Grants & Opportunities

The sounds of Papua. This study investigates speech in the Papuan languages spoken to the immediate north of Australia, which have very simple consonant and vowel systems, but which have been consistently reported as showing a very high level of language-internal variability. The New Guinea area is recognised as having the highest language diversity in the world, yet the sound systems of its languages are greatly under-studied. This project aims to produce the first ever large-scale phonetic studies of these superficially simple sound systems of Papuan languages. This is expected to provide a better understanding of human speech production in general. In addition, online dictionaries are planned based on the sound recordings from this project. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4704 - Linguistics. Lead: Prof Marija Tabain

Engineering 2D van der Waals Materials for Solar Hydrogen Production. Efficient and low cost photo-catalyst for solar hydrogen production will be vital in the transition to environmentally responsible energy industries. This project aims, through engineering polarization and the binding of photoexcited electron and hole in stacked 2D van der Waals materials, to determine novel theoretical principles on new photocatalyst design, yielding insights for translation into sustainable new photocatalytic processing in water splitting. Expected outcomes include innovative 2D photocatalysts for producing clean hydrogen fuels. The materials and knowledge achieved from this project will dramatically advance the development of renewable energy technology, providing solutions to the global energy and environmental issues. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4018 - Nanotechnology. Lead: Prof Dr Aijun Du

On processing and knowledge discovery in large dynamic multilayer networks. Multilayer networks contain rich and dynamic interaction information among objects spanning multiple aspects. Properly processing these networks and exploring cohesive information within find many applications and bring challenges as well. This project aims to devise efficient strategies for processing large and dynamic multilayer graphs and investigate different effective methods for searching different cohesive groups in various applications. The theoretic outcomes of this project will set the foundation for building cutting-edge technology for effectively modelling and efficiently searching/tracking interested information in large dynamic multilayer networks and contribute to theoretical foundations in big graph data management.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science. Lead: Prof Chengfei Liu

Sustainable working conditions: Requirements to enable long working lives? This project aims to build a contemporary post-covid model of sustainable work, through examining the necessary workplace conditions required to address current age and gender inequities. This project expects to generate new knowledge of changes to the work environment following the unprecedented large scale labour market disruption caused by the COVID-19. A model of the key requirements for supporting sustainable work will enhance our capacity to create more equitable conditions to address current age and gender inequities. This should provide significant benefits to the Australian economy through improved work participation rates of older workers and women and the associated productivity gains.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3505 - Human Resources and Industrial Relations. Lead: Prof Jodi Oakman

CO2 to Propylene through Electrocatalyst and Electrolyte Engineering. This project aims to address the critical knowledge gap in sustainable chemistry regarding converting CO2 into propylene (CH2=CH-CH3; a valuable platform chemical) powered by renewable energy. Leveraging a combination of advanced molecular modelling for electrocatalyst/electrolyte prediction and experimental synthesis for performance testing, the project proposes a novel approach to enhance the C-C-C coupling, paving the way for the electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 to propylene. The outcome of this project is optimised electrocatalyst and electrolyte towards propylene production, thereby contributing significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and advancing the field of green chemistry through electrocatalysis approaches.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4018 - Nanotechnology. Lead: Prof Yan Jiao

Animal building for a changing world. This project aims to reveal how animal constructions will cope with the damaging effects of global warming. Most animals build structures critical for survival (or that of their progeny) but there is no information on how animal designs will react to modern climate change. Using a powerful integration of experimental and analytical approaches, this project will uncover how animals can adjust their designs in response to temperature within their lifetime and at at evolutionary scale, using bird nests as model system. This project will pioneer the study of animal constructions as buffers of climate change. It will inform predictions of species vulnerabilities in future conditions by assessing animal capacities to modify their constructions.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3103 - Ecology. Lead: Dr Iliana Medina

