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Number of Successful Discovery Early Career Researcher Award Proposals for Funding Commencing in 2013 by Primary FoR Division

010000 Mathematical Sciences0101 PURE MATHEMATICS 4

0102 APPLIED MATHEMATICS 3

0103 NUMERICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL MATHEMATICS 1

0104 STATISTICS 3

0105 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS 1

010000 Mathematical Sciences 12

020000 Physical Sciences0201 ASTRONOMICAL AND SPACE SCIENCES 5

0202 ATOMIC, MOLECULAR, NUCLEAR, PARTICLE AND PLASMA PHYSICS 1

0204 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS 2

0205 OPTICAL PHYSICS 3

0206 QUANTUM PHYSICS 4

020000 Physical Sciences 15

030000 Chemical Sciences0302 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY 3

0305 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 5

0306 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (INCL. STRUCTURAL) 3

0307 THEORETICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY 1

030000 Chemical Sciences 12

040000 Earth Sciences0401 ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES 1

0403 GEOLOGY 3

0405 OCEANOGRAPHY 2

0406 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENCE 2

040000 Earth Sciences 8

050000 Environmental Sciences0501 ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 1

0502 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT 4

0503 SOIL SCIENCES 1

050000 Environmental Sciences 6

060000 Biological Sciences0601 BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY 3

0602 ECOLOGY 8

0603 EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY 2

0604 GENETICS 5

0605 MICROBIOLOGY 1


0606 PHYSIOLOGY 1

0607 PLANT BIOLOGY 3

0608 ZOOLOGY 4

060000 Biological Sciences 27

080000 Information and Computing Sciences0801 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND IMAGE PROCESSING 8

0802 COMPUTATION THEORY AND MATHEMATICS 1

0806 INFORMATION SYSTEMS 2

080000 Information and Computing Sciences 11

090000 Engineering0903 BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 3

0904 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 1

0905 CIVIL ENGINEERING 3

0906 ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING 2

0907 ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 3

0910 MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING 1

0912 MATERIALS ENGINEERING 5

0913 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING 2

0914 RESOURCES ENGINEERING AND EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY 3

0915 INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING 2

090000 Engineering 25

100000 Technology1007 NANOTECHNOLOGY 7

100000 Technology 7

110000 Medical and Health Sciences1107 IMMUNOLOGY 2

1109 NEUROSCIENCES 7

1117 PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES 5

110000 Medical and Health Sciences 14

130000 Education1303 SPECIALIST STUDIES IN EDUCATION 2

130000 Education 2

140000 Economics1401 ECONOMIC THEORY 1

1402 APPLIED ECONOMICS 4

140000 Economics 5


150000 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services1503 BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT 2

1505 MARKETING 2

150000 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services 4

160000 Studies in Human Society1601 ANTHROPOLOGY 2

1602 CRIMINOLOGY 1

1603 DEMOGRAPHY 1

1604 HUMAN GEOGRAPHY 1

1605 POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION 2

1606 POLITICAL SCIENCE 10

1607 SOCIAL WORK 1

160000 Studies in Human Society 18

170000 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences1701 PSYCHOLOGY 4

1702 COGNITIVE SCIENCES 3

170000 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences 7

180000 Law and Legal Studies1801 LAW 1

180000 Law and Legal Studies 1

190000 Studies in Creative Arts and Writing1904 PERFORMING ARTS AND CREATIVE WRITING 2

1999 OTHER STUDIES IN CREATIVE ARTS AND WRITING 1

190000 Studies in Creative Arts and Writing 3

200000 Language, Communication and Culture2001 COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES 4

2002 CULTURAL STUDIES 3

2004 LINGUISTICS 1

2005 LITERARY STUDIES 3

200000 Language, Communication and Culture 11

210000 History and Archaeology2101 ARCHAEOLOGY 6

2103 HISTORICAL STUDIES 5

210000 History and Archaeology 11

Number of Successful Discovery Early Career Researcher Award Proposalsfor Funding Commencing in 2013 by Primary FoR Division

220000 Philosophy and Religious Studies2203

220000PHILOSOPHY 1

Philosophy and Religious Studies 1

Total Number of Grants 200

Summary of Successful Discovery Early Career Researcher Award Proposals for Funding Commencing in 2013 by Primary FoR Group

Page 1

0101 PURE MATHEMATICS

The University of MelbourneDE130100650 Do, Dr Norman N

Approved The geometry and combinatorics of moduli spacesProject Title

2013 $117,247.00

2014 $120,503.00

2015 $121,570.00

Total $359,320.00

Primary FoR 0101 PURE MATHEMATICS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Norman N Do

Administering Organisation The University of Melbourne

Project Summary

Moduli spaces are high-dimensional geometric objects whose rich structure holds the key to various problems in mathematics. They are of fundamental importance to modern geometry and theoretical models of the universe. This project will develop novel techniques to answer questions concerning moduli spaces and yield new insight into their structure.

DE130100762 Joret, Dr Gwenael

Approved The interplay between structures and algorithms in combinatorial optimisationProject Title

2013 $103,203.00

2014 $103,203.00

2015 $103,203.00

Total $309,609.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Gwenael Joret


Project Summary

Networks are ubiquitous in science, technology, and virtually all aspects of life. The project aims to make progress on central questions in the mathematical theory of networks. These include designing efficient algorithms for approximating the Hadwiger number, which is a key measure of the complexity of a network.


Page 2

The University of Western AustraliaDE130101521 Smith, Dr Simon M

ApprovedProject Title

Permutation groups with finite subdegrees and the structure of totally disconnected locally compact groups

2013 $104,040.00

2014 $98,135.00

2015 $100,670.00

Total $302,845.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Simon M Smith

Administering Organisation The University of Western Australia

Project Summary

Understanding the symmetries of a structure is one way of determining its nature. Our lack of knowledge of these symmetries is holding back research in combinatorics and topological group theory. This project aims to understand the symmetries of an important collection of infinite structures that arise naturally in other areas of mathematics.

DE130101001 Verret, Dr Gabriel

Approved Enumeration of vertex-transitive graphsProject Title

2013 $102,000.00

2014 $99,000.00

2015 $99,000.00

Total $300,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Gabriel Verret


Project Summary

Graphs that are very symmetrical are very useful in constructing and describing large networks in a compact and understandable form. This project will involve high quality mathematical research on symmetrical graphs, which are also central to the mathematical field of algebraic graph theory.


Page 3

0102 APPLIED MATHEMATICS

The University of AdelaideDE130100031 Green, Dr John E


Mathematical modelling of the complex mechanics of biological materials and their role in tissue function and development

2013 $108,728.00

2014 $112,228.00

2015 $112,728.00

Total $333,684.00

Primary FoR 0102 APPLIED MATHEMATICS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr John E Green

Administering Organisation The University of Adelaide

Project Summary

The mechanics of biological materials is complicated because they consist of many components such as fibres, proteins and polymers. We aim to use mathematical tools to understand how these components interact in tissues such as the spinal disc which will aid the development of new treatments to reverse the effects of injury, disease or aging.

The University of Western AustraliaDE130101191 Buenzli, Dr Pascal R

Approved Formation of the osteocyte network in bone matrixProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Pascal R Buenzli


Project Summary

The formation of new bone, which occurs throughout life for bone renewal and acutely after fractures, entraps a network of cells that can detect micro-damage and direct repair mechanisms. Mathematical and computational methods will be used to understand how this network can lead to a self-detecting and self-repairing biomaterial.


Page 4

University of TasmaniaDE130100423 Sumner, Dr Jeremy G

Approved Group theory and phylogenetics: exploiting symmetry to uncover evolutionary historyProject Title

2013 $124,705.00

2014 $123,839.00

2015 $120,517.00

Total $369,061.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Jeremy G Sumner

Administering Organisation University of Tasmania

Project Summary

Using advanced algebra, structural symmetries inherent in phylogenetic methods will be studied and improved approaches will be derived. DNA sequences contain a wealth of information about evolutionary events that occurred millions of years ago, but extracting this information requires the application of robust methods.


Page 5

0103 NUMERICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL MATHEMATICS

The University of SydneyDE130100333 Olver, Dr Sheehan S

Approved A new class of fast and reliable spectral methods for partial differential equationsProject Title

2013 $108,221.00

2014 $106,655.00

2015 $100,764.00

Total $315,640.00

Primary FoR 0103 NUMERICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL MATHEMATICS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Sheehan S Olver

Administering Organisation The University of Sydney

Project Summary

The project will develop novel fast and reliable spectral methods for computing solutions to general partial differential equations. These methods will be applied to solve important equations that arise in mathematical physics and other areas where high accuracy is essential.


Page 6

0104 STATISTICS

The University of QueenslandDE130100291 Nazarathy, Dr Yoni J

Approved Adaptive control of stochastic queueing networksProject Title

2013 $124,865.00

2014 $124,815.00

2015 $124,915.00

Total $374,595.00

Primary FoR 0104 STATISTICS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Yoni J Nazarathy

Administering Organisation The University of Queensland

Project Summary

Queues of items competing for service appear on the road, in health-care, in manufacturing and in communication systems. This project will set up methodology for adaptive control and resource allocation for stochastic queueing network models applicable to a variety of scenarios accounting for parameter uncertainty.

DE130100819 Rojas-Nandayapa, Dr Leonardo


Measuring the improbable: optimal Monte Carlo methods for rare event simulation of maxima of dependent random variables

2013 $93,500.00

2014 $94,600.00

2015 $93,500.00

Total $281,600.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Leonardo Rojas-Nandayapa


Project Summary

Some events occurring with low frequency can have dramatic consequences: natural catastrophes, economic crises, system malfunctions. Estimating their probabilities is a very difficult problem. This project will develop new simulation methods capable of delivering the most precise and efficient estimators for the probabilities of such events.


Page 7

The University of SydneyDE130101670 Ormerod, Dr John T

Approved Scalable Bayesian model selection for massive data setsProject Title

2013 $124,969.00

2014 $121,789.00

2015 $123,652.00

Total $370,410.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr John T Ormerod


Project Summary

This project will develop highly innovative, efficient and ultimately effective methodology for Bayesian model selection for large-scale problems which commonly arise in biostatistics and bioinformatics. The resulting methodology will dramatically reduce the duration of analyses in these areas from days or weeks to minutes or hours.


Page 8

0105 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS

The University of QueenslandDE130101067 Marquette, Dr Ian

Approved New constructions of superintegrable systems and the connection with Painlevé transcendentsProject Title

2013 $101,000.00

2014 $99,600.00

2015 $101,940.00

Total $302,540.00

Primary FoR 0105 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Ian Marquette


Project Summary

The research of this project will lead to deep discoveries in the field of superintegrability and expand our knowledge of their related algebraic structures, supersymmetric quantum mechanics and Painlevé transcendents. The project will generate new techniques that will be utilised in future applications of mathematical and theoretical physics.


Page 9

0201 ASTRONOMICAL AND SPACE SCIENCES

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationDE130101270 Breen, Dr Shari


Tracing the evolution of high-mass stars: combining maser evolutionary timelines with chemical clocks

2013 $106,009.00

2014 $101,550.00

2015 $111,550.00

Total $319,109.00

Primary FoR 0201 ASTRONOMICAL AND SPACE SCIENCES

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Shari Breen

Administering Organisation Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

Project Summary

Maser emission (radio analogue of lasers) arises naturally in the dense gas surrounding young, large stars. Studying many types of masers towards lots of sources will allow us to uncover the precise stages of star formation that each maser species is tracing. Such a timeline promises to be an important tool in determining how these big stars form.

DE130100639 Green, Dr James A

Approved Defining the dynamic magnetised Milky WayProject Title

2013 $101,444.00

2014 $115,899.00

2015 $115,899.00

Total $333,242.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr James A Green


Project Summary

Without understanding how the Milky Way works, it is incredibly difficult to understand the evolution and structure of more distant galaxies. This research will show how the pieces of our Galaxy, including the impact of the mysterious force of magnetism, fit together and move around in space, defining a new image of the Milky Way.


Page 10

The University of MelbourneDE130101087 Haskell, Dr Brynmor D

Approved Modelling superfluid neutron starsProject Title

2013 $123,128.00

2014 $115,079.00

2015 $120,819.00

Total $359,026.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Brynmor D Haskell


Project Summary

This project aims to construct realistic neutron star models, that will be used to interpret radio and x-ray data, but also to aid gravitational wave detection. These models will allow the study of matter at extreme densities in the stellar interior, well above nuclear density, thus making use of the most exciting physics laboratory in the cosmos.

DE130101252 Taylor, Dr Edward N

Approved New high precision, direct measurement of the dark matter distributionProject Title

2013 $122,038.00

2014 $122,038.00

2015 $124,948.00

Total $369,024.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Edward N Taylor


Project Summary

How do you measure what you cannot see? Using a radically new and exquisitely sensitive technique called Direct Shear Mapping, which works by measuring the curvature of space-time around massive objects, this project will make the first ever direct measurements of the dark matter halos surrounding approximately 100 individual galaxies in the local Universe.


Page 11

University of TasmaniaDE130101399 Shabala, Dr Stanislav

Approved Eternal struggle: star formation and black hole activity in galaxiesProject Title

2013 $124,949.00

2014 $123,900.00

2015 $121,950.00

Total $370,799.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Stanislav Shabala


Project Summary

The histories of black holes and stars in galaxies are intricately linked. This project will dissect the link between them by using supercomputer models and the world's best radio telescopes. Understanding this connection is key to figuring out how galaxies have evolved.


Page 12

0202 ATOMIC, MOLECULAR, NUCLEAR, PARTICLE AND PLASMA PHYSICS

Griffith UniversityDE130101628 Xu, Dr Han


Efficient high-order harmonic generation using dissociating molecular ions with controlled inter-nuclear separation

2013 $124,500.00

2014 $124,500.00

2015 $111,000.00

Total $360,000.00

Primary FoR 0202 ATOMIC, MOLECULAR, NUCLEAR, PARTICLE AND PLASMA PHYSICS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Han Xu

Administering Organisation Griffith University

Project Summary

This project aims to use extremly short laser pulses to generate strong coherent light of attosecond duration. We expect to produce more attosecond XUV light with the same pump energy by using inter-nuclear distance controlled molecules as generating medium.


CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS0204

The Australian National University

Page 13

DE130101700 Ren, Dr Fang-Fang

Approved Development of terahertz metamaterials based on III-V compound semiconductorsProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0204 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Fang-Fang Ren

Administering Organisation The Australian National University

Project Summary

This project will involve the theoretical design and experimental realisation of III-V semiconductors based terahertz metamaterials, which exhibit unique electromagnetic responses. Such development is expected to significantly benefit novel applications in defence, sensing and communications. The outcomes of this project will expand the capability of the existing systems in efficient real-time control and manipulation of terahertz radiations.

The University of MelbourneDE130100739 D'Alfonso, Dr Adrian J

Approved Deterministic coherent diffractive imaging for the nanosciencesProject Title

2013 $121,412.00

2014 $117,888.00

2015 $115,658.00

Total $354,958.00

Primary FoR 0204 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Adrian J D'Alfonso


Project Summary

The technological trend towards nanoscale device fabrication demands picoscale measurements which will only be possible with the development of novel and advanced imaging techniques. This project will develop and implement cutting edge approaches to lensless imaging using both electrons and x-rays and will enable real-time imaging at the picoscale.


OPTICAL PHYSICS0205

The Australian National University

Page 14

DE130101432 Chang, Dr Wonkeun

Approved Dissipative soliton lasers: innovative approach to high-energy femtosecond pulse generationProject Title

2013 $123,935.00

2014 $124,960.00

2015 $123,625.00

Total $372,520.00

Primary FoR 0205 OPTICAL PHYSICS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Wonkeun Chang


Project Summary

The generation of high-energy, ultrashort pulses will benefit various sectors in science and technology, including fabrication of nanomaterials and precise laser surgery. The dissipative soliton approach is presently recognised as one of the most useful techniques for the design of laser systems. This project will provide a roadmap for designing a novel class of laser systems that can generate high-energy femtosecond pulses.

The University of MelbourneDE130101300 Hutchison, Dr James A


Molecules and mirrors: new directions in chemistry and organic optoelectronics using hybrid light or matter states

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr James A Hutchison


Project Summary

This project will explore the exotic mixtures of light and matter that can form when molecules are placed in nano-scale mirror cavities. If the chemical reactivity of these mixed light or matter states can be controlled, a new generation of efficient, organic solar energy capture and storage devices is anticipated.


Page 15

The University of SydneyDE130101033 Hudson, Dr Darren D

Approved An ultrafast mid-infrared fiber laser: short pulses at long wavelengthsProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Darren D Hudson


Project Summary

This project will result in the creation of a unique laser system, operating in the mid-infrared wavelength range and generating short bursts of light, which will have a potentially revolutionary impact in many areas of physics, health, defence and astronomy.


Page 16

0206 QUANTUM PHYSICS

Griffith UniversityDE130100304 Lobino, Dr Mirko


Lithium niobate integrated quantum photonics for cluster state quantum information with continuous variables

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0206 QUANTUM PHYSICS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Mirko Lobino


Project Summary

A quantum computer capable of solving important problems exponentially faster than any classical machine will have a huge impact in science, technology and society. This project targets this goal using photons as quantum information carriers and miniaturising state of the art quantum optics experiments with innovative micron-size waveguide devices.


Page 17

The University of QueenslandDE130100240 Fedrizzi, Dr Alessandro

Approved Deterministic photonic quantum gates by amplified optical nonlinearitiesProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Alessandro Fedrizzi


Project Summary

Quantum devices will reshape future technology in ways similar to the information revolution heralded by modern computing. This proposal will combine theoretic advances in optical sciences with cutting-edge materials to build photonic quantum gates, removing the last major roadblock on the path to photonic quantum computers and simulators.

DE130100575 Haine, Dr Simon A

Approved Quantum enhancement for ultra-precise atomic sensorsProject Title

2013 $124,714.00

2014 $124,715.00

2015 $124,515.00

Total $373,944.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Simon A Haine


Project Summary

This project will investigate methods for drastically improving the sensitivity of measurement devices derived from atom interferometers. This will enable experimental tests of certain aspects of fundamental physics, as well as practical tools such as ultra-precise geodesy for minerals exploration.


Page 18

The University of SydneyDE130101148 Clark, Dr Alexander S

Approved Quantum state translation in integrated optics: enabling multicolour quantum processingProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Alexander S Clark


Project Summary

This project aims to use nonlinear effects in photonic waveguide devices to shift the energies of photons, single particles of light, from one state to another. This will have a profound impact on provably secure quantum communication and potentially provide novel routes to the building of a quantum computer.


Page 19

0302 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationDE130100635 Chesman, Dr Anthony S


Inks for the fabrication of thin-film photovoltaic devices by solution processable deposition techniques

2013 $124,390.00

2014 $124,390.00

2015 $124,390.00

Total $373,170.00

Primary FoR 0302 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Anthony S Chesman


Project Summary

Due to their high cost the current generation of solar cells has had limited uptake into the market place. With the use of nanoparticle inks that can form light absorbing layers, solar cells may be fabricated cheaply in the future with solution- based manufacturing techniques, such as spray coating or printing.

The University of MelbourneDE130100615 Ritchie, Dr Christopher

Approved Rational design and fabrication of polyoxometalate based nanodevicesProject Title

2013 $124,747.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $124,860.00

Total $374,607.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Christopher Ritchie


Project Summary

Currently switches, memories and sensors are constructed through physical manipulation of their various components. Using single molecules we plan to develop self-organising systems, resulting in self-constructing devices. This will enable device miniaturisation to the smallest of length scales, dramatically influencing modern day electronics.


Page 20

The University of SydneyDE130101650 Renfrew, Dr Anna K

Approved Rational design of novel metal-based chaperones for tumour-selective drug deliveryProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Anna K Renfrew


Project Summary

This work aims to develop new drug delivery systems based on transition metal complexes for selective delivery and release of a drug in the tumour.


Page 21

0305 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

La Trobe UniversityDE130100186 Dutton, Dr Jason L

Approved Base stabilised dicarbon as a new building block for supramolecular organometallic chemistryProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0305 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Jason L Dutton

Administering Organisation La Trobe University

Project Summary

Diamond, coal and graphite are the forms of carbon ("allotropes") found in everyday life. The discovery of two further allotropes of carbon, the fullerenes and graphene both led to Nobel Prize awards. We have identified a method to stabilize another form of carbon, dicarbon, and will harness its properties for the formation of new materials.

The Australian National UniversityDE130101350 Chooi, Dr Yit-Heng

Approved A synthetic biology approach for mining the secondary metabolomes of fungal phytopathogensProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $124,973.00

2015 $123,065.00

Total $373,038.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Yit-Heng Chooi


Project Summary

Synthetic biology approaches will be employed to identify the secondary metabolites produced by the two important wheat pathogens, Stagonospora nodorum and Mycosphaerella graminicola. This will lead to the discovery of novel chemicals and facilitate our understanding of the roles of secondary metabolites in wheat diseases.


Page 22

The University of AdelaideDE130100689 George, Dr Jonathan

Approved Applying nature's chemistry to the synthesis of complex bioactive natural productsProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Jonathan George


Project Summary

Organic molecules come in all shapes and sizes, and the synthesis of them is crucial to industries as diverse as pharmaceuticals, electronics, cosmetics and agrochemicals. This project aims to develop new ways of making unusual and potentially useful naturally occurring organic molecules using chemistry that mimics how they are formed in nature.

The University of NewcastleDE130100513 Gordon, Dr Christopher P

Approved Advancing flow chemistry: towards total flow synthesisProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $124,500.00

2015 $124,500.00

Total $374,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Christopher P Gordon

Administering Organisation The University of Newcastle

Project Summary

Of all mankind's endeavors, the development and mass production of pharmaceuticals is arguably the most resource hungry and wasteful. This project aims to advance a branch of chemistry known as flow chemistry. This emerging technology has the potential to revolutionise pharmaceutical production by improving quality and reducing chemical waste.


Page 23

The University of SydneyDE130101673 Wilkinson, Dr Brendan L

Approved Access to biomimetic carbohydrate receptors using dynamic combinatorial chemistryProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Brendan L Wilkinson


Project Summary

This project aims to utilise novel synthetic technology for the development of cyclic peptide libraries as novel drug leads for the treatment of Dengue virus, HIV and cancer.


