La Trobe University

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Revealing the role of gut-bacterial amyloids in human ageing. The biology of ageing is dependent on various biochemical processes. Recent evidence suggests that gut-bacteria can influence these ageing-associated processes, in turn impacting the quality of ageing and productivity in later stages of life. This project aims to investigate how components from microbial biofilms, termed amyloids, leach out from the gut, access other tissues and interfere with cellular and molecular processes involved in ageing. It will generate new knowledge on ageing biology in relation to gut-bacteria. Expected outcomes include conceptual insights in gut-microbiome-human communications with social benefits to improve the quality of ageing in senior citizens and Australia’ economic capacity in aged-care services. Field of research: 3404 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry The size of Australia’s ageing population is growing, with more than 22% over 65 by 2026. While a person’s quality of life during ageing depends on certain inherent biochemical processes, remarkably gut bacteria are emerging as a critical factor in how we age. How gut-bacteria communicate with human hosts, how they affect biochemical processes of ageing and whether gut-bacteria can be manipulated to achieve healthy ageing, is unknown. My previous research indicates that specific molecules (amyloids) produced by certain gut-bacteria can trigger aggregation in human proteins, a hallmark of ageing, in turn potentially silently accelerating the biochemistry of ageing in an otherwise healthy host. This DECRA aims to discover how bacterial amyloids are linked with the biology of human ageing. This project will generate fundamental knowledge on the human gut-microbiome and its impact on ageing, in turn advancing the state-of-the-art to selectively exploit the gut-microbiome for healthy ageing. The social benefits will potentially provide additional active years in the life of senior Australian citizens and strengthen Australia’s economic capacity in aged-care services. The outcomes will be communicated to local industry through conferences and networking events and to the community through podcasts, radio/tv interviews and public magazines.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Fast Nondestructive Imaging Platform for Farm Produce Analysis. This project aims to develop a next-generation fast and nondestructive farm produce analysis platform leveraging advanced hyperspectral imaging technology. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of computational imaging, mathematical modelling of the point spread function, super-resolution and deep internal learning. Expected outcomes include data-driven imaging methods for an integrated, more efficient analysis of the internal and external characteristics of farm produce. This should provide significant economic, commercial and social benefits, enabling smarter farming practices that can respond more effectively to modern agriculture challenges and help position Australia as a leader in future precision agriculture. Field of research: 4606 - Distributed Computing and Systems Software This project aims to develop a robust, non-destructive, and rapid analytical platform for farm produce using cutting-edge hyperspectral imaging and deep learning technology. By capturing reflectance and transmittance data across a wide range of terahertz frequencies and introducing new analytical techniques, the system can swiftly generate detailed images at the molecular level. This imaging technology reveals key chemical signatures, enabling precise measurement of moisture content, ripeness, and early signs of decay or infestation—capabilities that are essential for maintaining the quality and safety of agricultural products, while also reducing waste and conserving resources. Successful implementation of this platform could revolutionise farm produce analysis by significantly improving accuracy and efficiency, benefiting farmers, food safety inspectors, and supply chain managers. The project will deliver considerable social, economic, environmental, and health benefits. Through close collaboration with industry partners, local councils, and other stakeholders, it will also advance Australia's economic, social, environmental, and commercial interests. Finally, by engaging end-users and communities through outreach and educational activities, the project seeks to raise awareness of this research and its potential applications.

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

Micro and nanoplastics: measurement, toxicokinetics and cardiac impacts Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Out In Suburbia: Improving LGBTQ wellbeing in outer suburban Australia Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Supporting healthy ageing of NDIS participants with intellectual disability. The project aims to address gaps in guidance on supporting ageing people with intellectual disability under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It seeks to identify participants’ views on ageing, support needs, and potential support services and strategies needed in diverse circumstances and localities. Intended outcomes are an innovative, evidence-based Agenda for Action and co-designed resources to guide healthy ageing and underpin policies and practices. The goal is to equip NDIS participants with intellectual disability and their supporters with information on healthy ageing, and provide stakeholders in the sector with knowledge and skills to plan and deliver effective services to enhance the quality of life as people age. Field of research: 4409 - Social Work Ageing people with intellectual disability are a rapidly growing demographic of the Australian population requiring increasing support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Identifying effective ways to meet their support needs is critical to fulfilling Australia’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensuring long-term sustainability of the NDIS. Yet, little is known about healthy ageing experiences of this group or the specific supports and services they require. The project will develop an evidence-based Agenda for Action to guide healthy ageing. Grounded in the lived experiences of NDIS participants, insights from supporters, and perspectives of sector stakeholders, the Agenda for Action will inform service design, policy, and practice. It will clarify what constitutes healthy ageing and what good support looks like. The Agenda for Action will identify individual goals, support challenges, and systemic gaps, translating them into clear and practical actions. Using co-design methods, the project will develop accessible guides, training materials, and resources tailored to diverse stakeholders. Benefits include enhanced quality of life for ageing NDIS participants with intellectual disability and improved prioritisation and effectiveness of NDIS-funded support and services. Broad dissemination will support policy, workforce development, and sector capacity-building, positioning Australia as a global leader.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Privacy-Aware Resource Optimisation for Distributed AI in SMEs. This project aims to develop a secure and privacy-preserving AI system that enables many users to train large models without sharing their data. It expects to generate new knowledge in managing delays and interruptions in distributed training and in designing intelligent scheduling tools for efficient use of shared computing resources. Expected outcomes include scalable training algorithms, smart resource schedulers, and deployable prototypes supporting privacy-preserving AI services. This should provide significant benefits by making advanced AI more accessible and trustworthy for small and medium businesses, while reinforcing Australia’s leadership in digital capability, cybersecurity, and data privacy. Field of research: 4606 - Distributed Computing and Systems Software This project addresses a critical research gap in enabling secure, collaborative AI model training on decentralized, privacy-sensitive data, especially for Australian SMEs. Most current AI solutions require centralised data and high-end infrastructure, which are inaccessible to many businesses. This project will develop a privacy-preserving, resilient AI training framework that works under real-world constraints such as limited connectivity, heterogeneous data, and shared computing resources. It aligns with the National Framework for the Assurance of Artificial Intelligence in Government by advancing ethical, inclusive, and trustworthy AI systems. The research will deliver economic and commercial benefits by helping SMEs adopt advanced AI technologies without compromising privacy or incurring high costs. It supports business growth, productivity, and innovation across key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics. Socially, it promotes equitable digital participation and ensures AI benefits are broadly distributed to support national prosperity. To maximise non-academic impact, the project will engage industry through pilot trials, technical workshops, and knowledge exchange. Outcomes will be shared via industry reports, policy briefings, open-source tools, and contributions to national AI standards. Broader outreach includes media engagement, public talks, and government consultation, with commercialisation pursued through university innovation channels.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Agentic Digital Twin for Sustainable AI Factory. This project aims to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint of AI infrastructure by developing an Agentic Digital Twin (ADT), which is an intelligent system powered by Large Language Models capable of real-time prediction, reasoning, and control of energy usage and heat flows. Co-designed with three industry partners representing both upstream AI infrastructure and downstream energy reuse sectors, including agriculture and hydrogen, the ADT is capable of cutting energy waste and enables circular heat reuse. Expected outcomes include reduced emissions, enhanced energy efficiency, and circular energy utilisation, contributing to Australia’s net-zero targets and strengthening national capabilities in sustainable, intelligent computing. Field of research: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science This project addresses a growing national challenge: the surging energy demand and carbon footprint of Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven data centres, particularly emerging AI factories that integrate data hosting, model training, and deployment into unified, high-throughput pipelines. As the demands for AI services accelerates across sectors, these facilities are placing growing strain on Australia’s electricity networks while producing vast amounts of wasted heat, while current energy management systems remain reactive, fragmented, and inefficient. This project fills a major research gap by developing an Agentic Digital Twin (ADT), which is a novel AI-native platform powered by large language models that predict, reason, and autonomously control energy and heat flows across the AI factory in real time. This will both improve internal energy efficiency and coordinate real-time thermal reuse that turns waste heat into productive input for sectors like greenhouse agriculture and green hydrogen production. The project aligns with Australia’s climate goals, circular economy agenda, and ambition to lead in responsible AI. It will be deployed with industry partners, supported by open-access tools, public demonstrations, and workforce training in intelligent infrastructure. These efforts will help position Australia as a global leader in sustainable, climate-aware computing.

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

Carboranes as a scaffold for next generation hypervalent iodine oxidants Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

An Evidence-Based Strategy to Advance Modular Hempcrete Panels in Australia. This project aims to develop an evidence-based strategy to position modular hempcrete panels as a leading solution for affordable, low-carbon housing in Australia. It will assess the economic, environmental and regional development potential of hemp-based construction. The significance of the research lies in creating knowledge at the intersection of sustainable building, emissions, and economic diversification, using modelling and stakeholder input. Outcomes include practical guidelines and a decision-support framework to inform planning and investment decisions for government and industry. The benefits include enhancing a local industry that will increase housing affordability, create jobs, and improve regional development prospects. Field of research: 3509 - Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chains Australia faces a pressing challenge: delivering affordable housing while reducing carbon emissions. The construction sector is one of the largest sources of emissions due to its heavy reliance on carbon-intensive materials, making the adoption of cleaner alternatives imperative. This project will investigate how modular hempcrete panels, a sustainable and carbon-absorbing building material, can become a practical solution for low-cost, sustainable housing. While hempcrete offers substantial environmental benefits, the national supply chain required for its large-scale use in construction remains underdeveloped. This project will develop a scalable business case and investment roadmap to accelerate the growth of an integrated national modular hempcrete panel industry. It will establish manufacturing standards, assess costs and environmental impacts, and identify economic opportunities for farmers, regional manufacturers, and builders. These insights will support job creation, sustainable land use, and emissions reduction, delivering environmental, economic, and social benefits across urban and regional Australia. To maximise impact, the research will be co-developed with industry and government stakeholders. Outcomes will be shared through policy briefs, investment reports, workshops, and tailored resources for councils, regulators, builders, and financial institutions. The project directly contributes to Australia's housing, climate, and regional development priorities.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Broad molecular characterisation of the vertebrate T cell complex. T cells play central roles in vertebrate immunity yet we lack molecular insight into how the T cell receptor complex triggers development and cellular activation. This project aims to establish how a cell-surface protein complex on T cells, orchestrates their development and function. Expected outcomes include the generation of fundamental knowledge in immunology and membrane receptor biology. This proposal uses advanced microscopy, including advancement of cryo-electron microscopy and single-molecule light microscopy capabilities, this will enable advanced postgraduate student training. Other outcomes include influential publications, building expertise at Australian universities and establishing international collaborations. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Vertebrates—from humans to lampreys—share a common adaptive immune system built on B cells and T cells, which have co-evolved over 500 million years to provide coordinated protection. T cells detect external signals (antigens) through surface receptors, but how these cues trigger internal immune responses remains a major unresolved question. Understanding T cell activation—the main regulator of immune development and function—is a critical frontier in immunology. This project seeks to understand how T cells trigger immune responses in different species because this process governs the development and function of these cells. Thus, molecular detail of how T cell triggering occurs will generate fundamental insights that will broadly inform molecular and cellular immunity, advancing future research on protective immune responses and enabling future basic research collaborations. This is critical for understanding immune homeostasis, which is important for protecting livestock herds, wildlife, humans and companion animals. Beyond the scope of this basic research, these findings could lead to the development of novel immunotherapies and precision medicine, led by biotechnology. This project will employ advanced microscopy, providing cutting-edge training for researchers and students. Methods will also be shared through national microscopy workshops, building capacity in the national science and technology workforce.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Out In Suburbia: Improving LGBTQ wellbeing in outer suburban Australia. LGBTQ people living in Australia's outer suburbs experience significant barriers to wellbeing. This project aims to understand how living in outer suburban areas shapes LGBTQ belonging and inclusion. This project intends to use qualitative methods to explore LGBTQ people’s experiences in outer suburbs and discover how local government policy and action impacts LGBTQ wellbeing and community connection and how these can be improved. Expected outcomes of the project include identifying approaches to LGBTQ-inclusion in outer suburban areas that can be translated into policy. It should provide significant societal benefits, enhancing local government responses to diversity and inclusion and promoting social cohesion and suburban liveability. Field of research: 4206 - Public Health This project investigates the under-researched experiences of LGBTQ people in Australia’s outer suburbs. Using innovative place-based methods, this research will provide practical insights into how outer suburbs shape LGBTQ lives, health, and social connection. Without this knowledge, policies and services risk being inner-city-centric, neglecting LGBTQ people in outer suburbs and worsening health and social inequalities. Findings will have broad benefits, informing strategies to improve wellbeing and social inclusion in Australia’s fastest-growing areas. This project is the first of its kind to work directly with local governments, responding to increasing demand from councils for guidance on LGBTQ inclusion. By embedding results in local government processes, this project will produce tailored, evidence-based strategies that not only support LGBTQ residents but also enhance social cohesion more broadly. To maximise impact, results will be shared through national networks, peak bodies, and local governments. A key component of this knowledge translation strategy is the adaptation of the How2 program—an established capacity-building initiative that helps organisations embed LGBTQ inclusive practices. By integrating results into How2, we will inform sustainable mechanisms for change, ensuring long-term improvement in services and policies that benefit LGBTQ people in outer suburbs.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Mechanisms of bacterial adaptation: from persistence to innovation. This research aims to use frontline structural and molecular biology approaches to uncover the mechanisms of bacterial adaptation. It seeks to advance fundamental knowledge of autotransporters (ATs), the largest family of secreted bacterial proteins that drive biofilm formation, host invasion, and antibiotic resistance—processes essential for bacterial survival. Expected outcomes include elucidating the structural basis of ATs' multifaceted functions and harnessing their potential to develop innovations such as intracellular delivery systems for bioactive molecules. This could inform future infection control strategies and lead to biotechnological tools, benefiting key industry sectors including agriculture, food production, and healthcare. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology This project investigates how bacteria are able adapt to harsh conditions, resist treatment, and cause contamination and infection. Previous studies have demonstrated that proteins called autotransporters help bacteria to survive in challenging environments, but how they do that remains underexplored. This project will uncover how these proteins support bacterial survival and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Our work will address a major knowledge gap in how harmful bacteria persist across agriculture, industry, animals, humans and the environment, which are areas critical to Australia’s food safety, public health, and biosecurity. The research will also explore how these versatile proteins can be repurposed as delivery systems for transporting useful cargo into cells, with potential applications in biotechnology, synthetic biology, and targeted therapies. The outcomes of this research could deliver significant economic, environmental, and social benefits to Australia. These include improving the safety of food and farming systems, protecting crops and livestock, reducing drug resistant infections, and enabling new biotechnologies. To ensure impact beyond academia, findings will be shared through open-access publications, public presentations, and partnerships with government and industry to facilitate knowledge transfer, technology development, and policy advancement

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Leveraging NanoMslide Plasmonics for Next Generation Biosensors. This research aims to develop innovative biosensors using AlleSense NanoMslide technology to enhance sensitivity, reduce biofouling, and increase light emitter brightness. It is significant because it advances Australian nanotechnology and supports domestic manufacturing in a global biosensor market projected to reach USD 50B by 2030. The expected outcomes include high-performance biosensors and new commercial opportunities for NanoMslide technology. The research benefits Australia by enabling faster, more accurate detection across diverse applications, with AlleSense leading commercialisation through VC support and end-user networks.. Field of research: 3401 - Analytical Chemistry The NanoMslide is a breakthrough technology developed by AlleSense, a startup leading the way in Australian nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing. It has transformed tissue imaging and cancer detection by leveraging and amplifying light’s electromagnetic fields. This project will harness the same light interactions that power the NanoMslide to improve modern biosensor technologies by dramatically lowering detection limits, combining electrochemical and optical sensing functions, and boosting the brightness of chemically generated light. These improvements will benefit Australia economically and commercially by enhancing sovereign manufacturing capabilities and opening up new uses for an Australian advanced materials technology in the global biosensor market—expected to reach USD 50 billion by 2030. In the future, the new biosensors generated in this project will enhance Australian quality of life by enabling faster, earlier, and more accurate diagnoses that reduce costs and improve treatment outcomes. The project team will disseminate and translate outcomes through AlleSense’s current commercialisation strategies; the new biosensors will be integrated into its product range, with pilot studies used to confirm their performance. AlleSense’s venture capital support and strong connections with global pathology providers will help ensure a smooth transition from the laboratory to the market.

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

Unveiling Spatial and Temporal Regulation of Subcellular Protein... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

'BubSafe’: Co-creating Australia’s first integrated digital health tool... Category: Medical Research

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

Listening in the dark: acoustic ecology of deep-sea fishes Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Quantifying indirect human impacts on wetland environmental water needs. This project aims to resolve a policy impasse between human and environmental needs for water that has led to a moratorium precluding all new water resource development. The research will generate new quantitative understanding of the magnitude of impacts from human agricultural activities on the environmental water needs of threatened wetlands. Expected outcomes include the creation of flexible high-confidence water sharing rules that will protect the environment without unnecessarily restricting human users of water. By maximising the volumes of water available to support increased agricultural productivity and greater water security, this should provide significant economic and social benefits without unduly impacting the environment. Field of research: 3707 - Hydrology Agriculture accounts for around 75% of total water use in Australia and overuse of water leads to environmental degradation and loss of aquatic habitats. Agricultural water use and direct drainage are the leading causes of wetland loss in Australia. However, our ability to determine appropriate amounts of water that can be made available for agriculture or other human uses remains challenging in many regions of Australia, because of incomplete knowledge of how these activities impact water cycles. By generating a greater understanding of how water moves through the landscape to create and maintain wetlands, this project will support the development of more precise and adaptable water sharing rules. This will allow the maximum possible volumes of water to be made available for agricultural or other uses, without compromising environmental water needs. More precise allocation of water can create opportunities for increased economic development and greater security of water supply, promoting a more sustainable future for agriculture and the environment. This project brings together researchers and water planning authorities on the collaborative development of sustainable water allocation policies, ensuring research adoption and impact. Community consultation with landholders, conservation groups and other stakeholders will occur through regular public meetings and via a research steering committee, to maximise ownership and understanding for all.

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

Improving Teacher Retention in High-Turnover Areas: A Geo-Spatial... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Investigating and strengthening peer, lived and living experience programs. This project aims to investigate the diverse expertise of communities with lived experience of stigma and marginalisation to transform social and health services. This project intends to analyse the different approaches, enablers, barriers and system dynamics of lived experience programs currently siloed across mental health; alcohol and other drugs; harm reduction; HIV;viral hepatitis; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer health. Expected outcomes include new insights in lived experience theory and practice and co-developed resources to inform lived experience programs. This should strengthen the combined impact of lived experience programs to improve social, health and economic outcomes for marginalised communities. Field of research: 4206 - Public Health The involvement and leadership of people with lived experience of marginalisation can help transform social and health services and improve community wellbeing. The investment in peer, lived and living experience (PLLE) programs and organisations has been prioritised across seven National social and health policies. However, the community and sector knowledge that is needed to strengthen these PLLE program investments is disconnected and siloed across diverse marginalised, stigmatised and criminalised communities. This research alliance brings together PLLE programs from communities across Australia with lived experience of marginalisation (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer communities), stigmatisation (people living with mental illness, HIV, viral hepatitis), and criminalisation (people who use drugs, sex workers) to co-investigate the community, practice and policy structures that underpin PLLE programs. This is the first time internationally that diverse PLLE fields have been brought together to generate new knowledge about how PLLE programs operate in their complex community, social, health and political systems. Findings will be translated into co-created, publicly available resources and widely distributed across sectors to strengthen PLLE programs, workforces, organisations and leadership, and inform social and health policy. In doing so, Australia will have a stronger PLLE sector to contribute to improving outcomes for marginalised communities.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Micro and nanoplastics: measurement, toxicokinetics and cardiac impacts . This project aims to address the biological effects of micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) exposure by investigating their toxicokinetics and impacts on the cardiovascular system. Leveraging a cutting-edge platform to produce environmentally relevant plastic particles and integrating advanced single-cell RNA sequencing, the research will identify mechanisms of particle uptake, clearance, and cellular toxicity. Expected outcomes include new tools to improve MNP measurement capability in biological samples, and critical insights into particle behaviour and toxicity pathways. This will provide benefits including advancing toxicology research capacity and providing foundational knowledge to inform environmental policy and regulatory frameworks. Field of research: 3109 - Zoology Australians are increasingly affected by micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), tiny plastic particles that accumulate in our environment—polluting waterways, soils, and food systems, and potentially disrupting ecosystems, industries, and communities. Despite their widespread presence, we know very little about how these particles behave once they enter living systems, or what long-term environmental impacts they may pose. This project will fill a critical research gap by developing new tools to detect, measure, and understand the movement of MNPs in biological systems. It will also test the impact of MNPs in the cardiovascular system—the primary conduit for MNP distribution within animals. The outcomes of this research will directly benefit the Australian population by helping protect food safety, reduce exposure risks, and ensure cleaner agricultural and aquatic environments. The findings will inform stronger environmental regulations and provide evidence to support policy decisions that safeguard environmental health, protect biodiversity, and preserve food safety and security. Importantly, this project will increase national awareness and understanding of what MNPs are, how they accumulate in the environment and food chains, and why they matter. This deeper public understanding will empower informed decision-making, promote sustainable behaviours, and foster informed public dialogue around plastic pollution and its impacts.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Decoding deep-red and infrared heat sensing in beetles. This project aims to uncover how animals with miniature brains can efficiently process multisensory stimuli. Insects use tiny systems to detect and rapidly integrate information from multiple senses to inform behaviour. The underlying processes are poorly understood, particularly for less common senses. Using a powerful combination of techniques – high-resolution imaging, intracellular recordings and behavioural experiments – this project is expected reveal how beetles detect and respond to deep-red stimuli and infrared (heat) information. Results have the potential to unlock biological solutions for modern problems, including improved efficiency of sensors and image processing, which has implications for robotics and autonomous vehicles. Field of research: 3109 - Zoology Insects have miniature brains and sensory systems and are remarkably efficient at processing vast amounts of information to perform complex behaviours. These behaviours usually require integration across multiple senses, including sensory abilities beyond human experience. However, current research rarely examines integration between different senses and frequently overlooks less common senses, such as deep-red vision. This project will address this gap by combining anatomy, physiology and behaviour to uncover how insects detect and integrate two uncommon sensory modalities. Specifically, we will investigate deep-red vision and infrared heat sensing in buprestid fire beetles. This group includes multiple species that can detect both deep-red light and heat, but heat sensors differ entirely in structure and function between species. This inherent difference will allow insights into integration across functionally different systems. Results will provide a comprehensive understanding of the sensory ecology of buprestid beetles, which is relevant for conservation programs and integrative pest management. In addition, we will reveal mechanisms for efficient multisensory processing that could benefit Australians through improved sensor design and image processing algorithms relevant for autonomous vehicles. Beyond academia, our team will communicate findings through public talks and popular media such as The Conversation to connect Australians with science and the natural world.

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

Virtual Reality and Knowing What It Is Like Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Supporting young people to build safe and respectful sexual relationships. This project aims to identify ways we can better support safe, respectful, and enjoyable sexual relationships among school-aged young people. Using a strengths-based framework, and in partnership with nine community organisations, this study will examine relationship experiences and support needs among a diverse group of young people (14–19 years). It will also explore contemporary influences on youth sexual cultures and gendered relationship dynamics. Benefits would include new evidence to inform coordinated responses to sexual health and safety across health, education, eSafety, and youth services. Expected outcomes include evidence-based tools for parents, educators, and youth workers, and co-designed digital resources for young people. Field of research: 4410 - Sociology Recent Australian data underscores an urgent need to address sexual wellbeing among young people. One in six Australian women have experienced sexual assault, with incidents of online sexual abuse on the rise and rates of common sexually transmissible infections doubling in the past decade. These issues disproportionately affect young people and the impact extends beyond immediate health concerns, potentially reducing educational attainment, employment opportunities, and overall quality of life. Despite these challenges, there remains a significant gap in understanding how young people experience and navigate sexual and romantic relationships. Current policy responses often operate in silos—addressing STI prevention, sexual violence, or online safety separately—without considering the broader context of safety and wellbeing in relationships. In collaboration with nine community-based partners in the youth and sexual health sectors, this project will engage young people aged 14–19 using a strengths-based framework and trauma-informed, qualitative methods. The aim is to identify what supports safe, respectful, and enjoyable relationships among young people. The research will generate actionable evidence to inform coordinated responses across health, education, eSafety, mental health, and youth services. Key outputs will include evidence-based tools and resources for educators and youth workers, alongside a co-designed suite of online resources to support young people.

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

'BubSafe’: Co-creating Australia’s first integrated digital health tool... Category: Medical Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Enduring safety from family violence in and beyond family court litigation. Our study seeks to examine modifiable family and service systems factors associated with long term safety of parents and children at risk of domestic and family violence (DFV) during and beyond involvement in family court litigation. To our existing substantive multi-informant data, and supported by established ethics and consent agreements, we will add a comprehensive third year follow up with parent cohorts, and examine the interaction of family and system responses over time. Well translated findings would aid court and allied services in optimising safety enhancing actions for lasting outcomes. This project furthers our national partnership research and may narrow the global evidence-to-action gap in reducing DFV likelihood and harms. Field of research: 4804 - Law In Context Domestic and family violence causes more harm and cost to women and their children than any other preventable risk factor. Risks of violence are high during separation, and highest of all for the thousands of Australian families entering the family court system each year. The causes, epic scale and severity of domestic and family violence are well known. There is however a critical gap in knowledge that prevents progress. We do not know what personal, cultural, court and systems factors improve safety during court processes and maintain it afterwards. In partnership with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, our project will address this gap, with never-before collected data of over 4,000 Australian parents in varying levels of risk. From their stories, we will produce new knowledge about how people, services and policies can effectively promote continued safety from domestic violence. First Nations people will benefit from our focus on how optimal safety pathways may differ. Our publications and reports to the Court and Government will inform new investment in safety-enhancing interventions. In time this is likely to result in significant personal, financial, and productivity savings. We will create a unique e-hub for parents that will offer potentially life-changing information for parents, with capacity to link to other services, to support safety over time. Beyond commercial potential, these resources at scale offer clear social benefit, nationally.