Grants & Opportunities

How Does Ageing Affect GPCR Signalling: Focusing on Pro-resolving Receptors. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are evolutionarily conserved cell surface proteins crucial for regulating human and animal physiology by transmitting signals essential for growth and ageing. This project aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying GPCR-mediated signalling in physiological ageing, utilizing state-of-the-art experimental methods and multi-omics platforms. By exploring GPCR-driven cellular biology and dynamics in both 'young' and 'aged' systems, the project seeks to transform our understanding of mammalian ageing. The outcomes will advance biological knowledge, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and promote cutting-edge research training, placing Australia at the forefront of global life sciences innovation. . Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 3214 - Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Lead: Dr Chengxue Qin

Enhancing ethical design and use of data in child tracking apps. This project aims to enhance the ethical design and use of data in child tracking apps. It will employ innovative co-design research with children, and analyse family practices, public discourses, mobile platforms, developer perspectives, and the regulatory environment of children’s mobile tracking app technologies and services. Expected outcomes include recommendations for families about the benefits and risks of child tracking apps, ethical design guidelines for educators and app developers, and policy advice for regulating child tracking technologies and protecting children’s personal data. This will bring significant benefits to Australian families via improvements in the ethical design and data privacy of child tracking apps.. Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 4701 - Communication and Media Studies. Lead: A/Prof Bjørn Nansen

Innovations in ocean governance for sustainable and equitable blue futures. Oceans play a critical role in combating climate change and biodiversity loss, while supporting global economies and livelihoods. As the world increasingly relies on oceans for energy, food, and carbon storage, ocean governance faces new challenges. This project explores how innovative governance models can transform ocean management to be more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. By examining trends such as Nature Positive approaches, Indigenous co-governance and deliberative methods of engagement, the research aims to identify new pathways to addressing the multiple planetary crises impacting our oceans and rising inequalities linked to environmental issues, as well as enhance public trust in ocean governance.. Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 4803 - International and Comparative Law. Lead: A/Prof Michelle Voyer

Low-cost, ultra-low carbon and highly-reactive cementitious material. This project aims to pioneer sustainable construction by developing an innovative, ultra-low carbon cementitious material that surpasses current global alternatives in performance and cost of production. Utilizing Australia's abundant aluminosilicate mineral resources and a novel thermochemical activation process, the project expects to generate groundbreaking knowledge in sustainable cement chemistry. Anticipated outcomes include a highly reactive, low-cost composite with superior strength, and reduced embodied energy. This research should accelerate Australia's path to carbon neutrality, establish the nation as a leader in green construction, and create global economic opportunities in sustainable building materials.. Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 4005 - Civil Engineering. Lead: Dr Rajeev Roychand

Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying adaptive behaviour. Some species exhibit the ability to suitably adapt their behaviour in dynamic environments. A key gap in knowledge is how new experiences can be properly intertwined with pre-existing learning while avoiding interference and disarray. This project seeks to identify the cellular and circuit mechanisms underlying behavioural change. Using established behavioural tasks to measure memory interference, with cutting-edge neuroscience techniques for in vivo imaging and manipulation of brain circuits in behaving mice, this Fellowship aims to unravel how major neuromodulatory systems intersect to modify future behaviours. The translation of this work may lead to better ways to treat inflexible traits and to develop new adaptive artificial networks.. Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 3109 - Zoology. Lead: Dr Miriam Matamales

Heritage and Displacement: Intersections of Exile, Culture and Conflict. This project aims to investigate the intersections between heritage and displacement, and the differing ways these are understood by displaced people, governments and global agencies. This project expects to generate new knowledge via an innovative interdisciplinary approach that includes developing a novel conceptual framework, creating an original database and conducting interviews. Expected outcomes include unprecedented empirical insights into how displaced people from the Middle East perceive their heritage, and the extent to which this aligns with the policies of relevant actors. This should provide significant benefits, shaping further intellectual inquiry and the responses of key international agencies to heritage and displacement.. Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 4302 - Heritage, Archive and Museum Studies. Lead: Prof Benjamin Isakhan

Holographic WiFi for Digital Mining. Digital mining is an urgent global priority for enhancing productivity, safety, and operational efficiency. However, the lack of scalable, cost-effective ICT infrastructure remains a significant barrier to fully realising the potential of digital mining. The project will deliver HoloFi, a revolutionary WiFi system, that transforms conventional WiFi networks into multifunctional ICT infrastructure. It enables a single WiFi network to simultaneously provide inherent communication, situational awareness sensing, and distributed AI processing at scale, delivering a cost-effective ICT infrastructure. As industries move toward digital transformation, HoloFi will be indispensable, delivering significant economic and social benefits for Australia.. Scheme: Industry Laureate Fellowships. Field: 4006 - Communications Engineering. Lead: Prof Yonghui Li

Biomass-Derived Materials for High Performance Lithium Ion Batteries. Agricultural biomass is an abundant, low-cost, renewable resource. This Fellowship project aims to develop sustainable, high performance anode materials from agricultural biomass for lithium ion battery applications. It will generate new knowledge in developing multi-product biorefinery processes and technologies for the synthesis of biomass-derived lithium ion battery anodes, enhance cross-disciplinary research collaborations, and strengthen engagement with industry partners. These outcomes will support the establishment of a secure, low-carbon-footprint battery supply chain in Australia and foster the growth of new low-carbon industries that manufacture sustainable chemicals and materials from agricultural biomass in regional Australia. . Scheme: Mid-Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4004 - Chemical Engineering. Lead: Prof Zhanying Zhang

Upcycling Waste Plastics to Value-Added Fire-Safe Cladding Materials. This project aims to enable the upcycling of used agricultural irrigation plastics into cheaper, fire-safe building cladding. The goal will be achieved by developing fire-retardant formulations for recycled plastics, engineering fire-safe plastic foam with good thermal insulation as the core material of cladding, and manufacturing and assessing proof of concept cladding products. Expected outcomes include a better understanding of how to upcycle waste plastics to new polymers, and how to develop fire-safe building cladding products designed to meet Australian building codes. Benefits include making Australian agriculture more sustainable and Australian buildings safer, contributing to the nation’s circular economy and recycling industry. . Scheme: Mid-Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4016 - Materials Engineering. Lead: Prof Pingan Song

Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design. This project aims to address the dual urban challenges of liveability and biodiversity loss by utilising a novel design paradigm: Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design (BSUD). The project expects to transform the urban design and development industries through action research on live projects, generating innovative design and delivery. Expected outcomes of this project include demonstration sites where nature and people thrive, novel methods for modelling success, evidence for benefits and mainstreaming of BSUD in urban development. This should provide significant benefits, including enhancing the biodiversity and liveability of cities and establishing Australia as an international leader when demand for sustainable urban solutions is urgent.. Scheme: Industry Laureate Fellowships. Field: 4104 - Environmental Management. Lead: Prof Sarah Bekessy

Transforming gene testing to make communities safe. Waterborne pathogens pose a significant public health threat globally, leading to adverse health impacts and high prevention costs. This Fellowship will support the development and future commercialisation of a new gene testing technology for such pathogens based on programmable nucleases. While these nucleases are known for precise gene editing, we discovered their potential for ultrasensitive biosensing. Driven by innovative biochemistry, the new method promises to be faster than conventional gene-based tests, offering a highly accurate (>99%) and scalable alternative to lab-based diagnostics at lower cost. In collaboration with the Key Industry Partner, we will faciliate market entry of the new tests and train an industry-ready team.. Scheme: Industry Laureate Fellowships. Field: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Lead: Prof Ewa Goldys

ARC Training Centre in Sustainable and Green Economy Manufacturing. This project aims to train the next generation of scientists to be experts in advanced sustainable and green catalysis technology. This project expects to deliver highly skilled industry-ready, entrepreneurial workers that can bring advanced catalysis chemistry to the sustainable manufacturing, bioactives, and energy sectors. Expected outcomes include providing partners, and the broader manufacturing industry, with new products and novel catalytic processes that are intrinsically safe and benign, with strong export potential, and the ability to respond to market pressures. Significant benefits include increased competitiveness for Australia's manufacturing industry and securing internal supply chains that reduce impact on the environment.. Scheme: Industrial Transformation Training Centres. Field: 3405 - Organic Chemistry. Lead: Prof Philip Chan

ARC Research Hub in Cyber-Farming for Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture. The Hub aims to transform Australian agriculture by pioneering cutting technologies across the agricultural production lifecycle to add values to agriculture and achieve sustainability and resilience. Aligned with the 2030 Agricultural Roadmap and National Robotics Strategy, the Hub increases yields and efficiency, improves quality and consistency, and enhances decision making through innovation and adoption of technologies in robotics, AI, Internet of soils and plants, and data-driven automation. With effective engagements in science, engineering, and all critical stakeholders, this Hub addresses pressing challenges, invigorates the economy and communities, and ensures sustainable agriculture development in Australia and the world. . Scheme: Industrial Transformation Research Hubs. Field: 4007 - Control Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics. Lead: A/Prof Chao Chen

