Grants & Opportunities

Mineral Biosequestration of Organic Carbon in Early Pedogenesis of Tailings. Upcycling tailings into soil (technosols developed from technogenic parent materials) offers a sustainable approach to overcome severe topsoil shortage that limits the progress of ecological rehabilitation of tailings across mine sites. This project aims to establish new knowledge on mineral bioweathering, organic carbon (OC) sequestration in rapidly formed mineral phases, and OC turnover driven by colonising microbes and plant roots, in the early pedogenesis of tailings initiated by inputs of organic and inorganic materials. This new knowledge is required for developing eco-engineering technology adaptable to a wide range of tailings of diverse mineralogy, to achieve sustainable tailings rehabilitation and organic carbon sequestration.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4106 - Soil Sciences. Lead: Prof Dr Longbin Huang

Advancing Policy Design for Robots in Public Spaces. Advances in robotics are set to transform service delivery, health care, and other social services. How will this affect our shared public spaces? Well-informed policy design will be critical. Experience with automobiles shows new technologies can profoundly reshape public spaces for all citizens; for good or ill. This project explores how policy design can ensure robots operate safely in public space and protect public interests. It will develop a feasible, flexible, and replicable method for incorporating citizen experience and insights into policy design to manage the growing presence of robots in Australian public spaces. The resulting method is intended to support successful technology adoption and inform human-centred robotics design.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4407 - Policy and Administration. Lead: Prof Michael Mintrom

Legitimacy and effective policing responses to domestic and family violence. Domestic and Family Violence is a problem of epidemic proportions. This project aims to significantly improve police legitimacy and effectiveness by examining for the first time how capacity, police capability and conducive police culture operate individually and interact collectively to inform practice and survivor outcomes. Expected outcomes include the delivery of robust empirical evidence derived from new theoretical and methodological approaches on how these critical factors intersect collectively, and a comprehensive practice framework that identifies the tipping point of critical components for effective responses. The expected benefit will be improved policing responses to domestic and family violence nationally and internationally.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4402 - Criminology. Lead: A/Prof Sarah Bennett

Mapping Australian Homemade, Amateur & Do-it-Yourself Cultural Economies. This project aims to fill a significant gap in the Australian Government’s National Cultural Policy to ‘Revive’ the cultural sector. The project expects to reveal the ignored sector of non-professional, homemade, amateur and do-it-yourself creativity. Intended outcomes include the first detailed study of the contribution of the 45% of Australians who creatively participate in the arts as producers of forms including poetry, music and fine art and their relationship with the professional cultural and creative industries. Participatory mapping methods that expand new knowledge should provide public benefits in broader recognition and understanding of the value of everyday Australian creativity, seeking to impact democratic policymaking.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4702 - Cultural Studies. Lead: Prof Paul Long

Optimising disease surveillance to support decision-making. COVID-19 has demonstrated the critical role of epidemic data and analytics in guiding government response to pandemic threats, reducing disease and saving lives. The demand for epidemic analytics for response to threats of national significance will only grow. The goals of this project are to 1) determine the combination(s) of surveillance methods that provide the most useful data for epidemic analysis and 2) translate these findings into the blueprint for a next-generation infectious disease surveillance system for Australia. We will use a simulation-evaluation approach, coupling methods from infectious disease modelling with those from information theory optimal design. Outcomes will enable more tailored and effective pandemic response.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4901 - Applied Mathematics. Lead: A/Prof Freya Shearer

Mathematical and Numerical Models of Piezoelectric Wave Energy Converters. The project will investigate piezoelectric wave energy converters. We will derive the equations of motion in a form suitable for use in marine engineering paradigms using variational methods and then solve these analytically and with smoothed particle hydrodynamics. Using these innovative techniques, this project will generate new knowledge capable of elucidating the multifaceted physical phenomena that occur when complex fluid motion and deformable structures interact. The project outcomes include the development of mathematical and computation methods to handle intricate behaviours of piezoelectric elastic-fluids systems. These groundbreaking methods will allow these wave energy systems to be analysed and their effectiveness assessed.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4901 - Applied Mathematics. Lead: Prof Michael Meylan

