Grants & Opportunities

Counter-COVID public policies and the impacts on Australian children. This project aims to identify the causal effects of counter-COVID school closures, stay-at-home mandates and government support payments on the educational and developmental outcomes of Australian children. It will establish, for the first time, a comprehensive causal evidence base on the average and distributional impacts of these policies on children across the spectrum of schooling years from preschool to secondary school completion. This project expects to advance our understanding of child skill accumulation and the relative importance of schools, parents, peers and government intervention. Anticipated benefits include providing policy recommendations to restore student learning outcomes and reduce educational inequality in Australia.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3801 - Applied Economics. Lead: Dr Jinhu Li

Stability conditions: their topology and applications. This project aims to answer questions about the topology of the space of stability conditions, which has emerged as a central object in a number of different mathematical areas in the past two decades. The proposed work will have important consequences in representation theory, group theory, and algebraic geometry. The project shows that tools from previously unrelated areas, including discontinous differential equations and discrete dynamical systems, are crucial in the theory of stability conditions. Potential benefits include the resolution of outstanding conjectures in mathematics, the initiation of new connections between different areas of mathematics, and the introduction of machine learning techniques into mathematical research.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4904 - Pure Mathematics. Lead: Prof Anthony Licata

Resilient Remote Environment Emulation for Human-to-Machine Communication. Human-to-machine haptic communication allow humans to immersively interact with remotely-located robots/machines. Current networks cannot support its technical demands, thereby limiting the achievable human-machine distance. This project aims to develop cloudlet intelligence together with a programmable resilient network to realise reliable remote environment emulation, a concept where the physical environment at the remote machine is emulated close to the human. A key outcome will be the first reliable remote environment emulation platform that achieves vast human-machine distances on current networks. Enabling immersive human-machine experience will significantly benefit many sectors, from education through to industrial manufacturing.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4006 - Communications Engineering. Lead: Prof Elaine Wong

The mobilome of the anaerobic methanotrophic archaea Methanoperedenaceae. Microorganisms play a critical role in regulating Earth’s climate, but how they are affected by our rapidly changing environment is not well understood. This Discovery project will study a group of microorganisms found in freshwater sediment that can consume the potent greenhouse gas methane before it is released into the atmosphere. We have developed new methods to investigate how genetic material is exchanged between microorganisms, and how this helps them adapt to environmental changes. Together, this will ultimately help us develop better climate change prediction models and contribute to our understanding of microbial communities that are crucial for environmental health.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3107 - Microbiology. Lead: A/Prof Simon McIlroy

Decoding microtubule remodelling in sperm production. All eukaryotic cells possess a dynamic microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton, which requires constant remodelling to satisfy its many essential cellular roles. Emerging data suggests modifications to the MT surface (the tubulin code) may act as instructional signposts for remodelling. This project aims to define a fundamental component of the tubulin code, glutamylation, and define how this directs MT severing. It also aims to define the cellular functions of MT-severing enzyme FIGNL1 and key MT glutamylation enzymes (CCP1, CCP5 and TTLL1). Insights will be generated using sperm production as a model system and will thus inform the mechanisms by which fertile sperm are built, in addition to being relevant to cell biology across eukaryotic species. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3215 - Reproductive Medicine. Lead: Prof Moira O'Bryan

Using Conservation Covenants for Ecosystem Restoration & Climate Adaptation. This project aims to investigate the role of conservation covenants in facilitating ecological restoration and adaptation to climate change. In light of international experience, the project examines Australia's legal experience with conservation covenants, with case studies in NSW, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria. The project expects to generate new theoretical insights and practical knowledge about the obstacles and opportunities for enabling covenants to play a more ambitious role in meeting biodiversity conservation and recovery goals. This should generate significant benefits to Australia in meeting its international environmental obligations, and improving collaboration between governments and community and landholder stakeholders.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4802 - Environmental and Resources Law. Lead: Prof Benjamin Richardson

Digital Death and Immortality. This project will create a philosophically-informed ethical approach for managing the 'digital remains' of internet users who have died. Emerging artificial intelligence technologies make it possible to reuse and interact with these digital remains. This offers new ways of commemorating the dead and for managing grief. Yet these technologies also threaten to exploit the dead and to change our relationship to them in troubling ways. Expected outcomes of the project include guidance for the ethical use of these technologies and policy recommendations for regulating the reuse of digital remains. This will provide significant benefits by helping Australia to avoid the ethical dangers inherent in emerging technologies of 'digital reanimation.'. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 5001 - Applied Ethics. Lead: A/Prof Patrick Stokes

Southern Ocean aerosols: sources, sinks and impact on cloud properties. This project aims to provide fundamental process-level understanding of atmospheric aerosol processes over the Southern Ocean, a region that has a profound influence on the Australian and global climate and where climate models perform poorly. Comprehensive observations during 3 Southern Ocean voyages and land-based measurements will enhance our knowledge of aerosols and cloud formation in that region and provide much-needed data for improving global climate models. Expected outcomes include more accurate seasonal and latitudinal representations of Southern Ocean aerosol populations, properties and sources. The main benefit includes improvements in weather forecasting and future climate projection for Australia and the Southern Hemisphere.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3701 - Atmospheric Sciences. Lead: A/Prof Branka Miljevic

The Global Structure of Sparse Networks. Graph theory (the mathematics of networks) models many real-world problems and is a major area of modern mathematics. This project aims to investigate the global structure of graphs using product structure theory, which is a recent breakthrough method that has been the key to solving several open problems. The goal is to extend the reach of product structure theory and to discover new fields of application, especially in theoretical computer science. It is expected that the tools developed will be widely applicable, for example, in network optimisation. The project aims to build collaborations between Australian researchers and world-leading international mathematicians, and provide advanced training for talented young researchers.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4904 - Pure Mathematics. Lead: Prof David Wood

Braiding Dynamics of Majorana Modes. The project aims to investigate Majorana modes, exotic quantum particles which can be found in the new material class of Topological Superconductivity. In particular, they can be utilised to construct fault-tolerant quantum bits. Quantum logic gates are enabled by moving these Majorana modes around each other, i.e., by braiding them, leading to an error-free quantum performance. This project will deliver cutting-edge simulations to analyse the braiding process in condensed matter systems and benchmark how these fault-tolerant quantum bits operate under real-world conditions. By providing the theory for advanced structures and devices, this project will inform experiments and pave the way for future technology based on topological phenomena.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 5104 - Condensed Matter Physics. Lead: Prof Dr Stephan Rachel

Analysing and disrupting outlaw motorcycle gangs in Australia. This project aims to reveal the structure and social dynamics of co-offending networks by OMCGs in Australia. Outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs) cause significant social and economic harm in Australia and internationally. The project will generate new knowledge about OMCG co-offending using an innovative multimethod approach combining social network analysis with interviews and focus groups. Expected outcomes include a deeper understanding of OMCG criminal activity across Australia and refined theory development about co-offending in criminal groups. The project will lead to improved policy, legislation and policing practice to prevent OMCG crime and dismantle OMCG criminal networks in more cost-effective ways.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4402 - Criminology. Lead: Prof David Bright

Unlocking the secret chemistry of organosulfur biodegradation. The element sulfur is essential for life. Its transformation between organic-sulfur compounds to inorganic forms is a crucial part of the biogeochemical cycle. This project will elucidate the molecular details of the final leg of the biosulfur cycle: organosulfur breakdown into mineral form. An integrated chemical and biochemical approach will be used to illuminate how the carbon-sulfur bond is broken. This project will deliver a detailed molecular understanding of organosulfur breakdown to permit organosulfur recycling. Benefits of this research include potential biotechnology applications for breaking down xenobiotic organosulfonates and sustainable approaches to reduce dependence on agricultural fertilisers.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3404 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry. Lead: Prof Spencer Williams

Mixed-Metal Clusters for Catalysis and Optical Applications. This project aims to afford new heterometallic molecular materials as precursors to catalysts and as new optical materials, exploiting oxophilic and carbophilic transition metal atoms for synergistic cooperation in certain catalytic processes, and using the polarity of heterometallic bonds to achieve strong optical limiting. Expected outcomes of this project include cluster structure/composition - catalysis/optical properties correlations that will signpost the route to efficient catalysts and optical limiters. This Project should provide significant benefits such as chemoselective catalysts needed for pharmaceutical drug and agricultural chemical production, and broad temporal range optical limiters needed for optical device protection.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3402 - Inorganic Chemistry. Lead: Prof Mark Humphrey

Does emotion regulation flexibility improve functioning in refugees? This project aims identify the mechanisms by which low-intensity interventions improve functioning in refugees living in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). Despite these interventions being implemented with thousands of refugees worldwide, many refugees fail to respond. This project will lead to significant advances in knowledge regarding how and for whom low intensity interventions work. Expected outcomes include enhanced capacity of NGOs to deliver effective interventions to refugees living in LMICs, and to tailor their services to those who are at greatest risk of not responding. Benefits include improved functioning of refugees living in LMICs, and enhanced capacity of Australia to meet its international refugee obligations. . Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 5203 - Clinical and Health Psychology. Lead: Prof Angela Nickerson

Unlocking mine waste potential: carbon sequestration and metals extraction. This project aims to systematically investigate a proof-of-concept engineering process for transforming mine waste into value. The research will develop and employ state-of-the-art tools to advance our knowledge of efficiently sequestering carbon dioxide using ultramafic nickel mine tailings, while also enabling the extraction of critical metals—particularly nickel—and the production of value-added products, such as high-purity magnesium carbonate hydrate and silica. Successful outcomes from this research will provide benefits for mitigating global warming, supplying critical metals for renewable energy technologies, and facilitating the transition of Australia's mining industry towards sustainability.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 4101 - Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation. Lead: Prof Fang Xia

Improving the success of hybrid living shorelines for coastal protection. This project aims to improve the success of hybrid living shorelines that combine the restoration of mangroves and oysters with engineered structures to enhance restoration outcomes and coastal hazard resilience. It expects to generate new knowledge on the effectiveness of innovative coastal-manager-led solutions that have not yet been robustly evaluated. Expected outcomes of this project include delivery of the technical guidelines needed to practically design and implement nature-based coastal protection at scale. This should provide significant socio-economic and environmental benefits through improving Australia’s capacity to adapt to increased erosion and flood risk caused by climate change and coastal urbanisation.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 3103 - Ecology. Lead: Dr Rebecca Morris

The Macroderma initiative: conserving ghost bats and informing development. This project aims to improve methods for capturing biological information required for environmental assessments of highly mobile species and enable strategic environmental planning in Northern Australia. Using Australia’s iconic ghost bat as a focus, the project will test and apply emerging technologies to obtain key information on a species’ population status and its critical resources to inform assessments of ecological impacts of industry development. Important benefits of the project include information and tools for streamlining development approvals and accurately assessing risks to threatened species to improve outcomes for both our economy and our natural environment.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 4104 - Environmental Management. Lead: Prof Sam Banks

Pioneering reproductive biotechnology innovations for equine breeding. This project aims to develop the world's first commercially viable system of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) for horses. The equine industry is seeking reproductive technologies that allow rapid genetic gain to improve the health, welfare and quality of progeny. This project will exploit recent breakthroughs in molecular and cell biology, veterinary practice and biotechnology, by assembling these research findings into practical systems and products optimised for successful production of foals in vitro. These technologies will boost the productivity and international competitiveness of Australia's equestrian sporting disciplines, and position the Australian biotechnology sector as global leaders in animal reproductive technologies. . Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 3009 - Veterinary Sciences. Lead: Dr Aleona Swegen

Generating green hydrogen from mining wastes. This project aims to convert waste from the mining industry into direct energy materials as effective catalysts for green hydrogen production from water splitting. The goal will be achieved by tailing activation, catalytic activity evaluation, tailing-based catalysts mass-production, real water performance assessment, and bench-top hydrogen electrolyzer fabrication. The outcomes of this project will provide a sustainable solution to the significant problem of the disposal of waste from the Australian mining industry, supply affordable hydrogen to Australian energy industry, and offer a tangible approach towards Australia's National Hydrogen Strategy and the zero-carbon emission goal of Australia’s Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan by 2050.. Scheme: Mid-Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4016 - Materials Engineering. Lead: Prof Ziqi Sun

Mineral processing in a fossil fuel free world. This project aims to address the challenge of securing critical minerals for the energy transition amidst declining fossil fuel supplies. The urgency stems from the Paris Agreement's mandate to limit global warming to 1.5°C and IEA's net-zero emissions by 2050. The research seeks to overcome barriers associated with the current dependency of fossil fuels in mineral processing through the development of adoption pathways for hydrochloric acid processing for critical mineral recovery, battery-grade mineral production and demonstration of renewable energy integration. The project's outcomes hold significance in expediting mineral processing, decoupled from fossil fuels, to secure a supply of critical minerals for the energy transition.. Scheme: Mid-Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4019 - Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy. Lead: Prof Sara Couperthwaite

Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Waste into High-Value Substrates. This project aims to transform agricultural waste into low-cost, high-quality substrates and soil amendment products for the agricultural industry using advanced sustainable release technology. This will be achieved by developing controlled-release cellulose-nanoclays with precision-tuned nutrient release and water retention, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for mushroom cultivation and crop growth. The project is expected to create new commercial opportunities and advance local production of value-added agricultural products, foster a circular economy, and promote environmental sustainability. By advancing agricultural waste management, it will also help position Australia as a global leader in sustainable agriculture.. Scheme: Mid-Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4016 - Materials Engineering. Lead: A/Prof Li Li

Decision support for climate-adapted bushfire risk mitigation. As climate change intensifies bushfire risks, there is an urgent need for fire management tools that remain effective in a warming world. This project aims to optimise the delivery of current risk mitigation tools and identify pathways to develop new tools across fuel management, suppression and community engagement. This research is expected to generate new knowledge to support climate-adapted bushfire risk mitigation across multiple, sometimes competing values. The project goal is to transform the capacity of the country’s leading fire agencies to embed climate change into their decision-making, setting a global standard for climate-adapted fire management and leading to improved outcomes for human health, the economy and the environment.. Scheme: Mid-Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4104 - Environmental Management. Lead: A/Prof Hamish Clarke

Optimal circadian timing: Wearable light device and customised technology. Maintaining circadian rhythms is vital for optimal sleep, alertness, safety, and performance but circadian misalignment is very common. This project aims to address the key impairments associated with circadian misalignment by advancing the tailored delivery of bright light administration. The project will deliver a novel Australian-industry-pioneered wearable device and accompanying technology to provide automated, interactive, customised, best-evidence based light therapy to retime the body-clock. This combination of a wearable device and customised technology does not yet exist in Australia or globally. The project benefits include excelerating existing knowledge and application of lighting strategies for effective circadian retiming.. Scheme: Early Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 5201 - Applied and Developmental Psychology. Lead: A/Prof Nicole Lovato

Break insect narcosis to enhance actual intake lethality of pesticide. This project aims to sustain phosphine as a cost-effective fumigant, even for phosphine-resistant stored grain insects. It does so by introducing pulse fumigation technology, which hinges on an in-depth understanding of insect respiration patterns and narcotic states during phosphine exposure. This newfound insight into individual insect behaviour and physiology will drive the development and optimisation of the novel pulse fumigation technology. The project contributes to the evolution theory of chemical resistance, offers input for techno-economic models, and supports licensing applications. Ultimately, it provides a more potent pest control tool for chemical-resistant insects, safeguarding the Australian grain industry's reputation.. Scheme: Early Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 3004 - Crop and Pasture Production. Lead: Dr Xin Du

Restoring a resilient mallee woodland by translating ecology into action. The conservation industry must deliver landscape-scale, cost-effective restoration, that is resilient to disturbances. This project aims to examine how best to restore function and resilience to 1 million ha of degraded Eucalyptus mallee woodland: critical habitat for many threatened species. This project expects to improve our understanding of the complex interactions between fire, grazing and climate in this system, and the synergistic roles of plants and animals. It is anticipated this project will enhance the capacity of land managers to effectively restore functional mallee woodland, and more broadly, provide significant benefits to the conservation industry regarding the restoration of arid landscapes in an altered climate future.. Scheme: Early Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4102 - Ecological Applications. Lead: Dr Heather Neilly