Curtin University

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

A global fireball observatory. This project aims to expand the Desert Fireball Network (DFN) and build a Global Fireball Observatory. Nearly everything known about the origin and evolution of the solar system comes from analysis of meteorite falls, but scientists have almost no constraint on where they come from. This project will address this constraint by tracking hundreds of meteorite falls, and pinpointing each one’s origin in the solar system. Benefits include capitalising on the innovations and technologies that underpinned the DFN, and leveraging a NASA partnership for administrative support and advanced instrumentation development. Tracking for space situational awareness is also expected to benefit Australian national security. Field of research: 0403 - Geology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

A multi-agent system for stakeholder management in off-site construction. This project aims to investigate a socio-technology model for stakeholders and informatics to improve off-site construction (OSC) productivity in infrastructure construction. A multi-agent system for OSC could drive down cost, but requires highly integrated collaboration among stakeholders. The project’s quantitative approaches include large-scale social network analysis, multi-agent consensus modelling and an optimisation algorithm for collaborative planning. The project outcomes are expected to secure long-term economic benefits by enhancing performance in complex projects. Field of research: 1202 - Building

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Navigating urban spaces. This project aims to study how disabled people use smartphones to navigate the urban environment. Smartphones could improve urban accessibility and social participation for people with impairments. The project will study how this group uses smartphones to mitigate the effects of their impairments and compensate for inaccessibility in urban spaces. The study is expected to comprehensively map mobile phone use in urban space to inform design of the urban space, and the development of apps as disabled people integrate with these spaces. This project intends to address wider problems related to the social participation of people with disability. Field of research: 2001 - Communication and Media Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Signal separation and tracking for augmented hearables and wearables. This project aims to develop augmentation technology in hearables, via solutions for source separation and tracking. Hearing is one of the five human senses. Augmented hearables or wearable devices with augmented hearing would extend and enhance hearing. New hearables could enable clear and natural hearing aids, suppress a partner’s snores, alert the wearer to the sounds of pending danger, and even perform automatic in-ear language translation. Field of research: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Automatic construction monitoring through semantic information modelling. This project aims to develop computational algorithms and methods for automatic as-built construction monitoring through semantics-based Building Information Modelling (BIM). Construction as–built monitoring is crucial for the cost, time, quality and safety of projects. Methods for generating as-built status are primarily manual. There are gaps in sophistication of automation, and recognition for semantic construction information during the process is low. The project is expected to provide efficient and accurate solutions for as-built construction monitoring. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

A screening tool to identify safer biodiesels. This project aims to identify what makes an optimal biodiesel in terms of minimising toxic exhaust outputs (environmental effects) and effects on health. Biodiesel, which can be made from virtually any natural oil, is seen as a healthier, environmentally friendly alternative to mineral diesel, but some biodiesels are worse than others. By studying exposure and analysing biodiesel exhaust, this project will develop a screening algorithm to assess biodiesels for their environmental effects and their risk to health. Outcomes are expected to guide industry in producing an alternative fuel. Field of research: 1117 - Public Health and Health Services

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Exploring solar system origins with the Desert Fireball Network. This project aims to explore the science delivered by the Desert Fireball Network (DFN), a continent-wide facility comprising dozens of observatories across remote and regional Australia, tracking material entering the atmosphere. Meteorites record early solar system processes, but there is no constraint on where they come from. Precise orbits for recovered meteorites can solve that problem. This project will use the largest dataset of fireball orbits ever acquired, while a supercomputer imagery archive provides a way-back machine for researchers. DFN tracking of satellites, debris re-entry and overseas rocket launches directly benefits Australian national security and a mature outreach programme aims to deliver the outcomes of this research to the public. Field of research: 0403 - Geology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Intra-household resource allocations of older couples. This project aims to analyse processes and outcomes within older households using national, large-scale representative data and mixed methods research design. In an ageing population where households are becoming responsible for provisioning retirement needs, understanding what happens in older couple households is important. The project expects to influence policy by generating evidence relevant to the design of regulations governing the allocation of superannuation assets, tax incentives for alternative forms of retirement savings, asset and income tests on the Age Pension, and initiatives targeting older Australians’ financial literacy. Field of research: 1605 - Policy and Administration

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Rethinking higher education persistence. This project aims to address the issue of early departure from university. Many students leave higher education and disproportionate numbers are from educationally disadvantaged groups, including first-in-family learners. Too often, the individual learner is 'blamed' for this departure and perceived as deficit in necessary knowledge. This project extends previous research into how first-in-family students manage and engage with higher education. Expected outcomes include knowledge about university persistence behaviours and a capabilities informed framework to design and implement future retention strategies. Field of research: 1608 - Sociology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Digital China: From cultural presence to innovative nation. This project aims to investigate how digital platforms and technologies help Chinese culture and ideas reach the world. While China's global cultural presence has increased, it is not seen as an innovative nation. The project examines how the Chinese government’s internet+ strategy changes power dynamics among political institutions, commercially motivated digital companies and online communities. The project will investigate internationalisation strategies and consumption of Chinese culture on digital platforms in China, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea. It expects to understand the implications of China's digital ascendency and the lessons for Australia in the post-resources boom era. Field of research: 2001 - Communication and Media Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Decoding the chronology of Mars. This project aims to determine a detailed and accurate geologic timescale for Mars, using image processing, high performance computing, geochemistry and geochronology. Mars is the nearest possibly habitable planet to our own. The project will apply automated feature recognition techniques to high resolution space-craft derived images of the surface of Mars and study formation ages of Martian meteorites. The goal is an absolute chronology for Mars. This contributes to a better understanding of the geologic and habitability history of Mars, facilitating both future mission landing site selection and providing context for comparison to the early history of Earth. Field of research: 0403 - Geology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Oxy-cofiring of bio-slurry and coal for carbon-negative power generation. This project aims to study co-firing characteristics of bio-slurry fuels and coal under oxy-pulverised-fuel (oxy-PF) conditions. Oxy-PF stationary systems can capture the renewable carbon embedded in bio-slurry fuel from biomass pyrolysis for sequestration, leading to carbon-negative power generation. The expected outcomes are critical knowledge and data regarding the underlying thermochemical reactions responsible for the co-pyrolysis, volatiles/char co-firing and ash formation from bio-slurry/coal co-firing under oxy-PF conditions. This is expected to enhance Australia's competitive advantage in clean power generation through high-impact scientific and technological innovations, and strengthen the related knowledge and skill base in the country. Field of research: 0904 - Chemical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Unraveling the geology of Mars. This project aims to use a suite of innovative conceptual and technical tools that target specific weaknesses in existing Mars exploration programs – where comparatively modest investment could deliver transformative change in one of the largest global research efforts, on which current expenditure is in billions of dollars. The project expects to provide context for the geologic processes that affected Mars. Expected outcomes include a better understanding of the habitability and geological history of Mars as well as facilitating both future mission landing site selection and providing context for comparison to the early history of Earth. Field of research: 0403 - Geology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Coral resilience and the optimal management of biodiversity. This project aims to examine the resilience of coral biodiversity to disturbances and build on recently developed genomic resources to explore the genotypic traits that confer thermal tolerance. The project will research how coral biodiversity responds to climatic disturbances; the potential for acclimation and adaptation; and the best ways to monitor, manage and restore biodiversity. The project is expected to generate tangible outcomes and strategies to optimise the management of Australia’s coral biodiversity while engaging the public through museum-based outreach, in collaboration with government, regulatory sectors and an industry group. Field of research: 0502 - Environmental Science and Management

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Metal boranes as energy materials. This project aims to develop cheaper and better performing energy storage solutions using metal boranes. New materials are needed to advance energy storage technologies. This project will design metal boranes and their derivatives to tackle energy storage as solid-state electrolytes for battery applications, and as thermochemical energy storage materials It will investigate the thermochemical energy storage properties of metal boranes for high temperature solar thermal energy storage applications. Field of research: 0204 - Condensed Matter Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Revealing the beneficial effects of acoustic stimulation on the human brain. This project aims to provide greater understanding of the neural mechanisms by which initiation of motor responses can be improved by unexpected auditory stimulation. Initiating motor actions appears natural and effortless, but is underpinned by complex neural mechanisms that are not well understood. Using novel brain stimulation techniques, the project aims to assess the potential for properly timed strong sensory stimulation during movement preparation to induce neural plasticity and motor learning. This knowledge would have important implications across a number of fields, including neuroscience, sports science, and applied ergonomics. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Environmental DNA: Integration of new methods to enhance marine management. Environmental DNA: Integration of new methods to enhance marine management. This project aims to develop new environmental DNA (eDNA)-based methods of managing humanity’s impact on valuable marine resources. eDNA preserved in seawater provides a lens to study and monitor marine biota and ecosystems. This project will work with fisheries managers and the environmental consulting sector, and focus on sites in the Kimberley, Cocos-Keeling Islands, Fremantle and Deep-sea oil/gas sites to demonstrate the value of eDNA methods in best-practice monitoring. A multi-proxy toolkit (including eDNA) that can audit and baseline marine biota could make balancing conservation and sustainable exploitation achievable. Anticipated outcomes are improved management and monitoring of fisheries, ports and offshore oil/gas sites. Field of research: 0502 - Environmental Science and Management

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

CO2 Utilisation for Energy Storage. This project aims to develop a novel technology that can convert carbon dioxide into useful products while storing intermittent renewable energy as green stable chemical energy. The project plans to focus on the development of a robust cathode for the conversion of carbon dioxide with optimum physical and chemical structure to achieve long-term stable performance. This technology would make a significant contribution to increasing the proportion of renewable energy in our energy supply and reducing our carbon dioxide emissions. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Uncovering molecular pathways to minerals for control of crystallisation. This project aims to increase our knowledge of the processes of mineral formation and crystallisation. Minerals play a vital role in our environment, for example as reservoirs for carbon dioxide, while also substantially contributing to the Australian economy. Conversely, undesirable formation of minerals can be detrimental to industries from the oil/gas sector through to desalination. Despite the benefits that would come from controlling such crystal growth, progress has been limited by the lack of a complete understanding of how minerals form at the microscopic level. This project aims to combine computer simulation, using the latest petascale resources, with experimental data to yield knowledge that would allow us to manipulate minerals, such as calcium carbonate, with the same control found in nature. Field of research: 0307 - Theoretical and Computational Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Ancient genomics of Western Australian taxa to inform conservation management. The project aims to apply genomic approaches to infer the genetic health and evolutionary history of three threatened, iconic Western Australian taxa: black cockatoos, ghost bats and woylies. Genomic data provide a powerful lens through which to study species, but the applications of genomic techniques in conservation biology have been sparse. Effective restoration and conservation initiatives require an understanding of species' former population sizes, connectivity and biodiversity. The project seeks to elucidate the population genetic, phylogenetic, and conservation genetic parameters of the three species at the genomic level using DNA isolated from modern and ancient sources (eg museum skins and fossils). The information gained may inform conservation efforts for some of Australia’s endangered biota. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Bewildering Animals: Towards A New Philosophical Ethology. This project aims to develop a new field of inquiry: philosophical ethology. Ethology is the scientific and objective study of animal behaviour. At a time of dwindling habitats and biodiversity loss, new insights into animal cognition, technology and culture have unsettled the traditional view of animals as merely reactive machines. The project aims to conduct a historical, conceptual and epistemological study of the sciences of animal behaviour, and to provide conceptual resources for understanding human relations with wildlife. Its goal is to develop new insight into changing human and natural systems and contribute to debates in the environmental humanities and animal studies. Field of research: 2002 - Cultural Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Improving transient performance for systems with multiple inputs/outputs. This project aims to develop and test new mathematical techniques for the improvement of transient performance in tracking control systems. The fundamental problem to be addressed will be the design of controllers to rapidly track constant and time varying target reference signals without overshooting or undershooting for multiple-input multiple-output systems/plants. These new methods aim to offer improved accuracy and speed in many engineering applications. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Expanding our view of the Universe with the Murchison Widefield Array. Expanding our view of the Universe with the Murchison Widefield Array: This project aims to build a Phase 2 Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) to boost the capabilities of the Phase 1 MWA by an order of magnitude. The Epoch of Reionisation (EoR), when the first stars and galaxies lit up the universe, is the last unstudied phase of cosmic evolution. The MWA is at the frontier of EoR research and all-sky survey astrophysics, is the only low frequency precursor for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), and is the only SKA precursor delivering science quality data. This project to construct a Phase 2 MWA would double the number of antennas in the array, double the maximum baseline length, and boost our all-sky survey and EoR capabilities. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Development of sandwich structures to mitigate blast and impact loading. Innovative sandwich structures with Prismatic Hexagonal-like form and polymeric foam material are proposed in this project and should lead to better designs for structure and personnel protection. Critical civil infrastructure such as government buildings might be subjected to severe blast/impact loads during their lifetime, which may lead to catastrophic consequences. Therefore, protective techniques are desired to increase the resistance capacity of critical structures against blast/impact loads. The expected outcome is to develop an innovative sandwich structure with new structural forms to mitigate blast/impact loads for better structure and personnel protections. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Innovative High Temperature Carbon–Air Batteries for High Power Generation. The project intends to develop carbon-air batteries which are expected to have energy density 10 times that of lithium-ion batteries. The battery is designed to use naturally-rich carbon as fuel, highly energy-efficient solid oxide fuel cells as electrochemical reactors, and an integrated mixed conducting ceramic membrane for in situ carbon dioxide separation. The success of this project would provide us with a low-carbon energy system based on Australia’s rich coal resources. New knowledge about carbon dioxide separation may also facilitate carbon dioxide sequestration in other fields. Field of research: 0904 - Chemical Engineering