Understanding Mitotic Telomere Deprotection. This project aims to study telomeres, the DNA and protein structures that protect chromosome ends. During cell division, cells under stress intentionally uncap their telomeres. This project expects to generate new knowledge that challenges the conventional notion of telomeres as static elements, showing instead that telomeres can be dynamic signalling hubs. Expected outcomes of this project include an understanding of the genetic, proteomic, and signalling pathways involved in this novel phenomenon. This should provide significant benefits to our fundamental understanding of biological processes that protect human genomes and provide a valuable dataset for research on telomere biology, DNA repair, and genome stability.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3105 - Genetics. Lead: Prof Anthony Cesare

Lifting the Veil on Cold Planets in the Inner Galaxy. The project aims to explore a unique aspect of exoplanet detection: searches for cold planets of Earth mass and larger in the densest stellar fields of the inner Milky Way. Infrared cameras will be used to detect small planets in this extreme galactic environment. The proposed project will open a new era of infrared microlensing observations from the ground and supply critical data in preparation for the next generation of microlensing from space. This work directly links to the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope (2026 launch) Galactic Exoplanet Survey. Expected outcomes are a greatly improved understanding of planet formation down to terrestrial-mass planets, and improved techniques for cold planet detection with gravitational microlensing. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 5101 - Astronomical Sciences. Lead: Prof Andrew Cole

Improving grain legume seeds for future climates. Grain legumes are essential for sustainable agriculture and human dietary protein, but seed quality is predicted to decline under future scenarios of high CO2 and warmer temperatures. This project aims to improve legume seed quality under future climates by comparing metabolites and physiological traits of chickpea and other legumes to establish mechanisms by which legumes maximise seed nutrient allocation. The anticipated outcomes include new metabolite-based breeding markers for the improvement of crops with higher seed proteins, micronutrients and bioactive compounds that are adapted to future climates. Seed nutrient improvement will also include increased biological nitrogen fixation to reduce the need for chemical nitrogen fertilisers.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3108 - Plant Biology. Lead: Prof Ulrike Mathesius

Next-generation Navigation by Mega-constellations LEO Satellites. This research will explore a novel positioning approach using new mega-constellations low-earth-orbit satellite communications signals to address a severe limitation of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). It will facilitate improved positioning for services that rely on satellite positioning in challenging environments where GNSS signal visibility is limited, and where accurate positioning is needed. Expected outcomes are generating new knowledge in using satellite internet signals for navigation, advancing our satellite positioning capability essential for vital applications such as transport, mining and defence, and developing technologies to increase Australia’s satellite innovation capacity with global scalability.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4013 - Geomatic Engineering. Lead: Prof Ahmed El-Mowafy

Gender Affirmation in Childhood: Protective Factors and Strategies . This interdisciplinary study aims to explore Australian Trans and Gender Diverse (TGD) children’s experiences of affirming their gender. It is innovative methodologically for inclusion of arts-based methods with children, and multiple perspectives from TGD children (5-16), peer allies, parents, healthcare professionals and educators. TGD young people are a rapidly growing population, disproportionately affected by intentional self-harm and suicidality. The project expects to generate new understandings of gender, the lived experiences of TGD children and families, and protective factors in their lives. Significant benefits should be informing theory, policy, and early interventions and co-development of resources for key stakeholders. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4405 - Gender Studies. Lead: Prof Kerry Robinson

Unlocking the mechanisms of vibro-acoustic communication in termites . Our understanding of how termites use microvibrations to communicate is limited, as the generation, transmission and detection of these complex vibrations in substrates at the submillimetre scale are unknown. We aim to develop a fully validated vibro-acoustic termite communication model which will be used in Swårmalätørs to demonstrate their ability to synchronise and mimic collective behaviour. This will be achieved by combining novel acoustic levitation, microsystem analyses and electrophysiology to determine physical properties of termite appendages, sensory and behavioural thresholds; and by considering wave transmission characteristics in wood, friction-adhesion at the termite feet, mandible cutting and soldier alarm drumming.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4017 - Mechanical Engineering. Lead: A/Prof Sebastian Oberst

Zwitterion-based electrolytes for advanced energy technologies. This research aims to develop a new class of electrolyte that is safer, non-flammable and designed to enable excellent performance of high energy batteries made with either sodium or lithium. Through the synthesis of new electrolyte structures that are designed to improve stability and electrochemical properties, and using a range of analysis techniques to understand the material properties, the project aims to solve some of the safety and performance problems that plague existing electrolytes. Expected benefits include new functional energy materials for safer, more reliable energy storage technologies, plus research training, collaborations and materials development capabilities to help position Australia as a global leader in this field.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4016 - Materials Engineering. Lead: Prof Jennifer Pringle

Middle Age Earth: ocean chemistry and evolution in the Boring Billion. This project aims to investigate the role of ocean chemistry on the evolution of eukaryotes during the “Boring Billion” (1800-800 million years ago) and how sedimentary rocks record past ocean chemistry, by using innovative geochemical proxies. This project expects to generate new knowledge in geochemistry, sedimentology and paaleo-biology using interdisciplinary approaches. Expected outcomes include a quantitative understanding of the formation of sedimentary rocks, and of the links between evolution and marine nutrient and metal abundance. This should provide significant benefits, such as understanding the formation and alteration of ore-bearing sedimentary rocks and how life has evolved during Earth's Middle Age.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3705 - Geology. Lead: Prof Anthony Dosseto

Next-Generation Distributed Graph Engine for Big Graphs. This project aims to develop an efficient and scalable distributed graph engine to process big graphs. In particular, we will investigate the foundations for the distributed real-time graph engine, focusing on graph storage and graph operators, and then provide solutions for a set of representative graph mining and query processing tasks. Expected outcomes of this project include theoretical foundations and a scalable real-time graph engine to process big graphs as well as a system prototype for evaluation and to demonstrate the practical value. Success in this project should see significant benefits for many important applications such as cybersecurity, e-commerce, health and road networks.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science. Lead: Prof Lu Qin

Asymmetric Biomembranes for Blue Energy Harvesting. This project aims to develop a new class of biomembranes for efficient ion-selective transport, to address the challenge of low power density facing the realisation of blue energy harvesting. This will be achieved using innovative chemistries guided by theoretical modelling to endow membranes with unique features: heterogeneities in surface charge and pore structure. Expected outcomes include a new concept for membrane design, advancement of knowledge in energy conversion, creation of a new prototype power device without need of any external forces, and significant advances in self-powered wearable electronics potentially revolutionizing industries such as healthcare and entertainment. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4016 - Materials Engineering. Lead: Prof Caiyun Wang

Understanding marine migratory connectivity for more sustainable oceans. Ocean basin-scale migrations of iconic sea turtles, marine mammals, seabirds, and fish expose them to multiple stressors and governance regimes, leading to gaps in management and population declines. The project aims to deliver the methods and evidence base of cross-taxa migratory connectivity that is essential to support the conservation of these species. Expected outcomes include comprehensive and integrated models of migratory connectivity, conservation theory development, and new methods that allow incorporation of migratory connectivity in conservation planning. Benefits include: a cross-taxa baseline that will enable Australia to measure environmental change in marine migratory connectivity for the first time.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3103 - Ecology. Lead: A/Prof Daniel Dunn

Implications of Global Economic Forces for Domestic Monetary Policy. The project aims to quantify and understand the extent to which international factors affect key macroeconomic variables such as inflation and interest rates in open economies. The aims will be achieved through the development and application of new macroeconomic and econometric models. Expected outcomes are new insights and policy recommendations on how to appropriately conduct monetary policy for an open economy such as Australia. This should provide significant benefits to the broader Australian economy through the conduct of suitable policy by institutions such as the Reserve Bank of Australia.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3801 - Applied Economics. Lead: A/Prof Benjamin Wong

If a spin could torque: quantum force sensing with levitated nanodiamonds. This project aims to detect the tiny twisting forces imparted by a single quantum spin on a host diamond nanocrystal levitating in vacuum. Our team will build both a hypersensitive detector of quantum rotations and the complex theoretical models for quantum spin systems coupled to the mechanical motion of nanometre-sized diamonds. The expected experimental capabilities and knowledge generated by this project will enable world-first measurements of quantum effects with unparalleled sensitivity and powerful new quantum sensing paradigms. The project should enable significant benefits, such as incisive tests of the limits of quantum theory and new Australian technology operating at the interface of the quantum and classical worlds.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 5108 - Quantum Physics. Lead: Prof Andrew Martin

Bubble clouds in ocean waves. This project aims to predict the behaviour of bubble clouds in ocean waves. Bubble clouds are used in Europe to shield marine mammals from the dangerous noise of offshore wind-turbine construction, but would be dispersed by Australia's ocean swell and turbulence; and unlike in Europe, Australia's offshore-wind sites are frequented by endangered whales. Bubble clouds from breaking waves may also dissolve up to third of humanity's carbon in the ocean. Experiments and coordinated numerical simulations would predict the displacement and dispersion of bubbles in oceanic conditions. Experiments and simulations would then predict the acoustic behaviour of bubble clouds. This outcome would benefit new offshore-wind industries and climate science.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4012 - Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Engineering. Lead: Prof Richard Manasseh

Investigating the world's first maritime network in Pleistocene Wallacea. This project will investigate the world’s first maritime exchange network located in the islands to Australia’s north. From ~16,000 years ago, tools made from exotic obsidian (volcanic glass) appear in the archaeological assemblages of three southern Wallacean islands, as do standardised items of personal decoration and fishhooks. Where the obsidian was acquired and how far the network extended are currently unknown. This project hopes to resolve this and determine how the network relates to other aspects of culture and changing sea levels. Through geological sourcing, geo-chemical analysis and multi-island excavations we will reveal the intensity and reach of this remarkable network to understand the origins of trade in our region. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4301 - Archaeology. Lead: Prof Susan O'Connor

Interactions of Human and Machine Intelligence in Modern Economic Systems. Much of modern economic systems are driven by machine-machine and machine-human interactions that happens rapidly at large scale. But such interactions are often opaque and can have negative or catastrophic consequences, such as market plunges with no apparent economic reasons in financial trading, content recommendations that promote extremism, algorithms in gig economy leading to worker exploitation and wasted resources. This project aims for new theoretical results and algorithms at the intersection computational economics, game theory, and dynamical systems, that establish conditions under which the economic systems are stable, propose mechanisms that make the interactions more fair, transparent and aligned with human values.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4602 - Artificial Intelligence. Lead: Prof Lexing Xie

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

How age & sex impact the transcriptional control of mammalian muscle growth. Maintaining healthy muscle is crucial throughout all stages of life. Aging is associated with the loss of muscle and older muscles are resistant to growth due to age-related changes in gene expression and responsiveness. Many genes are expressed differently in male versus female muscle, which may have implications for sex-differences in muscle growth and aging. This project will generate new knowledge on which genes and biological pathways are crucial in determining mammalian muscle size and growth across the lifespan and between the sexes. Application of this knowledge may lead to future approaches to enable a healthy start to life and promote healthy aging in Australians and have implications for agriculture and muscle as a food source.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3208 - Medical Physiology. Lead: Prof Paul Gregorevic

A paradigm shift for predictions of freshwater harmful cyanobacteria blooms. This project aims to advance model predictions to generate novel insights into the triggers of freshwater harmful cyanobacteria blooms. Current models are poorly adapted for this purpose because they fail to account for antecedent environmental forcing. The project is expected to create new knowledge of cyanobacteria dynamics from simulating the adaptive responses of individual cyanobacteria cells, colonies or filaments to temperature, light and nutrient history. Three field studies will be used to validate a new individual based model. The outcomes of this project will be valuable for managing freshwater ecosystems that are increasingly subject to blooms in a warming climate, and for testing suitable mitigation and control strategies.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3103 - Ecology. Lead: Prof David Hamilton