Grants & Opportunities

Generating Highly Entangled Photons from Nonlinear Monolayer Domes. This project aims to investigate novel monolayer domes for the development of high-performance quantum photon sources. This research expects to expand our understanding of fundamental physics of photon pair generation in nonlinear optical materials. Such monolayer domes have ultra-high optical nonlinearity, which gives rise to strong light-matter interactions and enables high-efficiency photon pair generation. The expected outcome is demonstration of a prototype light-weight and intense quantum photon source based on novel materials, which can be readily integrated with photonic circuits for quantum communication technologies. This research could strengthen the development of new industries and lead to job creation.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 1007 - Nanotechnology. Lead: Prof Yuerui Lu

Modelling and Searching Cohesive Groups over Heterogeneous Graphs . Heterogeneous information networks (HINs) contain richer structural and semantic information represented as different types of objects and links. Searching cohesive groups from HINs finds many applications and also brings challenges at both conceptual and technical levels. This project aims to investigate the effective modelling of cohesive groups that take both homogeneous and heterogeneous information into account for different applications and devise efficient algorithms for searching and monitoring those cohesive groups based on different models. The methods, techniques, and evaluation systems developed in this project can be deployed to facilitate the smart use of heterogeneous information networks across the nation.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0804 - Data Format. Lead: Prof Chengfei Liu

Innovation in police gender equity management: Looking back, moving forward. This project aims to investigate gender equity recruitment and career support policies in all nine Australian and New Zealand policing agencies. A wide range of equity initiatives that have been implemented across police agencies will be examined, along with affirmative action measures including recent 50/50 male/female recruitment targets. The project expects to generate an advanced best practice model that can be used by domestic and international police agencies. This will allow police organisations to better manage equity issues and support a more inclusive and representative workforce. The benefits of this project are significant, they range from stronger police-community relations through to better service delivery by police.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 1602 - Criminology. Lead: Dr Jacqueline Drew

Understanding the Geodynamo: Putting Australia on the Map. This Project aims to construct high-quality Australian palaeomagnetic records from lake sediments for incorporation into models of Earth’s magnetic field history. Earth’s magnetic field is generated by a dynamo within our planet’s outer core, it underpins modern navigation and forms a shield against space radiation. International efforts to understand ancient geodynamo evolution lack Australian palaeomagnetic data, a shortcoming referred to as the “Australian data wasteland”. This Project aims to address this data deficiency and is expected to reinvigorate Australia’s role in understanding the geodynamo. Furthermore, models of Earth’s ancient magnetic field are anticipated to provide ages for Australian archaeological and climate records.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0404 - Geophysics. Lead: A/Prof David Heslop

All-on-chip twisted light modulator for ultrahigh-capacity data processing. The project aims to develop a conceptually new all-on-chip twisted light modulator via photonic integration of a customised twisted-light metasurface with on-chip optical waveguides. The goal is to replace current bulky, slow, and costly spatial light modulators by a compact nanophotonic chip for the generation and detection of multiple twisted-light modes. Project outcomes include new knowledge in photonic integration and 3D meta-optics, and novel nanophotonic devices for twisted light, which will expand applications of twisted light for all-on-chip fibre-optic communications and holographic displays. The ultra-compact, high-capacity, efficient twisted-light modulators are expected to have a practical impact on many photonic applications.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 1007 - Nanotechnology. Lead: Dr Haoran Ren

The impact of female sex hormones on neurodevelopment. This project aims to characterise the contribution of sex hormones to the development of emotional brain circuits in female adolescents. Puberty is associated with profound changes in emotional behaviours in females, but we know little about the underlying brain mechanisms. In particular, research has neglected to consider the role of the sex hormones for which changes are a defining feature of female puberty (eg, oestradiol). This work will be the first to comprehensively advance our understanding of the unique role of sex hormones in shaping the adolescent female brain. It will provide critical understanding of how individual differences in hormonal factors increase risk for emotional problems in females, and inform treatment strategies.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 1701 - Psychology. Lead: Prof Sarah Whittle

Holobody: Advancing the Future of Mixed Reality Technologies. This project aims to advance our understanding and use of mixed reality technologies by pioneering a new approach to interaction in virtual systems that recognises, capitalises on, and expands the potential of the human body as a human-machine interface. The project expects to apply the unique, embodied methodologies of dance and movement technology, integrated with customised software, advanced visualisation and artificial intelligence, to develop next-generation principles of embodied interaction in virtual systems. Expected outcomes are improved assistive technology, new prototyping techniques for manufacturing, and improved productivity through interactive and immersive systems, benefiting Australian businesses, healthcare and the arts.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 1902 - Film, Television and Digital Media. Lead: Prof Kim Vincs

Next Generation Bridge Monitoring using Novel Synergic Identification. Over 70% of the bridges in Australia are made of prestressed concrete, yet many do not meet the requirements of current Australian Standards. This project aims to provide a cost-effective system for monitoring bridges in real time along with systems that track the prestressing force and rate of damage for ongoing health assessment and necessary repairs. The use of innovative engineering techniques, solving long standing problems of engineers, will enable the safe operation of bridges, which play a primary role in Australia’s national transport system. Improved methodology for turning tired infrastructure into ‘smart bridges’ will be developed and commissioned first in Australia and then applied internationally.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0905 - Civil Engineering. Lead: Prof Tommy Chan

Shared-space interactions between people and autonomous vehicles. This project aims to understand how autonomous vehicles in urban environments need to interact with the people that they share those spaces with. Autonomous vehicles that are able to operate in shared spaces, such as campuses and pedestrian zones, promise to improve urban life. However, their uptake depends heavily on public acceptance as they operate in close proximity to people. The project investigates whether people are more likely to trust the technology and feel safe if they are able to understand how the system makes decisions and to directly influence its behaviour. Outcomes are expected to promote safe behaviour around urban robotic applications and accelerate the uptake of autonomous systems in Australia’s cities. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0806 - Information Systems. Lead: Prof Martin Tomitsch

Inorganic/organic Hybrids for flexible thermoelectric generators. Flexible thermoelectric generators can directly harvest electricity from body heat, offering a new technology for wearable electronics, but their unsatisfied performance limits their applications. This project aims to design high-efficient and mechanically robust flexible thermoelectric devices based on novel hybrids with quantum dots and conducting polymers as key components. The key breakthrough is to establish unique devices with record-high thermoelectric efficiency and to illustrate the underlying mechanisms for searching new-type flexible thermoelectrics. The expected outcomes will lead to innovative technology for energy conversion and advanced manufacturing and place Australia at the forefront of energy and manufacturing fields.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 1007 - Nanotechnology. Lead: Dr Xiaolei Shi

Large-scale and long-term storage of Hydrogen in underground reservoirs. This project aims to test effective strategies to re-use Australia’s depleted gas fields for large-scale, long-term, renewable energy storage. With Australia’s energy system undergoing a radical hydrogen-based energy transformation, a critical challenge in the years ahead will be to effectively store massive volumes of hydrogen for long periods (months and years). The overall expected outcome of this research is to fully understand the performance and the geological and environmental implications of long-term storage of hydrogen in empty gas fields. Benefit: this foundational scientific knowledge is crucial if Australia is to effectively bring about this new, sustainable, affordable, long-term, hydrogen-storage solution. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0914 - Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy. Lead: Prof Pathegama Ranjith

Understanding the Antipodean 'Fair Go'. There is bipartisan support for the 'fair go' in Australia and New Zealand, but what does the fair go actually mean? This project aims to generate new knowledge about the role of the fair go in political debate and policy making. It will examine the values that have been historically connected to the fair go. It will assess how the public and politicians currently understand the fair go and will investigate how the fair go has influenced public policies. Expected outcomes include the first systematic analysis of one of the most pervasive and enduring social and political ideas in Australia and New Zealand. This will give policymakers a better understanding of citizens’ values and will build knowledge about how values shape public policies.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 1605 - Policy and Administration. Lead: A/Prof Cosmo Howard

Ultra Diffuse Galaxies: Challenging the galaxy formation paradigm . We aim to understand the origins of newly discovered Ultra Diffuse Galaxies. Their extreme properties challenge many assumptions underpinning the accepted cosmological framework within which galaxies form, especially the role of dark matter and its interaction with normal matter. Outcomes, enabled by the world’s best telescopes, novel machine learning techniques and supercomputer simulations of galaxy formation, will be a large new sample with measurements of their key properties and a clarification of their formation pathways. Benefits are the development of machine learning galaxy detection techniques, essential for future large data volumes, and a firmer understanding of the role of dark matter in forming galaxies over cosmic time.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences. Lead: Prof Jean Brodie

A more sound approach to the neurobiology of language. How does the brain attain spoken language? Current neurobiological models assume either implicitly or explicitly that there is no relationship between a word's sound and its meaning. Yet considerable evidence shows this strong assumption about the arbitrariness of language is invalid. This project will use a combination of behavioural, neuroimaging and computational studies to characterise how the brain processes statistical regularities in sound-to-meaning correspondences as probabilistic cues to attain spoken language. The outcome will be a better neural account of language comprehension and production. The benefit of this new account will be a stronger basis for assessment and treatment of developmental and acquired language impairments.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 1702 - Cognitive Sciences. Lead: Prof Greig de Zubicaray

Locating LGBTIQ+ youth in the archive: Telling new stories for belonging. This project aims to produce the first study of LGBTIQ+ youth in Australia’s past and investigate what these histories mean to LGBTIQ+ youth today. We will generate new knowledge of Australian LGBTIQ+ history and links between historical knowledge and wellbeing in relation to LGBTIQ+ youth. Working with LGBTIQ+ youth we will also develop new archival storytelling techniques, theorising archives as ‘laboratories of belonging’. In doing so, the project forges links between cultural studies of storytelling, LGBTIQ+ youth studies and Australian history. Benefits include innovations in reparative historical methodologies, new resources for the GLAM, youth and education sectors and improvements in LGBTIQ+ youth wellbeing.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 2002 - Cultural Studies. Lead: A/Prof Daniel Marshall

The psychology of gridlock: Compromise, coalitions, and radicalisation. This project aims to test an innovative psychological model of collective gridlock. Using interviews, surveys, experiments, small group research, and analysis of social media data, the project aims to examine critical pathways in gridlock psychology, where opponents are locked into mutually suboptimal outcomes, unable to move forward. These pathways include the exit or self-censorship of moderates; normative pressure towards purity and refusal to compromise; tactical choices to avoid coalitions; and radicalisation. The research aims to develop novel interventions to reduce polarisation and radicalisation, and to promote compromises, which together will help society respond more nimbly and effectively to social and environmental challenges.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 1701 - Psychology. Lead: Prof Winnifred Louis

Defining and engineering the rhizosphere for Australian rainfall patterns. The manner in which plants use carbon and water defines agricultural and natural landscapes. Today's models that predict plant improvement rely on carbon and water usage by plant leaves. However, the first interaction between plants, carbon and water occurs in the rhizosphere; a diverse zone with dynamic root-microbiome interactions. We will use advanced visualisation and mathematics to determine fine scale relationships between microbes and roots in the rhizosphere when exposed to water levels reflective of current and projected rainfall values. From generated knowledge of water and carbon dynamics caused by intimate microbe-root interactions, we will provide water saving, soil regeneration and improved carbon biosequestration strategies.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0605 - Microbiology. Lead: Prof Michelle Watt

Authoritarian populism and livelihood change in the Philippines. This research aims to explore the impacts of authoritarian populism on development, governance, and livelihood change in the Philippines. The project will generate new knowledge on the consequences of the interrelated erosion of environmental protections, acceleration of development projects, and human rights violations for poor people in Southeast Asia. Expected outcomes of the project include new empirical insights into how poor, resource-reliant households respond to converging environmental and political pressures across rural and urban areas in the Philippines. Project outcomes will provide significant benefits for Australian responses to declining social and environmental safeguards occurring in the region.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 1601 - Anthropology. Lead: Prof Wolfram Dressler

A new class of titanium alloys developed for additive manufacturing. This project aims to develop a new class of (Ti-Cu)-based alloys featuring high strength, high toughness, and high hydrogen-embrittlement resistance specifically for additive manufacturing (AM). This project expects to generate new knowledge of grain refinement and phase transformations in dynamic temperature field of metal AM process and to solve the common weakness – strong mechanical anisotropy and poor fatigue life – of AM Ti components. The expected outcomes include a whole set of processing maps of AM (Ti-Cu)-based alloys tailored to demanding applications. This should provide significant benefits to aerospace, marine and biomedical industries by delivering better durability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0912 - Materials Engineering. Lead: Dr Dong Qiu

Remote sensing of biotic stress with hyperspectral-fluorescence imaging. This project aims to investigate new indicators of crop biotic stress using innovative airborne remote sensing and imaging spectroscopy for biosecurity applications. Current satellites used to monitor crops and forests do not meet the spectral and spatial details that are required for the early -previsual- detection of biotic and abiotic stress. Accordingly, this project's significance focuses on new insights to detect the alteration of photosynthetic indicators of plant functioning, building on recent breakthroughs with airborne hyperspectral imaging and remote sensing technologies. The outcomes will provide significant benefits to Australia in the detection of harmful diseases and improved water and nutrient monitoring methods.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0909 - Geomatic Engineering. Lead: Dr Pangzhen Zhang

Transcription factors find their targets by reading the epigenetic code. This project aims to elucidate how transcription factors, proteins that regulate gene expression, find their target genes. The hypothesis is that non-DNA binding domains play an essential role in this process. This project expects to transform our understanding of transcription factor families, and how factors in families with the same DNA-binding domain manage to regulate different genes. Expected outcomes of this project include revealing how accessory proteins help transcription factors identify their targets in the genome by reading epigenetic marks. This should provide significant benefits including improved design of artificial transcription factors to up- or down-regulate specific genes in research and agriculture.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0604 - Genetics. Lead: Prof Kate Quinlan

Magnetohydrodynamic Aerobraking for Spacecraft Entry to Earth's Atmosphere. A spaceship returning from Mars will undergo unprecedented aerodynamic heating as it enters Earth's atmosphere. Magnetohydroynamic aerobraking involves applying a strong magnetic field to the plasma which forms around the spacecraft at these speeds, theoretically protecting it by reducing structural heat loads and enabling less severe flight trajectories. This project aims to experimentally study this technology for Earth return from deep space. It is significant because it will evaluate a new mechanism for managing the tremendous heat loads of planetary entry. The expected outcome and benefit will be development of a new technology to reduce spacecraft heating, leading to safer, more efficient, and potentially reusable spacecraft.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0901 - Aerospace Engineering. Lead: Dr David Gildfind

Using assisted evolution to win the war against invasive species. Invasive species disrupt ecosystem functioning, causing severe economic costs. This project investigates the use of native insects, alongside assisted evolution, as a novel approach to control invasive plants. Combining experimental and observational data we aim to accelerate adaptation already underway and entrained by selection from interactions between invasive plants and Australian insects. These data will not only address unresolved questions in evolutionary biology but will also provide knowledge on the role native insects can play in the biocontrol of invasive weeds. This will be crucial for conservation managers and agricultural practitioners dealing with plant movement and/or crop development under ongoing environmental change.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0501 - Ecological Applications. Lead: Prof Johannes Le Roux

Laser-free on-chip super-resolution microscopy. The project aims to develop a compact, cost-effective on-chip super-resolution microscope through an innovative combination of imaging algorithms, optics and integrated photonics. This project addresses limitations in imaging algorithms that increase laser system complexity and constrain imaging speed and applications, as well as nanostructure fabrication issues. Expected outcomes include the discovery of emitter self-interference microscopy, new knowledge in imaging, photonics and biophysics, the world’s fastest super-resolution technology, compact on-chip nanoscopy that can be added to existing technology and proof of concept in three areas. Benefits are anticipated in commercialisation, improved photonics devices and usage in biophysics.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 1007 - Nanotechnology. Lead: Prof Lan Fu

An active ion transport pathway exploited by coronaviruses. Cells have active transport “pumps” that are regulators of a variety of cellular processes. This project aims to understand how a specific ion pump is exploited by coronaviruses when they infect animal cells. These studies will provide new mechanistic insights into how coronaviruses alter calcium signalling in cells and how a specific ion pump regulates a variety of key processes during coronavirus infection. This work will greatly enhance our understanding of the intersection between ion pumps and viruses.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Lead: Prof Gregory Monteith