Grants & Opportunities

Mind bender: how neuroactive drug pollution impacts wildlife cognition. This Project aims to investigate how widespread contamination by neuroactive drugs affects wildlife cognition and survival, and thus, the ecological communities they inhabit. It expects to generate new mechanistic insights into the emerging threat of pharmaceutical pollution across different scales of ecological complexity, from controlled laboratory experimentation to studies in the wild. Expected outcomes include new knowledge of direct relevance to chemical risk assessment and regulation. Findings should contribute significantly to understanding how wildlife respond to palpable environmental hazards, and enhance the evidence base for managing and securing biodiversity and vulnerable water resources—both in Australia and globally.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3103 - Ecology. Lead: Prof Bob Wong

Investigating how nuclear bodies may establish cellular memory. This project aims to determine how nuclear bodies establish cellular memory. This project expects to generate new knowledge in molecular programming of immune cells, by leveraging interdisciplinary collaborations and using cutting-edge high-resolution microscopy, gene and protein knockout systems, as well as cell and chromatin biology techniques. Expected outcomes include new principles of how cells are reprogrammed for enhanced function & the ability to adapt to microenvironmental change for long-term survival. This should provide significant benefits such as knowledge creation that may lead to development of technology to reprogram cell function across many species, as well as enhancing Australian research capacity and recognition.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3204 - Immunology. Lead: Prof Kim Good-Jacobson

Securing Privacy-Preserving Cloud Computation Against Active Attacks. This project aims to devise practical cryptographic tools for securing privacy-preserving cloud computation applications from active attack threats that go beyond eavesdropping. It expects to remove a fundamental barrier to secure deployment of privacy-preserving cloud computation technology. The project is expected to generate novel methods to significantly reduce the risk of cloud data privacy breaches which have plagued enterprise and personal data in recent years. Expected outcomes of the project include a practical active security toolkit for deployment in cloud applications such as privacy-preserving Artificial Intelligence services. This should benefit cloud services by bolstering privacy and reducing the frequency of data breaches. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4604 - Cybersecurity and Privacy. Lead: Prof Ron Steinfeld

Synchronised brain oscillations and motor function in older adults. The ability to learn new motor skills declines with advancing age, but the cause of this decline, or how to alleviate it, remains elusive. This project will use a novel form of non-invasive brain stimulation combined with multimodal techniques to investigate how synchronising brain oscillations at specific frequencies can improve motor learning in older adults. This cutting-edge approach will provide new information on the neurophysiological basis of synchronised brain oscillations and how they can be optimised to improve motor function. The outcomes may have wide-ranging implications for the design of training protocols aimed at improving motor and cognitive function, providing potential benefits in ageing and in rehabilitation.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 5202 - Biological Psychology. Lead: A/Prof John Semmler

Into the Darkness: Measuring the Properties of Dark Galaxies. A fundamental prediction of cosmology is that galaxies without stars, Dark Galaxies, should exist. This project aims to exploit the new era in radio observations with the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder telescope, combining its deep radio imaging with optical wavelengths, to identify large numbers of Dark Galaxies. With this first-ever sample of Dark Galaxies, and employing innovative techniques, the project will produce fundamental new knowledge, answering outstanding questions about galaxy formation and the nature of dark matter itself. National benefits include inspiring the next generation of STEM students and scientists, while further enhancing Australia's international reputation in cutting-edge Astrophysics. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 5101 - Astronomical Sciences. Lead: Prof Duncan Forbes

Unlocking latent reactivity in chemical synthesis via electrochemistry . This project seeks to establish new methods for the efficient preparation of organic compounds using direct inputs of electricity to unlock fundamental reactivity that is otherwise unattainable under mild conditions. Employing an integrated experimental and computational approach, we will design new chemical reactions in which simple electrochemical triggers transform stable and inexpensive precursors into highly reactive intermediates in a controlled fashion. Ultimately, this research will enable safer and greener manufacturing of high-value molecules, such as pharmaceuticals, that are central to improvements in human health and the quality of life enjoyed by modern society. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3405 - Organic Chemistry. Lead: Prof Michelle Coote

Moving With Robots: Advancing Human-Robot Collaboration and Communication. The use of collaborative robots by people in arts, social and health settings has the potential to improve their economic situation and their quality of life through increasing safe and cost-effective options for engagement, care and support. However, one of the barriers to adoption is how to achieve safe and trusted contact support for robots who are physically interacting with people in collaborative and assistive roles. Through choreographed interactions with movement experts, this project expects to generate machine learning strategies to understand how people and robots can reliably and fluently move together. Expected outcomes of this project include innovative methods for robot learning to improve shared movement quality.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3605 - Screen and Digital Media. Lead: Prof John McCormick

Investigating the plant growth/defence trade-off. This project aims to understand how plants balance their growth with defence against pathogens. It expects to generate new knowledge in the area of how natural plant defence mechanisms impact on plant productivity by investigating the underlying biochemical mechanisms. The expected outcomes of this project include the ability to easily identify new long-lasting disease resistance genes, and a more complete understanding of how the plant immune system works.This should provide significant benefits including improving crop productivity by identification of new resistance genes, and strategies to optimise the balance between plant growth and resistance to pathogens. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3108 - Plant Biology. Lead: Prof John Rathjen

Young People, Fintech Use and Future Financial Security. Young people’s rapid uptake of financial technologies (fintech) impacts their present-day financial wellbeing and capacity to create financially secure futures. This project will be the first to explore how young people navigate and understand the new landscape of fintech platforms and products, and to uncover the hitherto hidden impacts of fintech sorting and classificatory processes. We will use innovative research methods to interrogate the relationship between everyday financial practices and algorithmic platforms, developing a youth-centred approach to understanding the interface between them. This new knowledge will inform ongoing regulatory efforts, support youth sector practice and increase public understanding of fintech platforms.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4410 - Sociology. Lead: A/Prof Steven Threadgold

Discovering natural hydrogen in continental interiors. Hydrogen (H2) is a crucial clean energy source with applications in industry and transportation. Currently, H2 production relies on high-emission steam-methane reforming, while 'green' H2 production through electrolysis is expensive and energy-intensive. The project focuses on the scientific and commercial potential of 'gold' or 'white' natural H2 generated by geological processes. Despite recent discoveries of subsurface H2 accumulations, large-scale commercial production remains unrealised. This project addresses this gap by developing a systematic, process-oriented approach to define geological controls on the origin and transport of natural H2 and provide a framework for identifying drilling targets and quantifying exploration risks.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3705 - Geology. Lead: Prof Simon Holford

Income Inequality, Asset Returns, and the Capital Share in Australia. We aim to show that income inequality measured by income shares is currently mis-measured due to omission of several important sources of capital income, such as depreciation allowances, imputed rent, and capital gains. To address this, the project aims to develop an analytical framework equipped to construct corrected measures of income shares that include the omitted capital income and cover a much longer period than previous inequality measures for Australia, the US, UK, Germany, and Scandinavia. We expect that inequality has followed a trajectory that is quite different from conventional measures of the functional income distribution. This has implications for several strands of macroeconomic analysis and economic policy. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3801 - Applied Economics. Lead: Prof Jakob Madsen

Pacific Powers: Imperial Competition and Cooperation in Micronesia. As geopolitical competition and conflict in the Pacific region grows, this project seeks to uncover the complex historical origins of this situation. It will assess why Micronesia has been the site of competing projects of power projection and how the people of the region have responded to radically different imperial powers. Using hitherto untapped archival materials in six different languages, it investigates how and why Micronesia was targeted and then conquered by the Spanish, the Germans, the Japanese and the United States before winning independence. In doing so, it seeks to offer a deeper understanding of our region, explaining why imperial competition in the Pacific has been the historical norm rather than the exception. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4303 - Historical Studies. Lead: Prof Matthew Fitzpatrick

Resolving the PFAS exposome through advances in mass spectrometry. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances are a major class of persistent organic pollutants that have been detected in even the most remote and pristine environments on the planet. This project will deliver next-generation mass spectrometry-based analytical capabilities for rapid and confident identification of these substances across diverse sample types ranging from clothing to concrete and biological tissues and fluids. These technologies will close the knowledge gap as to the extent of molecular diversity in per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance chemicals and thus provide critical insights into the exposure risks they pose to human health and the Australian environment (including Antarctic territories).. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 3401 - Analytical Chemistry. Lead: Prof Stephen Blanksby

Fast and parallel logic gates for trapped-ion quantum computing. Quantum computers can simulate complex chemical interactions and materials in ways that existing quantum chemistry tools cannot. This project aims to develop key technology that will allow trapped-ion quantum computers to operate at a scale that makes them useful for commercial purposes. All current quantum computing platforms are limited by their ability to apply a large number of successive entangling gates. For trapped-ion systems, these limits can be overcome by non-adiabatic gate protocols called 'fast gates'. This project aims to develop versions of these tools that operate more efficiently when used in large scale next-generation quantum computers. . Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 5108 - Quantum Physics. Lead: Prof Joseph Hope

Active control of battery aging process for life extension. This project aims to extend the lifetime of battery energy storage systems for power grids by developing innovative approaches to control the battery aging process at a cell level. The project expects to utilise digital twin technology, integrating a deep learning model with an electrochemical model, to predict the impact of operating conditions on battery aging and regulating these conditions to control the aging process and extend battery life. The expected outcomes include longer battery life, reduced downtime, and increased throughput of battery energy storage systems. This should provide significant benefits to battery energy storage manufacturing and support Australia’s transition to sustainable power grids. . Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 4004 - Chemical Engineering. Lead: Prof Weixiang Shen

Educational re/engagement of marginalised youth via wellbeing and community. This Project aims to improve educational outcomes for vulnerable young people in rural, regional and remote [RRR] areas of Australia. It is well documented that health and wellbeing may be major impediments to schooling re/engagement; thus, the project expects to demonstrate the effectiveness of using community-based, interdisciplinary approaches to removing such barriers. Expected outcomes include the identification of key principles for models of support for the welfare needs of RRR youth before educational re/engagement can occur. The project's benefits align with Australian Government goals to improve educational access for youth in RRR contexts to improve lifelong prospects for employment, housing, health and civic participation. . Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 3903 - Education Systems. Lead: A/Prof Glenda McGregor

Evidence-based interventions to improve working conditions for nurses. This project aims to investigate the processes by which hospitals implement an innovative new ‘toolkit’ of evidence-based procedures to reduce workplace exposures to hazards that affect risk of musculoskeletal disorders and chronic stress in nurses. Implementation science will inform the formulation of indicators of intervention quality. Impacts on hazard exposures will be quantified and likely cost-benefits for workplaces calculated. The anticipated outcomes will inform the development and dissemination of new resources and guidance that promote more widespread workplace use of cost-effective management methods, with expected future improvements in working conditions that promote increased workforce participation of nurses.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 3505 - Human Resources and Industrial Relations. Lead: Prof Jodi Oakman

A Modular and Open Testbed for Next-Generation Strategic Travel Models. This project aims to improve evidence-based decision-making in relation to transport policies and investments. It is expected to generate new knowledge about how best to develop next-generation models that can reliably measure and forecast Australia’s transport needs, while taking into account emerging travel options and new technologies. Anticipated outcomes of this project include a new, open-access strategic travel model for the Sydney Greater Metropolitan Area based on activity-based travel demand methods and dynamic traffic assignment. This should provide significant benefits, including more accurate and transparent forecasting of the economic, social and environmental impacts of investments in road infrastructure and public transport.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 3509 - Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chains. Lead: Prof Michiel Bliemer

Swinging both ways – the genetic control of sex expression in hemp . Hemp is an emerging Australian crop that produces high-quality edible oils and plant-based protein from seeds. Hemp typically has separate male and female plants, with 50% of the crop being males that don’t produce seed, causing low and variable yields. This project will characterize novel sex-determining genetic factors in hemp, allowing us to modify male plants so they produce seed in addition to pollen. Project outcomes include new knowledge on hemp sex expression, novel hemp crop technologies and associated germplasm that will deliver significant increases to seed yields of up to 50%. The improved crop performance will speed up adoption of hemp, enhance profitability for farmers and reduce cost of hempseed products for consumers.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 3004 - Crop and Pasture Production. Lead: Prof Tobias Kretzschmar

Advanced Microcarriers for Cell-Based Manufacturing . This project aims to advance the manufacturing process of biologics, that require cells for the manufacturing process. Traditional methods like roller bottles or multilayer culture systems face challenges, including limited scalability and high costs. In collaboration with Sydney-based Smart MCs, we will develop and test innovative biomaterials to build next-generation xeno-free microcarriers for large-scale adherent cell culture, streamlining production, reducing costs, and enhancing quality. This initiative will strengthen Australia’s biotech industry, positioning the country as a leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and ensuring independence, especially during critical times like pandemics.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 4003 - Biomedical Engineering. Lead: A/Prof Christopher Marquis

Re-imagining concrete as a carbon sink. This project aims to revolutionize concrete - one of the most used construction materials worldwide - to make it a carbon sink and a significant contributor to climate change mitigation. Concrete production results in around 8-9% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This project expects to better understand the interaction between CO2 and concrete towards capture/storage of CO2 within concrete. Expected outcomes include a model for climate friendly concrete production, a pipeline for concrete research harnessing big data, and nurturing the future workforce of multi-disciplinary researchers. Significant benefits of the project include reducing the carbon footprint of the concrete industry towards the eco-friendly urban development.. Scheme: Australian Laureate Fellowships. Field: 4005 - Civil Engineering. Lead: Prof Wenhui Duan

Transforming environmental governance for novel ocean-based climate action. Climate change is stimulating novel actions in oceans that are accelerating climate ambitions and disrupting communities and ecosystems. Government and community oversight of such interventions - which include chemically-modified seawater and genetically-modified coral - is unfit for purpose and ineffective. By developing new knowledge, partnerships, decision tools, and researchers, this program will generate governance innovations to minimise social-ecological risk and accelerate effective climate actions. The benefits and legacy of the Laureate program include transformative governance of novel ocean-based climate actions, a new climate-intensive field of marine policy research, and enhanced Australian leadership of global marine futures.. Scheme: Australian Laureate Fellowships. Field: 4104 - Environmental Management. Lead: Prof Tiffany Morrison

Reforming Australia's work disability benefit systems. Being unable to work due to injury or illness (work disability) is very common. This project aims to transform Australia's outdated work disability support systems of employer leave entitlements, workers' compensation and social security. Integrating approaches from multiple disciplines, the project will develop a new evidence base for work disability system design and delivery. Expected outcomes include new participant centred tools for assessing system effectiveness; new policy and service delivery options based on community preferences; and new knowledge about long episodes of workplace absence. Contemporary, evidence-based systems will deliver more cost-effective services and supports to reduce work disability and enhance productivity.. Scheme: Australian Laureate Fellowships. Field: 4407 - Policy and Administration. Lead: Prof Alex Collie

Integrated Resource-Energy-Industry Framework for Net-Zero Australia. This project develops an integrated framework to optimize Australia's transition to clean energy, industry and green exports. By connecting separate analyses of mineral resources, renewable energy, electricity networks and industrial development, we will create tools to evaluate pathways that maximize sector synergies, promote common infrastructures and align with trade partner demands. Working with The Superpower Institute and Geoscience Australia, we will help industry and government make better infrastructure investment and industrial development decisions. The open-source approach ensures broad access to these tools. The framework will help Australia maximize economic opportunities while supporting regional development in net zeros.. Scheme: Early Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4008 - Electrical Engineering. Lead: Dr Changlong Wang

AI-Empowered ESG Data Analytics in Responsible Investment. This project aims to enhance the effectiveness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) analysis by leveraging advanced AI and data management to improve risk assessment, performance forecasting, and report generation in responsible investment. By addressing challenges such as complex data and evolving ESG demands, this project will empower investors to make more sustainable choices. Expected outcomes include innovative AI and data management tools that provide more accurate and timely ESG analysis, fostering sustainable development and social responsibility. Additionally, the project will promote global knowledge exchange, talent development, and public awareness of the importance of responsible and transparent business practices.. Scheme: Early Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science. Lead: Dr Zhengyi Yang