilising the new techniques of machine learning and evolutionary shape optimisation. Expected outcomes of this project include greatly accelerated discovery of mechanisms leading to structural vibrations and optimising structure geometries to either enhance or suppress the vibrations. This should provide significant benefits, such as the design strategies for improved energy harvesters, such as current oscillators, or more stable structures, such as platforms for offshore wind turbines. Field of research: 0915 - Interdisciplinary Engineering The performance or integrity of many operations in Australian industry is limited by the harmful vibrations caused by air flow or water currents, such as cross-flow heat exchangers and building structures, and marine or floating wind turbine platforms. On the other hand, some energy harvesting devices, such as current or wave generators, rely on making these vibrations as powerful as possible. The discovery study has the potential to improve the control of such vibrations and improve the performance, safety and efficiency of these devices in Australian industry. For example, flow-induced vibrations are highly damaging to the structural integrity and performance of a range of valuable off-shore facilities, including floating wind turbines, oil-gas platforms and semi-submerged vessels. Discovering the mechanisms leading to these vibrations, and means of controlling them, with minimum structural and maintenance costs will have enormous benefits to these industries.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Building a visual world: how brain circuits create and use representations. This project aims to demonstrate the presence, computation, and use of an invariant representation for texture structure. The proposed approach is interdisciplinary and combines image analysis, electrophysiology, optogenetics and computational modelling. Expected outcomes of this project include learning how neurons encode properties of natural images, defining a novel computational tool for analysis of textures, and new knowledge of how multiple brain areas work together to represent the visual world. This should provide significant benefits for the development of artificial visual systems, and impact on brain research broadly by increasing the number of tools available to predict complex representations at the cellular level. Field of research: 1109 - Neurosciences The intended outcomes of this project relate to neurally-inspired computation; a growing industry that includes artificial intelligence and machine learning. Tasks like driving, analysing satellite images for military intelligence, or medical images to evaluate disease are on the cusp of automation. By increasing understanding of how the human brain computes the characteristics of textured surfaces, we may benefit industry by accelerating these fields. Better automation benefits health and safety by guarding against human error. This project will train two PhD students in advanced techniques in both biology and computing, and will expand Australia's research capability by introducing a protocol for optogenetic manipulation in non-human primates. It will also add the national research capacity in visual neurophysiology by promoting collaborations with international leaders in this discipline.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Ultrastretchable, Highly Transparent, Wearable Gold Nanowire Generators. Next-generation wearable electronics should be thin, soft and even transparent, enabling applications impossible to achieve with traditional rigid electronics. Such future electronics will require disruptive soft skin-conformal energy devices to power. This project aims to develop a bi-modal gold nanowire percolation strategy to design ultrathin conductors that are electrically conductive, optically transparent and mechanically stretchable. It expects to generate new knowledge in nanomaterials design and new technologies to fabricate skin-like invisible wearable generators. This should provide significant benefits in advancing Australian standing in the fields of nanotechnology and energy science, and bringing potential economic gains. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology As traditional Australian industries (e.g. Automobile) phase out, wearable technologies represent an unprecedented opportunity to generate innovative new industries because of their broad implications in healthcare, robotics, IOT and artificial intelligence. In this context, Prof Cheng has initiated soft gold nanowire wearable electronics platform at Monash University, demonstrating promising applications in remote health monitoring. This project aims to expand/extend such world-leading capability to wearable generators that can convert everyday biomedical energy into electricity, by proposing innovative bi-modal percolation design. Such research will generate new knowledge in materials synthesis and design, leading to high-impact journal publications, hence further advancing Australia's world standing in the field of disruptive wearable electronics, nanotechnology and energy science. It expects to generate patentable technologies for translational outcomes and new start-ups, bringing economic gains to Australia. This innovative project will also deliver unskilled workforce training prepared for new economy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

An investigation into flagellotropic bacteriophage stability and biology. This project aims to understand the capabilities of a type of virus called bacteriophage (phage). Significant economic loss in the food industry has led the USA and Europe to deploy phage to decontaminate food-processing machinery. These phage kill food-spoiling bacteria. This project expects to fill gaps in our knowledge, particularly to assit in choosing phage that are of increased stability and thus more long-lasting for deployment in industrial settings, and to inform additives to the phage preparations to increase their potency in killing bacteria. The project should provide significant benefits in training students and staff in methodology for investigating phage for future applications in Australian industry and biotechnology. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Food security is essential in the 21st century, yet bacterial contamination of food causes significant sickness and death worldwide (e.g. in the USA, 9.4 million illnesses, and 1350 deaths annually). In the food industry, companies are driving developments to deploy phage (viruses that kill bacteria) to solve this problem, with phage-based products having received regulatory approval to remove bacteria from food and food-processing machinery. However, substantial gaps in our knowledge base about phage limit their effectiveness in industrial and health settings as well as the development of new applications. This project will use Australian national infrastructure for nanoscale imaging of phage to predict how stable they will be in industrial settings, and biological assays to determine how to maximize their potency in killing bacteria. The intellectual property and knowhow generated in the project will underpin the use of phage in food safety and other new health and biotechnological applications which could unlock substantial economic and commercial benefit for Australian and international companies.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