Learning lessons from drug resistance to tackle herbicide resistance. Herbicide-resistant weeds pose a major threat to the profitability and sustainability of Australia’s $78B agricultural industry. Learning how resistance arises and spreads is key for developing strategies to preserve and restore herbicide efficacy. This project aims to draw on parallels with drug resistance to investigate how plant communication via extracellular vesicles may mediate herbicide resistance. Expected outcomes include new strategies for monitoring of resistance, targets for resistance circumvention, and restoration of herbicide susceptibility in resistant weeds; with long-term economic and environmental benefits arising from substantially reduced herbicide requirements, and improved crop yields safeguarding food security.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3108 - Plant Biology. Lead: A/Prof Tatiana Soares da Costa

Accurate and fast 3D stiffness mapping via vision-guided robotic probing. This project aims to develop novel methods to generate 3D stiffness maps of deformable surfaces within confined spaces, facilitating remote estimation of mechanical properties of delicate objects with limited accessibility. This project expects to achieve high accuracy and efficiency in this challenge by seamlessly integrating computer vision, machine learning, and robotics. Expected outcomes include new frameworks and algorithms for precise 3D reconstruction using visual and tactile data, accurate single-point stiffness estimation, and efficient sampling strategies for stiffness mapping of large surfaces. This should provide significant benefits in enabling remote haptic evaluation in critical sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4007 - Control Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics. Lead: A/Prof Liao Wu

Generative AI and the future of academic writing and publishing. This project examines the impact of Generative AI (GenAI) technologies on scholarly research and publishing. The project investigates how GenAI technologies are shaping the future of academic research from search to publication, including how academic publishers and peak research advisory bodies are responding to the potential of these technologies. The project develops a framework for understanding the sociotechnical drivers shaping the debate and establishes cross-sector principles to promote a more consistent and critical response by key stakeholders. In doing so, it supports ongoing learning within scholarly communities for a more responsive national research system, optimising GenAI for public good.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4701 - Communication and Media Studies. Lead: A/Prof Michelle Riedlinger

Breaking Down Silos: Optimal Aligned Decisions via Forecast Reconciliation. This project aims to develop new forecasting methods, where forecasts are needed at different levels of aggregation, such as store level and total regional demand in retail. This project expects to generate new knowledge in terms of forecasting methods that are robust to extreme events such as supply chain disruptions, while ensuring decisions made by different agents in an organisation are aligned. An interdisciplinary approach, using techniques from mathematical optimisation and statistics will be taken. Expected outcomes include improved forecasting methods placed on a rigorous footing by new theory. This should provide significant benefits, including efficient retail operations and better planning of infrastructure investment in energy.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3802 - Econometrics. Lead: A/Prof Anastasios Panagiotelis

Evolution of Antarctic glaciers from icequake seismology: a new capability. This project will establish a new capability to reveal change in the outlet glacier systems of the vast Australian Antarctic Territory, East Antarctica. Machine learning will be applied to the ‘seismic symphony’ of icequakes caused by the sudden vibrations of moving and cracking ice, tumbling melt water and ocean wave action. Highly significant, fast-changing outlets of the largest ice sheet on Earth will be analysed. Outcomes include a step-change in the knowledge of how influences, such as reduced sea ice, are instigating new mechanisms for ice loss. Benefits include advanced training for the scientific and geotechnical workforce, and informing Australia's response to the timing of accelerated sea level rise and climate tipping points.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3706 - Geophysics. Lead: Prof Anya Reading

Twisted algebras for Zappa–Szép products of categories. This project in pure mathematics aims to significantly advance our understanding of twisted algebras, especially operator algebras, using the investigators’ recent discoveries about sophisticated composite structures called Zappa–Szép products. It expects to generate new knowledge about twisted algebras, which permeate the mathematical theory used to model quantum states of matter such as topological insulators. Expected outcomes include flexible techniques for constructing twisted algebras for use further along the research pipeline, and cross-pollination of ideas within mathematics. Benefits include enhanced international collaboration and increased Australian capacity in pure mathematics, particularly algebra and operator algebras.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4904 - Pure Mathematics. Lead: Prof Aidan Sims

Unlocking the mechanobiological events in oxygen unloading by erythrocytes. This project aims to use state-of-the-art technologies to reveal the process of oxygen release from red blood cells during mechanical force exposure. This project expects to generate new knowledge on a vital biological process originally described using static models of cell-free haemoglobin that do not reflect the diffusive barriers to gas exchange or the mechanical dynamics of the in vivo environment. Expected outcomes include identifying molecular targets responsible for, and equations to accurately describe, the relation between mechanical stress and oxygen transfer. Benefits will include knowledge to improve models of biological dynamics and economic opportunities due to industry applications related to oxygen supply-demand management.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4003 - Biomedical Engineering. Lead: Prof Michael Simmonds

Artificial Intelligence Designed 3D-printed Solid-state Li Metal Batteries. This project targets challenges in solid-state Li metal batteries (SSLMBs), lithium dendrite growth and poor interfacial contact, with cutting-edge 3D printing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques. Leveraging AI’s predictive capabilities on extensive databases, optimal materials and structures for SSLMBs will be identified. The designed SSLMBs will be precisely fabricated with 3D printing techniques. Expected outcomes include novel solid-state electrolyte formulations, smart battery structures, and high-performance SSLMBs. The project will benefit Australia’s energy storage innovation and economic growth, bolstering Australia’s global leadership in advanced energy technologies.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4004 - Chemical Engineering. Lead: Prof Ying Ian Chen

Artificial Intelligence for the Early Years . This project aims to generate new knowledge about Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the early years. Education and care for young children (birth-to-8-years) is important for children's long-term developmental outcomes. AI is already being used by educators to assess children's development and provide suggested learning experiences in practice. It is also being applied in children's digital games and content. However, little is known about how AI interfaces with children's play, learning and developmental outcomes and how to ensure children are provided with AI that is safe, equitable and trustworthy. The research will inform a new AI for the Early Years Statement to inform adult-decision making about AI design and use with young children. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3903 - Education Systems. Lead: Prof Susan Edwards

Defining cell communication and mechanics in tissue specific vasculature. This project aims to improve our understanding of the mechanical properties that regulate the organ-specificity of blood vessels and their function. The endothelial cells lining blood vessels play a specialised role in the local physiology of their respective organs, however little is known about the fundamental biophysical events which trigger or characterise this function. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of developmental biology using collaborative, cutting-edge biomechanical techniques. In studying this process, the project should provide critical insights into how changes in cell and fluid mechanics are interpreted by, and consequently determine the identity and function of organ-specific endothelial cells.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4003 - Biomedical Engineering. Lead: Prof Laura Bray

A new paradigm for aluminium geochemistry in acid sulfate environments. Toxic levels of dissolved aluminium are a significant problem in environments that are impacted by acid sulfate soils and acid mine drainage. This project aims to provide a new and potentially paradigm-shifting understanding of the mineral-water interactions that control aluminium geochemistry in such environments. This will be achieved by combining advanced synchrotron-based techniques with novel field studies and innovative laboratory experiments. Outcomes will include transformative new insights on unresolved mineral-water interactions for more accurate modelling of aluminium geochemistry in acid sulfate environments. This should provide a much improved capacity to predict and control aluminium fate to protect valuable water resources.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3703 - Geochemistry. Lead: Prof Edward Burton

Help wanted: The Dynamics of AI-Driven Recruitment and Selection. The increasing use of AI in the recruitment and selection of job candidates is widely acknowledged but not well understood. AI-enabled recruitment offers substantial value to employers but has a significant and unchecked influence on job-seekers. This project will explore how AI capability is developed by technology vendors, deployed by recruiters, and utilised by job candidates. Findings from three integrated studies will build new theoretical understandings of the social and technical implications of AI-enabled recruitment. Benefits include the development of governance principles, industry practice standards, and strategies to assist job-seekers, that promote transparency, privacy and equality in the Australian labour market.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3505 - Human Resources and Industrial Relations. Lead: Prof Paula McDonald

Understanding place-based repair in climate-affected communities. Community-based repair work is a vital but often overlooked aspect of responding to the impacts of climate change and to mitigating the increasing costs of disasters. Through storytelling and creative methodologies, this project will document, map and analyse how people are responding to environmental change through diverse, locally attentive practices of repair. Generating understandings of the nature of repair work for researchers, governments and communities, as well as practical tools, guides and resources, the project will contribute to improved strategies and actions for more inclusive and equitable community-led responses to climate change.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4702 - Cultural Studies. Lead: Prof Emily Potter

