Grants & Opportunities

A new perspective on how we learn motor skills: two adaptation classes? The capacity to adapt and acquire movement skills is essential for success in almost every aspect of our lives. This project will test the idea that there are two fundamentally distinct classes of motor learning processes in the brain that are driven by different error types. Using brain recordings, robotic perturbation of movement, and novel variations of classical learning paradigms, the project aims to reveal the neurocomputational properties of these proposed adaptation classes across a range of sensorimotor learning paradigms. The knowledge gained from this project may identify new strategies for adapting movements that are widely applicable to industry, defence, sport, and health.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 5202 - Biological Psychology. Lead: Prof Timothy Carroll

To what extent does Australian food policy consider its health impact. This research will examine how public policies relating to food can be made healthier. The diet of Australians currently contributes to high rates of disease including diabetes, heart disease and the underlying issue of obesity. It will examine Australian agriculture and food processing, manufacturing and marketing and the environmental impacts of these sectors. The research will analyse policy documents and interview key people involved in each sector to determine their views on the ways in which our food supply affects our health. It will result in policy recommendations advising how the Australian food sector can be made more supportive of health and equity. Policy makers will be engaged with our findings through a Food Policy Summit. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4206 - Public Health. Lead: Prof Frances Baum

Defining the microenvironmental regulators of spleen function and immunity. The spleen is an important organ that is present in almost all vertebrates and is a critical site for the induction of systemic immune responses. The current paradigms of spleen biology are mostly derived from rodent studies, but the cellular biology of the spleen in humans remains poorly defined. Using novel tools, advanced transcriptomics and imaging techniques this project aims to reveal the functions of stromal cells in the spleen in humans and to define the fundamental roles of spleen stromal cells in long-lived immunity. The anticipated outcomes are to build Australia’s research capacity and to generate new knowledge of significance for our fundamental understanding of the spleen and the role of this tissue in the immune system.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3204 - Immunology. Lead: Prof Scott Mueller

Redefining the immune landscape of the human ocular surface. At the ocular surface, the cornea and limbus need to mount effective immune responses to maintain corneal transparency for clear vision. The current paradigm is that the human cornea houses the same innate immune cell subsets (dendritic cells and macrophages) as naïve mice in pathogen-free facilities. Our pilot data challenge this premise, with early evidence that innate and adaptive cells (T cells) coexist in normal human corneas. Integrating state-of-the-art techniques, we will advance understanding of immune regulation at the human ocular surface by comprehensively defining immune cell biology and dynamics. We will define the effect of age on immune cells in these tissues, and relationships between the tear proteome and cell behaviours.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3204 - Immunology. Lead: Prof Laura Downie

Evaluating innovative assurance practices for sustainability reporting. While entities are today accountable for and report on a broader range of social and environmental issues, such enhanced reporting must be credible to be relied upon. Evaluating settings where innovative credibility-enhancing mechanisms are proposed or disclosed, this project aims to explore the efficacy of these evolving mechanisms and their impact on information quality and users. This project is expected to make significant contributions in identifying and evaluating best practice credibility-enhancing techniques and informing policy and standard-setting options in Australia and overseas. The benefits include higher quality and more reliable disclosures resulting in better resource allocation decisions and informed policy determinations.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3501 - Accounting, Auditing and Accountability. Lead: Prof Roger Simnett

Reliable and accurate statistical solutions for modern complex data. This project aims to develop novel methods for reliable and accurate statistical modelling with modern, complex correlated and error-prone data. The project expects to make significant strides towards future-proofing statistical data analysis, equipping practitioners with a suite of robust and computationally efficient methods which provide confidence in the stability and reproducibility of results obtained, while offering guarantees on their transferability over a range of populations. This will provide important benefits as they are applied in predicting endangered marine species for fisheries conservation, and in enhancing our national understanding of the relationship between education achievement and financial success. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4905 - Statistics. Lead: Prof Alan Welsh

Enabling wider use of mechanistic models for biodiversity forecasts . Forecasting species distributions is challenging yet necessary. The pattern-based models commonly used are error-prone. Mechanistic models, best equipped for the task, are limited by lack of data. This project aims to enable wider use of mechanistic models by developing new methods for dealing with incomplete trait data and uncertainty. It expects to generate new knowledge about how species’ traits define the environments in which they persist. Anticipated outcomes include enhanced capacity to apply mechanistic models to conservation problems, methods for communicating uncertainties and models for tens of species of immediate conservation interest. This will enable more reliable biodiversity forecasts, supporting better decision-making. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4104 - Environmental Management. Lead: Prof Michael McCarthy

Combining biomechanics and movement ecology of kangaroos and relatives. Kangaroos and their relatives are unique in their body form, hopping gait and by the fact that increased speed does not come at an increased energetic cost. This project aims to build 3D musculoskeletal models to understand how muscles and tendons interact, enabling greater distances to be travelled using less energy. Further, it will use animal tracking devices and machine-learning tools to quantify movements in the wild. This framework will provide novel insights into how energetics, morphology, and habitat have shaped the evolution of this unique group. This may open doors to a range of future ecological, physiological, and conservation studies and provide biological inspiration for energetically efficient robotic and assistive devices.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3109 - Zoology. Lead: A/Prof Christofer Clemente

The viral fusosome: a modular machinery for cargo delivery to target cells. The delivery of proteins, RNA and DNA into cells is a critical process in normal cellular biology, virus infection and biotechnology applications such as gene editing. Enveloped viruses achieve this maneuver with exquisite efficiency and specificity using a complex machinery mediating their fusion with cellular membranes for stealth genome delivery. Remarkably, all characterised viral fusion proteins belong to only 3 classes defined >16 years ago and sharing surprisingly conserved mechanisms. We identified a novel class of fusion proteins with unique architecture in ubiquitous insect viruses. The Project will elucidate the structural and functional hallmarks of this fusion machinery providing a platform for its engineering.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Lead: Prof Fasseli Coulibaly

Novel Hybrid Nanotechnologies by Infiltration of Functional Polymers. Hybrid inorganic-organic materials have important applications in energy, environmental and health technologies. Sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS) of polymers is a recently introduced approach to preparing such hybrid structures. Advancement in the field is however hampered by lack of fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of interactions of SIS molecules with polymers, and the narrow range of polymers studied so far. This project aims to build a fundamental framework for the development of SIS through systematic studies of interactions of polymers and SIS molecules. Expected outcomes include new methods for constructing nanostructures using functional polymers and novel fabrication processes exploiting polymer self-assembly.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3403 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry. Lead: Prof Andrew Whittaker

Response of Vertical Drains in Soft Subgrade under Cyclic Rail Loading. Soft formations (subgrade) can become unstable when subjected to heavy and repeated (cyclic) train loading. This project aims to investigate the cause and mechanisms of undrained instability of soft subgrade soil beneath rail embankments, and to assess the effectiveness of prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) in stabilising such soils. The role of PVDs to enhance track performance will be quantified via rigorous mathematical techniques complementing a computer-based numerical model, which can be validated by laboratory and field data. It will deliver tangible outcomes for accurately predicting the long-term settlements in soft foundations over prolonged train loading while extending the life span of modern railroad infrastructure.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4005 - Civil Engineering. Lead: Prof Buddhima Indraratna

Lattice Panel Based Optical Apertures for Optical Wireless Networks . Future work and homes will demand superfast wireless connectivity supported by optical fibre networks providing high speeds into our buildings. The technology gap, however, is a system to deliver this level of connectivity to our wireless mobile devices. Addressing this need, this innovative project proposes a novel architecture of lattice panel apertures based on arrays of phased arrays that can establish and steer multiple optical beams simultaneously. It will investigate these system architectures, demonstrating their feasibility. By transforming broadband wireless into the future of optical mobile networking, the project outcomes will extend to every connected office and home, benefiting Australia’s economy and national security. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4006 - Communications Engineering. Lead: Prof Ampalavanapillai Nirmalathas

Improving the stability of biomolecules using ionic liquids. This project aims to address critical issues in studying proteins outside their native environments by developing new solvents that will increase their stability and solubility. The project expects to create new knowledge in our understanding of solvent chemical properties through a novel approach using high throughput robotics, synchrotron analysis of protein structures and Molecular Dynamics simulations. The expected outcome is a set of design rules for creating new solvents. This should benefit many research and industrial applications, including determining protein structure for the development of new drugs and biocatalysts, and cryopreservation of protein-based pharmaceuticals.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3406 - Physical Chemistry. Lead: Prof Tamar Greaves

New Possibilities: Young People and Democratic Renewal. Vibrant democracies require generational renewal as norms, values and cultures evolve. This project is a systematic study of Australian students in the climate change movement. Examining who the students are, why they participate, how they organise, how they represent themselves and are represented by others in social and mainstream media, the project ethically advances ways of co-researching students’ civic and political participation in offline and online settings. Expected outcomes include improved capacity for investigating student political action, new knowledge of the motivations, norms and practices that characterise student climate politics and concepts and tools for democratic renewal through engagement with young people.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4410 - Sociology. Lead: Prof Philippa Collin

Nitride materials: In the “bond ionicity Goldilocks zone” for solar energy. Progress towards commercial devices for solar-driven hydrogen generation as well as in-situ electricity generation for vehicles is currently hampered by a lack of earth-abundant, stable, non-toxic semiconductor materials that can be fabricated by scalable methods. This project aims to develop the first scalable solution synthesis methods for a new class of earth-abundant Zn-based nitride semiconductor nanocrystals that have favourable bond ionicity and establish their optoelectronic properties for renewable energy devices for the first time. Flexible solution processing methods will be exploited to tune surface composition, remove defects and create devices to achieve optimised performance in these challenging new nitride material systems.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4018 - Nanotechnology. Lead: Prof Martin Green

Rational design of array-based nanozyme sensors. The project aims to obtain a deep understanding of molecular interactions at the nano-bio interface, and use this knowledge to develop a robust sensor technology for the rapid detection of foodborne pathogens in complex samples. The project proposes to employ an innovative approach that mimics the senses of smell and taste, where an array of aptamers are expected to work in synergy to precisely identify a target, providing an edge over current sensing technologies. Expected outcomes include a ready-to-go analytical tool for the detection of food contaminants. This should provide significant economic, health, and social benefits through supporting Australian food and health sectors, and the potential commercialisation of sensor technologies.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3106 - Industrial Biotechnology. Lead: Prof Vipul Bansal

Determining principles for successful episode retrieval of repeated events. This project aims to develop the first-ever set of explanatory principles for how people successfully retain and retrieve individual episode memories from repeated experiences (e.g., one occurrence of a routine social encounter or job-related activity). By deepening our understanding of how memory works, this new knowledge is expected to lay the foundation for interview guidance and ongoing research aimed at enhancing the proficiency of investigations into matters that rely on detailed and accurate accounts of specific episodes. This includes workplace or traffic accident investigations, infectious disease contact tracing, as well as prosecution of repeated sexual offences.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 5201 - Applied and Developmental Psychology. Lead: Prof Martine Powell

Advanced Machine Learning with Bilevel Optimization. There is an urgent need to develop a new machine learning (ML) paradigm that can overcome data-privacy and model-size constraints in real-world applications. This project aims to develop an advanced paradigm of ML with bilevel optimisation, called bilevel ML. A theoretically-guaranteed fast approximate solver and a new fuzzy bilevel learning framework will be developed to achieve the aim in complex situations; a methodology to transfer knowledge and an approach to fast-adapt bilevel optimization solutions when required computing resources change. The anticipated outcomes should significantly improve the reliability of ML with benefits for safety learning and computing resource optimisation in ML-based data analytics.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4602 - Artificial Intelligence. Lead: A/Prof Guangquan Zhang

Next Generation Spatial Data Management for Virtual Spatial Systems. This project aims to design novel spatial data retrieval methods for efficient and accurate querying of large datasets with location information. Spatial data is being generated at an unprecedented rate due to the prevalence of mobile devices and ubiquitous connectivity. However, harnessing this data is hampered by outdated and inefficient methods. The project will investigate data retrieval methods that self-optimise for high query efficiency and accuracy, by utilising underlying real-world data patterns. It will enable novel applications for virtual spatial systems with large-scale querying needs, such as spatial digital twins and metaverses, benefiting location-based service providers, urban planners, and emergency management agencies.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science. Lead: Prof James Bailey

The Benefits of Utilising Visual-Spatial Representations of Numbers . The aim of this project is to investigate how visual-spatial representations of numbers enhance practice to promote the use of retrieval-based over counting-based strategies for children learning early arithmetic. About one-third of Australian children stay reliant on counting strategies for basic arithmetic, despite these being associated with lower achievement in mathematics in later years. Expected outcomes of this project are new understandings of how problem-answer associations can be strengthened in memory and the development of tools to promote retrieval-based strategies. Potential benefits include children who are better prepared to take on higher-level mathematics in secondary school and, subsequently, more numerate citizens. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3904 - Specialist Studies In Education. Lead: A/Prof Sarah Hopkins

Price Discovery in Equity and Volatility Futures for Trading and Hedging. This project aims to develop a multivariate asynchronous technique to analyse the price discovery of movements in equity stock indices, volatility index futures and exchange traded products. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of financial econometrics using an innovative mixed frequency sampling approach to establish robust causal inferences. Expected outcomes of the project include enhanced econometric theory and its implementation in applied finance. This should provide significant benefits in the price discovery of the equity index in Australia, including insights that will help Australian funds in hedging and trading volatility.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3502 - Banking, Finance and Investment. Lead: Prof Gulasekaran Rajaguru

Using animal-borne sensors to unravel East Antarctic coastal productivity. This project will examine the mechanisms underpinning the high productivity in Antarctic coastal polynyas, which are ice-free oases within the sea ice supporting abundant marine life. The study expects to generate essential new biochemical and biological observations using autonomous platforms to understand phytoplankton dynamics in these inaccessible habitats along Australia’s Antarctic Territory. Expected outcomes include novel insight into the role of iron supply from melting glaciers in supporting marine production. This should reduce the high uncertainty in prognoses for polynya activity under anthropogenic climate change, and support Australia’s international leadership in conservation and management of important Antarctic ecosystems.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3708 - Oceanography. Lead: Dr Sophie Bestley

A novel microbial process breaking through the nitrogen cycling. Nitrogen transformation is central to life on Earth. This project will challenge a century-old paradigm that microorganisms must cooperate in a team to convert nitrogen from organic- to inorganic forms. We will carry out the first-ever systematic investigation of a novel process, where a single organism mediates complete ammonification and ammonia oxidation, directly connecting organic- and inorganic nitrogen. By revealing metabolic pathways, characterising ecophysiological properties, isolating key microorganisms and exploring their application potential, this project will change our fundamental understanding of global nitrogen cycling, improve the sustainability of water management, and contribute to the circular economy transition. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3107 - Microbiology. Lead: Prof Jianhua Guo

Building A Better Built Environment for Older Australian's Ageing-in-place. Most older Australians prefer to age in place after their retirement. This project aims to understand how the built environment as a comprehensive system supports (or hinders) their ageing-in-place given that the existing Australian built environment fails to meet older Australians' requirements for independent living. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of ageing-friendly communities using Bayesian Network analysis and interactive design charrettes. Expected outcomes include an evidence-based Bayesian network model that determines how the built environment affects independent living in the community and design innovation and guidelines to improve the built environment design for older Australians' ageing-in-place.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3302 - Building. Lead: Prof Bo Xia

Mitonuclear incompatibility, speciation, and the Z sex chromosome. This project will characterise the interaction between the mitochondrial and nuclear genome in several species and its contribution to the divergence of species. This interaction is at the heart of energy transformation and storage in all animals and its importance to evolution is yet to be fully understood. The research will provide insight into speciation processes by focusing on recent divergence in Australian finch species. We will integrate genomics, bioenergetics, and whole organismal performance in growth, mobility and reproduction by studying birds in the wild and the laboratory. An overarching aim is to unite data from genomics, phenotype and physiology to understand the forces underlying the evolution of species, and biodiversity. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3104 - Evolutionary Biology. Lead: Prof Simon Griffith