Curtin University

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Single-Molecule Circuitry for Nanoscale Electronic Devices. The aim of this project is to develop novel methods for forming robust single-molecule circuitry. The use of single molecules in electronics represents the next level of miniaturisation of electronic components, which would enable us to meet the expanding demands of modern technologies and to continue the downscaling trend in electronic devices. This project aims to address the requirements needed to translate single-molecule electronics from its current status as a fundamental tool to real-world applications. Key approaches will be the use of surface chemistry to develop new methods of wiring single molecules and the integration of robust single-molecule junctions with semiconducting electrodes. The expected project outcomes pave the way for single-molecule electronic and analytical devices. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Adsorptive removal of mercury from natural gas by carbonaceous material. The project aims to improve understanding of the adsorption mechanism of mercury removal from natural gas with porous carbon materials, by applying novel molecular simulation tools. An increasing number of Australian gas reservoirs have been found to contain higher levels of mercury than the specified safety, environment and product requirements. Although most of the current methods of mercury removal are based on adsorption technology, its development and use to full potential has been impeded by a lack of understanding. This project aims to investigate the fundamental mechanism of mercury removal from natural gas with adsorption methods at the molecular level. The project is intended to pave the way for optimal design of mercury removal systems. Field of research: 0904 - Chemical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Measuring the Universe’s early evolution using lunar occultations. This project seeks to measure a radio signal for the first time, using the Murchison Widefield Array telescope and a novel technique involving the Moon, to learn what luminous objects dominated the early Universe. There is an entire period in the early Universe that remains unobserved because familiar objects such as stars and galaxies have yet to form. One of the few observables from this period, and the time directly following it, is the radio signal emitted by neutral hydrogen atoms. Innovative analysis techniques may be developed and new training pathways for astronomers should be initiated. The Project aims to raise Australia’s scientific profile and engage the public, promoting astronomy by making results accessible and using the Moon as a familiar foundation. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Electrostatic Catalysis: guiding reactive interfaces using electric fields. This project seeks to gain quantitative understanding of the role of electrostatics over chemical processes. Chemical transformations of organic compounds at interfaces underpin some of the most important processes, from the production of fine chemicals for pharmaceuticals to assisting bio-degradation of pollutants in clean technologies. Recent computational studies suggest that by applying oriented electric fields at interfaces, the rate and the selectivity of chemical processes can be altered at will. The project intends to test these theoretical findings. The knowledge generated by this research may translate into new technologies for the fine-chemical and biotechnology industries. Field of research: 0306 - Physical Chemistry (Incl. Structural)

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Multi-object Estimation for Live-Cell Microscopy. The objective of this project is to develop new tools for the inference of biological information from live-cell data to facilitate analysis of experiments and speed up discovery in cell biology. The new tools would provide reliable, consistent inference requiring no manual intervention and able to process large volumes of data in a timely manner. This would equip biologists with a vehicle that could move them closer to the goal of understanding the mechanism behind biological processes. Field of research: 0104 - Statistics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Development of ambient cured high performance geopolymer composite. The project intends to develop an ambient-cured high-performance, sustainable, fibre-reinforced geopolymer composite for construction. Compared to cement, which is currently used extensively in the construction industry, production of the geopolymer material not only recycles industry wastes which would otherwise end up in landfills, but also consumes less energy and emits significantly less greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The composite is also designed to have a higher strength and deformation ability than cementitious material. The project plans to perform intensive experimental tests to determine the optimal mix for the best performing material, and develop material and numerical models to predict the responses of structures made from the composite when subjected to static and dynamic loads. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Cadmium-free one-dimensional colloidal nanocrystal heterostructures. The goal of this project is to develop innovative colloidal nanocrystal heterostructures to provide the basis for eco-friendly optoelectronic devices and photocatalysis as well as other advanced applications. One-dimensional semiconductor nanocrystals have desirable electronic and catalytic properties (a linearly polarised emission, large absorption cross section, reduced lasing threshold and improved charge separation and transport). However, present investigations of these materials are mainly limited to highly toxic cadmium chalcogenides. This project aims to explore a family of cadmium-free colloidal nanocrystal heterostructures with the desired properties. The project intends to investigate their growth mechanisms, properties and effects to support product development and advance the fundamental knowledge of electronics at the nanoscale. Field of research: 0306 - Physical Chemistry (Incl. Structural)

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Control and Optimization of Distributed Multiagent Formations. The project aims to develop a conceptual framework and algorithms for handling multi-vehicle formation control. Formations of unmanned airborne vehicles are currently used by defence forces and swarms of micro-vehicles are beginning to find increasing use in defence and for civilian emergency response, largely for surveillance purposes. Vehicles must cooperate to achieve a global formation objective, while respecting constraints on sensors, energy, and general mechanical limitations. The project aims to resolve the challenges of deciding what a single vehicle should observe, what and to where it should communicate, and how it should move in relation to what it sees. The conceptual framework developed may also be relevant in guiding future defence acquisitions and civilian applications. Field of research: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Assessment of past biodiversity through DNA preserved in bulk bone. This project aims to make a unique study of fossils to determine how the composition and biodiversity of ecosystems have changed in response to anthropogenic influences. Fossil bones provide a window through which to study past environments and how they have changed, and the stories these fossils tell can be further enhanced by ancient DNA analyses. This project plans to use bulk bone metabarcoding where hundreds of low-value (fragmented) bones are collectively ground together to provide a cost-effective genetic audit of fossil assemblages. Working on bone from across Oceania and south-east Asia, this project aims to provide a historical perspective on biodiversity. Understanding former ecosystem composition and extinction may facilitate effective restoration and conservation initiatives. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Indoleamides as Molecular Interventions for Tuberculosis. This project aims to develop chemical probes capable of inhibiting the transport of essential mycolic acid across the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The emergence of resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis necessitates the identification of new, validated biological target(s) in the current control of tuberculosis. Preliminary data in this proposal demonstrate the discovery of indoleamides as a novel chemical entity. Development of these indoleamides may provide insights into a novel mechanism of action that could be targeted in combination with existing antitubercular agents. Field of research: 0304 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Just add water: a recipe for the deformation of continental interiors. By integrating geochemical, geochronological and microstructural datasets, this project aims to provide a novel framework for fluid–rock systems in the lithosphere. Plate tectonics argues that continental interiors are usually stable, rigid and undeformable, yet mountain belts have formed in these locations. Their existence suggests that strong crust can be weakened to allow the accommodation of deforming forces, but the underlying causes for this change in behaviour are not clear. This project aims to investigate the largely unexplored impact of fluid flow on the characteristics of intraplate deformation. This would improve our understanding of what modulates the strength of continental crust, including its susceptibility to seismic activity, and the ways in which fluids interact with the deep crust, including their mineralisation potential. Field of research: 0403 - Geology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Robotic investigation of water optical properties in the Southern Ocean. The project aims to improve our understanding of light–matter interactions in the waters of the Southern Ocean (SO), in particular the role of phytoplankton and associated material of biological origin. Phytoplankton are the energy source for the food web and a critical component of carbon cycling in the SO. However, their dynamics in the SO cannot be quantified using satellite observations because bio-optical data processing algorithms perform poorly due to a lack of field data. This project seeks to remedy this by improving understanding of SO bio-optics, and by providing novel algorithms of known uncertainty, based on in situ data. Field of research: 0405 - Oceanography

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

The marine productivity buoy: a multi-parametric underwater profiler . The marine productivity buoy: a multi-parametric underwater profiler: The marine productivity buoy is an innovative multi-parametric moored underwater profiler that would provide key information on phytoplankton primary productivity (PP), phytoplankton blooms, and water quality in coastal waters around Australia. The aim is to better understand changes in phytoplankton PP and abundance by synergistically using observations from the new facility made several times a day from the surface to the seafloor, and spatially extended surface observations from Earth-orbiting ocean colour satellites. Anticipated outcomes are more accurate phytoplankton PP estimates and water quality parameters in Australian coastal waters in support to research and to monitoring of these critical environments. Field of research: 0405 - Oceanography

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Ancestors' words: Noongar writing in WA government archives (1860-1960s). This project aims to produce the first account of Noongar letter writing in Western Australian archives from 1860 to 1960. The project’s significance lies in revealing this hidden activism in the archive, restoring silenced Noongar stories to the documents, advancing scholarly understanding, and promoting decolonisation of the Western Australian archive. Expected outcomes include an ethical Noongar research model and community research knowledge space developed with Noongar leaders. This new evidence of Noongar political agency could benefit sustainability for the emerging Noongar nation and advance equity and reconciliation for all citizens of the Australian settler nation and advocacy for Indigenous rights internationally. Field of research: 2103 - Historical Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Future Proofing Transportation Infrastructure Assets. This project seeks to develop a model to predict construction project overruns. Transportation infrastructure assets are prone to cost and schedule overruns during their construction, which have negative impacts on asset owners and users. This project aims to develop a systemic model that can be used to determine the causal nature of cost and schedule overruns and their probability of occurrence. By enabling the predication of overruns, the project aims to ensure that the public and private sector are able to put in place mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of the economic and productivity issues that arise due to overruns. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Risk and Reliability in Stochastic Optimisation and Equilibrium. This project seeks to develop theory and methodology in optimisation which take advantage of recent progress in understanding and treating risk in decision making. Problems of optimisation in the face of uncertainty must confront the risk inherent in having to make reliable decisions before knowing the outcomes of crucial random variables on which costs and constraints may depend. Recent theoretical developments, featuring ‘measures of risk’ beyond just-expected values and quantiles offer hope of major new advances. This project aims to achieve such advances not only in optimisation but also in models of equilibrium that likewise have to deal with uncertainty. Extending current theory and methodology to such multi-stage stochastic models is a challenge. Besides taking up this challenge for its own sake, a major goal of this research will be to use the results in solution algorithms. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Developing and testing a new dating tool for Quaternary science. This project plans to use cutting-edge instrumentation to develop a novel method for dating geological materials formed in a critical time window for which no dating technique currently exists. The last million years of Earth’s history has seen dramatic changes in global climate and environment, with catastrophic volcanic eruptions and numerous other natural processes shaping landforms and ecosystems. A major challenge for studying these phenomena and their impacts is the dating of geological archives in the time window between 50 000 and 1 000 000 years. This project aims to develop a method for dating young volcanic rocks that can close this critical gap. The result would be a new dating tool with broad implications for the Quaternary sciences globally, including paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental reconstructions, natural hazards assessment, hominin evolution and archaeology. Field of research: 0403 - Geology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Quantum collision theory for astrophysics, fusion energy and hadron therapy. The project intends to investigate collision processes involving charged particles interacting with complex atoms and molecules. Although the theory of electron, positron and ion collisions with simple atoms and molecules has advanced in recent years, the corresponding computational modelling is difficult due to the mix of the countably and uncountably infinite spectrum of the target, the long-range Coulomb potential, and the multicentre nature of the target and the rearrangement processes. These difficulties could be overcome using a convergent close-coupling method. This project plans to apply the method to complex quantum collision systems in diverse applications of current interest such as fusion energy, lighting, astrophysics, and cancer imaging and therapy. Field of research: 0202 - Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Exposure to workplace hazards among migrant workers in Australia. This project aims to compare the prevalence of exposure to workplace hazards, namely carcinogens and psychosocial risk factors (eg bullying and precarious work), among migrant and Australian-born workers. The international literature suggests that migrant workers are exposed to more workplace hazards than native-born populations, but the evidence base for Australia is patchy despite the fact that Australia has such a large migrant population. The anticipated goal of this project is to address this gap in evidence. The intended outcomes are the necessary first step in the process of reducing exposure to harmful substances and behaviours for all workers. Field of research: 1603 - Demography

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Deathscapes: Mapping Race and Violence in Settler States. This project seeks new ways to document, understand and respond to the critical issue of racialised deaths in sites of state custody such as police cells, prisons and immigration detention centres. It plans to examine the conditions under which Indigenous and border-related deaths occur, and to explore how legal and social accountability for them is assigned. Moving away from individual national contexts, it seeks to identify and map, at global as well as local levels, the shared institutional practices, technologies and explanatory frameworks that characterise custodial deaths in the key settler states of Australia, Canada and the United States. This may inform policy-making with the aim of preventing deaths in custody. Field of research: 2002 - Cultural Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

A benign alkaline process for scarce metal extraction and reagent recycle. A benign alkaline process for scarce metal extraction and reagent recycle.. This project aims to selectively extract base and precious metals from their ores in saline and non-saline environments, building upon a patented process utilising edible glycine under oxidising and mildly alkaline solutions. Extraction processes of metals from primary resources mostly use harsh, toxic and/or non-recyclable reagents. Exploratory research has already indicated the potential for easy metal recovery from their alkaline glycinate solutions and recycling of the lixiviant (glycine). Anticipated outcomes are a safe, non-toxic process for extracting metals from primary resources. Field of research: 0914 - Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Novel gas-liquid columns for liquefied natural gas (LNG) production. Novel gas-liquid columns for liquefied natural gas (LNG) production. This project aims to design distillation and absorption columns, perhaps the most important unit operations in a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant, and whose optimization is integral to overall performance of any LNG plant. This project will use 3D printers to rapidly prototype concepts of columns and their internals, and test them using flow characterization tools and numerical models. The final outcome of the project will be a set of designs of the columns, which should be more efficient, safer and cheaper to operate, and have smaller physical and environmental footprints, thus helping the Australian LNG industry to stay globally competitive. Field of research: 0904 - Chemical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Bridge performance assessment through advanced sensing and modelling. Bridge performance assessment through advanced sensing and modelling. This project aims to create cyber infrastructure to manage and maintain civil infrastructure, specifically bridges. Current sensor data interpretation approaches are not good at assessing the performance of civil infrastructure or evaluating the reserve capacity; in particular, they do not adequately account for high levels of systematic modelling uncertainties. This project intends to ease the current scientific data interpretation bottleneck. Expected outcomes are better infrastructure management and maintenance planning, fewer redundant interventions, modified infrastructure and improved future design. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Transformative work design for health, skills and agility. Transformative work design for health, skills and agility. This Fellowship plans to study how transformative work design promotes meaningful, healthy, and productive work. The ‘what, how, where, when, and who’ of work is changing: the digital revolution is reconfiguring work processes more rapidly and on a much larger scale than ever before, and the demography of the workforce is profoundly shifting. Work design is a crucial but neglected strategy for optimising health, for unleashing employee talent, and for creating agile and effective organisations. Anticipated outcomes include a new theory on the future of work, a national longitudinal study on how work design fosters critical human development, field interventions, and evidence-based collaboratory activities. Field of research: 1503 - Business and Management

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

The energetic basis to seed longevity and storage. The energetic basis to seed longevity and storage. This project aims to quantify patterns of metabolic rate in Australian native seeds to research seed ecology, dormancy, germination, longevity and persistence in natural and artificial seed banks. The project aims to optimise and refine current respirometry technology for use with native seeds, understand the allometric relationship and patterns with seed diversity, and apply this knowledge to benefit restoration and conservation seed banks. By interpreting the energetics of seeds in a phylogenetic context, this project will develop an experimental protocol to predict the physiology and longevity, and test the viability of seeds in storage. Anticipated outcomes are improved efficiency of seed bank storage, conservation and restoration efforts. Field of research: 0606 - Physiology