ARC Research Hub for Next Generation Mining Methods. A leap forward in mining practices is essential for the sector to achieve net-zero targets, participate in certified green product markets, and sustainably meet projected 20-40-fold increases in critical minerals demand. This Hub’s coordinated agenda for sector transformation aims to deliver next-generation mining methods (zero-waste, zero-emission, zero-human-entry) for extracting critical minerals and strategic materials. Advanced machinery guided by integrated digital systems will minimise emissions and environmental disturbance and dramatically reduce the volume of mine waste for challenging deposits. National benefits include value-adding exports, competitive advantage in the global low-carbon economy, and improved sector resilience.. Scheme: Industrial Transformation Research Hubs. Field: 4019 - Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy. Lead: Prof Serkan Saydam

ARC Research Hub for Critical Energy Separation Materials. The ARC crest hub will change our relationship with the materials of the green energy future. A leading group of Australian researchers and local companies have been carefully assembled to develop technology that can separate an energy carrier out of a complex mixture. This technology will both lower the cost and improve the sustainability of how we create, transport and use energy. The CREST Hub will also rethink what it means to have developed a new sustainable technology by engaging properly with the community so that a ‘true’ green solution can be developed collaboratively. We will deliver recycling of lithium ion batteries, means to cleanly transport hydrogen globally and circular materials economy.. Scheme: Industrial Transformation Research Hubs. Field: 4016 - Materials Engineering. Lead: Prof Matthew Hill

Manganese-induced oxidative transformations of soil organic matter. Manganese oxides are powerful catalytic agents in soil with major implications for carbon cycling. This project aims to unravel how manganese minerals interact with organic matter and their role in terrestrial carbon and nutrient cycling. This will be achieved by combining controlled laboratory experiments with advanced analytical techniques, including synchrotron-based spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Expected outcomes include transformative new insights into how manganese oxides modify soil carbon storage, with implications for carbon sequestration and nutrient release. This should provide significant benefits, including supporting better environmental management strategies and contributing to climate resilience. Scheme: Discovery Indigenous. Field: 4106 - Soil Sciences. Lead: A/Prof Dane Lamb

Malnuda Burra Yina: Gabra Stories of Yorta Yorta Fruit Picking. This project will investigate the role played by Yorta Yorta people in the Goulburn Valley fruit picking industry. Utilising family/clan led research, it is intended to advance our understanding of the history of Australian capitalism by applying Aboriginal modalities. The project will show how Yorta Yorta families practiced self-determination through their choice of labour and employer from the 1920s to the 1970s. Its outcomes are multifaceted, prioritising community aspirations to document their contribution to the economy. The project should provide significant social, cultural and commercial benefits by generating greater knowledge of Yorta Yorta fruit picking in the Goulburn Valley region and beyond. . Scheme: Discovery Indigenous. Field: 4519 - Other Indigenous Data, Methodologies and Global Indigenous Studies. Lead: Prof Julie Andrews

Aboriginal Health Equity: culturally safe care and child development . The Aboriginal Health Equity Futures study will be the first longitudinal cohort study to examine and quantify culturally safe care impacts on Aboriginal children's developmental trajectories. Integrated prospectively collected and linked administrative data will establish if children (0-5 years) benefit from maternal exposure to culturally safe perinatal care practices. Building on prior studies, the quantitative design within an Indigenous research framework will provide a novel platform for a comprehensive analysis of wellbeing inequalities in the early life course. The study is critical to sustain culturally responsive maternity care and for health policies and practice which support Closing the Gap targets for future generations.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4504 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing. Lead: Prof Rhonda Marriott

Advanced Nano-hybrid Materials for Energy Storage . This project aims to generate new knowledge in flexible energy storage by advancing material development and understanding critical interactions that influence performance. It focuses on designing advanced materials with improved ionic conductivity, flexibility, and stability, alongside scalable fabrication methods. Outcomes include strengthening Australia’s leadership in driving advancements in energy materials and fabrication methods, novel manufacturing, and supporting renewable energy adoption. The research aligns with national priorities, providing foundational insights to enable innovative energy solutions and future material advancements. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4016 - Materials Engineering. Lead: Prof Dan Liu

