MONASH UNIVERSITY

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

The evolution and economics of sacred value. This project aims to use a multi-disciplinary approach to investigate sacred value, a type of extreme moral commitment held by an individual or group. Conflict and violence often revolve around perceived threats to sacred value, and there is a struggle to predict the interaction between material incentives and sacred commitments using orthodox methods of economic analysis. Using techniques from evolutionary anthropology and economics, this project expects to identify the mechanisms that underlie sacred value, and generate novel ways of representing sacred values. By providing a more nuanced set of tools for representing sacred values in areas of conflict, this research will strengthen democratic culture and advance understanding of international conflict. Field of research: 2203 - Philosophy

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

The transcriptome dynamics that refine eukaryotic gene expression. This project aims to understand the fundamental mechanisms of gene expression control, by exploring how cells respond to acute perturbation with changes to RNA expression and processing. Unlike the static information encoded within the genome, the information encoded in its intermediary RNA, is transient, plastic and responsive to environmental and developmental cues. This project will use new technologies encompassing RNA-biochemistry, Next Generation Sequencing, and bioinformatics to answer long-standing questions in RNA processing. The project expects to significantly enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning gene-expression control, benefitting Australia by positioning it as a world leader in the field of RNA Biology. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

How do MACPF/CDC proteins punch giant holes in lipid membranes? This project aims to study the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC)/Perforin-like/Cholesterol Dependent Cytolysins (MACPF/CDC) family which form unusually large holes in membranes. This project aims to define the exact molecular shape of a monomer in comparison with the exact molecular shape of the pore of the MACPF/CDC family. This project will also provide new information about the intermediate steps in pore formation. This will have major benefits to agribusiness and nanotechnology applications. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

All-solid-state Z-scheme photocatalysts for water treatment. The project aims to develop high-performance Z-scheme photocatalysts by using two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors as building blocks for low-cost, highly-efficient pathogen inactivation and emerging pollutant degradation in stormwater treatment. The project expects to generate new fundamental knowledge in the area of photocatalyst design and Z-scheme photocatalytic system, and advance the application of photocatalytic oxidation in water treatment. The expected outcomes of the project include novel 2D Z-scheme photocatalysts and enhanced capacity in stormwater management. Field of research: 0904 - Chemical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

The influence of attentional selection on perceptual decision making. This project aims to test the causal role of attentional selection in human decision-making. This aim will be achieved by interfacing multi-modal techniques from cognitive neuroscience including MRI, EEG, and simultaneous TMS-EEG, while participants perform a decision-making task. The outcome will be a mechanistic understanding of the neural processes by which attention influences decision-making. The outcomes are expected to provide significant benefits, such as the identification of strategies that can enhance attention and mitigate the negative effects of poor decision making. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Ecology, morphology and the diversification of Australian lizards. This project aims to determine the factors driving the spectacular radiation of lizards in Australia. To date, most investigations of lizard anatomy have focused exclusively on external characteristics. This project will examine the underlying internal anatomy to investigate whether morphological innovation is associated with enhanced rates of ecological, life-history and species diversification. The project expects to shed light on the evolution of Australia’s most diverse vertebrate lineage, and provide comparative data with which to interpret the lizard fossil record in Australia, and the range declines and relative extinction risks of native lizard species. Field of research: 0608 - Zoology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Regulatory architecture of the trunk-to-tail transition. This project aims to elucidate gene regulatory mechanisms that control how the head-to-tail axis is laid down during embryonic development. The project capitalises on unique pluripotent stem cell resources and cutting-edge genomic technology developed by the team. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of developmental biology and gene regulation that is anticipated to have wider application to the understanding of evolutionary mechanisms and ultimately regenerative medicine. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Can mitochondrial and nuclear co-evolution drive climate adaptation? This project aims to reveal whether co-evolution between the mitochondrial genome of a wild bird and partner nuclear genes is causing the species to split into two forms, one adapted to inland environments and one to coastal conditions. Mitochondrial-nuclear co-evolution has great potential to illuminate new modes of climate adaptation and lineage divergence. This understanding will provide significant benefits, with implications for conservation management. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

A new universal mechanism controlling body proportions in animals. This project aims to establish that a recently-discovered mechanism, the inhibitory cascade, determines the basic proportions of appendages and body segments in a diverse range of animal groups, particularly vertebrates and arthropods. The goals of the project are to reveal the molecular mechanisms in mice and insects, and build computer simulations to show how to manipulate the control of development by the inhibitory cascade. The project should benefit bioengineering by establishing control mechanisms for the manipulation and regeneration of teeth and limbs. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Probing antimicrobial drug resistance by multimodal molecular analysis. This project aims to investigate drug resistance in microbial agents. With the emergence of "super bugs" there is a need to understand the biochemistry of antimicrobial resistance. Combining vibrational spectroscopic approaches and metabolomic techniques, the project will investigate cell populations, single cells and subcellular structures in search of biomarkers for drug resistance. The discovery of such biomarkers could lead to improved disease management and eradication programs through identification and treatment of drug resistant pathogens in individuals that have the potential to re-infect the community. Field of research: 0301 - Analytical Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Dissecting the causes and consequences of non-genetic parental effects. This project aims to determine the consequences of paternal and sperm experience for offspring and the mechanisms by which they occur. This project will make unambiguous tests of paternal effects under field conditions and will unravel the molecular pathways by which they occur. The outcome will be a better understanding of how environmental effects are transmitted through the male line. This will provide significant benefits, such as implications for climate change impacts and reproductive technologies. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Multiple stressors and vulnerability to global change. This project aims to develop a framework for accurately predicting species responses to environmental change. Future environments will involve shifts in many environmental factors, and species will evolve. Yet we lack understanding of how multiple environmental factors affect the ability of species to evolve and adapt to environmental change. The intended outcome is a tool for predicting the impact of environmental change on the distribution and abundance of organisms. The benefits include improved conservation outcomes and better pest/disease vector control. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

The desire for knowledge: Neural mechanisms of information-seeking. This project aims to determine the mechanisms that drive individuals to seek out information, and to characterise the neural processes that underlie how that information is valued. The project tests the idea that information is represented in the brain as a form of reward. The results are expected to contribute significant mechanistic insights at the level of brain and behaviour on the nature of information value. This is likely to have wide-ranging implications across multiple domains of human endeavour, including education, work-place efficiency, policy development, and consumer behaviour. Field of research: 1702 - Cognitive Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Mechanism of action of a novel multifunctional bacterial secretion system. This project aims to examine the functional role of holin/lysin secretion systems in the complex lifestyles of important animal bacterial pathogens. This project will generate new knowledge in how bacteria interact with each other, the environment or their hosts through the secretion of proteins or other particles. The results of this research will provide a deeper understanding of the multifunctional roles that these unusual secretion systems play and how they contribute to niche adaptation and disease. New insights will lead to identifying targets for future veterinary disease interventions or biotechnological applications. Field of research: 0605 - Microbiology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Neural integration of feedforward and feedback circuits for decision-making. The aim of this project is to discover how cells in the brain combine different types of information to allow decisions to be made. This project will focus on the part of the brain that integrates multiple sources of information to guide choices to accomplish behavioural goals. Using novel electrophysiological and engineering techniques, this project intends to measure the influence of sensory and cognitive information relayed by other brain areas, and to determine how this correlates with behaviour. The intended outcome of this project is a new understanding of how information is processed in brain cells. This should benefit the development of neural engineering devices. Field of research: 1109 - Neurosciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Neural origins of conscious perception in no-report paradigms. This project aims to test two highly influential theories of consciousness. The project will be the first to test critical experimental conditions, where neural activities are recorded in humans and novel measures of causality are computed, which allows us to distinguish the two theories. The intended outcomes will provide significant benefits by bringing us closer to solve the mind-body problem. These outcomes can contribute to the development of engineering and clinical devices that utilise objective measures of consciousness. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Investigating pathways of lipoglycan formation in the bacterial cell wall. This project aims to investigate how the complex cell walls of Mycobacteria and Corynebacteria are assembled. The project will utilise a combination of genetic, biochemical and advanced analytical approaches to investigate individual steps in the synthesis of key cell wall components and understand how the assembly of these components is coordinated with bacterial growth. Important outcomes of this research will be detailed information on processes that regulate the growth of bacteria with important biotechnology, veterinary and medical significance, as well as information on mechanisms of cell wall synthesis that may be conserved in all bacteria. Field of research: 0605 - Microbiology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

When is hybridisation helpful or harmful to invaders? This project aims to determine the role of hybridisation during biological invasions. Hybridisation has been thought to aid invasion by introducing genetic novelty, but traditional approaches have been ineffective at evaluating alternatives. The project will capitalise on replicate hybrid zones of the same species, apply new methods on an expansive genomic dataset, and develop novel simulations to resolve how hybridisation and colonisation interact. The methods and knowledge acquired through this research will be valuable for a range of applications, from biosecurity to conservation management. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Effort for reward – neural processes underlying human motivation. This project aims to characterise the neurobiology of motivation by combining cutting-edge techniques in psychology, economics, computational modelling and neuroimaging. This project will provide novel mechanistic insights into the brain processes underlying motivation. It will form the basis for international collaborations that significantly advance the frontier field of decision neuroscience, and lay the foundation for future interventions to improve motivation. The results from this project will therefore have wide-ranging translational implications for improving health and socioeconomic outcomes, including workplace productivity and quality of life. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Scalable urban traffic control framework driven by distributed information. This project aims to develop a mathematical framework for investigating the role of information interactions between traffic signal settings and choices made by road users. Traffic control is one of the oldest and most cost-effective solutions for the worsening congestion problem in many metropolitan areas. However, through addressing fundamental mathematical challenges, further gains can be achieved to improve traffic control and combat congestion. The expected outcome will be insights into the use of information and algorithms that can provide efficient, robust and safe traffic network management. Field of research: 1507 - Transportation and Freight Services

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Four-dimensional coherent imaging velocimetry facility for fluid mechanics research. This project aims to enhance understanding of multi-scale fluid flows in engineering, geophysics and biomedicine by delivering a facility for high temporal and spatial resolution, three-dimensional velocity measurements. The four-dimensional, coherent imaging velocimetry facility for fluid mechanics research is aimed at addressing limitations of commercially available imaging systems. It is expected to provide unprecedented measurement capabilities with significant benefit to the design, control and modelling of complex fluid flows found in many areas. Applications include the jets used for heating, cooling, mixing, and drug delivery in engineering and pharmacy to the kinematics of sperm and micro-organisms in bio-medicine, and wave-particle flows in geo-physics. Field of research: 0915 - Interdisciplinary Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Gas chromatography: separating inseparables, identifiying unidentifiables. This project aims to provide researchers with an integrated capability for separation, isolation, and precise structural identification of volatile compounds. It expects to deliver a systematic solution using unprecedented, automated multidimensional gas chromatographic separation, isolating pure compounds for off-line characterisation using appropriate spectroscopic tools, for example nuclear magnetic resonance. This will provide significant benefits, such as permitting traceability of (bio)-synthetic pathways, better characterise chemical signalling in plants, accelerate identification of advanced intermediates required for total synthesis of alkaloids, improve detection of metabolites, and determine interactions between small allergens and proteins. Field of research: 0301 - Analytical Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Three-dimensional cryo correlative light and electron microscopy facility. This project aims to establish a three-dimensional (3D) cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy facility. The facility will integrate light microscopy with high resolution cryo-electron tomography and 3D slice-and-view focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy. The open access facility should create new capabilities for Australian researchers to tag biological events and structures with fluorescence markers and image them using the currently highest resolution 3D imaging techniques for biological matter. The facility expects to reveal fundamental insights into cell and structural biology, and help drive innovation in agriculture, pharmaceutics, and biomaterials. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Lower-cost processing of formable magnesium alloys. This project aims to develop higher speed extrusion and rolling of magnesium alloys through the enhanced control of alloying elements and processing schedules. Expected outcomes of this project include the development of novel alloys and processing technologies that can produce lighter, better performing magnesium products with lower processing costs. This project will deliver magnesium products that can improve fuel efficiency, resulting in lower emissions and less environmental pollution, along with lightweight portable consumer goods. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

An in situ structural study of Drosophila embryonic patterning. This project aims to develop and deploy an in situ structural biology approach, which enables direct visualisation of large macromolecular structures in cells, to be used in combination with molecular genetics, proteomics and computational biology. In situ structural biology has the potential to revolutionise discovery across life science, providing direct insight into macromolecular structure and function. This project will establish the field of in situ structural biology in Australia by studying how a model organism, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster controls the development of how the head and tail of the embryo are specified. The project will further develop new instrumentation and approaches that will bring in situ biology to the wider scientific community. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology