Grants & Opportunities

Temporal analytics for a complex, dynamic and ever-changing world. This project aims to transform the theory and practice of temporal analytics. The world is dynamic and ever changing, but most AI methods treat it as static, missing the important implications of change. This project expects to invent a new generation of AI technologies that derive greater value from temporal data -- technologies that unlock the troves of complex dynamic information in the world’s large and rapidly growing data stores. With broad applicability, these temporal analysis technologies have the potential to benefit myriad sectors, transforming AI for complex dynamics and supporting innovation in industry, commerce, research and government.. Scheme: Australian Laureate Fellowships. Field: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science. Lead: Prof Geoffrey Webb

Elevating mangrove recovery: the role of accretion under sea level rise. Climate change is accelerating sea level rise and the severity of storms, increasing coastal flooding and erosion. Mangroves can mitigate these by increasing land elevation through sediment accretion however, sea level rise threatens to drown them if they cannot recover after storm events. Through the innovative use of drone surveys and hydrodynamic models, this project aims to generate new knowledge on how mangroves increase elevation and recover after storms. Expected outcomes include predictive models of elevation change based on mangrove forest structures and the potential for recovery under future sea level rise scenarios. This work should provide valuable insights to support decision-making in coastal conservation and management.. Scheme: Early Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4101 - Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation. Lead: Dr Alice Twomey

Enzyme Nanoparticles as Biotechnological Tool for Reprogramming Cells. The project will develop a next-generation biocatalytic platform by combining enzymes with polymers to form nanoparticles that can function inside living cells. These enzyme nanoparticles can perform complex chemical reactions, extending the use of nanomaterials beyond medicine into industries such as food processing, agriculture, and biomanufacturing. Expected outcomes include sustainable and functional biopolymer materials capable of reactions that current technologies cannot achieve, offering unprecedented control over cellular processes. This will enhance the production of high-value biotechnological products like antibodies and biofuels, strengthening Australia as a leader in nanotechnology and sustainable materials.. Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 3403 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry. Lead: Dr Peter Wich

Project Delivery Harmonisation for Urban Micromobility Infrastructure . This project aims to enhance delivery of micromobility projects by improved collaboration and consensus building among governments, private practice and communities through participatory research. This project is expected to yield substantial benefits, including facilitating the allocation of billions of dollars for many smaller-scale projects, leading to significant local economic growth. It aims to achieve the strategic goals of governments concerning health and decarbonisation, stemming from increased physical activity and reduced reliance on private vehicles. We will promote our research outcomes through high-profile industry organisations and partnerships with local and state governments to ensure widespread understanding and adoption.. Scheme: Early Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 3304 - Urban and Regional Planning. Lead: Dr Mike Harris

How the land became Country: the archaeology of people and trees in Oceania. Trees are essential to human life. Archaeobotany explores the deep history of this relationship through anthracology (wood charcoal analysis) and this project will position Australia as a global leader in the discipline. It will establish its application across Australia and the Pacific, developing essential resources, pioneering new methods and studies, to deliver unique datasets evidencing the combined history of people and trees across Oceania. The project will generate new knowledge on the archaeology of traditional ecological practices and the creation of cultural landscapes. Benefits include supporting two-ways science for Indigenous-led environmental management and the solutions offered for a sustainable future.. Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 4513 - Pacific Peoples Culture, Language and History. Lead: Dr Emilie Dotte-Sarout

A study of Torres Strait Islander mobility amid climate change. This project aims to investigate the mobility of Torres Strait Islanders in response to climate change, focusing on how potential relocation impacts their environment, health, and connection to their land and seas. By using innovative participatory methods, the project expects to generate new insights into climate migration. Key outcomes include informed national climate policies and adaptive strategies that enhance community resilience, prioritising the voices and experiences of Torres Strait Islanders. The benefits include a better understanding of human adaptation that integrates Indigenous knowledge, resulting in more effective and inclusive national climate change policies. . Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 4505 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Society and Community. Lead: A/Prof Felecia Watkin Lui

Reliable scene perception in complex and uncertain environments. This project aims to enhance safety and efficiency in complex industrial environments by transforming the capacity of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to handle scene perception. The potential transformations, which include more advanced model generalisation, purpose-distilled datasets, and proven performance estimation, should let AI systems adapt to new environments with minimal labelled data and fewer computational resources. Expected outcomes include two impactful systems for road infrastructure management and compliance monitoring in steelmaking – both reflecting innovation for Industry 4.0. Additionally, the project is expected to drive significant advancements in operational precision, safety and automation across multiple sectors.. Scheme: Early Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science. Lead: Dr Zijian Wang