Lab-on-a-chip hyperspectral microscopy based on graphene metalenses. This project aims to develop a miniaturised lab-on-a-chip hyperspectral microscopy (HM) system using integrated ultrathin graphene metalenses. Its applications span across various fields due to its ability to provide detailed chemical, molecular, and structural information. This project expects to generate new knowledge in developing novel metalenses with engineered dispersion in a broad bandwidth and entirely new design principles and HM systems. Expected outcomes include a new HM system prototype for expanded broad applications and the related new design and manufacturing methods. This should provide significant benefits, such as enhancing advanced manufacturing capability in Australia and making potential commercial benefits.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4016 - Materials Engineering. Lead: A/Prof Han Lin

Unravelling ammonia slip in zero-carbon rich-lean staged combustors. Ammonia, which can be produced via renewable electricity, has potential as a zero-carbon fuel in gas turbine engines. In emerging rich-lean staged combustion systems, ammonia slip, the emission of unburned ammonia in the primary rich stage is a significant unsolved issue, since it leads to large emissions of oxides of nitrogen when consumed in the second stage. Using large-scale, first principles direct numerical simulations, we aim to provide basic understanding of two proposed mechanisms for ammonia slip that involve local quenching: the interaction with a cold wall or via aerodynamic straining in turbulence. Understanding these mechanisms will facilitate the design of mitigation strategies, enabling ammonia-fuelled zero-carbon engines.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4012 - Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Engineering. Lead: Prof Evatt Hawkes

Unravelling a gut-brain pathway regulating fluid intake. Fluid intake must be strictly regulated to maintain proper fluid balance. Control of drinking involves multiple pathways, including signals derived from the gut inform on fluid volume and osmolarity. However, how the gut senses fluid intake remains unknown. We have discovered a specific cell type and ion channel in the gut responsible for sensing fluid intake and initiating a signal to the brain to cease drinking. The thirst response to dehydration is essential for proper health but is reduced in the elderly, driving health burdens related to dehydration, cognition, kidney function and cardiac events. Study outcomes will unravel this complex but important physiological system and inform future strategies for managing fluid imbalance.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3109 - Zoology. Lead: Prof Damien Keating

Unravelling PFAS dark matter in food contact material. Using a novel suite of analytical techniques, this project aims to assess the magnitude of PFAS in food contact material (FCM), its migration to food and the extent of dark matter transformation following ingestion. Assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is challenging due to the structural complexity of this class of chemicals and the presence of PFAS dark matter, unknown or not analysable compounds. PFAS dark matter may also be metabolised to persistent, dead-end products which is overlooked in risk evaluations. We aim to develop analytical tools for understanding PFAS dark matter exposure which is critical to manage PFAS impacts and to reduce the burden of direct and indirect health costs on the Australian population.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3006 - Food Sciences. Lead: Prof Albert Juhasz

Unlocking Solar System Secrets from Asteroid Sample Return Missions. Analysis of priceless asteroid material from sample return missions will provide new insights into the origin and evolution of our solar system. This project will translate high level mission science team membership into full participation at the forefront of sample analysis, furthering Australian standing in this multi-billion-dollar global effort. Quantitative petrological and geochemical analysis of pristine samples returned from three asteroids will elucidate primordial and interstellar processes. Petrophysical analysis will inform planetary defence and exploration strategies. This project provides inspiration for- and training of Australia’s next generation of scientists in the current golden age of space and planetary exploration.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 5109 - Space Sciences. Lead: A/Prof Nicholas Timms

A Nanoplatform for Lipopolysaccharide-independent Immune Hyperactivation . This project aims to develop a new class of bioactive nanoplatform for immune hyperactivation, a recently identified highly proinflammatory state of the immune system that drives long-lived immune protection. Materials engineering and immune signalling modulation will be leveraged to achieve optimal hyperactivation outcome without the reliance on bacterial toxins. Expected outcomes include new insights into the nanomaterial-mediated biochemical cues on inflammatory signaling and the establishment of a patentable immunostimulatory nanoplatform with enormous potential for next-generation immuno-adjuvant technology, strengthening Australia's vaccine manufacturing capability and offering ennomic benefits to pharmaceutical and veterinary fields.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3106 - Industrial Biotechnology. Lead: Dr Yannan Yang