RMIT University

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

An Intelligent Resilience Framework for Cyber-Physical Systems Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Privacy Aware Secure Quantum Machine Learning Platform. This project aims to improve the security and privacy of quantum artificial intelligence systems by developing a safe and privacy-focused framework for quantum federated learning. It expects to create new knowledge by combining ideas from quantum computing and secure distributed learning. The expected outcomes include better models for quantum threats, new methods to protect private data, and systems that explain how quantum decisions are made. This work helps Australia safely use quantum technology in areas like health and finance, reduce energy use, and support growth in the emerging quantum security sector. Field of research: 4613 - Theory of Computation As Australia adopts advanced computing technologies, cyber threats are becoming more complex, putting healthcare records, banking systems, and critical services at risk. This project fills a major gap in protecting Australian data when powerful quantum computers are used with artificial intelligence systems that learn from many sources without sharing raw data. The research creates new security methods to stop cyber criminals from stealing sensitive information or manipulating decisions made by quantum-enhanced systems. This is vital as quantum computing becomes more common in hospitals, banks, and public services where privacy is critical. Australians will benefit from stronger protection of personal data, fewer cyberattacks on essential services, lower energy use through more efficient computing, and new career opportunities in the fast-growing quantum technology field. The project helps position Australia as a global leader in secure quantum technologies, unlocking major opportunities in the three billion dollar global quantum security market. Results will be shared with the industry through partnerships, training programs for cybersecurity professionals, and open tools that local businesses can use. Working with QANT Labs, the project will help turn research into real-world solutions that protect Australian infrastructure, health services, and financial systems from future cyber threats.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Making histories: Young people as visual historians of changing cities Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Construction of Porous Hybrid Nanostructures . This project aims to address critical limitations in energy storage by developing advanced porous hybrid nanostructures with precise control over morphology and pore size through advancing methods. The project expects to generate new fundamental knowledge in materials chemistry, chemical engineering, and energy storage materials, focusing on novel energy storage system, by leveraging innovative porous and hybrid-engineered nanostructures. Expected outcomes include advanced nanostructures and improved energy and power densities of energy storage. This will provide significant benefits, including strengthening Australia’s renewable energy sector, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering advanced energy materials innovation. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering This project addresses a critical research gap in developing flexible and wearable supercapacitors using porous hybrid nanostructures. As demand for sustainable energy storage grows, these advanced materials will enhance efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional batteries. The research will deliver significant benefits by creating lightweight, high-performance supercapacitors for applications in healthcare, smart textiles, and next-generation electronics. It will strengthen Australia’s position as a leader in energy storage innovation, attract industry investment, and generate commercial opportunities. To maximise impact, the project will engage industry partners for commercialisation and promote public awareness through media, social platforms, public lectures, and science expos. In addition to academic dissemination, findings will be shared with broader audiences through community engagement events, policy briefs, and collaboration with government and industry networks. Collaboration with manufacturers and startups will accelerate adoption, ensuring widespread use and translation of research into real-world applications. By advancing energy storage technology, this project will contribute to Australia’s economic growth, environmental sustainability, and technological leadership in the global energy sector.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Isotope-Engineered Blue Emitters for Stable Organic Light-Emitting Diodes. This project aims to investigate and develop isotope-engineered blue emitter materials for next-generation organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technologies with enhanced operational lifetime and photostability. It expects to advance understanding in molecular optoelectronics by exploring how precise deuteration strategies using non-radioactive deuterium affect exciton behaviour and emitter stability under extended electrical use. Anticipated outcomes include stable blue emitters, new insights into isotope-enabled degradation suppression and device-level evaluation in OLED prototypes. The project should benefit Australia’s advanced materials and lighting industries through durable, energy-efficient screen display and lighting technologies. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering To address the growing demand for durable, energy-efficient display and lighting technologies, this project aims to develop next-generation isotope-engineered blue emitter materials for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) applications. By precisely incorporating non-radioactive deuterium into organic molecular structures, the emitters will deliver enhanced photostability and longer operational lifetime while maintaining high efficiency. These innovations will reduce material degradation, lower energy loss and extend device longevity across OLED-based technologies, benefiting consumer electronics, lighting systems and industrial applications. The project is expected to generate new knowledge in molecular optoelectronics and strengthen Australia’s global standing in advanced organic semiconductor design. Technological outcomes will support local capability in OLED component manufacturing and foster collaboration with Australia’s manufacturing sector. Intellectual property arising from this research has strong potential for commercialisation through licensing, industry adoption and partnership with government and private sector stakeholders. The project will contribute to national sustainability and clean energy goals by improving materials efficiency and reducing electronic waste. To ensure these benefits are realised, we will engage with end-users, industry, and policy agencies and communicate outcomes through public events, networks and partnerships.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Bringing woodland birds back to the suburbs. This project aims to address the decline of woodland birds in Australian cities by understanding the drivers of loss, designing and testing strategies to reverse it, and investigating the link between bird conservation and human wellbeing. To our knowledge, this project is the first of its kind at this scale in urban areas. It will generate new knowledge in urban ecology and conservation psychology using interdisciplinary approaches. Expected outcomes include an understanding of the drivers of woodland bird occurrence across urban gradients, a set of evidence-based management strategies and evidence of the role of urban bird conservation for human wellbeing. This should provide significant benefits for bird conservation and human wellbeing. Field of research: 4104 - Environmental Management Recent decades have seen the dramatic decline of woodland birds in Australian cities. Some of our most iconic species, such as the Eastern Yellow Robin, Crimson Rosella and Superb Fairy-wren, have either recently disappeared, or are now on the brink of disappearing, from many of our major urban centres. This project seeks to understand the drivers of woodland bird species decline in cities, design and test management strategies to better support woodland bird populations, and examine the link between urban bird conservation and community wellbeing. Working with 10 Victorian local governments, Zoos Victoria and BirdLife Australia, we will implement a range of management actions in urban parks, bushland reserves, streetscapes and schoolyards to test whether they can support local bird populations and, over time, bring woodland birds back to the suburbs. We will also conduct surveys of residents to learn how experiences of urban bird conservation can influence wellbeing. This project will benefit the conservation of Australia’s unique birdlife, and the wellbeing of all urban residents who share a love of birds. We will promote our findings through scientific publications, industry workshops, community forums, a dedicated project website, social media posts and popular news media outlets, such as ‘The Conversation’. We also plan to produce an attractive brochure that will summarise our recommendations for how to best support woodland bird species in Australian cities and towns.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Spacetime emerging from quantum information Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Reduce hallucination in large language models via knowledge-based... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

TRASH: transforming refuse in apartments for sustainable housing. This project aims to test interventions in Multi-Unit Developments that are developed with residents and waste stakeholders, to improve waste outcomes and increase recycling and resource recovery. The project expects to create and apply new knowledge in sustainable consumption and waste studies. Expected outcomes include reductions in landfill rates from the 12,000 apartments in the study and beyond through an interactive TRASH Portal hosting interventions as a nationally accessible resource. This should provide significant benefits such as helping to build a resilient and sustainable nation, assisting the transition to net-zero and enhancing Australia’s ability to deliver the National Waste Policy and Plastics Plan. Field of research: 3304 - Urban and Regional Planning Recycling rates from apartments are low internationally, and they are being left aside in waste policy and program initiatives in Australia. Given that Australia has 2.62 million apartment residents, and this number is rising, there is a need to address this policy and research gap. This project will engage some 12,000 households, local government and waste management organisations to co-design and embed recycling and waste reduction across 60 Multi-Unit Developments (MUDs). The results will then be shared nationally in an interactive Portal, hosting creative campaign materials, models for practice change via co-design guides, best-practice case studies, quick reference guides, and an on-call data-driven MUDs waste advisory service. The project partners will promote the Portal and resources nationally within and beyond the project, including through a national MUDs Waste Advisory Group. Expected benefits for Australia include environmental and social benefits resulting from reduction of waste to landfill. This project could also provide economic and equity benefits given that 40% of apartments are occupied by lower-income households, and landfill reduction saves households substantially in reducing landfill levy charges. This project will assist with building a sustainable and resilient nation and contribute to the transition to a resource-efficient net zero future for all Australians, in line with National Waste Policy and National Plastics Plans.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Carbon fibre with low embodied energy and improved compression. The aim of this project is to create carbon fibre manufactured from lower embodied emissions with higher compression strength specifically for designed for the rapidly growing renewable energy sector. Its significance lies in the fact that it will support the transition of Australia to a net zero future, and this new material will enable renewable energy at lower cost, while having sustainability embedded throughout its manufacture. Outcomes will include creating new sovereign capability for Australia to support the creation of a carbon fibre composite industry for Australia. The benefits will lead to be the creation of new carbon fibre composite technologies that lead Australia towards a Net Zero and made in Australia future. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering This proposal describes a roadmap for Australia to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 specifically through the development of a sustainable, low embodied energy and high compression carbon fibre for the growing Australian composites industry. It directly addresses key global challenges identified by the United Nations, which seek to make renewable energy for all and improving global access to components and raw materials. In this project. lightweight-high strength structures will contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of renewable energy technologies, including longer wind turbines and better hydrogen storage, making them more accessible and deployable. The core of the project lies in its focus on a novel manufacturing method for carbon fibre that will reduce embodied energy and improve compression. The economic benefits to Australia will include the creation of high-value jobs for the manufacturing sector, aligning with Australia's broader goals for a "Future made in Australia" and the Net Zero priority. Finally, this project will project strategically link Australia's net zero targets with global renewable energy goals, focusing on sustainable material innovation and domestic manufacturing to deliver both environmental and economic benefits.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Creative Currents: art, marine science & narratives in ocean climate... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Reduce hallucination in large language models via knowledge-based reasoning. This project aims to address the critical challenge of hallucination -- a phenomenon where generative AI models produce information that appears plausible but is factually incorrect -- with a focus on news fact-checking. This project expects to advance knowledge in detecting and mitigating hallucinations by developing innovative techniques for integrating external factual knowledge into AI models. Expected outcomes of this project include a suite of innovative techniques to enhance AI models' capability to reason and generate grounded information for complex fact checking tasks. This should provide significant benefits, such as improved reliability for generative AI systems and more effective combat against misinformation at scale. Field of research: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science Generative AI is a rapidly developing technology that demonstrates remarkable capabilities in producing human-like language and solving complex problems in mathematics and other sciences. Australia has quickly embraced AI technologies, ranking fourth globally in the adoption of generative AI. However, a critical challenge remains: despite their fluent language, generative AI systems can produce false or ungrounded information. At the same time, the issue of factuality and misinformation is well recognized beyond generative AI. The spread of online misinformation poses significant cybersecurity risks in Australia. This project will develop advanced technologies to enhance generative AI systems with the ability to reason logically and minimize generation of false information. Additionally, it will also create innovative solutions for automated fact checking AI-generated content. This project will enhance the reliability and factual accuracy of AI systems for fact-sensitive applications, addressing a critical need across Australia. The innovative solutions developed in this project will deliver wide-ranging benefits to Australians, particularly by enhancing the efficiency of fact checking services and strengthening the fight against misinformation at scale. To maximize impact, project outcomes will be actively communicated to industry stakeholders and the broader community through seminars, professional publications, and a dedicated project website.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Low-carbon pavement stabilisation technology utilising pyrolysed food waste. This project aims to investigate a novel and environmentally friendly pavement modification technology utilising pyrolysis by-products derived from food waste. It expects to generate new knowledge of the fundamental physics and underlying mechanisms governing the use of biochars and their synergistic physio-chemo-mechanical interactions with asphalt and soils to improve the entire pavement structure. Expected project outcomes include insights into next-generation roads, new recycling technology, innovative materials, sophisticated numerical framework, and environmental impacts. This would deliver long-lasting pavements and a circular solution to food waste and provide significant environmental, economic, and social benefits. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering Traditional road improvement relies on cement or lime, causing high carbon dioxide emissions and brittle roads prone to cracking and failure. Food waste is an underutilised resource that places significant stress on waste management systems and produces harmful greenhouse gases during landfill decomposition. The Australian Government aims to reduce landfilled food waste by 50% and achieve 80% recovery by 2030. Moreover, Australia generates substantial demolition waste, further straining our environment. This project aims to comprehensively tackle these challenges by developing an innovative, sustainable, cost-effective method to convert food waste into commercially viable materials for the entire pavement structure. This research fills a critical gap in Australia’s efforts to build a greener future by addressing the dual challenges of waste management and sustainable road construction. It will evaluate food waste decomposition at high temperatures for utilisation in next-generation pavements to deliver high-performing, long-lasting roads. The project outcomes have the potential to significantly reduce food and demolition wastes, repurposing them as valuable construction materials while providing considerable economic, social, and environmental benefits. This project aligns with global sustainability goals and positions Australia as an innovative, eco-friendly construction leader. Findings will be disseminated through journals, conferences, industry workshops, and media.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Protein-based quantum sensors: a new tool for biology Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Lab-on-a-chip hyperspectral microscopy based on graphene metalenses. This project aims to develop a miniaturised lab-on-a-chip hyperspectral microscopy (HM) system using integrated ultrathin graphene metalenses. Its applications span across various fields due to its ability to provide detailed chemical, molecular, and structural information. This project expects to generate new knowledge in developing novel metalenses with engineered dispersion in a broad bandwidth and entirely new design principles and HM systems. Expected outcomes include a new HM system prototype for expanded broad applications and the related new design and manufacturing methods. This should provide significant benefits, such as enhancing advanced manufacturing capability in Australia and making potential commercial benefits. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering This project aims to develop the world's first miniaturised lab-on-a-chip hyperspectral microscopy (HM) system. This system can provide microscopic features and colour information about a sample to precisely decide its material composition, which is essential in industries including biomedical research, material science, environmental monitoring, and agriculture. However, current HM systems are bulky (meter scale) and expensive and require substantial time and effort in sample preparation and data acquisition. We propose a new working principle to improve compactness (around ~1cm) and reduce costs (less than 1% of current HM systems) using graphene metalenses, significantly simplifying the entire process and minimising the time and effort. The outcome will benefit the Australian economy by producing lab-on-a-chip HM systems and promoting their adoption in the abovementioned industries. Socially, the HM system can find potential applications in daily life, such as identifying harmful substances in food and water. The research impact will be maximised beyond academia by engaging with key global stakeholders in optical microscope manufacturers and microfluidic device firms through conferences and collaborations, publications in open-access journals, and patents to facilitate commercialisation. Outreach activities with local schools, public lectures and device demonstrations will further promote understanding and adoption of the HM technology, ensuring broad societal benefits.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Strengthening Australia's response to our increasingly toxic unregulated... Category: Medical Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Advanced Nano-hybrid Materials for Energy Storage Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Spacetime emerging from quantum information. This project aims to explain how spacetime may emerge from quantum information, addressing shortcomings in quantum field theory to make it fit better with gravity. Inspired by ideas from image compression and the physics of sound waves, the project will use innovative tools like wavelets, holography, and sonic relativity to develop a new framework for understanding emergent geometry and relativistic phenomena. Expected outcomes include advanced computational techniques which can be tested on mature quantum technologies, and insights into the fundamental nature of spacetime. This research promises to foster scientific innovation and provide valuable training opportunities for researchers in some of the most challenging problems in the field. Field of research: 5108 - Quantum Physics This project explores a bold idea: that space and time themselves might arise from the same principles used in modern technology. For example, the techniques that compress photos (for sharing on social media) will help us learn about how quantum theory fits with gravity—the biggest open problem in physics today. If successful, our findings could also streamline how scientists handle massive data in advanced experiments, leading to faster, cheaper operation of future quantum devices. These methods might also spur new ideas in data compression and machine learning, which could benefit fields like medical imaging or climate science. By blending fundamental research and practical applications, the project will train a new generation of experts in quantum computing and data analysis—critical to Australia’s growing tech sector. In doing so, it will strengthen our links with top research groups worldwide, attracting fresh ideas, funding, and job opportunities to local universities and industries. Beyond these immediate gains, this work taps into our deep fascination with how the universe operates. By studying how spacetime might emerge from quantum processes, we aim to spark public interest, drive innovation, and keep Australia at the forefront of science and technology. We will share findings through journal articles, conferences and popular media such as The Conversation, while working with educators to turn new insights into teaching resources for a lasting impact.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Strengthening Solidarity: Asia Pacific artists & ethical cultural exchange. The project aims to enhance regional connections across the Asia Pacific by defining and testing innovative models for cultural exchange. The project expects to generate new knowledge about community-centred art practices, which enables and is enriched by the growth of reciprocal transnational solidarities. Expected outcomes include the creation of an ethical framework for collaboration between artists and strengthened cultural mobility networks. It seeks to provide benefits that include broadening the reach and power of Australia’s diverse First Nations and non-Indigenous cultural practitioners, enriching the lives of communities and audiences by strengthening cultural diplomacy capabilities and advice for decolonising cultural policies. Field of research: 3606 - Visual Arts Australia is expanding its cultural diplomacy efforts in the Asia Pacific through international art exhibitions and educational exchange programs—but there is a lack of understanding of the value created for artists and local communities. Further, Indigenous perspectives and collaborative ways of working are often overlooked when making cultural policies, making Australia’s efforts in the region less inclusive and sustainable in the long run. This research explores how intercultural collaboration between First Peoples and non-Indigenous artists working with local communities in Australia, Indonesia and Nepal can help shape more ethical ways to doing cultural diplomacy. By working directly with artists and cultural leaders through deep people-to-people connections rooted in local traditions and practices, it aims to develop more respectful ways of working together that can lead to meaningful and sustainable exchange and collaboration. By focusing on how community-centred art practices can strengthen both local and regional relationships, this research shapes more inclusive cultural policies, diplomatic approaches, and contributes to decolonising art theory. The findings—shared through reports, academic writing, and creative works—will guide ethical ways to engage with culture through inclusive policies, build capacity for local creative communities, and strengthen Australia’s leadership through meaningful intercultural exchange across the Asia Pacific region.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Highly Selective Membranes for Sustainable Lithium Extraction and Recycling. This project aims to develop next-generation lithium extraction technology by scaling up highly lithium-selective membranes for sustainable recovery and recycling. This project expects to address critical challenges in ion selectivity, scalability, and sustainability, enabling the efficient extraction of lithium from brines and leach liquors of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) while minimising environmental impact. Expected outcomes of this project include an energy-efficient, eco-friendly process by integrating high-performance separation technologies, reducing LIB waste, and supporting Australia’s lithium circular economy. This should provide significant benefits, such as enabling a sustainable and cost-effective lithium supply chain. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering This project addresses the urgent need for sustainable lithium extraction and recycling by developing next-generation ion channel membranes with high lithium selectivity and permeability. Current lithium extraction methods rely on chemical-intensive, energy-consuming, and environmentally harmful processes, while the disposal of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) contributes to significant waste and pollution. Using metal-organic frameworks as ion filters, this project will fabricate cost-effective, highly selective membranes capable of one-step, energy-efficient lithium extraction from brines and recycling from spent LIBs. By offering a cost-effective and scalable alternative to conventional mining and recycling methods, this research will position Australia at the forefront of sustainable lithium production and critical mineral technologies. This project will provide economic, environmental, and commercial benefits by enhancing Australia’s lithium industry and minimizing environmental impact through reducing reliance on toxic chemical separation methods. It will support sustainable resource management policies, collaborate with industry partners for commercialisation, and share findings through media outreach and government collaboration. By promoting widespread adoption, this research will help Australia maintain its leadership in next-generation lithium extraction and recycling, strengthening supply chains for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Micronutrient-based Nanozymes for Modulating Redox Homeostasis in Plants. This project aims to modulate redox homeostasis in plant systems and enhance resilience to environmental stresses, such as drought and heat, through the development of micronutrient-based nanozymes. It expects to generate new knowledge in nano-enabled plant stress tolerance, plant immune system enhancement and nanobiotechnology via plant nanobionics approaches. Expected outcomes include functional nanozymes with biocompatibility, precise targeting of plant organelles, tunable redox regulation capabilities and enhanced micronutrient availability. This will significantly benefit sustainable agriculture, promote climate-resilient farming and food security, and indirectly support Australia’s efforts toward carbon neutrality by 2050. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering To address the challenges of environmental stress in agriculture, this project aims to develop micronutrient-based nanozymes to modulate redox homeostasis in plants, enhancing resilience to drought, heat and other abiotic stressors. By using nanobiotechnology and plant nanobionics, it will generate new knowledge in nano-enabled plant stress tolerance, immune system enhancement and redox regulation, contributing to climate-resilient farming and sustainable agriculture. The project will deliver functional nanozymes with biocompatibility, precise organelle targeting, tunable redox modulation and enhanced micronutrient availability, improving crop health and productivity while reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers. These advances align with Australia’s sustainability goals and carbon neutrality efforts by 2050, as healthier, more resilient crops contribute to carbon sequestration and reduced agricultural emissions. By reducing plant vulnerability to extreme weather, the project supports food security, efficient nutrient utilisation, and long-term agricultural sustainability. Additionally, it offers economic and commercial benefits, including opportunities for patents, technology transfer and global partnerships in sustainable agriculture. To maximise impact, we will collaborate with industry, policymakers, and farming communities, ensuring broad adoption through scientific publications, industry conferences and strategic partnerships.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Making histories: Young people as visual historians of changing cities . This project aims to address the growing gap between young people’s experiences of urban change and authorised histories of Australian cities. The project expects to produce more inclusive knowledges and understandings of urban change using an innovative approach which engages diverse young people as documentary photographers and historians of life in Melbourne and Geelong. Expected outcomes include entry of young people's photographs into national records as historical evidence and an educational model for museums that centres youth voice and agency. This should provide significant benefit by improving public understandings of diverse visual cultures and histories as called for by the Australian Government’s cultural inclusion priorities. Field of research: 3601 - Art History, Theory and Criticism Young people are at the forefront of historically significant change in Australian cities. Youth-led movements for social justice and equity are reshaping Australian cities, but have yet to be entered into the historical record. The Making Histories project will create visual histories of Melbourne and Geelong that reflect young people's experiences of social change in these two cities. Working in partnership with state libraries and museums, young people from diverse cultural backgrounds will receive training as documentary photographers and historians of urban life. An innovative model will be co-designed with young people and intercultural experts to create new pathways for young people's photographic evidence to be entered into museums. This will generate new understandings of documentary photography as a form of public history making and civic participation. The project will provide cultural benefit by developing new knowledge and resources for inclusive history making in public museums through community-sourced photographic media. Social benefits include increased capacity for museums and communities to work together to build public understandings of Australia's diverse urban histories and communities, delivering on the Australian Government's Multicultural Framework Review (2024). Outcomes will be shared through exhibitions, a museum-based public program, and a new model for museum education that increases social awareness of Australian cities, histories, and peoples.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Lab-on-a-chip hyperspectral microscopy based on graphene metalenses Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

3D composites for fire-proof EV charging facilities in bushfire-prone areas. This project aims to develop fire-resistant and functional three-dimensional woven composites for protecting electric vehicle charging infrastructure in bushfire-prone regions by advancing material design, fire modelling and scalable manufacturing. It expects to generate new knowledge in fire-safe composite materials through innovative combinations of cost-effective flame retardants, structural optimisation and embedded sensing. Expected outcomes include composite systems tailored to bushfire exposure, manufacturing-ready prototypes and strengthened industry collaboration. This should provide significant benefits in supporting safe transport electrification, enhancing bushfire resilience and advancing Australia’s manufacturing capabilities. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering This project will develop advanced fire-resistant and functional composite materials to improve the safety and resilience of electric vehicle charging stations in bushfire-prone areas across Australia. As part of national efforts to reduce emissions and facilitate the transition to electric transportation, charging infrastructure is required for deployment in regional areas where bushfire risk is high. Current composite materials used in charging housing units are not designed for such conditions, leaving this critical infrastructure vulnerable. This project will address this gap by creating three-dimensional woven composites with integrated flame retardants, structural optimisation and sensing technologies. The project is strongly supported by an industry partner contributing funding, facilities and leadership to enable commercial translation. Outcomes will benefit Australians by enhancing community safety, supporting sustainable transport infrastructure, and advancing Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability, aligned with national Net Zero and resilience priorities. The project will also provide valuable training for early-career researchers and PhD students in fire-safe materials and engineering. Outcomes will be promoted through direct industry engagement, contributions to national standards, and partnerships with regulators to drive real-world adoptions.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Creative Currents: art, marine science & narratives in ocean climate action. This project explores how art-science collaborations enhance ocean stewardship, focusing on kelp restoration and ocean conservation in the Great Southern Reef through technology-driven creative expression. Using shared fieldwork technologies, virtual/augmented reality, and interactive installations, we expect to make marine science more accessible and emotionally resonant. This should generate new knowledge on ocean health communication and creative technology's role in public engagement, addressing barriers to climate activism. Expected outcomes include new frameworks for ocean stewardship and impact assessments of art-science initiatives, benefiting ocean conservation and improving community resilience in protecting marine ecosystems. Field of research: 3699 - Other Creative Arts and Writing This project addresses critical challenges in climate change communication and action, directly benefiting Australia’s coastal communities by focusing on kelp forests of the Great Southern Reef. This project advances National Science and Research Priorities 2 (Supporting Healthy & Thriving Communities) and 4 (Protecting and Restoring Australia’s Environment) by pioneering new climate change narratives through multimodal learning, interactive technologies and community-led conservation. By using innovative methodologies and tools – virtual reality, hydrophones, and underwater drones – we foster deeper public engagement with oceans. This transdisciplinary ocean literacy approach moves beyond human-centric storytelling toward inclusive, solutions-focused climate narratives. Working with the Great Southern Reef this project empowers coastal communities to deepen connections with marine ecosystems. Collaborating with artists, scientists, and Indigenous knowledge holders, we develop innovative frameworks that challenge traditional barriers between disciplines. Via outputs including a new conceptual and practice-based framework, public exhibitions, arts-based programs, and educational resources, the project sets a global benchmark for creative, technological approaches to coastal sustainability. This research is essential for fostering cultural and behavioural shifts in climate action, enhancing coastal stewardship, and strengthening Australia’s resilience against climate change.