Grants & Opportunities

Do root microbiomes control seagrass response to environmental stress? The project aims to determine the role root microbes play in controlling seagrass responses to environmental stress. By integrating marine and microbial ecology, environmental genomics and ecosystem function (e.g., biogeochemical cycling), this project is significant as it will create new knowledge of the processes that confer seagrass resilience to global environmental issues. An expected outcome is an increased understanding of how microbes control seagrass health and an enhanced capacity to develop effective restoration strategies for Australia's valuable seagrass ecosystems. Benefits include improving the extensive environmental, economic, social/cultural services Australian communities derive from seagrass ecosystems.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3103 - Ecology. Lead: Prof Paul Gribben

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

Making Strongly Interacting Photons. This theoretical project aims to investigate strongly correlated polaritons in quantum physics. Known as quantum fluids of light, polaritons are half-light, half-matter particles exhibiting frictionless, zero-energy-cost flows, an astonishing quantum behaviour known as superfluidity. This project expects to make a breakthrough in our understanding of polaritons in the strongly interacting regime far from equilibrium and fill in the knowledge gap towards the realisation of a superfluid of light at room temperature. This should open a new era of quantum polaritonics that forms the basis for energy-efficient laser and all-optical transistor, establishing Australia as a world leader in commercialising novel photonic technologies.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 5108 - Quantum Physics. Lead: Prof Xia-Ji Liu

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

A femtosecond beamline for time-resolved momentum microscopy. This project aims to obtain a femtosecond high-harmonic generation beamline that will be integrated with a photoemission electron microscope to create Australia’s first time-resolved momentum microscope. This project expects to use ultrafast spectromicroscopy to observe the changes to the excited electron motion within materials after they absorb light. Expected outcomes of this project include improving our understanding of light-driven physical and chemical processes that occur in materials and optoelectronic devices. This should provide significant benefits through the development of new cost effective and efficient materials for energy harvesting, sensors and photocatalysts.. Scheme: Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities. Field: 5104 - Condensed Matter Physics. Lead: Dr Darryl Jones

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

Towards sustainable co-management of groundwater in the Beetaloo region, NT. This project aims to improve understanding of connections between groundwater, climate, surface water and Indigenous cultural values, in a region of major resource development in the Northern Territory. It will use a novel, inter-disciplinary approach, involving remote sensing of climate-water-landscape interactions, documenting Indigenous water knowledge, environmental isotope monitoring, and water policy analysis. The project expects to generate enhanced understanding of hydrological processes, and associated Indigenous cultural values. This is anticipated to improve capacity to analyse risks to groundwater-dependent values, and foster greater Indigenous participation in water planning and monitoring, benefiting multiple stakeholders.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 3707 - Hydrology. Lead: Prof Matthew Currell

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

Natural flood management: Nature-based flood mitigation in the 21st Century. The 2021-22 floods in Eastern Australia revealed the vulnerability of rivers to climate extremes. To prepare for a future with more intense floods, we must integrate nature-based flood mitigation strategies into river management. This project aims to address the potential of using Natural Flood Management (NFM) as a 21st Century flood mitigation solution. NFM uses natural processes to slow floods, reduce erosion, and minimise flood risk. Collaborating with NSW government partners the project expects to deliver scientific evidence for NFM and solutions for implementation in river rehabilitation, planning and community capacity building. The results will impact society's ability to adapt, reduce economic costs, and benefit the environment.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 4104 - Environmental Management. Lead: Prof Kirstie Fryirs

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

Future-proofing Australia's groundwater supplies using hydrogeophysics. The aim of this Fellowship is to drive advancements in hydrogeophysics – which quantifies and bolsters understanding of shallow subsurface processes and properties – to help future-proof Australia’s groundwater supplies. The project will develop improved and novel hydrogeophysical techniques for solving groundwater supply and contamination challenges that are relevant to Australian industry. It will harness the expertise of geophysics partners to increase industry knowledge as well as optimise and commercialise innovative methodologies to manage groundwater more robustly. Translating research into practice will increase uptake of these new techniques and technologies, replacing existing inefficient and invasive industry practices.. Scheme: Mid-Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 3707 - Hydrology. Lead: A/Prof Eddie Banks

Building public trust in technologies to secure Australia’s water future. This project aims to identify the most workable solutions to the challenge of explaining why new water-related technologies are needed to guarantee the prosperity and health of the Australian community. We expect to understand the key features that drive public trust and acceptance of wastewater monitoring, as well as the purification of recycled water. Both offer important public benefits but carry with them the risk of community backlash. Using leading-edge, economic techniques the project’s outcome will be the development of the first tool for predicting public trust in water technologies. Expected benefits from the project include more affordable and sustainable urban water supplies and protection of community health and wellbeing.. Scheme: Mid-Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 3801 - Applied Economics. Lead: Dr Bethany Cooper

Transforming Auslan education in Australia. This project aims to develop innovative and enduring resources for Auslan teaching. Australia has a acute skills shortage in sign language teaching. This project is a novel interdisciplinary collaboration with Deaf Auslan teachers that aims to build their capacity to apply linguistic insights in their own teaching. Expected outcomes include new knowledge of how to effectively teach sign languages, evidence-based teaching resources, training materials about Auslan in Auslan and a National Network delivering preservice Auslan teacher training, ongoing professional learning and a resource hub. Anticipated benefits include professionalising Auslan teaching, improving student learning and creating a more inclusive Australia for Deaf people.. Scheme: Mid-Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4704 - Linguistics. Lead: A/Prof Louisa Willoughby

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

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

Speed breeding with a twist for water-saving low-carbon rice. Rice has one of the highest environmental footprints among crops world-wide, because of the water use and methane emission during production. This project aims to combine drought and cold tolerance traits of rice, necessary for ecofriendly dryland production, through a field-based speed breeding approach. It will allow to rapidly advance and select drought and cold tolerant rice genotypes and will generate new knowledge on the genetic drivers of combined stress tolerance. Expected outcomes includes tolerant germplasms for further breeding and variety development purposes. This will lead to ‘climate smart’ dryland varieties and will provide significant benefit by transforming rice production to save water and lower the carbon footprint.. Scheme: Early Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 3004 - Crop and Pasture Production. Lead: Dr Szabolcs Lehoczki-Krsjak