Engineering artificial organelles for on-demand bioenergy production. The project aims to create a generalisable and programmable artificial organelle to provide on-demand externally controlled production of bioenergy by engineering synthetic hybridised organelles mimicking chloroplasts and mitochondria. It will be achieved by compartmentalising tailor-made carbon nanozymes in a membrane structure to confine catalytic cascade reactions of photo-oxidative phosphorylation in a nanoreactor. The outcome will provide in-depth understandings of structure-activity relationships of carbon nanoparticles and intelligent artificial organelles and generate patentable methodologies and technologies. This will pave the way for vast applications of controllable biomimetic systems in bioenergy production-related industries. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4016 - Materials Engineering. Lead: Prof Zi (Sophia) Gu

Chemo-mechanical behavior in all-solid-state lithium metal batteries. Currently available commercial lithium-ion batteries do not satisfy the increasing demands of portable electronic devices and electric vehicles, due to low energy densities, safety issues and high cost. High capacity electrode materials such as Li metal anode, Ni-rich cathode together with solid-state electrolytes have been confirmed as promising alternatives. However, poor interface stability and material failure remain as significant challenges. The project aims to solve these coupled chemo-mechanical problems through in situ characterisation and advanced modelling technologies. The expected outcomes will help develop next generation batteries and fill the key knowledge gaps in broad energy materials.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4016 - Materials Engineering. Lead: Prof Cheng Yan

Developing Sustainable Hard Carbon for High Performance Sodium-Ion Battery. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) demonstrate a great potential to replace expensive lithium-ion batteries for energy storage as sodium is low-cost, safe and abundant as compared to lithium. However, the larger radius of sodium ions often leads to a sluggish kinetics process, and they cannot intercalate into commonly used anode materials like graphite. This project aims to investigate the atomic level sodium storage mechanism in hard carbon and develop a novel green hydrothermal carbonisation process to obtain spherical microstructures via combined experiment and atomistic modelling. This project will not only fill the knowledge gaps in developing high performance SIBs but guide the establishment of sustainable hard carbon manufacture industry.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4017 - Mechanical Engineering. Lead: Prof Cheng Yan

Redefining the mechanosensory role of Transient Receptor Potential channels. This project will answer the question: how do members of the Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) super family of channels contribute to cellular force sensing? TRP channels do not fit the classic paradigm of force sensing channels as they are not activated by membrane stretch. This project will determine if TRPs can be activated by a different type of force (tensile forces applied at cell adhesion sites) and aims to establish a new paradigm for mechanosensing, where select TRP channels function as mechano-amplifiers to boost the signal from a classical stretch-activated primary mechanosensor, i.e. PIEZO1. This work is anticipated to redefine our understanding of the flexibility of force sensing via ion channels in mammalian cells.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Lead: A/Prof Kathryn Poole

Novel transparent electrodes for efficient bifacial perovskite solar cells. This project aims to design transparent electrode composed of dielectric-metal-dielectric (DMD) structure with required optical and electrical properties for bifacial semitransparent perovskite solar cells (ST-PSCs). Expected new knowledge of how properties of the dielectric materials and metal layer control the transmittance, conductivity, work function as well as stability of the transparent electrodes, and subsequently their performance in ST-PSCs will be generated. The important research outcomes will facilitate the development of efficient ST-PSCs in practice such as building-integrated photovoltaics (PVs), placing Australia in the forefront this important emerging photovoltaics.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4016 - Materials Engineering. Lead: Prof Hongxia Wang

A new mechanism regulating cell death. Cell death in multicellular organisms is vital for disposing of damaged and unwanted cells to maintain homeostasis. The project aims to understand how specific protein modification via the process of ubiquitination regulates Gasdermins, the executioners of pyroptosis, a distinct type of cell death. We will use state-of-the-art molecular and cellular approaches to discover mechanisms that control Gasdermins to manage cell death response. Given the essential nature of cell death the outcomes will generate high value conceptual knowledge in a topical field of broad biological significance. This is expected to enhance Australia’s research reputation and capability, foster international collaborations and provide training for PhD students.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Lead: Prof Sharad Kumar