A New Way to Calculate Mixing and Burning in Stars. This project aims to develop a new method for calculating mixing and burning in stars, by combining the results of supercomputer calculations with a novel 2-stream mixing idea. It will develop new techniques suitable for studying the long-term evolution of hot gases that are both mixing and burning at the same time. Expected outcomes will be advances in computational gas dynamics, a robust new model for mixing in stars, and an improved understanding of the production of the heaviest elements. Benefits will include advances in computational gas dynamics, astronomical modelling, and strengthened research connections with astronomers and computational scientists in the UK and Sweden. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences This project will generate advances in computational fluid dynamics through a new model for mixing in stars which explains the production of the heaviest chemical elements. Benefits will accrue through advances in computational gas dynamics, astronomical modelling, astronomy and computational science to underpin downstream industries. For example, the computational techniques we develop will be applicable to other problems in gas dynamics, including mixing and combustion, with potential commercial applications. Specifically, the tools developed could unlock significant economic and commercial the aerospace industry and new space initiatives, through the design of improved fluid transport modelling for engines, and advanced computational techniques based on the modelling in this project. In this way, the project will support the objectives of the fledgling Australian Space Agency.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Increasing the efficiency and interpretability of stepped wedge trials. Stepped wedge cluster randomised trials are increasingly being used to test interventions, across many disciplines. This project aims to develop highly efficient trial designs and new methods for the estimation of causally interpretable effects when adherence to interventions is not perfect. This project expects to generate new design types that reduce resources required to test interventions, and methods to understand how these interventions work. Expected outcomes include tools to help researchers develop cheaper and more appealing trials, tools to estimate causal effects, the methodology underpinning these tools, and new collaborations. This should provide significant benefits by allowing more interventions to be tested and understood. Field of research: 0104 - Statistics This project aims to develop statistical tools for the design of cluster randomised trials that reduce waste and improve efficiency. Advances from the project will allow the design of new biological, physical or social interventions that require fewer resources than would otherwise be needed to implement and yet yield meaningful results. This reduction in research waste will reduce costs and improve the efficiency of translation for interventions being tested and then implemented in the real world for the benefit of Australian society. This benefit will accrue across application areas, but will be seen in the medical and pharmaceutical industries where cluster randomised trials are gaining popularity in clinical trials, as well as in public policy where public health and education interventions are targeted at the group level.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

A comparative sociocultural and bioethical study of uterus transplants . This socio-cultural study aims to undertake a comparative study of the new Australian Uterine Transplant (UTx) trial with established and emerging UTx programs in the US and India. Expected outcomes of this project include: enhanced understandings of the experiences and meanings of uterine transplant for women donors, recipients and staff involved in UTx trials; an exploration of the ethical issues raised by this technology; and a comparison of social responses to uterine transplants across different societies.This study is anticipated to provide theoretical insights on the social and ethical impacts of this technology for improved public policy responses. Field of research: 1608 - Sociology This project will have social benefits to Australia in providing better understanding of the social and ethical impacts of this new reproductive intervention through a comparative study of the new Australian Uterus Transplant Team Trial at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with established and emerging Uterus transplant programs in the US and India. It will enhance Australia’s international reputation for scholarship in the social sciences and ethics, in particular our reputation for leading innovative theory associated with reproductive technologies. The project will build a dynamic collaboration between leading Australian and international researchers and institutions in social science and medicine as well as provide research training opportunities in Australia. Translation of the findings will inform the formulation and design of national/international policies and practices and will inform public debate over the development of new reproductive technologies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

The evolution of the alternation of generations in land plants. This project aims to investigate how a genetic system, comprised of a homeodomain protein encoding gene family controlling the haploid to diploid transition, has evolved during land plant evolution. The project expects to generate new knowledge concerning the evolution of land plants from which our food and fibre are derived. The intended outcomes include an elucidation of how an ancestral genetic network was elaborated during the evolution of a multicelluar organism, including the retention of ancestral functions and the origins of new functions. An anticipated benefit is the ability to manipulate the the growth and development of plants based on fundamental principles, which has broad agricultural implications. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology Nearly all of our food is ultimately derived from land plants and humans have long managed plant growth in cultivated crops. Nearly all crops are flowering plants, representing a derived lineage of land plant diversity. This study will investigate the genetic basis and evolution of the land plant life cycle, in which both haploid and diploid phases consist of complex multicellular bodies. This project will generate new understanding of the genetic basis underpinning the development of land plant bodies made using two model laboratory plants. Our findings will be applicable to all land plants and will help understand important processes such as pollen and seed production and lay the foundation for their manipulation based on fundamental principles. The application of knowledge gained has the potential to enhance targeted selection of new forms of crops for increased biomass, better drought resistance and regulated fruit and seed development, and will inspire the next generation of agricultural innovators.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Statistical Analysis of State-Dependent Government Spending Multipliers. This project aims to provide a new statistical analysis of the government spending multiplier by acknowledging that government spending is the sum of sectoral spending which has heterogeneous effects on the economy. An added complication is that the multiplier can also be state-dependent, meaning that its magnitude can differ across recessions and expansions. Expected outcomes of this project include a better understanding of the components of the multiplier by novel decomposition and the development of a new statistical test for the state-dependency of the multiplier. This should provide significant benefits to researchers by bringing in new tools and insights and to policymakers by providing timely guidance on fiscal policies. Field of research: 1403 - Econometrics In response to the GFC, the Australian Government announced a series of stimulus packages, a total of $57.1 billion during the period from October 2008 and February 2009. The Australian economy subsequently did not suffer a recession. However, whether this was due to the increased government spending or other factors is unclear. This project aims to provide statistical analysis of the multiplier under the realistic assumption that where the government spends - military, infrastructure, health or education - as well as when the government spends - recessions or expansions - are important factors that can affect the magnitude of the government spending multiplier. By developing a new statistical tool that works under the broader situation and applying it to the Australian data, the project will help answer difficult questions on fiscal policy, such as whether tax cuts stimulate the economy more than spending or when and where the government should increase spending in facing increased economic uncertainty worldwide.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

From One Structure to Another for Improved Materials Design. This project aims to characterise a new way of generating strengthening precipitate structures for lightweight aluminium alloys. Precipitation in the solid state is key to the performance of many materials, but is especially important for light alloys used in structural applications. This project expects to deliver greater fundamental understanding of precipitation mechanisms and generate experimental and computational methods for three-dimensional characterisation and simulations at the atomic-scale of embedded nanostructures. This should provide significant benefits for the improved design of light alloys, such as for the automotive and aerospace sectors, but also for high-tech materials whose function depends on precipitates. Field of research: 0204 - Condensed Matter Physics By generating knowledge about the atomic-scale mechanisms of precipitation in aluminium alloys this project aims to provide a fundamental basis for improving the design of such alloys in order to reduce their cost or increase their performance. This would benefit the industries using these alloys in the medium to long term, such as the automotive, aerospace, packaging and manufacturing industries. The scientific findings expected from this project should additionally benefit the design of many other technologically important materials containing precipitates, such as materials for magnetic storage or for generating electricity from waste heat (thermoelectric materials). By developing new techniques for probing and simulating three-dimensional nanostructures at the atomic scale, this project should also stimulate future explorations into the structure of materials. Australia has a large primary industry, and efforts to value-add to the primary products by developing engineering materials should be beneficial to the Australian economy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Targeted drug discovery against blood-feeding parasite nematodes of animals. This project aims to identify more sustainable control strategies of nematode parasites of livestock, which cost more than 400 million yearly to the Australian wool and meat industry. The project expects to identify novel nematicides and generate knowledge of the parasite biology using a combination of high-throughput drug discovery screens with cutting-edge OMICs approaches to target a key molecular pathway of importance to the survival of nematodes, namely their blood-feeding behaviour. Expected outcomes of this project include a likely enhancement of international efforts in controlling these parasites as well as nematicides commercialisation. This should provide significant benefits to agricultural producers in Australia and worldwide. Field of research: 0702 - Animal Production Nematodes (worms) are ubiquitous parasites infecting livestock and companion animals. Infection causes sickness and impedes growth, impacting on wool and meat production and imposing a significant economic burden on farmers and economies. Haemonchus contortus, is one of the most common nematode of veterinary importance and causes devastating disease in cattle, goat and sheep. Losses associated with nematide parasite in sheep alone have been estimated to cost Australia $436 million AUD annually. Treatment options are limited, with no effective vaccine available and an increasing emergence of parasite resistance against the different classes of nematicides available for livestock. Blood-feeding is central to this parasite’s development and survival, as well as being the major cause for disease in animals. This project aims to identify sustainable control strategies by furthering our understanding of the parasites ability to feed on blood, and to use this information to identify urgently needed new drugs and vaccines.