RMIT University

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Uncovering the molecular mechanisms of potassium channel activity. The aim of this project is to determine the mechanisms of protein-mediated potassium ion transport across cell membranes. It will combine advanced simulations, structural biology and electrophysiology to describe the detailed molecular processes underscoring calcium-activated potassium channel conduction, gating and inactivation. The expected outcome is an improved description of how ion channels recognise and respond to physiological stimuli to control electrical signalling the body. Our results will provide benefits in the form of basic understanding relevant to ion transport phenomena in biological systems, and atomic-level views of nervous system function to guide future directions in pharmacology. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology This project aims to provide fundamental explanations for ion transport processes in the nervous system that are central to life. It will lead to new understanding of potassium ion channels that will assist in the development of improved drugs to treat a range of neurological disorders, including epilepsy, stroke and chronic pain, each representing significant social and economic burdens on the Australian public. One example, chronic pain, affects over 4 million Australians and is estimated to cost $30 billion per year. Pinpointing the molecular processes that turn on and off these channels will allow for targeted interventions in future. Moreover, improved descriptions of ion permeation will help guide developments in advanced materials, such as ion channel mimetic membranes for efficient water desalination; being a high priority for Australian agriculture and its growing cities. This project represents cutting-edge interdisciplinary and international collaboration, employing the latest experimental and computational technologies, leading to improved Australian competitiveness in biotechnological research.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Laser nanoprinting of active graphene micro-tag for terahertz digital ID. This project aims at harnessing the unique THz response of laser nanoprinted graphene metamaterials and developing disruptive micro-tag technology. Through actively tuning the structured metamaterials, THz micro-tags with ultrahigh data security and energy efficiency, low cost, flexibility and attachable to any object can be enabled. Such high performance graphene THz ID tags will be first of their kind and are expected to underpin every sector of our life including manufacturing, logistics, biomedicine, personal care, supply chain, retail and security. The outcomes will secure Australia’s international leading position in next generation tag and digitalisation technology and create significant social and economic benefits to Australians. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology This project will deliver a wireless-charging graphene terahertz ID (THID) tag prototype supported by cryptography coding that can be flexibly integrated into any product or object. Such compact and low-cost graphene IDs will be first of their kind and expected to find broad applications in manufacturing, logistics, biomedicine, personal care, supply chain, retail and security. By combining THID with blockchain technology, secure transactions can be guaranteed through both unique hardware and software, providing double insurance on data security, making the supply chain predictive, transparent with improved tracing and tracking capability. These can help to build company success, customer satisfaction and community trust. This project can advance both scientific knowledge and innovative technologies in the fields of nanotechnology and energy efficiency, which form an indispensable foundation for digitisation. The outcomes will secure Australia’s international leading position in this fast-expanding field in the next decade and thus can create significant social and economic benefits to Australians.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

New biocompatible titanium alloys for next-generation metallic biomaterials. This project aims to develop a new class of titanium alloy biomaterials with enhanced mechanical compatibility, biocompatibility, and bio-functionality. The project expects to generate new knowledge in phase transformation mechanisms and advanced surface modification techniques for these alloys. Expected outcomes also include developments in phase transformation theories that enable high yield strength and low Young's modulus, and innovations in manufacturing techniques for new titanium alloys. This project will provide significant benefits to both Australian healthcare providers and bone-implant recipients through greater implant lifespans, improved patient outcomes and valuable savings to the healthcare system. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering Australia’s Medical Technologies, biotechnology and Pharmaceutical (MTP) sector comprises 1230 companies, generates employment for over 62,000 employees and delivers $4.9 billion gross value to the Australian economy. MTP is the 10th largest export sector in the Australian economy, generating 5720 additional industry jobs and a growth in exports of 29% between 2015 and 2016. The proposed project aims to develop new titanium alloys as metallic implant materials with excellent biocompatibility, mechanical compatibility, and bio-functionality. The new materials can provide load-bearing capacity and integrate with host bone tissue without causing adverse physiological responses, benefiting recipients with reduced healing times and greater implant longevity. The expected outcomes of this project can reduce costs to patients, hospitals and society at large in Australia, and further benefit the Australian MTP sector with new knowledge, new materials and advanced manufacturing technologies, assisting Australia to become an international leader in advanced biomaterials and manufacturing.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Bioprogramming the behaviour of nanoparticles in live cells by nanoscopy . The project aims to develop safer materials that are sustainably sourced from sweet corn, and investigate using advanced imaging technologies, how these materials are processed in biological systems, including human and plant cells. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the optimal design of materials that can be used safely and effectively in biological applications in medicine and in agriculture. Expected outcomes of this multidisciplinary project include a library of highly biocompatible nanomaterials and expanded knowledge on imaging technologies and structure-function relationship of nanomaterials in biological cells. This should provide significant benefits, such as improved crop yields and safer transfection agents. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology This project will develop safer and biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based nanomaterials using phytoglycogen, a naturally occurring nanoparticle sourced from sweet corn. Corn is a significant crop in Australia and the development of added value products from this renewable and available resource will increase the profitability of Australia corn producers. The derived biodegradable nanomaterials will have applications in pharmaceuticals and agriculture, and will cement Australia’s leading position in materials science. Through advance imaging and spectroscopy techniques, a deeper understanding of the interactions between biological systems and nanomaterials will be achieved towards transformative new applications in bioscience and training of multidisciplinary scientists.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Mechanisms and Platforms for Acoustomicrofluidic Intracellular Delivery . This project aims to advance a novel platform to facilitate faster and more effective molecular transport into cells as a means for enhancing cell engineering. Besides elucidating the fundamental physicochemical and biological mechanisms underpinning this new method of intracellular transport through a combination of theoretical modelling and advanced imaging and neutron diffraction, the project aims to show the scalability of the technology for high throughput processing to handle the large cell numbers typically required for doses to be effective in practice. Given recent breakthroughs in cell therapies, it is expected that translation of the technology in the longer term will improve treatments for cancer and other infectious diseases. Field of research: 0910 - Manufacturing Engineering Molecules can cross cell membranes more easily when exposed to high frequency sound. This project seeks to understand the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon. This new knowledge could be used to enhance cell engineering technology that will benefit diverse fields such as medicine, agriculture and environmental science. Further developments to the technology beyond this project could eventually lead to improvements to treating diseases such as cancer, thus benefitting Australia’s socioeconomic outcomes by providing more efficient and lower cost healthcare technologies. The technology would also be useful for engineering plant cells to develop pest, fungal or drought-resistant crops to benefit related fields such as agriculture technology and environmental sciences. The translation and commercialisation of the technology is expected to provide economic opportunities for Australian biotechnology industries to exploit in the emerging market of cell-based engineering and therapeutics, in which there is strong interest and growing demand.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Deep Timetable: A Noongar Rail History. This project aims to clarify the impact of the railway on Noongar people and Country. Rail infrastructure across south-western Western Australia exploited an older network of Aboriginal pathways; dislocated Noongar families found relocation through rail employment. Working closely with Noongar knowledge custodians the Project aims to reconstruct this hitherto overlooked history using a Noongar narrative framework - where storytelling actively maps Country and kinship relations - to plot the relationship with the emergent rail network. The Project will advance a new relational logic and a history that enhances the capacity of regional planning and development authorities in their future relationship with Indigenous people. Field of research: 2103 - Historical Studies By recovering the contribution Noongar people (Western Australia) have made to the development of the Western Australian rail network, the Project establishes the role Indigenous people played and continue to play in building the nation’s infrastructure. By telling this history from an Indigenous point of view, the Project contributes to a better understanding of the impact of colonial expansionism and contributes to the national project of reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Australia’s non-Indigenous communities. Explaining the direct relationship between labour and land, the Project contributes to historical acceptance, greater social cohesion, improved bicultural environmental stewardship and national unity.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

5G and the Future of Public Telecommunications. This project aims to examine the rollout of 5G and assess the implications of this emerging technology for public telecommunications from the perspective of multiple stakeholders (including emergency services). 5G will radically transform the role and function of the telecommunications sector, and this project will examine the evolution of public telecommunications as part of this larger transformation. It will provide an evidence base for stakeholders and chart a new role for public telecommunications during a period of structural change. It will also help scholars reconceptualise core tenets of public telecommunications policy. Benefits include the more efficient use of public resources in the telecommunications sector. Field of research: 2001 - Communication and Media Studies Next-generation 5G wireless technology stands to radically transform how various stakeholders interact with the telecommunications sector. If the transition to this new technology is well-managed, Australia could realise substantial economic benefits. However, this requires an appropriate regulatory mix. This project will help Australia prepare for a 5G future by outlining how existing commitments and obligations to public telecommunications should be reconceptualized following the adoption of next generation 5G wireless networks. This will assist government in understanding how to best to translate the important regulatory levers that support public aspects of the telecommunications system, from the delivery of emergency notifications to the universal service guarantee, in a changed economic and technological context. The project will directly inform and enable policymakers and provide wider benefits to the Australian public.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Two-dimensional transition metal nitrides for energy applications. This project aims to develop novel nanomaterials for sustainable energy applications such as blue energy generation and energy storage. The focus is to explore novel 2D transition metal nitride nanomaterials and their advanced heterostructures with large specific surface area, high electrical conductivity and chemical stability. The expected outcomes include development of high-performance devices such as osmotic energy harvesting devices for blue energy generation and micro-supercapacitors for energy storage. This should promote the growth of sectors in advanced materials, sustainable energy generation, smart energy storage and manufacturing, bringing efficient energy generation and storage system benefits to the Australia and the world. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology There is an urgent need for new technology and advanced materials for the continued development sustainable energy generation and storage capability. This project seeks to develop a highly versatile and innovative research platform for the fabrication of functional 2D nanomaterials and their advanced heterostructures with large specific surface area, high electrical conductivity and good chemical stability. These novel materials can be assembled into devices such as micro-supercapacitors for smart energy storage and high efficiency blue energy harvesting. The outcomes will enhance research and innovation in materials science, nanotechnology, and energy science, and lead to advances in the advanced materials industry and sustainable energy applications in Australia. It is anticipated that these outcomes will inspire new ideas in advanced nanomaterials, production of novel heterostructures, sustainable energy materials and industries, addressing the need for increased clean energy generation and diversification of advanced manufacturing in Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Smart Wireless Radio Environments for the 6G Era. This project aims to revolutionise radio signal propagation and information transfer by developing “smart” wireless radio environments. Using Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS), the smart wireless network can transmit information without generating new signals but recycling the incoming signal. However, as an emerging technology, fundamental analysis – in terms of rate, reliability, and efficiency – is needed to understand the performance of RIS-empowered wireless networks. Expected outcomes include new communication-theoretic models and the enabling technologies to realise them in practice. These smart environments have the potential to offer “greener” and more "seamless wireless connectivity" for the future wireless network. Field of research: 1005 - Communications Technologies Australia’s Tech Future sets out to deliver a strong, safe and inclusive digital economy. This requires key technology and regulatory reforms in telecommunications, and network infrastructure that supports an advancing digital economy. Over 70 per cent of all businesses in Australia have identified mobile internet and access to secure, high-speed and inexpensive telecommunications and mobile networks as extremely important for their businesses. This project aims to advance the development of Smart Wireless Radio Environments empowered by cost effective Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces, which can be integrated into the existing infrastructure such as along the walls of buildings in mega-cities and shopping malls. Seamless connectivity and improved energy efficiency are guaranteed while reducing energy consumption, and consequent carbon emissions.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Exploring the bio-nano interface in plants to enhance crop growth. This project aims to improve the delivery of nutrients and therapeutics to plants by understanding their interactions with nanomaterials. This will create new knowledge on the impact of air, water, and soilborne nanomaterials utilizing cutting-edge bio-nano characterization techniques, innovative lab testing, and high-throughput nanoparticle coating and screening. Expected outcomes of the project include 1) an understanding into how nanomaterial coating technologies impact nanomaterial properties, which will 2) shed light on how nanomaterials interact with plants, which leads to 3) breakthroughs in using nanomaterials to deliver nutrients, fertilizers, and pesticides to boost crop yields and productivity in Australian agriculture. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology This project will pioneer advanced manufacturing principles to generate a library of nanomaterials that enhance the growth, resistance, and overall yields of plants, all of which will promote Australian agriculture, and in turn the Australian economy and commercial industries. Additionally, this project will demonstrate how plants can mitigate damage from environmental nanomaterial contaminants like pollution and wastewater, which could shed light on the persistence of nanomaterials in the environment and lead to methods to improve air and water quality. Australian agriculture and related sectors account for over 10% of GDP, however improvements due to technological innovation have been trailing the gains seen in many established and modernizing countries. Therefore, cutting-edge research is needed to push agriculture gains to maintain the economic strength in the sector and insulate the sector from adverse environmental or biosecurity events.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Perovskite-Based Ferroelectrics for Solar Fuel Production. This project aims to develop perovskite-based ferroelectrics for photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction to produce solar fuels. It is expected to reveal the relationship of ferroelectric polarisation and photocatalytic behaviour, thereby promoting solar energy utilisation and greenhouse gas reduction. Expected outcomes include delivery of a novel family of chemically and structurally controlled ferroelectrics and catalytic reaction prototypes for efficient carbon dioxide photoreduction, and in-depth understanding of structure-performance correlation to guide future polar catalysts design. This project should provide significant benefits in minimising fossil fuel consumption, increasing energy security, and expanding clean energy industry. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering This project has significant benefits for Australia’s energy and environmental security, and economic growth. It will deliver highly efficient photocatalysts and reaction prototypes for carbon dioxide reduction, so as to relieve greenhouse effect and accelerate the development of large-scale carbon dioxide utilisation for clean fuels (such as methane, methanol and carbon monoxide) production, by making use of the abundant and clean solar energy. The project will promote R&D of new-generation carbon dioxide photoreduction catalysts and techniques, which are highly promising for commercialisation and industry-level application, and put Australia at the forefront of the utilisation of carbon dioxide and clean energy. Therefore, it will bring substantial environmental benefit to Australia and the world, as well as reap huge savings for the clean energy industry. This project will also generate new advanced knowledge in the fields of materials science, nanotechnology, catalysis, clean energy and relevant engineering, thereby strengthening Australia's national research capacity in energy materials and technology.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Redesigning apartment policy standards for health and wellbeing. This project aims to examine the impact of apartment design standards on residents’ health and wellbeing. It seeks to (1) identify a refined set of evidence-informed quantifiable policy standards that protect residents’ health and wellbeing; and (2) evaluate their uptake by industry and barriers to implementation. Many design standards are based on intuition and experience rather than empirical evidence, and little is known about whether the standards and thresholds stipulated are sufficient to support health. Expected outcomes include tailored policy-specific recommendations for design policy and the planning of apartment precincts. Benefits include the delivery of convivial, equitable, healthy and sustainable apartment housing. Field of research: 1205 - Urban and Regional Planning This project will produce new knowledge to guide the content and implementation of apartment design policies, and the planning of apartment precincts. By understanding the design standards that make apartments an appealing and healthy living arrangement, and prioritising them in apartment design policies, this project has the potential to ensure apartment buildings include the design features that promote social, physical and mental health outcomes for residents. The project will help reduce social and health inequalities by facilitating the inclusion of healthy design standards in more affordable apartments. Further, by ensuring apartments include the design features that make them a viable and favoured housing choice, the project will contribute to environmentally sustainable development by reducing urban sprawl.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Characterisation and Prevention of Vibration-Induced Drowsiness in Drivers. The present CIs have demonstrated that vibrational frequencies of 4-7 Hz entrain brainwaves associated with the onset of sleep. Our unpublished pilot data show that higher vibrational frequencies can restore alertness. Thus future vehicle design could dampen 3-8Hz vibrations while higher frequency vibrations could counteract drowsiness or stimulate alertness. This project aims to: i) develop novel equivalent drowsiness contours for the effects of physical vibration on driver drowsiness that will form the basis of a new industry standard for transportation safety; ii) develop an innovative vibration regime to improve alertness. This research will reduce transportation injuries and deaths by enabling the design of safer transport vehicles. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology Expected outcomes of this project include a new method to predict the effects of physical vibration on driver drowsiness, and a proven regime for delivering intermittent vibration to restore alertness by brainwave entrainment. This novel method will enable the Australian transport industry to play a significant role in the development of new systems to improve transportation safety, thereby creating commercial opportunities for the Australian transportation industry. The wide-spread deployment of intermittent vibration to induce wakefulness will reduce transportation injuries and deaths, save the Australian health system significant costs, and reduce the cost spent repairing/replacing damaged transport vehicles. This reduction of injuries and deaths will also provide significant social benefits to the Australian community. This project is aligned with Sustainability Development Goal #3.6 of the United Nations 'By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents', and will assist Australia to meet its international commitments to improving global health and well-being.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

High yield adaptive laser nanomanufacturing system for photonic devices. This project aims at developing an entirely new nanofabrication platform combining adaptive beamshaping with highly accurate large area nanopositioner to simultaneously address the throughput and accuracy challenges in nanomanufacturing. The proposed prototype system and fabricated photonic chips have performance far surpassing the state-of-the-art. Through trial in the industrial best laser nanofabrication system, commercial benefits can be fast tracked for Australian industry in the rapidly expanding nanomanufacturing field. The outcomes lead to a platform technology enabling broad impact and benefits to other high-tech applications requiring high precision and throughput, enhancing Australia’s leading position in advanced manufacturing. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology Direct economic and social benefits of the project will be achieved through lifting the productivity and economic growth of Australian industry in high value adding nanomanufacturing. Existing nanofabrication tools are too expensive for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to invest in. With the great cost-effective capability provided by this project, manufacturers are able to set up production line to large scale manufacture high precision devices and novel materials, such as all-optical communication chips, energy harvesting devices, lab on a chip devices and photonics devices, with significantly reduced start-up and running costs. New business opportunities will be enabled in high-tech consumer products leading to more jobs. Therefore, this project firmly fits into the Strategic Research Priorities of Lifting the Productivity and Economic Growth and meet the objective to promote national and international research partnerships between researchers and business, industry, community organisations and other publicly funded research agencies.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Primary teachers' adaptive expertise in interdisciplinary maths and science. This project aims to investigate the development of primary teachers’ adaptive expertise in interdisciplinary mathematics and science. As a critical component of quality teaching, adaptive expertise is essential for teachers to innovate their teaching to enhance student learning and interest, yet little is known about its development. The project aims to explore how adaptive expertise can be fostered through classroom innovations purposefully co-designed by teachers and researchers in the context of interdisciplinary mathematics and science. Expected outcomes include a better theoretical understanding of adaptive expertise in the context of interdisciplinary mathematics and science to benefit teacher learning and improve student outcomes. Field of research: 1302 - Curriculum and Pedagogy Knowledge and skills in mathematics and science are essential for young people to understand the world around them and to prepare them for future studies and jobs. However, (inter)national tests in mathematics and science consistently demonstrate a decline in both achievement and interest of Australian students in these subjects. Since student interest and achievement in primary mathematics and science strongly predicts uptake and success in these subjects later in life, primary teachers are key to reverse these trends. Interdisciplinary approaches to teaching mathematics and science have been shown to lead to deeper learning, enhanced engagement and development of skills such as problem solving, creative and critical thinking. Teachers need to develop adaptive expertise in order to teach mathematics and science in interdisciplinary ways. This project aims to contribute to the design of teacher professional learning programs that effectively foster the development of such expertise, leading to improved student achievement and interest in primary mathematics and science.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Stream Data Classification in the Age of 5G Networks. This project aims to develop a novel stream data classification model to handle the challenges in the era of 5G networks, such as the scope of the stream data, the complexity of their relationship, the diversity of contained information and the incorrect readings of numerous sensors. The project addresses a significant knowledge gap by exploring and modelling the stronger correlation between data instances in the streams. The outcome is a system that is highly efficient, accurate and corrupted-data-tolerant classification solutions for individual stream data as well as multiple stream data. The expected benefits will be far-ranging and adaptable to many domains, such as smart home, medical and healthcare, transportation and manufacturing. Field of research: 0806 - Information Systems "The internet provides a wealth of data that is not easily interpreted due to its size, continuously changing nature and complexity. Computer scientists seek to capture, classify and analyse this data more effectively to allow governments and companies to make more informed decisions. This project aims to create a new tool for capturing, classifying and analysing digital data from multiple sources including 5G networks. We expect the tool will enhance data driven analysis and decision-making in a range of Australian and global industries, including government agencies, emergency services, law enforcement and national security. The project outcomes will benefit Australian businesses by giving them the capability to monitor complex systems such as production lines, running machines, market changes based on various financial stream data, and shifts in customer preferences based on continuous social media data. This project will consolidate Australia’s competitive advantage in this field, which could well lead to economic benefits for all Australians in the future.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Developing new, high-performance titanium alloys by metal 3D printing. This project aims to develop a new class of titanium alloys by 3D metal printing that have excellent mechanical properties. The project expects to develop the knowledge to overcome the problems of conventional titanium alloys that have undesirably coarse columnar-grained microstructures. The expected outcome is a new design strategy for the use of 3D printing to make metal alloys This should lead to the widespread adoption of 3D metal printing for the production of structural parts for which reliably high-quality mechanical properties are of the utmost importance, and could transform the use of titanium in the biomedical and aerospace industries. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering This project will address the current shortage of titanium alloys specifically for metal 3D printing by developing new titanium alloys with greater strength than that currently used in industry. The new developed 3D printed titanium alloys to be delivered by this project have a great potential to meet the need for high mechanical performance applications in aerospace (e.g. structural components) and biomedical (e.g. implants, dental applications) industries. In addition, new alloys with high strength and optimum solidification behaviour are urgently needed to allow metal 3D printing to be a competitive manufacturing route for high performance components. This project will allow this to be realised and for Australia to maintain its lead in this rapidly developing field. On the other hand, the use of 3D printing for the production of these alloys will save on material, leading to significant cost/energy savings and reduction in carbon dioxide emissions comparing to the conventional foundry processing, hence benefitting to society and the environment.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Information Fusion for Tracking Objects in Large-Scale Sensor Network. This project aims to develop a mathematical framework to combine multi-modal information coming from multiple sensors. These mobile sensors will be spatially distributed over a large-scale area for the purpose of multi-object tracking. The main application of this framework is for cooperative perception for intelligent decision making. Expected outcomes include a novel technique to integrate receiving information from multiple mobile agents (e.g. vehicle) to enhance their ability to anticipate situations in dynamic environments and to act effectively to enhance safety. This should provide benefits for the development of cooperative autonomous driving to enhance road safety. Field of research: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering By 2056 the population of Australia is expected to reach 30 million people. This will give rise to more vehicles on our roads, exacerbating the issues of road safety, environmental pollution and congestion. Currently, about 1300 people die in vehicle incidents, and 36,000 are hospitalized in Australia per year. Furthermore, transport is the third-largest and fastest-growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia and annual congestion-related costs for the Australian economy is estimated at $40 billion by 2031. Improving the effectiveness of Australian transportation systems will have significant social, environmental and economic impacts. The outcomes of this project offer the potential to significantly improve decision-making mechanisms of future transportation systems. The major part of this promise is based on the development of a rigorous mathematical framework that provides the necessary perception and planning abilities for transportation systems, especially cooperative driving which will have positive social and environmental effects by reducing traffic accidents, traffic jams and pollution.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Ahead of the Game: Balancing the Gaming Industry and Public Interest. This project battles the risks and embraces the benefits of digital gaming. There is a risk that one loses control of their gaming and prioritises it over other duties. This is offset by the benefits of using digital games for health. It is the first to decode and use the health data embedded in the connection between the gamer and their game persona (avatar). It does this by concurrently assessing important gamer, family, cultural and game structure features. Findings will prompt the ethical growth of the Australian Health games industry and inform strategies to combat gaming disorder by tailoring games to users' needs. This will uniquely benefit Australians by re-directing this growing industry to better serve the public interest. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology The digital gaming field is a growing economic market for Australia and shows no signs of slowing down. It had a 25% rise, to a total of $4.029 billion in expenditure in 2018 with an estimated 70% of Australians gaming in some form/frequency. Local game production is a growing export industry, with $143.5 million in revenue and 1,275 full-time jobs (IGEA 2019). Moderate gaming has significant benefits, such as increased well-being and cognitive skills. These inform the development of games for health. Excessive gaming though is detrimental for mainly younger users, who experience depression, anxiety and productivity loss, raising public concerns. There is a need to develop national strategies to balance gaming benefits and risks with markets and public interest. Decoding the health information carried in the connection between the gamer and their in-game persona is a unique opportunity in that direction. Such knowledge will improve the health of Australians, whilst contributing to the expansion of the local game production industry into the “health-gaming” market segment (valued at 40 billion USD).

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

A global exploration of microbial carbon breakdown in wetland ecosystems. This project aims to investigate how plant litter breakdown in wetlands controls soil carbon preservation by identifying the climatic, environmental and microbial drivers of decomposition on a global scale. This project will generate new knowledge in the area of freshwater and coastal wetland ecology using interdisciplinary approaches in biogeochemistry and microbial ecology. Outcomes of this project include novel global datasets that will identify why some wetlands preserve carbon better than others and what management practices can enhance sequestration capacity. This should provide significant benefits, including advancing carbon-cycling models and predictions, and improving capacity to manage and restore wetland function. Field of research: 0503 - Soil Sciences Wetland ecosystems provide important services, including enhancing biodiversity, filtering pollutants and sequestering greenhouse gases. However, continued wetland degradation and loss pose a serious threat to the ecological, socioeconomic and climate-buffering services they provide to Australians. By examining the factors that have the potential to maximise wetland carbon preservation and sequestration, the project addresses government-identified priorities for research on climate change and soil health. This research will enable the identification of the conditions that maximise carbon sequestration, the understanding of the impact that management and restoration efforts have on current and future soil carbon preservation, and improved capacity and accuracy to predict carbon responses to environmental change. The outcomes can be utilised by Australian climate modellers, land managers, soil and wetland ecologists, and local communities to improve the evaluation of wetland ecosystem function, health and services.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Multifunctional Platform for Chemical Manufacturing and Energy Materials. We aim to establish the first platform in Australia for the continuous production and in-situ characterisation of molecules and nanomaterials. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of functional materials using an interdisciplinary approach. The expected outcomes will be a unique analytical capability for rapid screening of synthetic and operational parameters, and unprecedented fundamental insight into chemical reactions to inform the design and development of sustainable chemical processes. This proposal will provide significant benefits to cutting-edge research in catalysis, polymer engineering, separation science, CO2 capture and organic synthesis, to positively impact on the energy-manufacturing-environment nexus. Field of research: 0306 - Physical Chemistry (Incl. Structural) The Multifunctional Platform for Chemical Manufacturing and Energy Materials will underpin the sustainable manufacturing of clean fuels (notably hydrogen and biofuels from water, carbon dioxide and waste biomass), high value chemicals and advanced functional materials. Such technologies have the potential to enhance Australian energy security, and to strengthen and diversify the Australian agricultural, chemical manufacturing and medical sectors through new investment opportunities and associated job and wealth creation. Cleaner routes to renewable transport fuels and chemicals will reduce water and energy consumption, helping to protect and clean-up rural and urban environments and mitigate marine microplastic pollution, while novel polymer nanotechnologies will promote improved antimicrobial treatments and biomedical interventions. The Platform will promote scientific advances by researchers working across chemistry, chemical engineering and materials science through the discovery and optimisation of next-generation energy materials (notably catalysts and sorbents) and macromolecules.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

High speed multi-channel discharge machining of difficult-to-cut materials. This project aims to develop a novel approach to high speed machining of difficult-to-cut materials by resolving the contradictory surface quality and machining efficiency problem with a new theory. It is expected to advance the fundamental knowledge of electrical machining. The outcomes are new machining theories, novel methods and models of using multiple low energy sparks which occur nearly simultaneously for high speed machining of a wide range of advanced materials. It should significantly increase machining speed and thus dramatically reduce the costs of producing products such as titanium medical implants, alloyed engine components and new cutting tools which are vital for the biomaterials, aerospace and manufacturing industries. Field of research: 0910 - Manufacturing Engineering Nickel-based high temperature alloys, titanium alloys, ceramic composites and synthetic diamonds are important materials in the aerospace, biomedicine, defence and mining industries for the manufacturing of turbine blades, fuselages, medical implants, cutting tools, and high-performance drill bits for oil and gas drilling and rock mining. However, these materials are extremely difficult to machine due to their high strength and ultra-hardness. Their widespread application has been severely hampered by the high manufacturing costs caused by low machining efficiency. This project will address a world-wide need for high speed machining of difficult-to-cut materials by using a new theory. New knowledge and technologies of applying a large number of non-damaging sparks which can occur nearly simultaneously in the machining process will lead to significant reduction in machining time and dramatic reduction in manufacturing costs. This project will provide relevant companies with substantially increased productivity and will ensure competitive advantage for Australian businesses, domestically and internationally.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Creative industries pathways to youth employment in the COVID-19 recession. This project aims to accredit 21st century skills developed through youth arts. The significance of this project lies in our response to the increase in Australia’s youth unemployment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and industry demand for 21st century skills. Outcomes include pathways from arts to employment and job-ready skill development, through micro-creds that showcase skills to employers. Benefits align with UN Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5 and 8: to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, and promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Field of research: 2002 - Cultural Studies Australia’s Productivity Commission has noted that young people carry a heavy burden in the downstream of crises, citing strong historical evidence most recently from the Global Financial Crisis of 2008-09. Economic and social crises are predicted as a result of COVID, which entered a world dealing with the challenges and opportunities of the 4th Industrial Revolution and the climate crisis. In July 2020 youth unemployment in Australia sat at 16.3%. Governments, businesses and NGOs acknowledge the severity of this youth crisis, and the urgent need to develop interventions that provide innovative education, training and employment pathways. By instituting industry-focused accreditations of 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, leadership, persistence, this project will improve the economic and social inclusion of Australian young people. This, in turn, will increase the productivity of Australian industry, re-establish the value of high-quality arts education and address the deleterious effects of several social upheavals on Australian youth.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

ARC Research Hub for Transformation of Reclaimed Waste Resources to Engineered Materials and Solutions for a Circular Economy. This project aims to create new knowledge to reduce waste going to landfills and transform reclaimed waste into new materials for use in construction and other manufacturing sectors. It integrates multisector input and multidisciplinary academic research to address ten challenging waste streams. Expected outcomes are smart materials, socio-technical change, accelerated testing methods, predictive modeling, circular life cycle costing and a trusted evidence base. Outcomes will lead to commercial benefits as well as jobs and a significant contribution to addressing the pressing environmental impacts of waste production, management, and re-use. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering Through a comprehensive government-industry-academic collaboration, this research hub will deliver novel solutions for reclaiming Australia’s waste resources. It will achieve this by (1) developing a trusted evidence base to drive procurement decisions for sustainable products, materials, processes and behavioural practices (2) remove barriers for the uptake of solutions and (3) drive a transition in industry technologies, operations and practices. With Australian landfills expected to be at capacity by 2025 and governments urgently seeking solutions to the waste management crisis, the outcomes from this hub will enable Australia to progress towards a circular economy and contribute to the UN’s sustainable development goals. This project will help legislators develop implementable, evidence-driven guidelines for the safe use of recycled materials in civil infrastructure. It will also demonstrate the integration of these materials, manufacturing, and construction technologies to deliver solutions to reduce the severe shortage of materials in Australia’s construction industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

A nanodiamond voltage sensor: towards real-time, long-term neuronal sensing. This project aims to develop a voltage sensor that may ultimately be used to measure neuronal signals noninvasively in real-time and over hours. The project expects to generate the fundamental science needed to use nanodiamonds for fluorescence-based voltage sensing that can be easily measured using optical microscopy. The expected outcome is a biocompatible sensor that should provide a solution to one of the biggest challenges in neuroscience; the fast, precise and long-term measurement of neuronal activity. This technology may one day inform our understanding of how the normal brain works and provide major insights into mental health conditions and neurodegenerative diseases. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology