MONASH UNIVERSITY

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Phosphoinositide regulation of lysosome reformation during autophagy. This project aims to investigate a new critical step in the autophagy pathway, autophagic lysosome reformation, a fundamental, evolutionarily conserved mechanism for cellular homeostasis. By combining gene function studies with advanced cellular imaging techniques, this project will investigate the dynamic membrane changes that drive this lysosome recycling pathway and how it is regulated by a hierarchical succession of specific enzymes. The expected outcome will be to re-define the archetypical autophagy pathway and characterise novel mechanisms by which it is controlled. This project will reveal new fundamental biological processes, and act as a framework for developing new imaging modalities and tools for studying autophagy. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

The impact of policy, demography and geography on work disability. This project aims to map the burden of work disability in Australia through geographic, socioeconomic, demographic and occupational factors. The project intends to determine the impact of state and territory workers' compensation practice on work disability and identify target groups for intervention. Expected outcomes include new insights which nation’s workers’ compensation systems can use in order to implement policy practices that will reduce the burden of work disability in Australia. This outcome would, in turn, improve national productivity and lead to flow-on benefits for the Australian economy and social protection systems such as social security and healthcare. Field of research: 1117 - Public Health and Health Services

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Nucleosynthetic signatures of convective-reactive events in stars. This project aims to better understand where the elements in the periodic table come from, by investigating spectacular but poorly understood nuclear-burning events that occur in stars. The project aims to understand the inner workings of stars by calculating detailed three-dimensional simulations using Australia's largest supercomputers, and to combine this with telescope surveys that are recording the chemical make-up of millions of stars. The project expects to create new knowledge in the areas of stellar physics and nucleosynthesis. Many branches of astronomy rely on stellar models so the impact would extend far beyond the immediate field, ultimately expanding our understanding of the Universe. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Magma dynamics and ore deposits. This project aims to advance knowledge on magma transport mechanisms through the Earth’s lithosphere, and boost predictive capacity to discover new ore deposits. Using field surveys, three-dimensional reflection seismic data, laboratory experiments and rock fracture mechanics, this project will investigate where, how and why, narrow finger-like conduits form in lithosphere-scale magma plumbing systems. The project expects to generate new knowledge on the formation and location of highly valuable ore deposits of nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group elements, which are preferentially trapped in poorly understood, finger-like magma conduits. Anticipated outcomes of the project include fundamental insights into how magma transport dynamics control traps for magmatic sulfide ores as well as equipping mineral explorers in targeting their search for these important, but hard to find, ore deposits, benefitting society through future discoveries of economically strategic, new commodities. Field of research: 0403 - Geology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

The art of controlling multijet resonance in jet noise and power generation. This project aims to determine the mechanisms by which arrays of high speed jets interact. The project will combine experiments at multiple specialist facilities with analytical approaches to unlock the physics behind both steady and transient behaviour in high-speed multijets. Understanding multijet interaction mechanisms is crucial in the development of more efficient power-generation turbines, and the operation of high-speed flight vehicles. Expected outcomes of the project include deep insight into the characteristics of multijet arrays, and the forging of strong links with multiple international research centres. As well as fundamental knowledge, the project will facilitate improved efficiency in gas turbine systems, using pulsed-detonation combustion. Field of research: 0915 - Interdisciplinary Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Chemical-biology approaches to pathway selective adenosine receptor ligands. This project aims to develop new chemical-biology tools and approaches for selectively targeting signalling pathways mediated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). GPCRs are an important family of cell surface signalling proteins that are responsible for the regulation of numerous vital physiological functions. The A1 adenosine receptor is an important model and therapeutically relevant GPCR that will be the focus of this project. Compounds known as bitopic ligands, which can interact with distinct binding sites (termed orthosteric and allosteric sites), will be explored as pathway selective agents capable of activating the signalling pathways mediating the desired effect in preference to those producing adverse effects. Longer-term benefits include the identification of bioactive compounds with more selective modes of action and improved safety profiles. Field of research: 0304 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Linking topology and rheology for designing supramolecular polymer networks. This project aims to develop a foundation for understanding how microscopic topology and intermolecular interactions control the flow behaviour of supramolecular polymer networks. Brownian dynamics algorithms will be developed to unravel the complex dynamics of the network and calibrated by comparison with carefully designed experiments. The expected outcome of the project is a quantitative framework for connecting the molecular structure and energy landscape with resulting macroscopic properties. This project should yield significant benefit in the rational design of supramolecular systems in which the thermorheological properties can be tuned over a wide range of force/time scales with applications spanning from enhanced oil recovery to injectable hydrogels. Field of research: 0904 - Chemical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Addressing injustice in the medieval political theory. This project aims to expand understanding of the history of thinking about injustice, by connecting medieval political theory to an earlier tradition of identifying injustices in society that is inspired by biblical prophets. Employing digital analysis of an overlooked group of writings about the body politic, the project seeks to identify the forces shaping notions of injustice, and the process by which complaints were transformed into political advice. The project will make historical texts available in modern translations, expanding the accessibility of the medieval past beyond those with specialist technical skills. Field of research: 2204 - Religion and Religious Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Genesis and evolution of coherent structures in wall-bounded turbulence. This project aims to capture conditions responsible for the generation of the coherent structures that are formed in wall-bounded turbulent flows, through the use of variational data assimilation and adjoint-based optimisation techniques. The project is expected to provide knowledge and intellectual property that is essential for the accurate modelling and prediction of the interaction between the ground-level activities like pollutant emissions and the atmosphere and the flow over vehicles through pipes, turbines and compressors. This project will provide benefits such as reducing the risk in environmental and commercial design and decision making and will facilitate new opportunities for the commercial development of devices to reduce drag and enhance mixing and heat transfer via the direct manipulation of coherent structures. Field of research: 0915 - Interdisciplinary Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Religion, pluralism, and healthcare practice: a philosophical assessment. This project aims to develop a systematic approach to accommodating religious values and practices in healthcare. Current approaches are ad hoc and discriminatory, and in an increasingly religiously diverse contemporary Australia, a systematic approach is needed. This project will consider and provide policy advice on how healthcare could be reformed so that the issue of accommodation of religious values and practices is treated in a consistent and ethical manner. The benefit of the project will be a better, cost effective, model for healthcare management that reduces disparities for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. Field of research: 2201 - Applied Ethics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Evolution and specificity of alternative splicing in plants. This project aims to elucidate fundamental principles of alternative splicing, a basic mechanism that plays a vital role in several biological processes across all organisms. Plants are highly effective in adapting to varied environmental, seasonal and climatic conditions and this project aims to uncover how alternative splicing contributes to regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental cues. Uncovering the underlying mechanisms of alternative splicing will not only advance fundamental knowledge, but also has the potential to provide tools and technologies through which sensitivities of plants to environmental stress can be potentially manipulated to benefit agriculture. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Precipitation in shallow convection over the Southern Ocean. This project aims to quantify the amount of precipitation over the Southern Ocean and identify the key dynamical and microphysical processes that lead to its development. Large uncertainties exist in the frequency and intensity of precipitation, which limits the ability to model the coupled Southern Ocean climate system. Observations from the RV Investigator, an Australian marine research vessel, have revealed heavy precipitation events within the shallow convection commonly found between fronts that have not been captured by either satellite observations or numerical models. This project will improve weather forecasts, including precipitation, and climate projections over the Southern Ocean and the adjoining Antarctic and the southern part of Australia. Field of research: 0401 - Atmospheric Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Biosynthetic LEGO: enzymatic redesign to produce new vancomycin analogues. This project aims to uncover the reengineering potential of the biosynthetic machinery that produces glycopeptide antibiotics by advancing our understanding of how the core peptide production line functions. Natural product biosynthesis often produces complex peptide structures, with one important example being the glycopeptide antibiotics. This project expects to generate new knowledge about enzymatic peptide biosynthesis using a highly interdisciplinary approach and previously developed tools. The anticipated outcomes of this project will be an enhanced understanding of how such complex peptide biosynthesis is performed, which is knowledge vital for future efforts to reengineer such biosynthetic peptide assembly lines as a series of modular LEGO blocks to produce new bioactive peptides. Field of research: 0304 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Remaking the Australian environment through documentary film and television. This project aims to investigate how documentary film, television and online media have transformed our sense of the Australian environment since the 1950s. The project will produce a historicised account of how media has fashioned contemporary environmental consciousness. Expected outcomes include environmental knowledge and social action, collaborations between media producers, scientists and educators, and attention to the role of Indigenous knowledge practices in relation to the environment. The project will enhance understanding of the significance of environmental documentaries in shaping practical and imaginative responses to a world undergoing transformation. Field of research: 2002 - Cultural Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

The cellular basis of branching morphogenesis during kidney development. This project aims to study the process of branching morphogenesis which drives the development of the kidney. Previous studies group have demonstrated, in general terms, how branching progresses during gestation. However, little is known about the fundamental cellular events which trigger or characterise this basic developmental process. This project expects to provide deep insights into the cellular basis of tissue and organ development. In studying this process the project should provide critical insights into how cells act, individually and collectively, to build tissues. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Thermo-hydro-mechanics of geosynthetic liners: from processes to prediction. This project aims to resolve the complex interactions affecting the long-term performance of geosynthetic liner systems under harsh environmental conditions for preventing groundwater contamination. Failures of waste containment lining systems result in millions of dollars remedial costs and high societal costs. The project expects to underpin the development of an experimentally-validated theory to predict the performance of geosynthetic liner systems at high temperatures. Expected outcomes of the project are the establishment of a new conceptual framework and providing new guidelines for the design of geosynthetic liner systems for environmental protection. These outcomes are expected to benefit the waste and mining industries by informing planning, decision makers, consultants and construction engineers with science-based information on new lining systems for landfills and mining and industry waste containment. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Genetic regulation of wing reduction in the emu. This project aims to examine the genetic mechanisms that generate limb diversity, using wing reduction in the emu as a model. A hot topic in biology at present is evolutionary developmental biology, or how genes control morphological diversity. This project will explore the functions of two novel genes implicated in wing reduction. The project expects to expand knowledge in the area of developmental biology, and limb morphogenesis specifically. It will bear upon the phylogeny of flightlessness among birds. It also has potential implications for studying human limb deformities. Overall, the project will enhance our understanding of how genes control the great diversity that we see in nature. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Advanced separators for lithium-sulphur batteries. This project aims to develop new membranes for use as separators in lithium-sulphur batteries. Currently diffusion of polysulphides within these batteries reduces battery power and lifetime. The new membranes are intended to block polysulphide diffusion over an extended lifetime, while transporting the other ions needed for the battery to function. The project is expected to generate new membrane materials and further knowledge about the design, synthesis and larger-scale production of membranes for electrochemical applications. This project will provide significant benefits by producing potentially lighter, longer-lasting and cheaper batteries than existing lithium-ion technologies, with the potential to accelerate the adoption of electric cars. Field of research: 0904 - Chemical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

The regulation of labour disputes in Southeast Asia. This project aims to investigate the complex regulation of labour disputes in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Effective rules and institutions for the resolution of collective labour disputes are integral features of a sound industrial relations system. Yet in many developing countries, formal channels for the resolution of such disputes are largely ineffective. This heightens the risk of industrial disruption and encourages reliance on informal modes of regulation. The project will provide an empirical analysis of existing models of labour regulation, and inform policy development and the activities of agencies involved in labour dispute resolution in the region. It will better equip researchers, legal practitioners, policy makers and NGOs engaging transnationally in the Asia Pacific region. Field of research: 1801 - Law

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

A real-time biomechanical study of Neanderthal anterior dentition. This project aims to advance understanding of the evolution of human dentition using an innovative approach that integrates sophisticated 3D digital modelling with engineering tools. Neanderthals are our closest extinct human relatives that inhabited Eurasia from about 230,000 to 28,000 years ago. However, their protruding faces, large noses and big anterior teeth, raise questions about why these people look so different from us. This project aims to fill this gap in human knowledge about our evolutionary history, and to enhance the international visibility of Australian research in palaeoanthropology and dental biomechanics. Field of research: 2101 - Archaeology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Computing with Lie groups and algebras: nilpotent orbits and applications. This project aims to advance knowledge of an important class of Lie algebras, for which recent work has shown that a deeper mathematical theory, and better computational tools are required. Lie theory is a mathematical area with rich applications in the physical sciences. Expected outcomes from this project include the first systematic treatment of these algebras, new powerful algorithms to compute with them, and explicit nilpotent orbit classifications that will solve open problems in black hole theory. This should significantly enhance fundamental mathematical research and the Lie functionality of leading computer algebra systems, and is expected to strengthen international linkages. Field of research: 0101 - Pure Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Aqueous fluids in the deep earth. This project aims to improve our understanding of the role of fluids in controlling exchanges between the deep Earth, shallow rocks, and atmosphere. The project expects to investigate some of the key weaknesses in the thermodynamic models that are used to predict the behaviour of sulphur, carbon and metals in fluids at high pressure and temperature by using recent advances in computational and experimental (geo)chemistry. Integrated in large-scale geodynamic models, the more reliable predictions will provide a more realistic assessment of the role of sulphur in controlling metal endowment and atmospheric chemistry through geological times. This should provide a useful guide for mineral exploration and planetary science. Field of research: 0402 - Geochemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

A history of Australian fatherhood 1919-2019. This project aims to transform understandings of Australian families across the past century through a comprehensive history of Australian fatherhood. Fathers are central to pressing concerns in contemporary Australia. Through analysis of oral history and documentary archives, the project seeks to illuminate factors shaping men’s experience of fatherhood and how fathers from diverse backgrounds, including migrant and indigenous dads, have negotiated their role in changing circumstances. The outcomes will extend and enrich Australian and international scholarship in histories of the family, emotions and cultural memory. Project findings are anticipated to impact contemporary Australian family policy and education. Field of research: 2103 - Historical Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Using immersive virtual reality to enhance students’ science visualisation. This project aims to investigate the potential of advanced visualisation technology, immersive virtual reality, as a collaborative learning environment to support students to explore their ideas and learn a core chemistry concept, molecular structures and functions. Incorporating both data analytics and qualitative video analysis, the project will establish a deep understanding of how students learn about the molecular world within an immersive virtual reality environment in relation to the learners’ experience, chemistry content, visual representations, learning tasks, and design features. The project will recommend evidence-driven design considerations for learning resources development and further educational research with advanced technologies. Field of research: 1302 - Curriculum and Pedagogy

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Micro/nano smart surfaces to unlock the potential of multipotent stem cells. This project aims to determine the interplay of micro/nanostructures on stem cell mechanotransduction and to control the cellular environment. It is expected that this will expand our knowledge on how to control stem cell fate. Expected outcomes are novel scalable technologies for micro/nanostructures and smart surfaces, controlled stem-cell expansion and differentiation, and the creation of a library of protein expression based on the cell interactions. These outcomes will provide critical information required for the future development of instructive biomaterials to drive stem cell expansion and tissue-regeneration. Those materials should benefit the future development of efficient and cost-effective regenerative medicine solutions. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology