MONASH UNIVERSITY

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Archaeology of a Torres Strait reef island community. This archaeology project aims to document the long-term development of socioeconomic strategies by Indigenous Australians to live sustainably on small, drought-prone, tropical reef islands. It uses Tudu in central Torres Strait as a case study. This project will produce new and innovative insights into how Torres Strait Islander reef island communities built cultural and community resilience to environmental stress. It will broaden Australian archaeological knowledge of continental rocky islands to include recently formed reef islands. Field of research: 2101 - Archaeology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Nucleomodulin effectors of the environmental pathogen Legionella. This project aims to examine the evolution of Legionella as an intracellular organism and the mechanisms by which the bacteria evade environmental predation by amoebae. Aside from the advancement of knowledge, expected outcomes of this project include a greater understanding of amoebae. This will provide significant benefits, and this knowledge may be used to develop inhibitors of amoebae growth. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Putting Einstein to the test: Probing gravity with gravitational waves. This project aims to capitalise on the momentous discovery of gravitational waves by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO). In 2016, the LIGO Scientific Collaboration announced the first detection of gravitational waves coming from the collision of two massive black holes approximately one billion light years from Earth. The project aims to use proprietary LIGO data, of multiple gravitational-wave observations, to perform unprecedented tests of Einstein's theory of gravity in regions of the Universe where new physics is most likely to occur - at the surfaces of black holes. The project is designed to develop the foundation of gravitational-wave astronomy for the next three-to-five years. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

The role of vegetated foreshores in stabilising Australia's shorelines. This project aims to improve Australia's capacity to predict shoreline position with sea level rise, identify the role of vegetation in foreshore stabilisation and determine thresholds for shoreline retreat by quantifying the links between biological, geomorphological and sedimentary processes and shoreline position. Sea level rise and potential increases in storminess are predicted to lead to severe impacts and there is an immediate and critical need to understand and accurately predict the functioning, dynamics, and distribution of Australia's coastal zones. Expected outcomes of this interdisciplinary project include an integrated modelling framework crucial for planning and management of sea level rise responses in Australia. Field of research: 0501 - Ecological Applications

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Strong few-body correlations from controllable impurities in quantum matter. This project aims to investigate the role of few-body correlations in quantum matter by using recently developed theoretical approaches to incorporate correlations beyond the scope of traditional theories. The project expects to gain fundamental insight into quantum few-body correlations in materials by investigating single impurity particles immersed in quantum media, such as highly controllable atomic gases and semiconductors. The significant benefits include the development of novel theoretical approaches and the generation of knowledge that could potentially underpin a new generation of quantum devices. Field of research: 0206 - Quantum Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Evaluating interventions to prevent serious road traffic crashes. This project aims to advance knowledge on the prevention of road traffic crashes that result in serious injury or death. Road traffic injuries are the second leading cause of hospitalised injury and injury-related deaths in Australia, and are estimated to cost the economy $27 billion annually. This project will establish a data collection system that will evaluate existing and novel countermeasures to serious road traffic crashes. The outcome of this project will inform road safety policies and cost-effective countermeasures. Insights from the project can contribute to road safety improvements in Australia and a substantial reduction in the burden of fatal and non-fatal road traffic injury. Field of research: 1117 - Public Health and Health Services

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

An evidence-based approach to integrate evolutionary theory in conservation. This project aims to integrate evolutionary theory into conservation science to ensure management promotes the long-term resilience of biodiversity. The management of evolutionary risks and benefits is routinely left out of decision tools that identify optimal management strategies. By developing tools that integrate evolutionary theory into key conservation problems, this project is expected to significantly advance conservation science. It should provide managers with essential tools to support the persistence of biodiversity and thus long-term success of biodiversity conservation. Field of research: 0502 - Environmental Science and Management

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Fine control of nucleic acid transport using cyclic peptide nanotubes. This project aims to develop new technology to enhance the transport of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) across biological membranes, and to facilitate the delivery of nucleic acids into mammalian cells. Elaborate transport mechanisms have emerged by evolution of viruses but the use of viruses for therapeutic purposes presents safety challenges. This project aims to enhance the efficiency of synthetic nucleic acid delivery systems, making use of novel biocompatible materials which assemble into controlled three-dimensional structures, offering more control over membrane interactions. The project is expected to provide a new platform of smart materials which could be developed for biomedical applications in the future. Field of research: 1115 - Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Enumeration and properties of large discrete structures. This project aims to study a fundamental property of random graphs, by further developing a recently introduced approach to the problem of enumerating graphs with given degrees. Using this new method, the project expects to generate new knowledge on the number of connections that each node has with other nodes in a random graph, and to develop new strategies for counting the graphs or networks with a given property. The project expects to produce new theoretical results as well as enhanced capabilities of mathematical research. Potential benefits arise through the uses of these theoretical combinatorial objects to study naturally occurring networks such as social networks, the network of the world wide web, and chemical compounds. Field of research: 0101 - Pure Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Characterization, modelling and control for robotic thermal ablation. This project aims to study the fundamental issues in robotic-assisted minimally invasive thermal ablation, an important therapy for patients with cancer. It aims to establish advanced characterisation and modelling methodologies for thermomechanical behaviours of soft tissues, together with automatic planning and precise manipulation control techniques for robotic thermal ablation therapies. The project will establish new knowledge and instrumentation for robotic-assisted thermal ablation and minimally invasive surgery. The outcomes of this project will produce important benefits to medicine, healthcare and medical technology industry, and further consolidate Australia’s position in innovative technologies and research and development of advanced healthcare systems and instruments. Field of research: 0910 - Manufacturing Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

The evolution of biological scaling. This project aims to understand why so few biological traits scale proportionally with body size. In contrast to previous mechanistic studies of this longstanding question, the problem will be approached from an evolutionary viewpoint, using artificial selection to engineer animals in which biological scaling laws are either broken or enhanced. By measuring the consequences of this for fitness, the project will provide a new understanding of how organismal size and physiology evolve in nature. The approach should provide significant benefits to our understanding of the role of genetic constraints in hindering or facilitating biological adaptation, furthering our understanding of the capacity of animals to respond to environmental change. Field of research: 0608 - Zoology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Gaps, rings and holes in protoplanetary discs. This project aims to provide a theoretical interpretation for recent observations of protoplanetary discs. Recent first images from the Atacama Large Millimetre Array (ALMA) telescope in Chile and the Very Large Telescope (VLT) have provided a snapshot of planets forming around young stars. This project will use three-dimensional simulations to understand how newborn planets can carve structures such as 'gaps' and 'holes' seen by telescopes. The project aims to develop an algorithm, capable of simulating a mixture of gas and multiple types of solid particles, which is applicable in astronomy and engineering. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

The human body as an antenna for a novel wireless communication technique. This project aims to develop a novel wireless communication technique by utilising the human body as an antenna to connect wearable electronic devices to nearby external devices. This project expects to generate a new knowledge in the area of wireless body area network using the innovative approach of applying the near-field electromagnetic energy around the human body as a wireless channel. Expected outcomes of this project include a wireless channel model that will enable the design of ultra-low-power and reliable off-body wireless link for wearable devices. This should provide significant benefits, such as, cost-effective and innovative technology of personal wireless communication in healthcare, entertainment, military, and sports. Field of research: 1005 - Communications Technologies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

The biodiversity consequences of evolutionary innovation. This project aims to increase knowledge of how evolutionary innovations affect biodiversity. This project will focus on a classic example of evolutionary innovation, the specialized throat jaws found in many fish groups, including damselfishes, wrasses, and cichlids. These unique jaws may explain why these fish groups contain so many species and are such successful invasive species in Australia and elsewhere. This project proposes an integrative combination of methods and functional experiments to reveal the biodiversity consequences of evolutionary innovation. It will also enhance Australian biosecurity through the production of new ways to assess invasion risk from aquaculture and aquarium trade species. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Uncovering vertebrate lifespan biodiversity with whole genome sequencing. This project aims to integrate existing data on the genetic mechanisms of lifespan evolution in model systems with a novel combination of whole genome sequencing and comparative phylogenomics to reveal the common genomic signatures of lifespan evolution in vertebrates. Expected outcomes include a perspective on the evolution of lifespan, a topic of major health interest for Australia and the rest of the developed world. This will provide significant benefits, such as long-term implications for aging research, with possible business applications. It will also increase Australia’s visibility and competitiveness in the developing field of bioinformatics. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Structural insights into adenosine receptors. This project aims to investigate mechanisms underlying ligand binding and signal transduction at G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) by utilising the adenosine receptor family as a model system. This interdisciplinary project will use structural biology, pharmacology and biochemistry. The expected outcomes include understanding ligand selectivity across the four adenosine receptor family members. This should provide significant benefits, such as advancement of fundamental knowledge that could also lead to therapeutic development. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Full-duplex wireless communication. This project aims to develop communication schemes that can enable wireless devices to simultaneously receive and transmit on the same frequency. Over the last century wireless devices have been operating inefficiently by using different frequencies for reception and transmission. The project aims to make wireless devices frequency efficient, and is expected to double the data rates of every wireless device in the world, and thereby contribute to significant improvement of the capacity of future mobile networks. Field of research: 1005 - Communications Technologies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Linking structure and function: a new approach for understanding the lung. This project aims to develop a powerful analysis tool to measure gas transport and mixing within lungs. This project will study the mechanical workings of the lungs, using an innovative approach for analysis of lung images. The expected outcome of this project is a novel platform for investigation and understanding of lung function. It is anticipated that application of the project outcomes to medical challenges in the long-term will lead to improved diagnostics and treatments for lung diseases. Field of research: 0903 - Biomedical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Learning from learning solvers. Finding optimum solutions to everyday problems is one of the most common challenges in decision making. This project aims to design and implement effective analysis and transformation methods to improve models of combinatorial optimisation problems. Better models will enable more scalable and robust deployment of resources in all these areas, and do so immediately and at low risk and cost. The results will help users design better models while spending less time and money. This will in turn allow organisations large and small to reap the benefits of optimisation technology and, thus, make more efficient use of their resources. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Mechanisms and contexts driving impulsivity. The project aims to develop insights into the cognitive mechanisms of impulsivity (the tendency to act without planning) and the impact of context on impulsive behaviours. The project aims to test a novel framework that views impulsivity as the product of three cognitive mechanisms: i) attention, ii) information gathering and iii) monitoring, which oscillate in response to day-to-day contexts. Knowledge of the mechanisms and contexts driving impulsivity will enable prediction of the emergence of impulsive behaviours in real-life and real-time. The expected outcomes can enable better moderation of impulsivity and improve health. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Drawing science diagrams to enhance students’ scientific creativity. This project aims to explore the potential benefits of engaging high school students in drafting their own science diagrams. The project integrates theories of creativity and multi-modal visual literacy, to generate a comprehensive analytical framework to help education researchers identify and nurture scientific creativity. This framework, along with supplemental teaching and learning resources, is expected to support the development of creative scientific minds across a wide student population so they can successfully address complex future challenges. Field of research: 1302 - Curriculum and Pedagogy

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Unmanned aerial vehicle sensing and data discovery for a changing planet. This project aims to establish an earth systems monitoring facility, using unmanned aerial vehicles and world-leading sensor technology. It will have the capability to measure the natural and built environment at millimetre to centimetre scales and to monitor rapid changes. The ensuing data and interpretations will be useful for decision-making and policy development amongst government agencies and the agricultural, environmental, civil infrastructure and mining industries. Field of research: 0499 - Other Earth Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Molecular mechanism for the regulation of Polycomb repressive complex 2. This project aims to determine how the histone methyltransferase Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is regulated. The project expects to generate new knowledge in transcription regulation and epigenetics. The intended outcome is to enhance the national capabilities in two important fields, Polycomb biology and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This should provide significant benefits, including strengthening of the epigenetic community through the development of innovative research program in Polycomb biology and the establishment of a national world-class cryo-EM community. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

ARC Research Hub for Smart Next Generation Transport Pavements. The ARC Research Hub for Smart Next Generation Transport Pavements aims to make road, airport and dockyard pavements smart, low cost, long-lasting, safe, green and adaptable to future transport demands. Australia’s road network, upon which the nation depends for its economic and social prosperity, is at risk due to increases in passenger and freight load degradation of the road network, and material and expertise scarcity. The Hub will deliver new materials and modelling, smart construction, and rehabilitation systems required for future demands, while enhancing road safety and reducing environmental impact. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Linking sex-specific adaptation to the evolution of infectious disease. This project aims to examine how differences in the response of males and females to pathogen attack can influence the evolution of infectious disease. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of host-pathogen co-evolution, by integrating approaches from the fields of evolutionary genetics, sexual selection, and epidemiology. Expected outcomes include an enhanced capacity to build interdisciplinary collaborations and development of theory that predicts infection dynamics in any species with separate sexes. This is expected to provide significant benefits, such as improving our knowledge of why the sexes differ and potentially providing new avenues for understanding disease outbreaks and preventing population declines or extinctions. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology