MONASH UNIVERSITY

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Predicting adaptive responses to climate change in Australian native bees. This project aims to understand how insects will adapt to climate change by examining a largely overlooked but economically important group of species: Australian native bees. Native bees are important pollinators of both crops and native plants, but their sensitivity to changes in climate are unknown. Expected outcomes include new knowledge of the resilience of native bees to climate change, and new effective tools for predicting climate change resilience that can be applied to many species. The intended benefits include increasing our understanding of the potential for native bees to act as future pollinators in Australia’s natural and agro-ecosystems, and guide policy and management decisions to better protect and conserve our bee fauna. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology Bees are among the most important pollinators of crops and native plants and play a key role in human food security and ecosystem health. Bees contribute to 75% of the world’s crops and the value of bee pollination services is estimated at US$235-577 billion annually. In Australia, the introduced honey bee is an important crop pollinator, but new evidence shows that our native bees (2000+ species) are also high-value pollinators. With honeybee populations declining in many parts of the world, native bees are likely to play an increasingly important role in crop pollination in the future. Yet, there remains a pressing knowledge gap: we do not understand the resilience of native bees to changes in climate. This project will examine the potential for native bees to adapt to climate change and in doing so will help secure the future of native bees as Australian pollinators by guiding policy

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Australian Public Hospitals of the Future: A Sociological Study. This project aims to investigate the effects on Australian public hospitals of major technological innovations in healthcare. Using newly built hospitals as case studies, the project expects to generate new knowledge in health sociology and science and technology studies. Expected outcomes include the development and dissemination of policy able to address emerging pressure on public health care systems. The anticipated benefits include significant new knowledge on how public hospitals can adopt and develop technological innovations in a cost-effective manner that aligns with the values of Australian communities. Field of research: 1608 - Sociology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Tuning electronic and optical properties in twisted 2D semiconductors. This project aims to build and characterise a family of novel electronic materials: layers of atomically thin semiconductors stacked with a twist, to realise new electronic phases and new low-energy electronic devices. The project adopts an interdisciplinary approach combining advanced experimental and theoretical techniques. The expected outcomes will be a detailed understanding of the electronic and optical properties of twisted semiconductor superlattices, such that they can be produced with desired properties on demand. The benefits of the project will be new materials for electronics and optoelectronics applications, new links to international organisations, and training of students and postdocs for careers in nanoelectronics. Field of research: 0204 - Condensed Matter Physics Information technology (IT) currently consumes 8% of global electrical energy, and is expected to grow significantly as silicon-based computer processors run out of room for efficiency improvement (the end of Moore’s Law) in the next few years. The IT industry has identified a need for a low-energy transistor technology to replace silicon CMOS. The electrically controlled electronic phase transitions envisioned in this proposal offer a potential avenue to low-energy transistors, and this proposal will develop the foundational intellectual property for such a technology. Such a low-energy electronics technology would have the direct impact of revolutionising the >$400B semiconductor industry, as well as sustainably continuing the IT revolution, and its numerous societal benefits, into the future. Additionally the project will train two PhD students and two postdoctoral researchers in forefront nanoelectronics concepts that will be essential in tomorrow’s electronics technologies.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Loss-based Bayesian Prediction. This project proposes a new paradigm for prediction. Using state-of-the-art computational methods, the project aims to produce accurate, fit for purpose, predictions which, by design, reduce the loss incurred when the prediction is inaccurate. Theoretical validation of the new predictive method, without reliance on knowledge of the correct statistical model, is an expected outcome, as is an extensive numerical assessment of its performance in empirical settings. The new paradigm should produce significant benefits for all fields in which the consequences of predictive inaccuracy are severe. Problems that lead to substantial economic, financial or environmental loss if predictions are incorrect will be given particular attention. Field of research: 1403 - Econometrics Predicting the future value of any quantity of interest, be it economic, financial, or arising from the physical world, carries with it the risk of error: the predicted value is likely to differ from the value that eventuates. The impact of prediction error varies according to context. For example, under-predicting a large fall in the value of a financial portfolio may have severe consequences (including insolvency), whilst failing to predict demand for electricity that exceeds capacity is consequential, given the economic and societal impact of black-outs. This project proposes a completely new approach, in which predictions are expressly designed to reduce the problem-specific `loss' that can result from prediction error. Hence, financial predictions that minimize the probability of financial loss by accurately forecasting large price falls; predictions of energy demand that, by design, minimize the chance of black-outs by accurately forecasting peak demand, are now the goal. Benefits are anticipated in all spheres in which the consequences of prediction error are significant.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

The Impact of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence on the Dynamics of Conflict. This project aims to understand the impact of sexual and gender-based violence on the dynamics of conflict. With an innovative mixed method design it will study all reported incidences of sexual and gender-based violence in 41 conflict-affected countries between 1998 and 2018. It will generate new knowledge establishing how and when crimes of sexual and gender-based violence affect the onset and intensity of conflict. The expected outcomes of this project include the identification of the most high-risk situations, the phases of violence, and the improvement of risk assessments for such violence. The project will significantly benefit the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence in conflict-affected situations globally. Field of research: 1606 - Political Science Australia has been a consistent global advocate of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Through its foreign policy and aid program, Australia has given priority to integrating a gender perspective into global peace and security efforts, across all elements of the WPS agenda – conflict prevention, women's participation and protection, relief and recovery. Since Australia’s term on the Security Council (2012-2014) the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has continued its international engagement on WPS. The Australian Government supports United Nations (UN) agencies and non-government organizations responsible for WPS, including in the protection, assistance, and prevention of sexual violence in conflict and humanitarian situations, including UNHCR, UNFPA, UNICEF, and International Committee of the Red Cross. This research project directly engages with the protection and reporting functions these organizations. The findings will inform how to maximise Australia’s future financial and political commitments to these organizations to improve the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Polarity inversion of conjugate acceptors: New opportunities in catalysis. Conjugate acceptors are common chemicals that are readily available from petrochemical and biomass feedstocks. While they are used extensively to build functional materials, including polymers and medicines, the reactions that they can engage in are largely limited to those exploiting their natural reactivity. In this project, catalysis will be used to allow these ubiquitous building blocks to react in entirely new ways. In doing so new chemical reactions will be discovered that convert simple building blocks into sophisticated fine chemicals. The potential utility of the products is diverse and will enable future applications in fields focused on the preparation of functional materials. Field of research: 0305 - Organic Chemistry Simple chemical building blocks are used to build the fine chemicals, medicines, and advanced materials that define the quality of life within Australia. Their preparation is often achieved using novel chemical reactions. The chemical reactions of greatest value are cheap, environmentally benign, and produce materials not previously accessible. In this project we examine the conversion of one family of very simple chemical building blocks to materials with highly defined structure, shape and reactivity. Our approaches exploit catalysis, a process which allows the assembly of new products without the creation of significant waste, thereby increasing potential economic and environmental value. To address the challenges of tomorrow, including the manufacture of high value advanced materials, Australia requires new technologies, such as those introduced herein. Beyond the value of the discoveries, this proposal will play a significant role in creating human capital ready to tackle the problems of future chemical manufacturing in Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Sustainable nitrogen chemistry. The goal of this project is to develop sustainable methods to produce nitrates from air and water, using renewable electricity. This new electrochemical technology will be based on the design of new electrolytes and catalysts supported by advanced theoretical concepts to provide high rate of production and selectivity. This is expected to generate new fundamental knowledge in materials and catalysis science. As traditional production of nitrates for industry and agriculture generates significant greenhouse gas emissions, the core anticipated outcome of this project is a new, sustainable era of nitrogen chemistry. This is also expected to benefit farmers by providing a process for the generation of sustainable fertilisers on a local basis. Field of research: 0306 - Physical Chemistry (Incl. Structural) This project will contribute to Australia's national interest in several contexts as follows: (i) Environmental: by providing a sustainable approach to nitrate and fertiliser production thereby lowering Australia's greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 and N2O) (ii) Commercial: by providing a fertiliser production technology that can be implemented at an "on-demand", local, distributed level (i.e. individual farms, communities and individual industries), the fertiliser supply chain will be altered considerably. This will benefit individual farmers, lowering the cost of supply considerably. It will also open up new manufacturing industry opportunities in the construction and supply of the devices. (iii) Economic: As an entirely renewable energy based process that could draw on Australia's very considerable global potential as a renewable energy generator, this process will create new export opportunities in the form of sustainable fertilisers.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Functional insights into the roles of enteric glia. This project aims to review our current definition of enteric glia populations, and our understanding of their communication mechanisms in the mouse and primate colon. It will generate new knowledge of enteric glia biology using advanced microscopy and image analysis. Calcium imaging and novel biosensors will measure cell signalling in enteric glia. It will provide the most comprehensive analysis of glia connectivity, morphology and receptor expression in the primate colon. Expected outcomes include a detailed map of enteric glia and definitions of their basic biology. This project builds on the techniques and collaborations made by the candidate over recent years. This will benefit our basic understanding of enteric glia biology. Field of research: 1103 - Clinical Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Probing for physics beyond the Standard Model in Lepton Flavour Violation. The Standard Model of Particle Physics describes the fundamental particles of which matter in the Universe is composed, and the interactions which bind these particles. It is one of the most precisely measured and validated theories which science has produced, and there has as yet been no measurement of fundamental particle interactions which is in conflict with its predictions. This project involving a large international team and highly sophisticated technology will search for evidence of physics beyond the Standard Model by looking for conversion of muons to electrons a reaction which the model prohibits. Observation of this process would be evidence of new particles and interactions, and would revolutionise our understanding of nature. Field of research: 0202 - Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics This research will search for evidence of new fundamental constituents of the universe. The quest to understand the basic building blocks of matter, and the forces which hold them together remains has long driven advances in science research. Pursuing these difficult measurements requires developing and applying scientific techniques which push the limits of technological capability and exposes our researchers to cutting edge methods. The large international collaborations involved in this research will give Australian scientists opportunities to interact, create partnerships, and develop new research tools and analysis with leading scientists around the world. The experiment should improve the sensitivity for observation of new physics signals by a factor of 100 which will be a world leading measurement in this area. This research will enable Australian researchers to take part in seeking to answer one of the most profound scientific questions, an activity of cultural and scientific importance. The technology required for the measurements will train researchers in techniques valuable for employers.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Shifting the trend in radical battery research . The project aims to address a growing problem of increasing energy consumption by storing intermittent energy from the sun in affordable and efficient flow batteries. The project expects to generate new knowledge in the areas of materials science and battery research by using innovative theoretical chemistry approaches to studying electrochemical properties of nitroxide radicals in ionic media. The project aims to develop radical organic flow batteries by utilising ionic liquids to stabilise radicals. Intended outcomes of the project include improved efficiency of flow batteries that can store energy from widely used solar panels. This should provide significant benefits to Australia’s effort to switch to renewable energy technologies. Field of research: 0305 - Organic Chemistry The project is expected to generate economic and environmental benefits to the Australian Community. The development of affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly radical organic flow batteries will revolutionise the way flow batteries will be designed in the future. These batteries do not rely on availability of natural resources such as precious metals, are non-corrosive and utilise recyclable electrolyte materials, thus significantly reducing their production cost compared to alternatives currently available on the market. Due to their unique properties, radical flow batteries can be easily scaled to provide electricity to residential households as well as large manufacturing enterprises and hospitals. Most popular renewable energy technology – a solar panel – generates electricity while the sun shines. The use of radical flow batteries will ensure that Australians have uninterrupted access to electricity at any time of the day. The project is expected to fast track Australia’s effort to switch to renewable energy technologies and generate socioeconomic benefits to the Australian community.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Bioinspired tuneable catalysts for renewable ammonia production. The project will design a new solar-powered system for electrosynthesis of ammonia to replace the current energy intensive, non-sustainable process that generates 1.5% of global CO2 emissions. An innovative new system will be developed by combining cutting edge electrochemical, spectroscopic and theoretical methods. Expected key outcomes include novel concepts in the design of advanced materials, and an efficient process for the green ammonia synthesis. Given the strategic importance of ammonia as a future energy carrier for the export of Australian renewables and as a major source of fertilisers, this project should provide significant national economic and ecological benefits and is expected to have a broad reaching global impact. Field of research: 0306 - Physical Chemistry (Incl. Structural) Key outcome of this project will be an efficient, cost-effective and reliable technology for the conversion of renewable electricity, water and air (nitrogen) into ammonia. This will directly contribute to Australia’s national interest in three strategically important areas: (1) Energy. Ammonia is a hydrogen fuel carrier that can be exported to Japan, South Korea and other countries actively implementing green energy technologies, but lacking renewables. This will support the export of abundant but underused Australian renewables and will add new income item to the national budget. (2) Food Industry. Ammonia is a basis for all fertilisers and is produced in Australia on a multi-tonne scale. Implementing a new renewable technology that can be used on-demand on a small business scale will lower the cost of fertilisers for local farmers. Eventually, all ammonia in Australia will be produced via renewable route, as it is cheaper and more flexible than the current technology. (3) Environment. The developed technology will decrease greenhouse gas emissions in Australia associated with fertiliser production.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Practical and Explainable Analytics to Prevent Future Software Defects. This project aims to create technologies that enable software engineers to produce the highest quality software systems with the lowest costs, by preventing future defects in safety-critical systems that could result in death and disasters. Expected outcomes of this project include new theories, techniques, and analytics systems to assist software engineers accurately predict, explain, and prevent future software defects before they impact end users. This should provide significant benefits including accelerating the productivity of the software industry while preventing software defects in many critical domains including smart city and e-health applications. Field of research: 0803 - Computer Software

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Metal-free strategies for sustainable light-driven synthesis. Innovation in synthetic chemistry drives the discovery of new life-saving drugs, agrochemicals and functional materials. This project aims to use visible light to access underexploited reactive intermediates and harness their unique reactivity in new sustainable synthetic transformations. The new chemical processes are expected to deliver increased economy, efficiency and precision in the synthesis of bioactive molecules that are inaccessible or challenging to prepare with existing technologies. The conceptual and practical outcomes of this project are expected to benefit both academia and industry as the use of hazardous and expensive metal catalysts can be avoided, reducing chemical waste and simplifying purification. Field of research: 0305 - Organic Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Signature pedagogies for creative collaboration: Lessons for and from music. This project aims to develop a model of the signature pedagogies and environmental supports that foster the 21st century skills of creativity, innovation, collaboration and cooperation. The project's significance lies in its unique focus on pedagogies of expert creative collaborative practice in four internationally renowned chamber music training environments. These are characterised by individual risk in performance, intensified need for collaborative exchange, and the capacity to juxtapose individual accountability within collaborative practices. Expected outcomes and benefits of the project include a model that has translational application and impact for those professions that rely on generating new knowledge in collaborative settings. Field of research: 1904 - Performing Arts and Creative Writing The Australian graduate attributes identify work-ready skills that arise from young people's tertiary education including Independence and Creativity, Effective Communication, Critical Judgement, and Ethical and Social Understanding. Implicit in these are skills of creativity, innovation, collaboration and cooperation. Chamber Musicians learning in advanced workshop environments are engaged in an authentic (real-world), risk-laden (frequent public performance) creative collaborative practice as they are guided through an apprenticeship in the cognitive, moral, and practical aspects of being a professional musician. Identifying the signature pedagogy that supports this practice holds significant economic, social and cultural benefits for Australia. A pedagogical model for creative collaboration will (1) assist industries, professions and higher education practices where knowledge generation relies on individual and collective capacities for effective creative collaboration; (2) position Australia as an international leader in innovative tertiary music pedagogy; and (3) enhance musician career development.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

The politics of (un)forgetting: Indonesia’s nativist decolonisation. The project aims to investigate the dynamics of Indonesia’s politics today as an extended battle to remember or forget violent events, including those which took place around Indonesia’s decolonisation in the 1940s. It will offer new insights into ethical and political issues of how that past has significant bearing upon key political debates in contemporary Indonesia. In addition to conventional archives, the project will examine popular culture (cinema, radio, fiction, newspaper) as an innovative research field in its own right. The project aims to deliver richly-nuanced insights about Indonesia and its longstanding connections with Australia beyond the pursuit of material interests. Field of research: 2002 - Cultural Studies This research potentially brings public awareness of Australia’s historic contribution to the making of a new world order after World War II. In 1945 Indonesia declared its independence. Australia became Indonesia's strongest supporter, betraying its White Australia policy. Academic-cum-diplomat William McMahon Ball was the first foreign diplomat to visit Indonesia, to convey in-person Australia’s support for Indonesian independence. Indonesia gained the full transfer of sovereignty in 1949, partly thanks to Australia, who acted as Indonesia’s representative in the UN sponsored negotiations. Until recently, that history has been largely erased from public memory in both countries. In addition to bringing the critical nuances of that past event to today’s public fora, this project aims to search for a resolution to the current debates in The Netherlands and Indonesia on alleged crimes of humanity during the Indonesian revolution. This research would enable Australia to have the opportunity to assist Indonesia and The Netherlands by providing a third and neutral space to discuss this sensitive issue.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Augmenting the activity of glyoxalase-1 to increase dicarbonyl clearance . Reactive intermediates generated during our metabolism contribute to ageing. Glyoxalase-1 is a key defence enzyme against these toxic intermediates and therefore ageing itself. This project aims to investigate novel pathways how the expression and activity of glyoxalase-1 are regulated. This interdisciplinary project expects to generate new understanding by combining relevant cell and animal models, protein chemistry, epigenetics and structural biology. It is expected that this work will improve understanding of this fundamental biological defence. This will allow us to identify the potential means to enhance the capacity of glyoxalase-1 to the future benefit of biological ageing. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Although we all get older every day, organismal decline can be modulated to support healthy ageing. Glyoxalase-1 is a fundamental regulator of biological ageing. However, there are currently no means to increase and/or preserve its activity. In this interdisciplinary project, we address this problem through exploring, modelling and modulating the molecular regulation of human glyoxalase-1. This project will extend discoveries made by CI-Thomas to establish smart ‘proof of principal’ technologies to slow ageing and models in which to effectively explore them. This discovery represents a transformative advancement of our knowledge in this important field. Better understanding of this pathway will advance the commercial potential of this discovery and assist in attracting investment. We anticipate that our discoveries will also be broadly applicable to other important biological questions and lead to the development of innovative strategies of commercial and societal importance. This project will also train staff and students and expand capacity in this important area of biology.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Engineering an environmentally-friendly metered dose inhaler. This project aims to deliver a novel simulation framework to accurately predict the behaviour of metered dose inhaler sprays using advanced numerical methods for flash-evaporating turbulent flows developed by the investigators. The project expects to generate new knowledge of the complex physics which occur in these devices through a first of its kind combination of unsteady non-equilibrium thermodynamics, turbulence and spray models. Expected outcomes of this project include a novel ability to predict and optimise the performance of inhalers to suit environmentally-friendly replacement propellants. This will significantly benefit the pharmaceutical sector as it will accelerate the design of next-generation inhalers and propellants. Field of research: 0915 - Interdisciplinary Engineering The research will deliver an accurate and efficient computational model which will unlock the development of novel hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) free pressurised metered dose inhaler products. The planned global phase-down of HFA consumption will have a detrimental effect on the cost and availability of inhalers for Australians. At present, there are no viable replacements for HFAs in inhalers. This project will deliver the knowledge and tools necessary to search for and identify potential next-generation inhaler designs and propellant formulations. This may then lead to the future development of new low-cost, environmentally-friendly inhaler products. The focus of this project is the delivery of the fundamental engineering knowledge necessary to do so. Australians will benefit from this research through both environmental benefit and reduced over the counter cost for future inhaler products. The Australian pharmaceutical sector will also benefit as the research will position Australia as a leader in HFA-free aerosol technology.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Global dementias: Examining structural vulnerability and dementia outcomes. This project aims to examine the social and cultural dimensions of dementia by using a comparative ethnographic approach to examine the experiences of people living with dementia in Australia, Malaysia and India. The project expects to generate new anthropological knowledge about structural inequalities by examining how dementia is responded to in diverse geographic, cultural and social settings. Expected outcomes of this project include the creation of a new evidence-base on dementia and the production of briefing documents to guide global health frameworks. The project should provide significant benefits for people living with dementia by providing locally-relevant strategies to respond to dementia and resultant disability. Field of research: 1117 - Public Health and Health Services The project will expand Australia’s knowledge base about how social, cultural, economic, political and environmental contexts shape people’s experiences and decisions about dementia-related disability for diverse communities in Australia and in our closest neighbours. It will provide a solid research base to inform policy development on the delivery of social support services, including under My Aged Care and in light of the Aged Care Royal Commission, and will contribute to communication strategies for governmental and non-governmental agencies working with people across socio-cultural backgrounds.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Mechanisms determining ecological resilience to climate change. This project aims to improve our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms by which organisms adapt to climate change, and how this may lead to ecological resilience. It will test how rapid adaptation can occur in response to stressful environments predicted under climate change scenarios. By understanding the genetic mechanisms by which organisms adapt to environmental stresses, we can better forecast the effects of climate change on natural systems. Expected outcomes include an improved ability to make informed conservation and management decisions, with resulting benefits including the protection of human health, agricultural industries, and our iconic flora and fauna. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Innovative Use of Customer Data for Business Growth. This project aims to apply and adapt the latest machine learning techniques to enable companies to utilise their existing customer data to reveal purchase motivations, product preferences, and responsiveness to marketing communications for each single customer. A widespread practice in marketing is to partition customers into broad groups, but customers expect products and services that are tailored to their individual needs. This presents extreme challenges due to the size and complexity of customer databases. The expected outcomes will enable Australian companies to attract and retain more customers, and make more efficient use of their marketing budget. Benefits include equipping companies to better compete domestically and globally. Field of research: 1505 - Marketing Australian companies such as Telstra, Qantas, Myer and Coles all maintain large customer databases. However, the size and complexity of these databases means that existing use of this information is often limited to broad groups of customers, whereas today's customers expect individually customised service and product offerings. By reanalysing such large customer databases with the latest computational and mathematical methods we aim to reveal previously elusive insights into customer purchase motivations, product preferences and responsiveness to marketing communications and loyalty program rewards. The new methods will be sufficiently flexible to apply to a broad range of Australian companies, such as the retail sector, which is struggling due to the widespread adoption of internet shopping, and an influx of global competitors, such as Amazon and eBay.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Cyclicity in magmatic arc systems. This project aims to determine how active volcanic continental margins, such as the Ring of Fire, evolves and control the origin of new continental crust. This project expects to generate new knowledge regarding how continents form in such margins using new findings that suggest they undergo cyclical heating and magmatism. The intended outcome is a finely resolved thermal-magmatic temporal history of an ideal example of such a margin. This should provide significant benefits, such as an understanding of how new continental crust forms, and increased predictability of when in the evolution of continental margins significant copper and gold deposits form. Field of research: 0403 - Geology Continental crust forms as a result of plate tectonics at plate margins along volcanic arcs, such as the Pacific Ring of Fire. The eastern third of Australia formed in this way, and this project seeks to determine the processes that control how these regions form and how they control the origin of resources. The geology of eastern Australia is a result of the superposition of several volcanic arcs developed over hundreds of millions of years. These are no longer active and their upper parts have been eroded exposing rocks that were once deeper in the crust, including mineral resources such as copper and gold. Knowledge of when in the magmatic cycle ore deposits form enhances the chances of success for the mineral exploration industry. More generally, increased understanding the chemical and structural nature of these old arcs increases our general ability to use the resources provided by the eastern part of Australian continental crust.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Microtubule structure in nervous system repair. This Project aims to investigate the role of structural and functional cellular components known as microtubules in nervous system regeneration. This Project aims to use innovative approaches in confocal and electron microscopy, genetics, and cell biology, with the expectation of generating new knowledge into nervous system repair. Expected outcomes of this Project include a comprehensive description of how microtubules are rearranged following nervous system injury and the importance of microtubule modifying proteins in promoting regeneration. This should provide significant benefits in our understanding of the cellular mechanisms behind nervous system repair, and offer new approaches for promoting regeneration after injury. Field of research: 1109 - Neurosciences The proposed research will combine the training of new staff with the use of core Monash University facilities to generate high-impact publications that will significantly strengthen Australia’s research in neuroscience and enhance the international profile of this nation’s research. This research will provide new fundamental knowledge about the nervous system. Ultimately, this information may lead to benefits for the large proportion of society affected by nervous system injury, and neurodegeneration, helping to ease the large burden placed on the healthcare system. Thus, the outcomes of this project may eventually contribute to improvements in health and quality of life.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Enhanced methods for approximating the structure of large networks. This project aims to explain fundamental structural features of real-world networks such as the internet and online social networks, by advancing complex-analytical techniques. Current knowledge of properties such as reliability, robustness and optimal allocation of resources rely on assumptions that are invalid in real applications. The project expects to improve understanding of inhomogeneous network models by introducing an innovative idea of high-order approximations to complex random settings. Expected outcomes include new tools for approximate counting of discrete objects satisfying given constraints. Applications of these tools could have far-reaching benefits to researchers who study quantitative characteristics of discrete systems. Field of research: 0101 - Pure Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Evolutionary impacts of gene interactions in a rapidly changing world. This project aims to understand how gene interactions impact evolution in our warming marine environments. The role of gene interactions is controversial because they are assumed to have little effect on genetic variation for fitness in natural populations. Yet new data show that this effect can be substantial and is enhanced by heat stress, explaining most of the genetic variation available for evolution under stressful conditions. The project aims to use quantitative genetics, genomics, and theory to determine the evolutionary impacts on marine populations facing rapid ocean warming in southeast Australia. The outcomes could change how we view gene interactions, and help us to better predict biological responses to environmental change. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology Understanding the evolutionary dynamics of vulnerable populations facing rapid environmental change is critical for managing our natural biodiversity into the future. This project will identify the extent to which gene interactions underlying ecologically-important traits, like survival and reproduction, impact the evolution, adaptation and extinction risk of marine populations in our rapidly warming seas. The project outcomes will benefit the Australian community by improving our understanding of, and ability to predict, how organisms respond to environmental change. Doing so will contribute cutting-edge knowledge, training, and genetic resources in a research area of national priority, and could deliver vital information about the biological impacts of climate change to researchers, managers, policy-makers, and other stakeholders.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Microeconometric Analysis of Socioeconomic Inequity in Mental Healthcare. The project aims to describe the extent of socioeconomic inequity in Australian mental healthcare use, identify the causal pathways that drive inequities, and conduct economic evaluations of programs aimed at increasing healthcare access. Microeconometric methods will be used to analyse large, longitudinal datasets that have not previously been used for this purpose. The project expects to provide a greater understanding of the barriers that people face in accessing treatment and how to overcome them. Such understanding is currently missing from academic literatures and policy inquiries. Ultimately, the research should aid in the design of cost-effective policies that improve health outcomes and that reduce inequities in treatment access. Field of research: 1402 - Applied Economics Resources for mental healthcare are distributed inequitably in Australia; across households and across neighbourhoods. The rate of disorders and need for care are highest among low income, non-employed Australians living in low socioeconomic status neighbourhoods, yet their rate of access to and treatment from healthcare professionals is relatively low. Better models of healthcare that improve outcomes, and reduce disparities for low socioeconomic status groups are required. The aim of this project is to provide the economic evidence base required to ensure these important system changes are appropriately targeted and cost effective. The project will produce nine large economic studies that explore the socioeconomic determinants of mental disorders and healthcare, and the economic effectiveness of existing Australian programs and policies. Ultimately, the research should aid in the design of policies that improve outcomes, including for our most vulnerable populations, increase efficiency, and provide greater value for government expenditure.