RMIT University

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Manganese-induced oxidative transformations of soil organic matter. Manganese oxides are powerful catalytic agents in soil with major implications for carbon cycling. This project aims to unravel how manganese minerals interact with organic matter and their role in terrestrial carbon and nutrient cycling. This will be achieved by combining controlled laboratory experiments with advanced analytical techniques, including synchrotron-based spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Expected outcomes include transformative new insights into how manganese oxides modify soil carbon storage, with implications for carbon sequestration and nutrient release. This should provide significant benefits, including supporting better environmental management strategies and contributing to climate resilience Field of research: 4106 - Soil Sciences Manganese minerals play an important role how carbon and nutrients (e.g. phosphorus) move through the environment, but we do not fully understand how they interact with soil organic matter. This is a significant gap in current understanding of how soil landscapes store soil carbon, which represents the largest store for carbon on earth. This project will study how manganese minerals interact with organic matter and how this affects soil health and carbon storage across diverse climates and landscapes, such as the Pilbara region, Victoria and north Queensland. The knowledge gained will help scientists and land managers better manage soils, refine soil carbon modelling estimates, and support healthier ecosystems. This research will also help us understand how soils store carbon, which is important for managing climate change. In addition to freely available published journals, scientific conferences, and farmers groups, the new knowledge will be shared in news articles, social media, and other publicly accessible media sources (e.g. radio and television).

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Breakthrough Lattice Metamaterials with Programmable Properties. This project aims to design and investigate a groundbreaking class of metal lattice metamaterials that integrate programmable mechanical properties with sound-absorbing capabilities, tailored for cutting-edge engineering applications. This project expects to generate new knowledge in lattice design, acoustic engineering, and advanced laser additive manufacturing. Expected outcomes include novel design frameworks for these unique metal lattice metamaterials, as well as a pioneering understanding of the underlying coupling mechanisms between mechanical and acoustic properties in intricate lattices. This should significantly advance the science and engineering of multifunctional metamaterials, drive innovation in Australian manufacturing. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Cutting-edge engineering systems require materials that concurrently provide structural integrity and effective noise control. A prime example is aircraft engine ducts, where acoustic liners must endure high-pressure airflow loads while absorbing noise. However, conventional structural designs often fall short, requiring bulky soundproofing layers that compromise efficiency. This project introduces a groundbreaking approach to lattice metamaterials, using computationally designed architectures to achieve exceptional structural integrity and sound absorption. Their programmability enables precise control over mechanical and acoustic responses through tailored topology. Integrating cross-disciplinary expertise with advanced laser-based additive manufacturing, this work enables the fabrication of intricately engineered structures. The outcomes promise substantial benefits to Australia economically, socially, and environmentally. These novel lattice metamaterials can significantly enhance infrastructure by enabling quieter, stronger, and more durable engineering solutions. They also support sustainable manufacturing by optimising material usage and minimising environmental impact. To maximize impact beyond academia, the project will engage industry stakeholders to drive product innovation and expand market reach. These engagements are expected to accelerate technological adoption and strengthen Australian manufacturing, aligning with the Future Made in Australia initiative.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Fully Printable Low-Dimensional Perovskites for Sustainable Memory Devices. This project aims to create a new class of environmentally friendly, low-dimensional perovskites and pioneer inkjet printing techniques for multifunctional memory devices. These devices are designed to respond to both electrical and optical signals, opening up new opportunities for sustainable electronics. This project expects to yield fundamental insights into perovskite properties and memory mechanisms by establishing structure-property-performance correlations. Expected outcomes include novel device concepts and manufacturing approaches that can be scaled up. This should provide significant economic and societal benefits to Australia by supporting advanced manufacturing and positioning the nation at the forefront of memory technologies. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Australia’s growing digital economy and emerging artificial intelligence era demand advanced electronic technologies that can secure national prosperity and environmental safety. To this end, this project will create new lead-free, printable semiconductors—known as low-dimensional perovskites—to fabricate multifunctional memory devices. These devices are engineered to respond to both electrical and optical signals, using less energy, reducing waste, and operating reliably under everyday conditions. It fills a gap by providing more efficient, low-cost, and safer alternatives to traditional chips made by resource-intensive, toxic processes. The lead-free approach protects the environment and enhances safety, aligning with national sustainable development goals. Expected benefits include stimulating advanced manufacturing, creating skilled jobs, and reducing reliance on imported electronics. To maximise impact, findings will be regularly shared through social media and public lectures. Collaboration with electronics manufacturers and materials companies will be sought through targeted workshops. In addition, partnerships with research organisations and government agencies responsible for advanced materials and electronics will be actively pursued. Through publications, patents, and these outreach initiatives, this project seeks to disseminate cleaner and more efficient electronic technologies developed in Australia, ensuring positive impacts on the nation’s economy and society.

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

Micronutrient-based Nanozymes for Modulating Redox Homeostasis in Plants Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Protecting Australia from Online Abuse: Making Online Safety Work for All. This project aims to design and evaluate novel safety features to protect vulnerable Australians from experiencing abuse on social media. By collaborating with affected users and experts in design and policy, the project expects to create user-centric, feasible safety features that move from reactive measures to preventive community-based interventions. Expected outcomes include validated prototypes demonstrating effective approaches, design guidelines for cross-platform implementation, policy recommendations ensuring adoption, and frameworks to assess future interventions. Benefits include advancing Australia’s online safety research and enhancing digital well-being of vulnerable users who rely on these platforms for social connectedness. Field of research: 4608 - Human-Centred Computing Over 70% of Australians have experienced at least one incident of online abuse from offensive comments to targeted hate speech - primarily on social media. This threat particularly impacts vulnerable communities - including gender-diverse people, people with disabilities, and culturally diverse Australians - for whom these platforms are vital lifelines to connect with community, explore their identity, and access support services. While these groups face more risks online, they have little say in developing safety features, resulting in measures that neither prevent abuse nor enable safe participation. This project will unite affected users with policy and design experts to develop improved safety features with a dual focus: preventing abuse and building user resilience. The project offers social benefits by empowering communities to shape their online safety before they abandon platforms or face policies restricting access. Economically, these measures will reduce the $3.7 billion Australians spend on mental health care and lost income due to online abuse, while supporting the government’s $2.0 billion digital safety investment. Commercially, platforms will gain ready-to-implement safety solutions developed with their users. Ongoing collaboration with policymakers, platforms, and community advocates throughout the project, combined with research summits, media engagement, and publications, will ensure outcomes translate into practical safety improvements for all Australians.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Secure Deep Learning Inference with Privacy Protection. This project aims to investigate output privacy risks and develop corresponding mitigations for secure deep learning inference. This project expects to advance knowledge of how prediction outputs from secure inference are exploitable, the extent of privacy breaches, and strategies to safeguard output privacy. Expected outcomes of this project include a formal trust model characterising output privacy in secure inference, principled attack methodologies unveiling the risks, lightweight privacy-enhancing mitigation techniques, and a practical system solution for real-world applications. This should provide significant benefits such as facilitating AI-powered industries to uplift their businesses in a secure and trustworthy fashion. Field of research: 4604 - Cybersecurity and Privacy Secure deep learning inference enables organisations with AI models to provide Deep Learning as a Service (DLaaS) for their end-users without revealing sensitive data carried by the data and AI models to each other. It is considered as a key enabler of trustworthy AI services. Legitimate secure inference results can still be exploited by AI attacks to recover the AI model and its training data information, eventually resulting in an output privacy breach. This project will investigate output privacy risks that hinder the practical deployment of secure deep learning inference and then enable new mitigation technologies to remedy the risks. The proposed technologies will directly benefit enterprises, governments, and Australian citizens by safeguarding their valuable AI models and private end-users data. The outcomes will enable Australia to strengthen cybersecurity and AI sectors and further promote disruptive technologies such as AI-powered applications in healthcare and finance. Beyond economic benefits, this project will enhance national cybersecurity capabilities thwarting AI-centred cybercrimes, alleviate public privacy concerns in adopting AI, and foster confidence in a trustworthy AI ecosystem. A practical system solution will be developed to maximise real-world adoption, complemented by collaborative demonstration projects and targeted training workshops to promote these advancements across digital and AI-driven industries.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Explainable anomaly detection in heterogenous knowledge graphs . This project aims to develop ground-breaking deep learning-based tools for anomaly detection in heterogeneous knowledge graphs, with a focus on payroll anomaly detection. It expects to generate new knowledge in modelling payroll records as heterogeneous graphs and applying AI techniques for accurate and interpretable anomaly detection. Expected outcomes include an automated payroll analytics system for real-time identification of anomalies, such as fraud and underpayments. This should provide significant benefits, such as improving financial data analysis, enhancing compliance with labour laws, and reducing legal and financial risks through early detection of payroll anomalies. Field of research: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science Ensuring fair and accurate payroll is essential to protecting workers and maintaining trust in Australian businesses. Mistakes in payroll systems, such as underpayments, duplicate records, or missed entitlements, can result in significant financial penalties, legal issues, and reputational damage. This project will develop cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help businesses automatically detect irregularities in payroll data, making it faster and easier to identify errors or signs of fraud. The research will explore advanced methods known as heterogeneous knowledge graphs, which are used for linking and analysing payroll records to uncover hidden issues in large and complex datasets. The outcomes will support continuous monitoring of payroll processes and enable payroll teams to provide ongoing oversight, prevent underpayments, reduce compliance risks, and ensure staff are paid correctly. By working closely with the industry partner, we will embed this technology into real-world software systems used by Australian businesses. To support broader impact, we will promote our outcomes through industry workshops, open-access publications, and collaboration with regulators and professional bodies. This project will support ethical business practices, strengthen workplace protections, and ensure payroll compliance across Australia’s workforce.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Modernising Testing and Emission Profiling of Residential Wood Heaters. This project aims to improve how we measure efficiency, smoke, and pollution from residential wood heaters. Wood heaters are widely used across Australia but can release harmful fine particles into the air, especially when used in ways not reflected by current testing methods. The project seeks to create new, more accurate testing and design tools that better reflect real-life use. These tools are expected to help manufacturers design cleaner heaters, give regulators better data to protect public health, and support sustainable wood heating and cleaner air in Australian homes and communities. The work is expected to directly benefit industry, government, regulators and the public by supporting cleaner and safer heating options. Field of research: 4011 - Environmental Engineering Residential wood heating remains essential for many Australians, particularly in colder and remote regions. While wood heaters can offer a renewable, low-cost energy source, their widespread use contributes significantly to urban and regional air pollution, especially PM2.5 emissions. Current emissions standards in Australia are based on laboratory tests that poorly reflect real-world conditions- limiting their regulatory effectiveness and placing public health at risk. This project aims to deliver Australia’s first scientifically validated real-world testing and design protocol for residential wood heaters, incorporating advanced combustion imaging, real-time particulate diagnostics, and computational emissions modelling. These innovations expect to enable more accurate assessment of wood heater performance under Australian conditions and provide robust data for regulatory reform. The project aligns with national priorities in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, environmental health, and the National Clean Air Agreement. It is expected to support Australian industry by providing manufacturers with tools to optimise heater design, accelerate certification, and increase global competitiveness in a growing $10B market. Led by RMIT and Deakin in partnership with the Australian Home Heating Association, this project represents a high-impact collaboration that will deliver clear benefits to public health, the environment, and sustainable industry development across Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Advanced Nano-hybrid Materials for Energy Storage . This project aims to generate new knowledge in flexible energy storage by advancing material development and understanding critical interactions that influence performance. It focuses on designing advanced materials with improved ionic conductivity, flexibility, and stability, alongside scalable fabrication methods. Outcomes include strengthening Australia’s leadership in driving advancements in energy materials and fabrication methods, novel manufacturing, and supporting renewable energy adoption. The research aligns with national priorities, providing foundational insights to enable innovative energy solutions and future material advancements. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering There is an urgent need for new materials and technologies to relieve the pressure from the ongoing depletion of fossil fuels and ever-growing energy demands. This project aims to design and develop flexible ‘solid-state zinc batteries’ – which is a type of battery that uses zinc and nano-sized materials to store and release energy with high efficiency. Unlike traditional batteries that use liquid electrolytes, wearable solid-state batteries use solid nano-sized materials to conduct electricity, which makes them safer and more efficient. They are commonly used in flexible devices – like health monitoring, movement tracking, and smart clothing – and are strong, long-lasting and environmentally friendly. Research project outcomes include new ideas in material manufacturing and the creation of low cost and safe batteries. These outcomes will support Australia’s economic development and reduce reliance on non-renewable energy resources for Australian industries. The research will be shared with industry and government to work together to commercialise the battery technology for wide-spread use across Australia. The team will also attend conferences and publish journal articles to communicate their research.

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.

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.

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

2D MOF membranes for efficient biodiesel production from waste cooking oils. This project aims to develop innovative membrane technology to convert waste cooking oils (WCO) into biodiesel via an energy-efficient single-step process. This project expects to overcome major limitations of current WCO treatment methods, which are energy-intensive and unsustainable, by enabling simultaneous conversion and separation using advanced membrane technology. Expected outcomes of this project include a cost-effective and scalable dual-function membrane platform for biodiesel production, reducing the waste management burden and supporting Australia’s circular economy. This should provide significant benefits, such as alleviating sewer blockages, lowering operational costs, and establishing a sustainable waste-to-fuel value chain. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering This project addresses the urgent need for sustainable biofuel production by developing innovative catalytic membranes for converting waste cooking oils into high-quality biodiesel. Current biodiesel feedstocks often compete with food sources and involve costly, inefficient processing, while waste cooking oils significantly contribute to sewer blockages and environmental pollution. This project will utilise advanced catalytic and separation technologies to convert low-value waste cooking oils into clean, renewable biodiesel through a single-step and energy-efficient process. By offering a cost-effective and scalable solution for waste-to-fuel conversion, this research aims to position Australia as a global leader in sustainable biofuel development and circular waste management. The project will deliver economic, environmental, and industrial benefits by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, mitigating waste disposal challenges, and creating new value chains in waste-derived energy. It will support national net zero targets, engage with industry partners for commercial deployment, and share outcomes through public outreach and policy collaboration. By enabling widespread adoption of this technology, the research will strengthen Australia’s leadership in renewable energy and low-emission transport fuels, enhancing energy security and advancing a circular economy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Adapting to climate change in the Australian music festival ecosystem . This project aims to boost the resilience of the Australian music festival ecosystem by increasing understanding of climate change risks and how to reduce them. The project will generate new knowledge on the structure and stakeholders of the music festival ecosystem, and where vulnerabilities to climate change exist or are likely to emerge. Expected outcomes of this project include co-designed tools that reduce threats and increase adaptive capacity of festivals, and that can be translated to other performance and events sectors. This should provide significant benefits such as protecting the high cultural, economic and social value music festivals create, including their contribution to social bonds needed for collective adaptation. Field of research: 4702 - Cultural Studies Climate change is already affecting Australia’s 500+ annual music festivals, with rising disruptions and cancellations putting significant strain on the industry and disrupting the social, cultural and economic benefits festivals create. To date, however, there has been little research on what is needed for festivals, their wider industry and the broader music, cultural and events sectors to adapt well. This project brings together leading academics, national and state governments and peak bodies to address this question. Building on extensive pilot work, this research will co-design bespoke products (including adaptation strategy, updated industry guidelines) and events (industry workshops, policy briefings) to educate and enable the sector. The benefits of this will include more effective festival organising maximised for climate resilience, ensuring the protection of the economic benefits of festivals, especially to regional and rural areas, and the preservation of the community-building and social cohesion benefits that result from successful festival delivery, thus increasing Australia’s overall climate resilience. Finding will be communicated directly to festival organisers and industry through Partner Organisations and industry conferences, including through inclusion in existing trusted industry information sources, and to policy makers through workshops and advocacy by Partner Organisations connected to government.

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.

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

Can quantum computers solve sensing problems? Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Can quantum computers solve sensing problems? This project aims to tackle the critical challenge of integrating quantum sensors with quantum computers, unlocking their combined potential for transformative applications. It expects to integrate quantum sensors into quantum computers, enabling practical, large-scale, high-sensitivity precision measurement and computational advancements. Expected outcomes include capacity building, forging collaboration between the sensing and computing communities and advancing applications in magnetometry, gravimetry, astronomy, and medical imaging. This work will significantly enhance scientific and industrial capabilities while strengthening Australia’s leadership in next-generation quantum technologies. Field of research: 5108 - Quantum Physics The global investment in quantum technologies is around $55B. Australia has been at the forefront of quantum computing for more than 20 years now. Quantum sensors are the future and have transformative potential in defence, communications, healthcare, and resource exploration. Real-world implementation remains hindered by noise, decoherence, and computational complexity in optimising sensor states. This project will address this knowledge gap by applying quantum computing techniques to quantum sensing, ensuring Australia remains at the forefront of quantum technology. By supporting Australia’s national quantum investment, this project will strengthen national security, technological sovereignty, and economic resilience, ensuring long-term strategic benefits for Australian industries and society. This project will develop new, foundational knowledge that will be disseminated to the academic community through journal publications. In time this knowledge will translate to the commercial world in the way that quantum computing has moved from academia to global companies such as Google. The team will continue to strengthen ties with industry partners, government agencies, and experimental collaborators to shape the development of next-generation quantum technologies. Findings will be translated and promoted through joint workshops, open-source tools, policy engagement, and public outreach, maximising impact beyond academia.

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

Shadow Money: A Comparative Analysis. This project aims to understand how new forms of "shadow money” – or digital tokens created by non-bank financial actors – are reshaping systems of exchange. The project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of digital economies. Through an innovative interdisciplinary approach, using digital ethnography and legal analysis, the research project examines the design, implementation, and impact of tokenisation strategies. Expected outcomes include insights into the efficiencies and inefficiencies of tokenised systems, contributions to legal and regulatory frameworks, and guidance for industries navigating digital economies. This should provide significant benefits for Australia’s next generation financial and compliance infrastructure. Field of research: 4410 - Sociology The proposed project aims to supply critical knowledge to advance our understanding of how digital tokens are transforming systems of payment and exchange. In March 2025 the Australian Government issued a statement underscoring the opportunities afforded by digital assets for new products and productivity gains. These include streamlining payment systems and transforming how we invest and do business. However, there is a critical need to identify future opportunities as well as impending risks and liabilities to ensure that innovation occurs in a context of increased certainty. This project responds to this need by conducting in situ case studies of digital token implementation. The research will identify the design, usages, benefits and challenges of digital tokens for the payments and exchange sectors. It will generate a knowledge base for relevant stakeholders and thus enhance informed decision-making for industry actors, consumers, and regulatory agencies. The research outcomes will be disseminated through academic publications and policy reports, which will be shared with regulatory bodies, such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and industry associations, such as the Global Business Blockchain Council. The findings will also be made available to future government review committees and in relevant industry events, such as the Australian Blockchain Policy Forum.

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.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Young Creators Lab: Gaming the Curriculum. This project aims to investigate the pedagogical value of digital game creation by expanding a museum-based Young Creators Program connecting youth (10–16), industry professionals, and schools. The project expects to generate new knowledge in curriculum design and game-based learning through an innovative, interdisciplinary approach. Expected outcomes of this project include enhanced cross-sector collaboration, improved methodologies for student-led learning and cultural production, and stronger student wellbeing. This should provide significant benefits such as increased critical and creative thinking, improved access to cultural learning for remote students, and greater educational impact for national cultural institutions. Field of research: 3901 - Curriculum and Pedagogy This project aims to explore the educational value of digital game creation through a museum-based Young Creators Program that brings together young people (10–16), educators, industry professionals, and schools. By positioning students as active creators of cultural content, the program supports engagement in STEM, the arts, and digital literacies—key priorities for Australia’s future workforce. It will generate new knowledge in curriculum innovation and game-based learning, offering evidence-based insights into how creative, student-led approaches can improve learning outcomes, inclusion, and wellbeing. It will also demonstrate how national cultural institutions can play a greater role in education by connecting schools and communities through accessible, future-focused programming. Benefits to the nation include: enhanced critical and creative thinking skills among young Australians; increased access to quality digital and cultural learning experiences, particularly for students in regional and remote areas; and stronger partnerships between education, industry, and cultural sectors. By equipping students with skills in collaboration, design, and digital technologies, this project supports Australia’s innovation agenda and contributes to a more equitable and creative education system. Featured outcomes beyond academia to ensure adoption include roundtables with cultural institutions and policymakers, an international summit, and creative engagement workshops.

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

Fully Printable Low-Dimensional Perovskites for Sustainable Memory... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Low-carbon pavement stabilisation technology utilising pyrolysed food... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Protecting Australia from Online Abuse: Making Online Safety Work for... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Manganese-induced oxidative transformations of soil organic matter Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research