Sorption Heat Exchanger to Enable Thermal Safety of Electric Aircraft. This project aims to develop a sorption heat exchanger for the electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, Vertiia, by loading sorption thermal storage into airflow channels of the heat exchanger. On the ground, the solid-gas sorption storage with ultrahigh energy density is pre-discharged. During the flight, battery generated heat is then mostly absorbed by the sorption storage by releasing its stored moisture. The novel heat exchanger is expected to significantly improve thermal dissipation capability with minimum weight and onboard energy penalties. This technology not only ensures thermal safety of Vertiia’s batteries, but it also provides more allowable weight for passengers and mitigating thermal-accelerated battery degradation.. Scheme: Early Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4012 - Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Engineering. Lead: Dr Chunrong Zhao

Ensuring renewable energy zone stability for Australian net-zero transition. This project aims to develop an innovative data-driven modelling method for renewable generators. Currently, the stability of modern renewables can only be analysed via time-consuming scenario-based simulations, and there is a lack of effective means to holistically assess system stability. This project expects to generate for the first time clear renewable generator models through measurements and partially known information from generator manufacturers to replace the existing black-box models. Expected outcomes include a new data-driven modelling method of renewables, which will significantly benefit the energy industry by increasing power grid stability, ultimately boosting investment in and uptake of renewable technologies and products.. Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 4008 - Electrical Engineering. Lead: A/Prof Ruifeng Yan

Novel process and reactors design for metal leaching in battery recycling. This project aims to design an efficient and scalable leaching process with high feasibility for commercialisation, contributing to ReNew Materials Pty Ltd's strategic investment plan in battery industry. Through advanced modelling and experiment approach, a closed-loop leaching process including scalable reactors and a wastewater treatment unit using green chemicals will be developed with high conversion efficiency and adaptability to industry settings. Expected outcomes include a next-generation leaching system prototype and advanced knowledge in mathematic models, green leaching process fundamentals and prototype manufacturing. This drives the process technology innovation for Australia’s waste battery on-shore recycling industry.. Scheme: Early Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4004 - Chemical Engineering. Lead: Dr Shuang Song

Rethinking 4D Shape Statistics via Neural Functional Representations. This project will develop novel mathematical tools and machine learning algorithms for the statistical modelling and analysis of how biological objects develop their 3D shape, grow and deform as they interact with their environment. It will generate new knowledge on how to mathematically model the 3D geometry, deformations and growth using a novel generation of neural networks that are physically motivated, compact and fast to train. These are crucial for understanding developmental processes, natural growth and disease progression in biological objects. Expected outcomes include innovative techniques and computational tools that operate directly on RGB images and videos, with substantial benefits to biology, health and computer vision. . Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 4603 - Computer Vision and Multimedia Computation. Lead: Prof Hamid Laga

Understanding the role of meningeal barriers in brain immune privilege. This project investigates how the arachnoid barrier in the meninges supports immune privilege, protecting the brain from inflammatory damage. This project will explore arachnoid barrier function and dysfunction to open up a new frontier that unravels the fundamental principles that regulate neuro-immune interactions to safeguard the brain. This interdisciplinary study will offer paradigm-shifting insights into the communication between the nervous and immune systems, transforming our understanding of how the immune system and nervous system interact. These findings will pave the way to harness these protective mechanisms, with future applications that will help protect brain health and preserve brain function during healthy aging.. Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 3109 - Zoology. Lead: Dr Leon Smyth

Arithmetic Statistics, Dynamics and Quantum Chaos. The aim of the project is to investigate various aspects of arithmetic statistics and pseudorandomness in Number Theory and Dynamics, with applications to Quantum Chaos. These include arithmetic statistics of matrix groups over number theoretic domains, randomness aspects of orbits generated by arithmetic dynamical systems, as well as investigating the pseudorandomness nature of the renowned cat map, providing a discrete model of quantum chaos. Important outcomes include progress towards several conjectures, as well as developing a variety of new number theoretic methods which are both novel and deep. It will continue to drive and influence research in mathematics as well as more applied areas beyond the confines of this project.. Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 4904 - Pure Mathematics. Lead: A/Prof Alina Ostafe

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

STEM for all: Innovative support and nationwide access. This project aims to strengthen the accessibility, engagement, and educational impact of science museums for families with young children in regional and rural communities. Providing national access to high quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs for young families will close STEM inequity gaps. Expected outcomes include innovative methods for capturing learning and engagement, a traveling STEM exhibit and program for young children, and scaffolded support for adults to engage children in STEM based play. This should provide significant benefits, such as creating pathways into STEM by improving analytical, scientific, mathematical, and technical skills, and fostering a sense of curiosity and STEM identity.. Scheme: Mid-Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 3903 - Education Systems. Lead: A/Prof Ilyse Resnick

Digital Twin and Vision-based Techniques for Bridge Health Monitoring . This project aims to develop advanced digital twin models and computer vision-based techniques, to effectively conduct structural health monitoring, crack detection and progression monitoring, and reliable load rating for preventing catastrophic failure of ageing bridges. This project will develop next-generation bridge inspection and digital twin techniques. Expected outcomes of the project include advanced vision-based approaches to conduct defect identification, novel digital twin models to process the identified defects and determining the load rating of real remote in-service bridges. This project will provide significant benefits to asset owners and research end-users to reduce operational interruptions and prevent structural failure.. Scheme: Mid-Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4005 - Civil Engineering. Lead: Prof Jun Li

The Development of Wearable Zinc Ion Batteries . This project aims to develop flexible, safe, and efficient zinc-ion batteries for wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, using environmentally friendly and low-cost materials as a safer alternative to traditional options. This project expects to advance the field of energy storage for wearables by enhancing battery performance, flexibility, and durability to meet the demands of modern electronics. Expected outcomes include reliable, lightweight power sources, stronger industry collaborations, and advancements in sustainable battery technology. The project promises significant benefits, including job creation, growth in Australia’s wearable tech sector, and sustainable energy solutions for both consumers and businesses.. Scheme: Mid-Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4016 - Materials Engineering. Lead: Prof Dawei Su

ARC Training Centre for Climate-Resilient Water. The Centre aims to skill people, and organisations to make water supply more climate-resilient to new drought, flood and quality challenges. It uses advanced monitoring, adaptive management, and multi-functional precinct design. Creating new collaborative governance approaches, and wide stakeholder and community support, is key to success. Improved economic and energy security, strengthened decision-making, and greater use of recycling and stormwater are key expected outcomes supported by an industry-engaged process and a legacy Knowledge and Training Bank. A national Design Challenge series for water and energy infrastructure seeks to drive collaborative innovation. Multiple sciences come together to impact strategies, policy and thought.. Scheme: Industrial Transformation Training Centres. Field: 4005 - Civil Engineering. Lead: Prof Steven Kenway

Change The Date? Australia Day, Reconciliation and the Politics of Division. This applied research addresses Australia’s polarised debates over national identity, focusing on reconciling colonial histories with shared modern values to foster inclusivity. By integrating Indigenous knowledge systems, governance frameworks, and media analysis through interdisciplinary methods, it generates new insights into identity formation and new cultural narratives. Expected outcomes include educational resources, inclusive governance models, and strengthened disciplinary collaborations. Benefits include advancing reconciliation, promoting truth-telling. Outputs, such as educational tools, podcasts, and policy recommendations, will empower communities and inform public discourse.. Scheme: Discovery Indigenous. Field: 4410 - Sociology. Lead: Dr Jennifer Mason

Intergenerational Healing: A Creative First Nations Approach to Wellbeing. This project aims to address the impacts of intergenerational trauma on First Nations communities. It will investigate how community strengths contribute to long-term healing. This will be achieved using Indigenist mixed methods, including conversational storytelling, a culturally designed survey, and creative practice led research. This project expects to generate new knowledge in culturally appropriate approaches to addressing intergenerational trauma. It will use an interdisciplinary approach to generate outcomes including community-led theory, resources, networks, research tools, and an international dataset. This should provide significant benefits, such as improvements in wellbeing and contribution to international policy directions.. Scheme: Discovery Indigenous. Field: 4501 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture, Language and History. Lead: Prof Naomi Sunderland

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

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

Protosilks: New Silk Proteins for Biotechnology by Computational Design. This project aims to design new to nature silk proteins with enhanced properties such as greater strength, elasticity, and production efficiency using cutting-edge machine learning approaches. Silks are widely used industrially, as textiles, in biomedicine, and as advanced materials due to their exceptional mechanical properties and biocompatibility. By developing new, computationally designed silk proteins, this research will create sustainable materials with tailored functions, offering significant benefits for technology, industry, and the environment. The outcomes will demonstrate the power of machine learning in engineering proteins for advanced applications, paving the way for a new generation of high-performance biomaterials.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Lead: Prof Colin Jackson

Using telomeres to study how DNA repair guides cell death and growth arrest. This project examines biological activities influenced by the homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair pathway. In addition to DNA repair, we discovered that HR also controls cell death, cell cycle arrest, and interferon signalling following genome damage. These are novel HR functions and how they are regulated is entirely unknown. Here we will use cutting edge imaging techniques, whole genome CRISPR screening, mass spectrometry, and cell and molecular biology to study these newly identified activities. Expected outcomes include a mechanistic understanding of how HR regulates cell death and growth arrest, new perspectives on the diverse biology functions influenced by DNA repair, and training of the next generation of scientists. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Lead: Prof Anthony Cesare

Practical Mechanisms to Improve the Efficiency of Land Assembly. One of the best ways to increase housing supply in Australia is to promote urban infill and enabling higher density housing. Unfortunately, urban infill often requires the assembly of land and strata titles, which is known to be a hard economics problem. This project will develop and experimentally test practical mechanisms that can be used to assemble properties. A first project explores how to modify traditional property auctions and enable the consolidation of lots for medium-density townhouse projects. A second project explores how to modify strata rules to ensure that medium-density projects built today can be redeveloped in the future. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3801 - Applied Economics. Lead: Prof Ralph Bayer