Page 24

0306 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (INCL. STRUCTURAL)

The University of MelbourneDE130100424 Donald, Dr William A


Strike while the iron is hot - structure and reactivity of iron-oxo complexes that mimic carbon- hydrogen bond activating enzymes

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0306 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (INCL. STRUCTURAL)

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr William A Donald


Project Summary

To meet the demands of a burgeoning global population, new and more sustainable methods for producing chemicals that are ubiquitous to modern life are required. This project will provide valuable information on how to improve the way chemicals are made by using nature as a blueprint for designing the next generation of catalysts that contain iron.

The University of New South WalesDE130100770 Aldous, Dr Leigh


Lignin in ionic liquids: electrochemical approaches towards delignification and depolymerisation

2013 $106,293.00

2014 $124,538.00

2015 $94,544.00

Total $325,375.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Leigh Aldous

Administering Organisation The University of New South Wales

Project Summary

Wood contains a wealth of biomaterials, such as cellulose which can be used to make biofuel and lignin which can be used to make pharmaceuticals. Separating out the cellulose is essential yet difficult, plus lignin must be broken up into smaller fragments; this project will look at using electrochemistry to achieve these processes more efficiently.


Page 25

University of WollongongDE130100970 Clarke, Dr Tracey M


Solar energy conversion: illuminating the origin of long-lived charge-separated states in organic donor/acceptor blends

2013 $124,900.00

2014 $123,500.00

2015 $122,200.00

Total $370,600.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Tracey M Clarke

Administering Organisation University of Wollongong

Project Summary

The origin of exceptionally long-lived charges in organic donor/acceptor solid-state blends will be established. This will substantially enhance the efficiency and commercial viability of applications that rely on these long-lived charge- separated states, such as organic solar cells.


Page 26

0307 THEORETICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY

The Australian National UniversityDE130101441 Loos, Dr Pierre-Francois

Approved Thinking outside the box: spherical geometry in chemistry and physicsProject Title

2013 $124,661.00

2014 $119,661.00

2015 $120,897.00

Total $365,219.00

Primary FoR 0307 THEORETICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Pierre-Francois Loos


Project Summary

Spherical models are extremely powerful for understanding, explaining and predicting physical and chemical phenomena. This work takes advantage of the spherical model superiority to tackle some fundamental unsolved problems in physics and chemistry, and this will lead to new insights in their field.


Page 27

0401 ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES

The University of AdelaideDE130101571 Bennetts, Dr Luke

Approved Assimilation of ocean wave interactions with sea ice into climate modelsProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0401 ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Luke Bennetts


Project Summary

Contemporary climate models do not accurately portray ocean or atmosphere interactions where the open ocean meets the expanses of floating sea ice within the polar regions, as they lack a component to determine the size of ice floes. This project will tackle the omission directly, developing from modelling advances made in recent years.


Page 28

0403 GEOLOGY

Monash UniversityDE130100604 Capitanio, Dr Fabio A

Approved The dynamics of continent deformationsProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0403 GEOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Fabio A Capitanio

Administering Organisation Monash University

Project Summary

Modeling the coupling of subducting oceanic plates and deforming continents provides a fundamentally new view of the dynamics of our planet. It will improve an understanding of the formation of basins in continent interiors and their evolution over geological times.

The University of AdelaideDE130101133 Worthy, Dr Trevor H

Approved Evolution, breeding biology and extinction of giant fowl in Australia and the Southwest PacificProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Trevor H Worthy


Project Summary

New investigation of the extinct giant flightless Australian mihirungs and similar giant fowl of Oceania by analysis of fossils will reveal their relationships and resolve the evolutionary history of fowl globally. This project will provide insight into breeding strategies of these fossil species and the causes and impacts of their extinction.


Page 29

The University of New South WalesDE130100467 Black, Dr Karen H


Limbs and wings: reconstructing Australian environmental change through innovative analysis of ancient mammal skeletons

2013 $124,963.00

2014 $124,971.00

2015 $124,889.00

Total $374,823.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Karen H Black


Project Summary

An animal's skeleton is the product of a complex relationship between its habits, habitat and evolutionary history. This project uses a vast resource of World Heritage fossil skeletons from Riversleigh to determine how behaviour and ecology of Australia's mammals have changed over the last 25 million years and will need to adapt in the future.


Page 30

0405 OCEANOGRAPHY

The University of New South WalesDE130100663 McGregor, Dr Shayne

Approved Understanding the termination of El Nino-Southern Oscillation eventsProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0405 OCEANOGRAPHY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Shayne McGregor


Project Summary

Australia's climate is extreme, with significant drought and flooding events driven by cycles of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This study will improve our understanding of the termination of ENSO events and lead to better inter-seasonal climate forecasting, aiding the sectors reliant on accurate climate prediction.

DE130101336 van Sebille, Dr Erik

Approved Inter-ocean exchange around Australia and its relation to regional and global climateProject Title

2013 $124,798.00

2014 $124,708.00

2015 $124,848.00

Total $374,354.00

Primary FoR 0405 OCEANOGRAPHY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Erik van Sebille


Project Summary

The flow of water from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean is important to both regional and global climate. Most of the water flows through the Indonesian Archipelago, but there is also a westward flow south of Tasmania. We will study the dynamics of this inter-ocean exchange and investigate how it impacts regional climate and marine ecosystems.


PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENCE0406

James Cook University

Page 31

DE130100295 English, Dr Nathan B


Forecasting the future of flood and drought in Australia using multi-century tree-ring and isotope chronologies from the tropics

2013 $123,736.00

2014 $124,975.00

2015 $124,968.00

Total $373,679.00

Primary FoR 0406 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENCE

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Nathan B English

Administering Organisation James Cook University

Project Summary

The effects of El Nino on Australian floods and droughts in a globally changing climate is unclear because we lack long climate records from the past. This project will measure tree-ring and isotope records using kauri pine to advance our understanding of El Nino's effects on the frequency and intensity of drought and floods in Australia.

The University of MelbourneDE130100668 Gergis, Dr Joelle


The further back we look, the further forward we can see: 1,000 years of past climate to help predict future climate change in Australia

2013 $118,785.00

2014 $115,920.00

2015 $117,100.00

Total $351,805.00

Primary FoR 0406 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENCE

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Joelle Gergis


Project Summary

Reconstructing 1,000 years of Australia's past climate will greatly extend our understanding of natural climate variability currently estimated from weather observations. For the first time, Australian climate variations over the last millennium will be used to assess the accuracy of climate model simulations for our region.


ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS0501


Page 32

DE130101705 Graham, Dr Nicholas A

Approved Ecology of novel coral reef ecosystemsProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0501 ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Nicholas A Graham


Project Summary

Coral reef ecosystems are changing. Some of these changes are predictable, based on how species respond to climate change. This project will utilise information on species vulnerability to predict what reef ecosystems, including corals, fishes and invertebrates, will look like in the future and how this will affect the benefits we gain from reefs.


ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT0502

Page 33

Griffith UniversityDE130100565 Linke, Dr Simon


Planning for rare aquatic species: conservation and restoration priorities at local and continental scales

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0502 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Simon Linke


Project Summary

This project will develop a new method to include rare species in conservation plans by identifying habitat characteristics that are responsible for their distribution. After establishing these relations, cost-effective conservation and restoration actions will target rare fish, waterbird and insect species in Australian and overseas rivers.


Page 34

The Australian National UniversityDE130101671 Ens, Dr Emilie-Jane

Approved Exploring two-way ecological research to inform Indigenous natural and cultural resourceProject Title

2013

management

$121,804.00

2014 $121,083.00

2015 $122,992.00

Total $365,879.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Emilie-Jane Ens


Project Summary

This project will explore ways that Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge and techniques can be combined for innovation in Australia's conservation agenda. The project outcomes will include enhanced natural and cultural resource management and documentation of Indigenous ecological knowledge that will inform policy and have internationalreach.

DE130100777 Piggott, Dr Maxine P

Approved New technology for accurate freshwater biodiversity assessment using environmental DNAProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Maxine P Piggott


Project Summary

This project will develop a new biodiversity monitoring tool for identifying freshwater fish species without their capture or observation, using environmental DNA (faeces, urine and skin cells) extracted from water samples. This new tool will be used to survey for all fish species in freshwater ecosystems in southwestern Australia, a biodiversity hotspot.


Page 35

The University of MelbourneDE130100572 Bode, Dr Michael

Approved Understanding the ecological and economic implications of reef fish larval dispersalProject Title

2013 $124,583.00

2014 $122,551.00

2015 $122,611.00

Total $369,745.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Michael Bode


Project Summary

Until we understand larval dispersal, the movement of reef fish during their juvenile stage, we cannot sustainably manage coral reef ecosystems. This project will use sophisticated mathematical tools to understand how larval dispersal influences the ecology and management of the Great Barrier Reef and a fishery in Papua New Guinea.


Page 36

0503 SOIL SCIENCES

The University of QueenslandDE130100943 Wang, Dr Peng


Improving risk-based assessments of trace metal bioavailability in soil-plant systems: a focus on cadmium (Cd)

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0503 SOIL SCIENCES

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Peng Wang


Project Summary

Contamination of the landscape with trace metals is a serious environmental and agricultural issue costing Australia billions of dollars each year. This research will provide insights into how contaminated sites can be managed efficiently in order to protect Australia's natural environment whilst reducing unnecessary expenditure.


Page 37

0601 BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY

Deakin UniversityDE130101458 Greene, Dr George W

Approved Investigation and development of biological anti-adhesive coatingsProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0601 BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr George W Greene

Administering Organisation Deakin University

Project Summary

Lubricin is a biological anti-adhesive protein that is found in mammalian joints. This project will investigate the properties and action of Lubricin and develop novel anti-adhesive coating technologies to eliminate problems associated with non- specific binding of biomolecules in microfluidic and biosensor applications.

Monash UniversityDE130100117 May, Dr Lauren T

Approved Allosteric fingerprinting of G protein-coupled receptor monomers and oligomersProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Lauren T May


Project Summary

Allosteric modulation describes interactions between distinct, but conformationally linked, binding sites. Research will develop enabling technology using the unique profile, or 'fingerprint', of allosteric modulation at interacting and non- interacting G protein-coupled receptors to probe for receptor complexes within healthy and diseased tissue.


Page 38

The University of New South WalesDE130100251 Owen, Dr Dylan M

Approved Biophysical mechanisms regulating early T cell signalling eventsProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Dylan M Owen


Project Summary

T cell activation in response to foreign pathogens or cancer cells requires a complex set of protein interactions which must be controlled in space and time. This project will use new microscopy methods with single-molecule sensitivity to determine how the cell membrane and protein clustering regulate these interactions.


Page 39

0602 ECOLOGY

James Cook UniversityDE130100688 Hoey, Dr Andrew S

Approved Macroalgal-driven feedbacks and the dynamics of coral reef ecosystemsProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0602 ECOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Andrew S Hoey


Project Summary

Seaweed overgrowth poses one of the greatest threats to coral reefs. This project aims to understand the role of seaweeds in shaping ecological processes on degraded coral reefs. In doing so it will not only identify the processes that maintain and reinforce seaweed dominance on coral reefs, but also identify ways to reverse such states.

The Australian National UniversityDE130100174 Brouwer, Dr Lyanne

Approved Family matters: kin selection and competition in cooperative breedersProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Lyanne Brouwer


Project Summary

In the absence of dispersal of one or both sexes kin competition and inbreeding are expected to increase. This project will study group living fairy-wrens, which vary in whether or not one sex disperses. The results will shed new light on how species overcome the negative aspects of this behaviour and inform us about the consequences for populations and habitat management.


Page 40

The University of MelbourneDE130100434 Murphy, Dr Brett P


What fire regimes can maintain biodiversity in northern Australia's savannah landscapes, and how do we implement them?

2013 $124,690.00

2014 $122,768.00

2015 $123,656.00

Total $371,114.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Brett P Murphy


Project Summary

Inappropriate fire regimes (the frequency, intensity and size of bushfires) are causing ongoing declines in Australia's biodiversity, yet we have little understanding of the fire regimes that should be implemented. Focussing on Kakadu National Park in northern Australia, this project will develop optimal fire management strategies for conserving biodiversity.

The University of QueenslandDE130101410 Niehaus, Dr Amanda C

Approved To die or not to die: understanding the energetics of death in natureProject Title

2013 $124,480.00

2014 $124,800.00

2015 $124,800.00

Total $374,080.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Amanda C Niehaus


Project Summary

By better understanding how and why organisms die, we can improve treatment and prevention of age-related diseases such as cancer. This study will use the northern quoll as a model to examine the environmental, behavioural and physiological mechanisms associated with shortened or extended lifespan in nature.


Page 41

The University of SydneyDE130100833 Wilder, Dr Shawn M

Approved The nutritional regulation of food chain length in terrestrial arthropod communitiesProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Shawn M Wilder


Project Summary

Little is known about how the behaviour of individual animals affects the structure and function of ecological communities. By quantifying the diet requirements of predators and comparing them to the nutrients in prey at different trophic levels, this project will test if nutrient-based foraging by predators regulates food chain length in arthropod communities.


Page 42

The University of Western AustraliaDE130100018 Gagliano, Dr Monica

Approved Understanding bioacoustics in plantsProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Monica Gagliano


Project Summary

From lush tropical rainforests to small urban gardens, plants take advantage of the surrounding soundscape to flourish, yet how they do this is still unknown. This will be the first experimental study to explore how and why plants sense sound in their environment, hence pioneering a brand-new research area in behavioural and evolutionary ecology.

DE130100709 Lach, Dr Lori


Assessing pollination services of honey bees in native ecosystems and threats posed by parasites

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Lori Lach


Project Summary

The European honeybee is our most abundant pollinator but we know little about its role in native Australian ecosystems or how its many diseases may affect its ability to pollinate. This project will determine whether honeybees are important pollinators of native plants and how a common parasite affects their pollination ability.


Page 43

University of Technology, SydneyDE130101084 Macreadie, Dr Peter I


From sink to source: does microbial priming of degraded seagrasses contribute to global warming?

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Peter I Macreadie

Administering Organisation University of Technology, Sydney

Project Summary

Australian seagrasses are among the planet's most effective natural systems for removing greenhouse gases; but, if degraded, they could leak stored carbon and accelerate global warming. This project will test the emerging paradigm that microbes control carbon leakage, thereby providing information to ensure that seagrass carbon remains locked away.


EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY0603


Page 44

DE130100218 Higgie, Dr Megan A

Approved Can species interactions drive diversification?Project Title

2013 $124,950.00

2014 $123,741.00

2015 $124,481.00

Total $373,172.00

Primary FoR 0603 EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Megan A Higgie


Project Summary

Species interactions may drive the evolution of species diversity but we currently lack the empirical evidence to demonstrate conclusively how this occurs. Using a group of closely-related species native to Australia's rainforest, this study will test how species interactions drive the evolution of mating traits and the formation of new species.

The University of QueenslandDE130100470 Kapetanovic, Dr Ronan

Approved Understanding mechanisms and functions of evolutionary divergence in innate immune genesProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0603 EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Ronan Kapetanovic


Project Summary

Microorganisms constantly challenge the immune systems of all multi-cellular organisms, and host immune genes must be able to co-evolve with microbes in order for a species to propagate. This project will investigate how host immune genes in a species evolve to enable that species to continue.


GENETICS0604


Page 45

DE130100605 Lukoschek, Dr Vimoksalehi

Approved Larval dispersal: the critical connection in coral reef recoveryProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $124,880.00

2015 $124,925.00

Total $374,805.00

Primary FoR 0604 GENETICS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Vimoksalehi Lukoschek


Project Summary

This project will document how larval exchange connects populations of reef-building corals in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area using an innovative approach that combines genomics with modelling tools. Predictions will be tested by genetically monitoring the recovery of coral populations on reefs destroyed by Cyclone Yasi.

Macquarie UniversityDE130100894 Deng, Ms Wei


Nanolamps: unlocking targeted gene silencing in deep tissue with nanoparticle-based light sources

2013 $119,500.00

2014 $122,340.00

2015 $119,300.00

Total $361,140.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Ms Wei Deng

Administering Organisation Macquarie University

Project Summary

In order to better understand the function of genes, this project will develop a new method of tightly targeted gene silencing deep inside of the body by nanoscale light sources. This will shed new light on the nervous system and, in the first instance, help to elucidate the role of the PACAP neurons in blood pressure regulation.


Page 46

The Australian National UniversityDE130101450 Foret, Dr Sylvain

Approved The molecular basis of division of labour in the beehiveProject Title

2013 $124,800.00

2014 $124,800.00

2015 $124,700.00

Total $374,300.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Sylvain Foret


Project Summary

This study will dissect the genes and gene networks underpinning behaviour using cutting edge molecular and computational techniques. As a model, this project will study the division of labour in a social insect, the honeybee.


Page 47

The University of QueenslandDE130100614 Lee, Dr Sang Hong


Novel statistical algorithms and methods to quantify and partition pleiotropy between complex traits in populations

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Sang Hong Lee


Project Summary

A fundamental question in biology is how common genetic effects are shared between traits or groups. For example, is cognition or human behaviour genetically identical across genders or across human population groups? This project will address these questions using multiple independent genome-wide association studies.

DE130100691 Powell, Dr Joseph E

Approved Novel approaches for understanding how genetic variation regulates the transcriptomeProject Title

2013 $120,175.00

2014 $122,175.00

2015 $122,175.00

Total $364,525.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Joseph E Powell


Project Summary

This project aims to understand the biological processes by which information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product. This research will inform on fundamental questions in genetics and evolutionary biology and have a significant impact on our knowledge of the complex mechanisms by which genes are switched on and off.


Page 48

0605 MICROBIOLOGY

The University of QueenslandDE130101169 Totsika, Dr Makrina

Approved Understanding how bacteria become stickyProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0605 MICROBIOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Makrina Totsika


Project Summary

This study will investigate the machinery used by bacteria to build specialised sticky fibres which allow them to attach to surfaces. The outcomes will significantly advance our understanding of how bacteria generate molecular weapons enabling them to survive and to infect humans and animals.


Page 49

0606 PHYSIOLOGY

University of Western SydneyDE130101357 Cameron, Dr Morven A

Approved Modulation of gap-junction coupling in the mammalian retinaProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0606 PHYSIOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Morven A Cameron

Administering Organisation University of Western Sydney

Project Summary

This project aims to examine the alteration in neuronal circuits of the retina over the course of the day and in response to changes in light. Basic knowledge of how the retina functions will be determined, providing invaluable information for strategies aimed at restoring vision to vision-impaired patients by replicating normal retinal function.


Page 50

0607 PLANT BIOLOGY

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationDE130101292 Bernoux, Dr Maud

Approved Plant immune receptors: what are the first steps that trigger defence signalling?Project Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0607 PLANT BIOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Maud Bernoux


Project Summary

Plant immune receptors that confer resistance to infectious disease will be investigated at a molecular level. The outcomes of this study will influence the development of new strategies to protect Australian crops from destructive disease and reduce the use of pesticides.

Monash UniversityDE130100320 Tasset, Dr Celine

Approved Proteomic analysis of thermal response in plantsProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $124,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $374,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Celine Tasset


Project Summary

This project will identify macromolecules that regulate temperature response in plants. Understanding how plants perceive changes in temperature will allow crop improvement in the face of likely increasing temperatures.


Page 51

The University of Western AustraliaDE130101760 Sharwood, Dr Robert E


Uncovering the roles of key ribonucleases critical for post-transcriptional control of chloroplast gene expression

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $124,000.00

Total $374,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Robert E Sharwood


Project Summary

Higher plant chloroplasts harbour key biological processes that are essential to life on earth. Deciphering the roles of important plastid-targeted ribonucleases, central to post-transcriptional ribonucleic acid (RNA) processing events, is crucial to elucidate the genetic elements required to engineer chloroplast metabolic pathways to enhance productive crop yields.


Page 52

0608 ZOOLOGY

Deakin UniversityDE130101453 Porch, Dr Nicholas A


Developing predictions of extinction risk for tropical arthropods in the face of global environmental change

2013 $122,388.00

2014 $124,718.00

2015 $116,909.00

Total $364,015.00

Primary FoR 0608 ZOOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Nicholas A Porch


Project Summary

Developing knowledge of the characteristics that make species especially at risk of extinction is critical in order to limit the extent of future biodiversity losses. This project uses the fossil record of extinctions on islands in order to develop a better understanding of the processes that drive species to extinction.

The University of AdelaideDE130101567 Jones, Dr Marc E

Approved Skulls as machines: diversity and evolution in a group of charismatic Australian lizardsProject Title

2013 $124,932.00

2014 $124,981.00

2015 $124,935.00

Total $374,848.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Marc E Jones


Project Summary

This project uses sophisticated computer software to analyse how the complex skulls of dragon lizards work. This will provide a greater understanding of the factors underlying their evolution and radiation in Australia where they are one of the most successful lizard groups and a vital part of the desert fauna.


Page 53

The University of Western AustraliaDE130101660 Shaw, Dr Jeremy A

Approved The secret of bee navigation: magnetic field sensitive cells in the honeybee Apis melliferaProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Jeremy A Shaw


Project Summary

Honeybees are known to use the Earth's geomagnetic field to orient themselves and carry out their vital role as crop pollinators and honey producers. Locating and characterising the cells responsible for this magnetic sense is of great significance to neuroscience and will provide important new insights into animal behaviour and ecology.

University of the Sunshine CoastDE130101089 Ventura, Dr Tomer

Approved Understanding masculinity, the crustacean wayProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $124,200.00

2015 $122,600.00

Total $371,800.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Tomer Ventura

Administering Organisation University of the Sunshine Coast

Project Summary

The androgenic gland is responsible for maleness in crustaceans. This project will characterise the genes that control the masculinisation process in crustaceans, discovering new targets for sex reversal and sterility induction. These findings will have implications for aquaculture and the development of innovative tools for invasive/pest crustacean control.


Page 54

0801 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND IMAGE PROCESSING

The Australian National UniversityDE130101605 Reid, Dr Mark D

Approved Composing machine learning via market mechanismsProject Title

2013 $96,500.00

2014 $96,500.00

2015 $96,000.00

Total $289,000.00

Primary FoR 0801 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND IMAGE PROCESSING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Mark D Reid


Project Summary

This project aims to better understand connections between learning algorithms and markets as aggregators of information and develop new, principled techniques for combining predictions. This will improve our ability to construct systems that make predictions based on multiple, complex and structured sources of data.

The University of AdelaideDE130101775 Eriksson, Dr Anders P

Approved Distributed large-scale optimisation methods in computer visionProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Anders P Eriksson


Project Summary

With the number of images and video available over the internet reaching billions and growing, the need for new tools for handling and interpreting such huge amounts of data is quickly becoming apparent. This project will focus on developing new optimisation methods for efficiently computing solutions for a broad class of large-scale problems.


Page 55

The University of MelbourneDE130100292 Chu, Dr Geoffrey M

Approved Towards a stronger proof system for combinatorial optimisationProject Title

2013 $95,000.00

2014 $95,000.00

2015 $95,000.00

Total $285,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Geoffrey M Chu


Project Summary

Combinatorial optimisation problems such as staff rostering, vehicle routing or resource allocation are central to the efficiency of many businesses and industries. This project will improve optimisation technology by using the low-level structure of the problems to find better solutions. This will save time, money and reduce environmental impact.

DE130100660 Geard, Dr Nicholas L

Approved Simulating social networks to understand how neighbourhood factors influence healthProject Title

2013 $122,934.00

2014 $116,877.00

2015 $118,920.00

Total $358,731.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Nicholas L Geard


Project Summary

Where you live and who you know has implications for your health. This study will use social network models to understand how social characteristics of neighbourhoods influence health. The new insights gained will help policy makers to develop better strategies for reducing health inequalities and improving health outcomes.


Page 56

The University of QueenslandDE130101311 Yang, Dr Yi

Approved Predicting health status of geriatric patients from user trusted multimedia observationsProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Yi Yang


Project Summary

The information technology developed in this project will provide health care specialists with a better window into the lives of elderly patients. Their behaviour can then be accurately interpreted, potentially leading to earlier recognition of problems and better treatment.

The University of SydneyDE130101000 Epain, Dr Nicolas

Approved Next generation acoustic sensor arrays for super resolution imagingProject Title

2013 $92,322.00

2014 $90,766.00

2015 $87,759.00

Total $270,847.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Nicolas Epain


Project Summary

This project aims to develop a new type of acoustic lens that enhances incoherent sensing. This compressive acoustic sensing approach will achieve super-resolution imaging that is robust to noise. The technology has diverse applications including medical imaging, petroleum prospecting, sonar and acoustic holography and will lead to new technology for Australia.


Page 57

The University of Western AustraliaDE130100771 Wolski, Dr Marcin

Approved Automated system for bone texture analysis of osteoarthritis in hand radiographsProject Title

2013 $97,840.00

2014 $90,470.00

2015 $90,470.00

Total $278,780.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Marcin Wolski


Project Summary

Early detection and prediction of hand osteoarthritis are not feasible by current methods of visual grading of hand radiographs. This project will develop a novel, fully automated system for selection of bone texture regions on hand radiographs and their analysis to address this problem.

Victoria UniversityDE130100911 He, Dr Jing

Approved Accurate and online abnormality detection in multiple correlated time seriesProject Title

2013 $113,978.00

2014 $112,728.00

2015 $112,728.00

Total $339,434.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Jing He

Administering Organisation Victoria University

Project Summary

This study will develop a new kernel-based and online support vector regression method for real-time and correlated multiple time series and promote their use in critical applications, which will save money and lives. Examples include the detection of stock market crisis events and detection of patients' condition deterioration in the operating theatre.


Page 58

0802 COMPUTATION THEORY AND MATHEMATICS

The University of SydneyDE130101664 Mestre, Dr Julian

Approved Universal solution for scheduling problemsProject Title

2013 $119,028.00

2014 $119,028.00

2015 $119,028.00

Total $357,084.00

Primary FoR 0802 COMPUTATION THEORY AND MATHEMATICS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Julian Mestre


Project Summary

The aim of this project is to design efficient algorithms that compute universal solutions for scheduling on an unreliable machine. Such solutions are specially suitable for situations where machines can behave unpredictably, such as scheduling in cloud computing.


Page 59

0806 INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Queensland University of TechnologyDE130101061 Satchell, Dr Christine

Approved Personal safety in the city: design solutions for after darkProject Title

2013 $124,136.00

2014 $124,791.00

2015 $124,770.00

Total $373,697.00

Primary FoR 0806 INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Christine Satchell

Administering Organisation Queensland University of Technology

Project Summary

The research will provide insights into the potential for mobile technology to be designed to enhance personal safety in urban environments at night. It will do so by identifying individual personal harm reduction and safety strategies, and examining the opportunities to use technology to amplify these strategies.

The University of New South WalesDE130101002 Cheema, Dr Muhammad A

Approved Efficiently querying uncertain spatial spaceProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0806 INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Muhammad A Cheema


Project Summary

Location-based services are becoming increasingly popular due to exponentially increased usage of smartphones and cheap wireless network. This project aims to provide efficient solutions for various location-based queries applicable to different travelling domains such as road networks, Euclidean space with obstacles and indoor space.


Page 60

0903 BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

The University of MelbourneDE130100922 Garrett, Dr David J


Diamond cybernetics: nanocrystalline diamond for interfacing bionic devices with the human nervous system

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0903 BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr David J Garrett


Project Summary

Bionic devices will soon be used to treat disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson's and depression. We will use diamond to create high resolution, permanent electrical connections between devices and the human nervous system. These diamond connections will preserve nerve health and make bionic devices more effective and able to last a lifetime.


Page 61

The University of QueenslandDE130100800 Corrie, Dr Simon R


Polymer micropatches applied to the skin for integrated capture and detection of circulating biomarkers

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Simon R Corrie


Project Summary

The purpose of this project is to develop a rapid and integrated technology for user-friendly biomarker detection at the point-of-care. We expect the device to rapidly detect proteins and/or antibodies, without the need for highly trained health workers or access to scientific laboratories.

DE130100986 Frith, Dr Jessica E


An innovative platform using non-coding ribonucleic acids (RNAs) to control stem cell differentiation outcomes

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Jessica E Frith


Project Summary

It is difficult to control the tissue type that stem cells will form when combined with biomaterials, as the outcome is influenced by the 'stiffness' of the surface to which the stem cells attach. This project will determine how non-coding ribonucleic acids (RNAs) control stem cell behaviours and use this information to direct stem cell differentiation outcomes.


Page 62

0904 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Curtin University of TechnologyDE130101215 Yu, Dr Yun

Approved A novel pyrolysis process for high-quality bio-oil production from biomassProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0904 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Yun Yu

Administering Organisation Curtin University of Technology

Project Summary

The project outcome will provide fundamental knowledge essential to the development of a novel pyrolysis process for high-quality bio-oil production with biochar, a value-added by-product. It will largely accelerate the commercialisation of the biomass pyrolysis process to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use in the energy sector.


Page 63

0905 CIVIL ENGINEERING

RMIT UniversityDE130101342 Zhou, Dr Annan

Approved Coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of unsaturated soils and its modellingProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $111,000.00

Total $361,000.00

Primary FoR 0905 CIVIL ENGINEERING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Annan Zhou

Administering Organisation RMIT University

Project Summary

This project will study the fundamental behaviour of natural soils under varying environmental conditions such as suction, moisture, temperature and loading conditions. The outcomes of the work will improve infrastructure design methods and reduce damage costs associated with natural soils.

The University of New South WalesDE130100457 Zhao, Dr GaoFeng

Approved Dynamic fracturing in shale rock through coupled continuum-discontinuum modellingProject Title

2013 $122,215.00

2014 $120,315.00

2015 $118,415.00

Total $360,945.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr GaoFeng Zhao


Project Summary

The research includes modelling the grain level fracturing of shale rock under dynamic loads. The outputs will have a direct impact on the development and optimisation of rock drilling and rock cutting technologies and will improve the operational efficiencies in which rock excavations are conducted.


Page 64

The University of QueenslandDE130100205 Mesbah, Dr Mahmoud

Approved Optimisation of transit priority in a transportation networkProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Mahmoud Mesbah


Project Summary

This project is aimed at developing an optimised approach to combine various types of public transport priority in an urban network which can be used by transport planners to increase the efficiency of traffic movements and reduce traffic congestion. The case study is the network of Brisbane including all arterial and local roads.


Page 65

0906 ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

The Australian National UniversityDE130101361 Chow, Dr Jong H

Approved Geo-thermometers based on laser absorption spectroscopyProject Title

2013 $121,311.00

2014 $122,257.00

2015 $122,501.00

Total $366,069.00

Primary FoR 0906 ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Jong H Chow


Project Summary

The project will investigate a new laser measurement technique to study the geochemistry of carbon dioxide and methane as a geo-thermometer for the temperature at which these gases were formed. The project aims to develop field deployable instruments capable of determining the origins of natural gas and to provide clues as to how fast permafrost is thawing at the polar caps.

The University of QueenslandDE130100885 Pounds, Dr Paul E

Approved Aerial robots contacting objects in dynamic environmentsProject Title

2013 $124,795.00

2014 $124,964.00

2015 $124,964.00

Total $374,723.00

Primary FoR 0906 ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Paul E Pounds


Project Summary

This project will allow small unmanned aerial vehicles to touch objects to perform tasks and to fly confidently in complex and cluttered environments where contact with surroundings is inevitable. This will enable robots to perform critical tasks such as servicing power lines, bridges and other elevated infrastructure.


Page 66

0907 ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

The University of QueenslandDE130101168 Freguia, Dr Stefano


Enhancement of light-driven electricity generation by cyanobacteria: en route to biosolar panels

2013 $124,540.00

2014 $121,860.00

2015 $118,500.00

Total $364,900.00

Primary FoR 0907 ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Stefano Freguia


Project Summary

Some species of naturally occurring cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) exhibit a special metabolic feature, which enables them to convert sunlight into electricity. This project will unveil the chemical and biological secrets behind this process and will lead to the creation of the first entirely biological solar panel.

DE130101401 Guo, Dr Jianhua


A novel autotrophic biological nitrogen removal process driven by ammonia-oxidising archaea and anammox bacteria

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Jianhua Guo


Project Summary

This project will provide fundamental support to the development of more sustainable nitrogen removal processes. This would bring considerable benefits to the Australian wastewater industry and could potentially influence the way that biological nutrient removal plants are designed and operated.


Page 67

DE130100451 Ni, Dr Bing-Jie

Approved Novel biotreatment for micropollutant removal from contaminated waterProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Bing-Jie Ni


Project Summary

Micropollutants in contaminated water create major environmental challenges to water resource management in Australia. This project will use a novel biological process to remove micropollutants from water resources sustainably and ensure clean drinking water for Australians.


Page 68

0910 MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

The Australian National UniversityDE130101402 Hnatovsky, Dr Cyril

Approved Advanced laser micromachining with femtosecond vector beamsProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0910 MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Cyril Hnatovsky


Project Summary

This project is aimed at developing a new method for ultra-precision laser micromachining and dissection of biological tissues using femtosecond vector beams. The capability of these unconventional laser beams to process different materials with unsurpassed precision and efficiency offers significant economic and clinical benefits.


Page 69

0912 MATERIALS ENGINEERING

James Cook UniversityDE130101550 Bazaka, Dr Kateryna

Approved Functional polymer encapsulation to enhance biological performance of implantable materialsProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0912 MATERIALS ENGINEERING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Kateryna Bazaka


Project Summary

This project will develop biomaterial films from essential oils using a low-cost 'green' technology. Applied to commercial biomaterials, these films will minimise infections and inflammations commonly associated with implants. These films will also enable clinical use of metallic resorbable implants for tissue engineering and function restoration.

Monash UniversityDE130100090 Chen, Dr Xiaobo

Approved Novel anodic coating of magnesium alloy components for corrosion protectionProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Xiaobo Chen


Project Summary

This research aims to protect magnesium alloys from corrosion, paving a path for them to be used as auto and aircraft components. It will establish novel protective anodic coatings upon magnesium and thereby pioneer implementation of magnesium alloys more generally, as galvanising did for steels.


Page 70

The University of New South WalesDE130100274 Gu, Dr Chengfan

Approved Design of alloys over multiple grain scales for improving fatigue performanceProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Chengfan Gu


Project Summary

The project will significantly improve the development of engineering alloy design with high fatigue resistance and produce important benefits to Australian manufacturing industries. It will also establish new knowledge and capability in modelling fatigue behaviours, thus producing great benefits to many science and engineering fields.


Page 71

University of WollongongDE130100310 Aminorroaya-Yamini, Dr Sima


Nano-engineered, cost-effective lead chalcogenides to boost the performance of mid-range temperature thermoelectric materials

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $123,850.00

Total $373,850.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Sima Aminorroaya-Yamini


Project Summary

This project presents high performance, cost-effective lead-based thermoelectric materials for mid-range temperature thermoelectric generators. The development of these materials for waste heat recovery and solar thermoelectric generators will bring tremendous economic benefits and can have a profound impact on clean alternative energy sources.

DE130101247 Hossain, Dr Md.Shahriar A


Rational design of a new generation magnesium diboride superconducting rotor coil suitable for offshore low-cost wind turbine generators

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Md.Shahriar A Hossain


Project Summary

New developments in wind power technologies provide opportunities in the next decade to deliver renewable energy. The present and future low cost magnesium diboride superconducting technology, coupled with renewable energy sources, has the potential to provide a long-term solution to the energy crisis and global warming threat.


Page 72

0913 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

RMIT UniversityDE130101046 Wlodkowic, Dr Donald W

Approved Ecotoxicology-on-a-chip: towards smart devices in environmental biomonitoringProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0913 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Donald W Wlodkowic


Project Summary

High-throughput water quality monitoring is of great importance to the wellbeing of Australian society. The project will address this issue by developing new economical miniaturised biocybernetic instrumentation, designed for use by non- specialists and thus applicable for governmental, industrial and community projects.

The University of NewcastleDE130100879 Yong, Dr Yuen K


Design, modelling and advanced control of high performance nanopositioners for atomic force microscopy

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0913 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Yuen K Yong

Administering Organisation The University of Newcastle

Project Summary

A high-speed nanopositioner with nanoscale manoeuvring accuracy is used extensively in nanotechnology applications such as biological cell studies and nanomanipulation. This project seeks to address fundamental problems associated with the design and control of nanopositioners, which will subsequently benefit Australian nanotechnology research.


Page 73

0914 RESOURCES ENGINEERING AND EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY

Monash UniversityDE130100124 Perera, Dr Samintha

Approved Safe long-term storage of carbon dioxide in coal seams with enhanced methane recoveryProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $124,905.00

Total $374,905.00

Primary FoR 0914 RESOURCES ENGINEERING AND EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Samintha Perera


Project Summary

Climate change is upon us due to increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. The capture and storage of CO2 emission in un-minable coal seams is an effective way to combat this. This projects aims to discover optimum measures to store CO2 in deep coal seams using enhanced coal-bed methane recovery.

The University of SydneyDE130101639 Gan, Dr Yixiang

Approved Heat flow in granular media under extreme loading conditionsProject Title

2013 $124,877.00

2014 $124,727.00

2015 $124,228.00

Total $373,832.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Yixiang Gan


Project Summary

Heat flow in granular media is critical in geoscience and engineering, from shear heating in earthquake faults to failures of granular heat exchangers. These problems involve complex conditions which this project will quantify in relation to the emerging phenomena of grain plasticity and melting and thermal pressurisation.


Page 74

The University of Western AustraliaDE130101533 Boxall, Dr John A

Approved A risk-based approach to natural gas hydrates in oil and gas productionProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr John A Boxall


Project Summary

Like a cholesterol for oil and gas pipelines, gas hydrates are ice-like deposits that completely block the flow during production and are expensive to prevent as well as dangerous to remove. This proposal provides a risk-based approach to hydrate management that will increase the viability of natural gas production from fields in deep water.


Page 75

0915 INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING

The University of AdelaideDE130100261 Ng, Dr Ching Tai


In-situ structural safety diagnosis of composite materials: lamb wave diffraction tomography using multi-frequency data

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 0915 INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Ching Tai Ng


Project Summary

Light weight composite materials are used extensively in different industry fields and monitoring their structural integrity is critical to their safety. This project will provide a cost-effective and technically advanced method of assessing the integrity of composite materials, preventing unforeseen and potentially catastrophic failure.

The University of QueenslandDE130101183 Sauret, Dr Emilie


Next-generation expanders for renewable power applications: dealing with variability and uncertainty

2013 $116,465.00

2014 $121,945.00

2015 $123,470.00

Total $361,880.00

Primary FoR 0915 INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Emilie Sauret


Project Summary

This project will develop new strategies to design optimum expanders capable of maintaining good performance under uncontrollable working conditions. If these innovative design methods can be applied to engineering applications they will assist Australia to meet the Renewable Energy Target and to become an international leader in the field.


Page 76

1007 NANOTECHNOLOGY

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationDE130101264 Han, Dr Zhaojun

Approved Carbon nanotube-based supercapacitors: breaking the energy density limitProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 1007 NANOTECHNOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Zhaojun Han


Project Summary

Novel electrodes will be nano-architectured by using ultralong single-walled carbon nanotube arrays and transition metal oxides to produce next-generation supercapacitors. The outcomes will lead to unprecedented energy densities in energy storage devices for sustainable future energy solutions.

The Australian National UniversityDE130101448 Garanovich, Dr Ivan L


Nanowaveguides with a twist: shaping and switching of light pulses in modulated nanowaveguide arrays

2013 $123,114.00

2014 $120,249.00

2015 $116,083.00

Total $359,446.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Ivan L Garanovich


Project Summary

This project will develop innovative modulated nanowaveguides for real-time spatiotemporal shaping and switching of optical pulses at ultrahigh speed. It will advance the fundamental science of optics at the nanoscale and benefit photonic industries by suggesting lightweight, compact and power efficient devices for ultrafast optical pulse control.


Page 77

The University of MelbourneDE130100592 Aharonovich, Dr Igor

Approved Fabrication strategies for nanophotonic devicesProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Igor Aharonovich


Project Summary

The project will develop novel strategies to engineer nanophotonic entities to control and guide light at the nanoscale. These nanostructures will open up new avenues for integrated multifunctional devices spanning sensing, light emission and quantum communications, positioning Australia at the frontier of nanoscience and quantum technologies.

DE130100954 Lin, Dr Jiao

Approved Tailoring light with advanced plasmonic devicesProject Title

2013 $124,932.00

2014 $124,975.00

2015 $124,945.00

Total $374,852.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Jiao Lin


Project Summary

The project will develop advanced nanophotonic elements for the control of light. The outcomes will progress the knowledge of optics on the nanoscale and will underpin new devices for use in a range of applications including biotechnology, medicine, defence and telecommunications.


Page 78

DE130100906 White, Dr Claire E

Approved Nanoengineering of low-CO2 geopolymer cementsProject Title

2013 $124,700.00

2014 $122,250.00

2015 $120,200.00

Total $367,150.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Claire E White


Project Summary

With increasing pressure for Australia to use environmentally-conscious building materials, geopolymer concrete is an important emerging alternative to traditional concretes. This project will enhance use of this new material by discovering how to control performance and durability through nanoscale experiments and atom-based simulations.

DE130100488 Yan, Dr Yan

Approved Cellular dynamics of nanoengineered particlesProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Yan Yan


Project Summary

Nanotechnology has the capacity to drive a new wave of biological innovation through engineering materials at the nanoscale. This project will advance understanding of how nanoengineered materials interact with biological systems to enable the development of nanomaterials for future translational research.


Page 79

University of WollongongDE130100517 Foroughi, Dr Javad


Development of hybrid carbon nanotube yarn and processing methods to create 3D smart materials and devices

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Javad Foroughi


Project Summary

The project aims to create 'intelligent' textiles by developing novel electroactive yarns and demonstrating scaled up processing through adapted knitting, weaving and braiding techniques. By tailoring their structure these unique carbon nanotubes can be made to act as sensors or artificial muscles.


IMMUNOLOGY1107

Monash University

Page 80

DE130101504 Vivian, Dr Julian P

Approved An investigation into evolution and diversity within an innate immune recognition systemProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 1107 IMMUNOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Julian P Vivian


Project Summary

The innate immune system, which is critical for the host to combat infection, comprises a host of components that specifically recognise microbial products. This project is aimed at understanding the evolution and specificity underpinning a receptor family that is centrally involved in innate immunity.

DE130100537 Wong, Dr Connie H

Approved Neural regulation of immunity following brain injuryProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 1107 IMMUNOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Connie H Wong


Project Summary

Following a brain injury, the brain tries to protect itself by blocking all inflammation. However, this renders the host with impaired immunity and increased risks to infections. The project aims to delineate the mechanisms behind this response, with the expected outcome of highlighting the important interplay between the nervous and immune system.


NEUROSCIENCES1109

Monash University

Page 81

DE130100439 Lui, Dr Leo

Approved Neural mechanisms of blindsight: a combined physiological and behavioural studyProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 1109 NEUROSCIENCES

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Leo Lui


Project Summary

The cellular circuits of the cerebral cortex hold the key to the biological bases of perception, decision making, memory and consciousness. This project will study the physiological mechanisms underlying our ability to decide what we are seeing, based either on consciously perceived images or subconscious processing of visual information.

The University of AdelaideDE130100223 Harrington, Dr Andrea M

Approved Characterisation of visceral afferent spinal cord pathwaysProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Andrea M Harrington


Project Summary

Sensory nerves in the gut wall are key mediators of chronic visceral pain. This project will characterise how sensory nerves supplying the bowel connect to the spinal cord and the spinal circuits mediating pain perception, providing information to identify sensory pathways underlying visceral pain.


Page 82

The University of MelbourneDE130101222 Willats, Dr Lisa


The development of novel magnetic resonance imaging methods to investigate brain structure and function

2013 $124,501.00

2014 $123,888.00

2015 $123,003.00

Total $371,392.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Lisa Willats


Project Summary

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive method that has revolutionised neuroscience. The goal of this project is to develop state-of-the-art MRI analysis methods that reveal new information about brain structure and function. These novel neuroimaging tools will be instrumental in furthering our understanding of how the brain works.

DE130100323 Xiao, Dr Junhua

Approved The regulation by transcription factor phosphorylation upon the myelinating processProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Junhua Xiao


Project Summary

The project will investigate the novel molecular events that control the myelinating process, which is essential for normal nervous system function. Outcomes of this project may aid the development of novel interventions to improve control of demyelinating diseases, which represent a substantial socio-economic burden.


Page 83

The University of QueenslandDE130101393 Garrido, Dr Marta

Approved Neurobiological mechanisms of decision under uncertaintyProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Marta Garrido


Project Summary

The purpose of this project is to understand the behavioural and brain mechanisms underlying decision under uncertainty. This research will uncover the effect that normal variation in brain networks has on choice and contribute to a better understanding of disorders linked to intolerance of uncertainty.

DE130101175 Yu, Dr Xin


Ultra-fast functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) mapping of layer-specific interhemispheric plasticity

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Xin Yu


Project Summary

The goal of this project is to apply a cutting edge functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) method to study the link between plasticity and its neural circuit substrates. This project will determine how plasticity between the two hemispheres of the brain is mediated via the connecting fibre tract known as the corpus callosum.


Page 84

The University of SydneyDE130101591 Ke, Dr Yazi D

Approved Novel postsynaptic functions of the microtubule-associated protein tauProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Yazi D Ke


Project Summary

The protein tau is present in abnormal deposits in brains of individuals with dementia. The main aim of this project is to unravel and understand in detail new roles of tau in neurons and thus shed new light into normal brain function. Understanding these new functions of tau will aid in identifying new ways to treat these debilitating diseases.


Page 85

1117 PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES

Central Queensland UniversityDE130101734 Thompson, Dr Kirrilly R


Should I stay or should I go? Increasing natural disaster preparedness and survival through animal attachment

2013 $124,130.00

2014 $124,521.00

2015 $122,971.00

Total $371,622.00

Primary FoR 1117 PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Kirrilly R Thompson

Administering Organisation Central Queensland University

Project Summary

This project will determine the extent to which people's willingness to risk their lives to save animals during natural disasters could be reinterpreted as a protective factor by motivating preparedness. This information will be used to create effective public health campaigns designed to increase natural disaster preparedness and save lives.

Deakin UniversityDE130100387 Smith, Dr Christopher B


User driven interventions in the reduction of drug-related harm: analysing structural barriers and capacity building among drug user organisations

2013 $123,415.00

2014 $123,723.00

2015 $116,644.00

Total $363,782.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Christopher B Smith


Project Summary

Although Australia's consumer-centred approach to harm reduction has been widely praised, consumer participation remains limited in countries such as Britain and Canada. Entailing an international comparative analysis of these three sites, this project focuses on building capacity and reducing structural barriers among drug user organisations.


Page 86

The University of MelbourneDE130100735 Nansen, Dr Bjorn

Approved Children's active video games: family perceptions, uses and negotiationsProject Title

2013 $122,275.00

2014 $121,719.00

2015 $121,320.00

Total $365,314.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Bjorn Nansen


Project Summary

This project will examine the family use of active video games. It will produce new evidence on how they are managed by parents and how they impact on children's other play, sedentary and physical leisure time activities. The study will contribute to our understanding of the relationship between games and child health and wellbeing.

The University of QueenslandDE130100211 Clifford, Dr Anton C

Approved Improving alcohol prevention in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander drug and alcohol servicesProject Title

2013 $124,915.00

2014 $124,015.00

2015 $121,115.00

Total $370,045.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Anton C Clifford


Project Summary

This project will work with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander drug and alcohol sector in Queensland to develop and test a process for improving the delivery of alcohol prevention services.


Page 87

University of TasmaniaDE130100924 Johnston, Dr Fay H

Approved Living with bushfires: generating essential evidence for sustainable fire managementProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Fay H Johnston


Project Summary

Planned burning is a crucial tool for bushfire management yet a side effect is smoke pollution. This research will use ambulance data to assess the acute community health impacts of smoke from wild and planned fires to provide essential evidence for increasing the safety and acceptability of planned burning operations in Australia.


Page 88

1303 SPECIALIST STUDIES IN EDUCATION

Monash UniversityDE130101805 Zyngier, Dr David

Approved Can educators make a difference: experiencing democracy in educationProject Title

2013 $123,485.00

2014 $124,683.00

2015 $117,990.00

Total $366,158.00

Primary FoR 1303 SPECIALIST STUDIES IN EDUCATION

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr David Zyngier


Project Summary

International research has found that teachers and students understand democracy as only the obligation to vote and obey the law. Knowing how democracy is understood within the Australian education system will have great benefit tothe development of appropriate school civic and citizenship programs to promote and strengthen our democratic society.

The University of New South WalesDE130100015 Jung, Dr Jae Yup


It's our future at stake: the career decision-making processes of high ability youth from low socio-economic status backgrounds

2013 $120,875.00

2014 $91,242.00

2015 $121,506.00

Total $333,623.00

Primary FoR 1303 SPECIALIST STUDIES IN EDUCATION

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Jae Yup Jung


Project Summary

This project will investigate the processes associated with how our bright but underprivileged youth go about choosing their future careers. The findings will help to inform how various stakeholders may support this group, so that they make career decisions that fully utilise their potential.


Page 89

1401 ECONOMIC THEORY

The University of SydneyDE130101768 Newton, Dr Jonathan

Approved Bank regulation: the implications of interconnectedness and adaptive behaviourProject Title

2013 $120,851.00

2014 $122,945.00

2015 $124,981.00

Total $368,777.00

Primary FoR 1401 ECONOMIC THEORY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Jonathan Newton


Project Summary

People often use rules of thumb in deciding which actions to take. By modelling people in this way this project seeks to determine the effects that different forms of bank regulation have in determining the frequency and scale of banking crises.


Page 90

1402 APPLIED ECONOMICS

Monash UniversityDE130100255 Johnston, Dr David W


How costly is an unhealthy start in life? An econometric analysis of childhood health and adult prosperity

2013 $117,415.00

2014 $120,490.00

2015 $124,990.00

Total $362,895.00

Primary FoR 1402 APPLIED ECONOMICS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr David W Johnston


Project Summary

Knowledge on the consequences of poor health is crucial for effective allocation of public health funds. The project will investigate the long term costs of poor childhood health by quantifying the impacts of childhood illness on future economic prosperity. The analysis will employ advanced statistical techniques and high quality Australian data.

The University of New South WalesDE130100967 Dmitriev, Dr Alexandre


Understanding the effects of sovereign default risk on economic fluctuations in open economies

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Alexandre Dmitriev


Project Summary

The recent financial crisis has shown that the possibility of sovereign default is no longer an exclusive feature of developing countries. This project incorporates default risk into structural modeling of how foreign disturbances affect the domestic economy. Our results will aid in developing policy responses to adverse macroeconomic events.


Page 91

The University of SydneyDE130100806 Singh, Dr Aarti

Approved Human capital risk: implications for policyProject Title

2013 $115,597.00

2014 $115,266.00

2015 $116,757.00

Total $347,620.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Aarti Singh


Project Summary

The project examines how human capital investment decisions are affected by risk and policy actions that are taken to partially alleviate these risks. The quantitative analysis provides important insights which will enhance the debate on the merits of education subsidies and unemployment benefits program in the United States and Australia.

The University of Western AustraliaDE130100996 Ma, Asst Prof Chunbo

Approved Social learning: the diffusion of residential rooftop photovoltaic panels in AustraliaProject Title

2013 $124,000.00

2014 $124,000.00

2015 $124,000.00

Total $372,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Asst Prof Chunbo Ma


Project Summary

Residential photovoltaic (PV) panels provide a sustainable solution to energy supply helping to address the climate change challenge. This project develops novel methodologies to study the diffusion mechanisms of PV panels. The outcomes will be useful for energy industries and the government for the effective formulation of their business strategies and policies.


Page 92

1503 BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

The Australian National UniversityDE130100860 Cui, Dr Lin


Upgrading competitive position through foreign direct investment: understanding the role of managerial intentionality in domestic manufacturing firms

2013 $121,862.00

2014 $121,862.00

2015 $121,862.00

Total $365,586.00

Primary FoR 1503 BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Lin Cui


Project Summary

This research investigates the process by which firms from small domestic markets, such as Australia, can catch up with global market leaders through acquiring strategic assets overseas. It aims to reveal the role of the strategic intents offirm decision makers in initiating, strategising and supporting the process of competitive catch-up.

The University of New South WalesDE130100840 Shinkle, Dr George A

Approved A theory of strategic goal setting for Australian business firmsProject Title

2013 $120,686.00

2014 $120,633.00

2015 $120,633.00

Total $361,952.00

Primary FoR 1503 BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr George A Shinkle


Project Summary

This project studies organisational goal determinants and performance. The project addresses a knowledge gap by quantifying the determinants of strategic goals and the relationship of these factors to performance. The outcomes include prescriptive goal setting advice for Australian organisations and knowledge for the global academic community.


Page 93

1505 MARKETING

University of South AustraliaDE130101577 Bogomolova, Dr Svetlana

Approved Retail price promotions in Australia: are consumers really better off?Project Title

2013 $124,311.00

2014 $124,916.00

2015 $124,830.00

Total $374,057.00

Primary FoR 1505 MARKETING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Svetlana Bogomolova

Administering Organisation University of South Australia

Project Summary

The number and variety of retail price promotions can confuse consumers, leading to poor purchase decisions. This project will explore how promotions affect consumer choices, with a view to improving consumers' understanding and the use of retail promotions to their advantage.

University of Technology, SydneyDE130101463 Burke, Dr Paul F


Reinforcement and undermining: the impact of innovative features on dual positioning and choice

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 1505 MARKETING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Paul F Burke

Administering Organisation University of Technology, Sydney

Project Summary

Businesses require an understanding of how their features impact product choice in positive and negative ways. This research will advance our understanding of innovation by addressing the theory and practice of product positioning from a new perspective.


Page 94

1601 ANTHROPOLOGY

Monash UniversityDE130101077 Halilovich, Dr Hariz


Recognising the pain of others: gendered displacement, memory and identity in Bosnian refugee diaspora

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 1601 ANTHROPOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Hariz Halilovich


Project Summary

The project examines the role of gender in forced migration and how violence against Bosnian women during the 1992-95 war has affected their settlement in Australia, Austria and the USA. The outcomes of the project will help guide the formulation of immigration/integration policy in these countries and facilitate better understanding of refugee women in diaspora.

The University of New South WalesDE130100468 Jakimow, Dr Tanya


Decentralisation in India and Indonesia: how non-government organisations affect citizens' encounters and experiences of local level governance

2013 $124,904.00

2014 $122,480.00

2015 $117,760.00

Total $365,144.00

Primary FoR 1601 ANTHROPOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Tanya Jakimow


Project Summary

This project critically examines how local non-government organisations affect decentralisation in India and Indonesia. It offers new understandings of the potential for development agencies to transform the meanings, practices and identities that shape how citizens experience local governance.


Page 95

1602 CRIMINOLOGY

The University of QueenslandDE130100958 Wickes, Dr Rebecca L


Crime and change in urban communities: a longitudinal study of violence, community networks and the collective capacity for action

2013 $124,995.00

2014 $124,744.00

2015 $124,963.00

Total $374,702.00

Primary FoR 1602 CRIMINOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Rebecca L Wickes


Project Summary

This project examines the community contexts that influence the spatial variation of violence over time. It will identify the structural conditions of the community that cause crime and the mediating effects of dynamic community processes.The results will identify the critical factors that lead to the persistence or cessation of violence.


Page 96

1603 DEMOGRAPHY

The University of AdelaideDE130101239 Sevoyan, Dr Arusyak

Approved Improving migrant health: identifying and addressing the health needs of migrants in AustraliaProject Title

2013 $96,340.00

2014 $124,216.00

2015 $101,867.00

Total $322,423.00

Primary FoR 1603 DEMOGRAPHY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Arusyak Sevoyan


Project Summary

The purpose of this study is to explore the social, economic and cultural factors affecting migrant health and understand how health disadvantages rise among migrants in Australia. The outcomes of the project are expected to help us better understand the health risks of migrants, therefore contributing to improving population health in Australia.


Page 97

1604 HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

Deakin UniversityDE130100250 Lobo, Dr Michele A

Approved Shared belonging in Australia: public space and intercultural relations in suburban DarwinProject Title

2013 $124,453.00

2014 $124,800.00

2015 $120,371.00

Total $369,624.00

Primary FoR 1604 HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Michele A Lobo


Project Summary

This project aims to develop a multi-layered and multidimensional understanding of public spaces in suburban Darwin, a Larrakian city. In particular it seeks to respect and value insights from people who have experienced dispossession and displacement such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and racialised migrants.


Page 98

1605 POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

Griffith UniversityDE130101131 Grube, Dr Dennis C


The public face of the Public Service: the significance of public bureaucratic leadership inWestminster systems

2013 $123,322.00

2014 $123,981.00

2015 $111,587.00

Total $358,890.00

Primary FoR 1605 POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Dennis C Grube


Project Summary

Public service leaders have become a very visible part of modern government. This project investigates whether the trend towards greater public engagement by public servants fundamentally changes our traditional understandings of how a public service operates within the Westminster system of government.

The University of New South WalesDE130100028 Powell, Dr Abigail


Promoting work-life balance: do flexible work arrangements really work for employees inAustralia?

2013 $123,098.00

2014 $124,116.00

2015 $122,506.00

Total $369,720.00

Primary FoR 1605 POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Abigail Powell


Project Summary

The research investigates the impact of flexible work arrangements available in the workplace on the time use and work- life balance of employees. It establishes which arrangements most effectively support employees to balance work and non-work time, with significant implications for social and organisational policy.


Page 99

1606 POLITICAL SCIENCE

La Trobe UniversityDE130100325 Bankovsky, Dr Miriam A


Revisiting the foundations of mainstream economics: a cooperative account of wellbeing and moral improvement

2013 $122,133.00

2014 $124,914.00

2015 $124,884.00

Total $371,931.00

Primary FoR 1606 POLITICAL SCIENCE

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Miriam A Bankovsky


Project Summary

This study presents a major theoretical challenge to the individualistic definition of wellbeing that defines mainstream economics. It does so by advancing an alternative paradigm for understanding individual wellbeing as co-dependent on the wellbeing of others, exploring intersubjective attitudes that facilitate cooperative economic behaviour.

The Australian National UniversityDE130101706 Dressel, Dr Bjoern N

Approved Courts, politics and power in Southeast AsiaProject Title

2013 $124,407.00

2014 $124,363.00

2015 $120,803.00

Total $369,573.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Bjoern N Dressel


Project Summary

Are the courts taking over political life in Southeast Asia? This comparative study of high courts in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines will examine ways in which these courts have become central to political life in those nations. It will focus particularly on the consequences for democratic rule and the rule of law in society.


Page 100

DE130100573 Farrelly, Dr Nicholas S

Approved Glasnost for Myanmar? Political cultures in transitionProject Title

2013 $119,549.00

2014 $101,650.00

2015 $101,500.00

Total $322,699.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Nicholas S Farrelly


Project Summary

Myanmar is a major country in Southeast Asia and has since 2008 made moves towards more democratic government. This project will research and explain this period of transition in terms of political cultures. It will provide guidance on the processes of democratisation underway in a society that has experienced long-term military rule.

DE130100972 Kennedy, Dr Andrew B

Approved The search for technology and power in China and IndiaProject Title

2013 $124,915.00

2014 $118,567.00

2015 $111,533.00

Total $355,015.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Andrew B Kennedy


Project Summary

The past decade has seen China and India adopt diverging approaches to the pursuit of advanced technology: China has sought to increase its self-reliance, while India has sought greater international collaboration. This project documents and explains China's and India's differing approaches and then explores their growing technological capabilities.


Page 101

DE130100811 Lazar, Dr Seth


Justifying war

2013 $119,422.00

2014 $122,622.00

2015 $123,992.00

Total $366,036.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Seth Lazar


Project Summary

This project will develop a comprehensive new account of the ethics of war. Radically departing from the current philosophical orthodoxy in its focus on the distinctively collectivist dimensions of war's morality, it will offer a new take on both the positive reasons that justify warfare and the constraints on starting, fighting and ending wars.

DE130101265 Pietsch, Dr Juliet E


Asian Australian political identities and participation across communities: comparisons with the United States

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $124,009.00

Total $374,009.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Juliet E Pietsch


Project Summary

The number of Asian Australians as a percentage of the Australian population is steadily rising. This project will provide the first major comprehensive study of Asian Australian political behaviour.


Page 102

DE130101505 Walter, Dr Ryan

Approved The rise of the national economic interestProject Title

2013 $96,744.00

2014 $114,172.00

2015 $108,714.00

Total $319,630.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Ryan Walter


Project Summary

How did we come to think of economic welfare as an end in itself? This project examines the process by which wealth was disentangled from other national goals and the consequences, good and bad, of doing so.

The University of QueenslandDE130100644 Phillips, Dr Andrew B


Understanding Asia's fragile giants: empire, sovereignty and Chinese and Indian security perceptions and strategies in the Asian century

2013 $104,600.00

2014 $103,080.00

2015 $89,580.00

Total $297,260.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Andrew B Phillips


Project Summary

Northeast Asia and South Asia are two crucially important regions for Australia. Investigating how international orders evolved in both regions from 1650 to the present, this project will reveal the deep historical drivers of current Chinese and Indian security perceptions and strategies, helping us to better navigate the challenges of the Asian century.


Page 103

The University of SydneyDE130100309 Gauja, Dr Anika

Approved The politics of party reform: who benefits from the democratisation of political parties?Project Title

2013 $122,274.00

2014 $124,991.00

2015 $124,800.00

Total $372,065.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Anika Gauja


Project Summary

Political parties are currently implementing internal reforms to address public disaffection and membership decline, but with relatively little success. To find out why, this research analyses who or what drives these reforms, who benefits from them and whether they are responsive to citizens' demands and how people want to engage with parties today.

DE130101468 Phillips, Dr Sarah G

Approved State formation and external finance: a case study of SomalilandProject Title

2013 $119,290.00

2014 $120,419.00

2015 $123,670.00

Total $363,379.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Sarah G Phillips


Project Summary

Somaliland's government receives no direct budgetary support and yet its peace building and developmental achievements dwarf those of Somalia despite the fact that Somalia's government is almost entirely propped up by external assistance. Why does external financial assistance affect the ability of local actors to create peace and prosperity?


Page 104

1607 SOCIAL WORK

The University of QueenslandDE130100047 Gillingham, Dr Philip

Approved Electronic information systems and human service organisations: the development of systemsProject Title

2013

for the future

$103,050.00

2014 $103,050.00

2015 $103,050.00

Total $309,150.00

Primary FoR 1607 SOCIAL WORK

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Philip Gillingham


Project Summary

There is growing concern that current forms of electronic information systems (IS) being used in social welfare agencies are undermining rather than supporting service delivery. This project will contribute to the development of new forms of IS that support frontline practitioners and thereby improve welfare services.


Page 105

1701 PSYCHOLOGY

Macquarie UniversityDE130100969 Curby, Dr Kim M

Approved The impact of expertise on visual processing: assessment of a new modelProject Title

2013 $124,999.00

2014 $124,999.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $374,998.00

Primary FoR 1701 PSYCHOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Kim M Curby


Project Summary

How is it that trained visual experts see things that elude most of us when looking at the same stimulus? This project proposes and tests a new theoretical framework for understanding how experience changes perception, with implications for optimising visual training programs that can contribute to public health and safety.

The University of New South WalesDE130100463 Irish, Dr Muireann

Approved Back to the future - dissociating mental simulation processes in the brainProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Muireann Irish


Project Summary

Remembering the past and imagining the future are two linked processes that rely on a core brain network. The project will examine how damage to different parts of this brain network affects mental simulation of the past and future, providing fundamental information regarding the role of brain structures and systems for complex thought processes.


Page 106

The University of QueenslandDE130100120 Molenberghs, Dr Pascal

Approved How do we become aware of stimuli in our spatial environment?Project Title

2013 $124,991.00

2014 $124,991.00

2015 $124,991.00

Total $374,973.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Pascal Molenberghs


Project Summary

The brain constantly creates an awareness of the stimuli in our spatial environment but at the moment it is unclear how different brain regions integrate spatial and stimulus information. The aim of this project is to better understand this integration by using a combination of brain imaging and brain stimulation techniques.

The University of SydneyDE130101663 van der Burg, Dr Erik

Approved Multisensory integration in complex stimuliProject Title

2013 $124,650.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $374,650.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Erik van der Burg


Project Summary

Our world is often filled with sights and sounds competing for attention. A recent discovery shows that synchronised changes in vision and sound make an object stand out and easier to find. This project tests the limits of this binding process and its scope to go wrong and 'mis-bind' signals in very cluttered environments.


Page 107

1702 COGNITIVE SCIENCES

Macquarie UniversityDE130100868 Sowman, Dr Paul F

Approved Neural mechanisms of inhibitory control of human speech in stutterers and non-stutterersProject Title

2013 $105,379.00

2014 $106,979.00

2015 $123,926.00

Total $336,284.00

Primary FoR 1702 COGNITIVE SCIENCES

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Paul F Sowman


Project Summary

Stopping oneself from speaking is a crucial communication function. In people who stutter, a disorder of this function causes their debilitating speech problem. This project will use cutting edge neuroimaging techniques to reveal how the brain stops speech in stutterers and in fluent speakers.

The University of New South WalesDE130100129 Donkin, Dr Christopher

Approved A model based approach to investigating short-term memory: exploiting response timeProject Title

2013

distributions

$124,981.00

2014 $124,981.00

2015 $124,981.00

Total $374,943.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Christopher Donkin


Project Summary

Working memory is one of the most fundamental and well studied aspects of human cognition. The project plans to develop and test a computational modelling framework into which fundamental theories of short-term memory can be placed. This unique approach will offer a deeper understanding of the underlying components of working memory.


Page 108

The University of QueenslandDE130101290 Burianova, Dr Hana

Approved Age-related reorganisation of cortical networks subserving memory retrievalProject Title

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Hana Burianova


Project Summary

This research project will use brain imaging to understand how the brain reorganises working memory when it ages. It will provide a framework for understanding age-related memory decline in the brain, which will in turn provide key information for understanding memory difficulties in clinical populations.


Page 109

1801 LAW

The University of SydneyDE130100418 Loughnan, Dr Arlie E

Approved Responsibility in criminal lawProject Title

2013 $124,906.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $374,906.00

Primary FoR 1801 LAW

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Arlie E Loughnan


Project Summary

The principle of criminal responsibility lies at the heart of our criminal justice systems. This project provides a systematic analysis of criminal responsibility in the context of the NSW criminal law. It engages Australian scholarship in, and enhances Australia's contribution to, an important and growing field.


Page 110

1904 PERFORMING ARTS AND CREATIVE WRITING

Monash UniversityDE130100977 Breyley, Dr Gay J


A historical study of modern Iran and its diaspora through the music, career and cultural significance of pop star Googoosh

2013 $124,954.00

2014 $124,054.00

2015 $124,383.00

Total $373,391.00

Primary FoR 1904 PERFORMING ARTS AND CREATIVE WRITING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Gay J Breyley


Project Summary

The Iranian celebrity and cultural icon Googoosh has played a central role in the development of Iranian popular music. This project provides the first extensive analysis of Googoosh's music, the historical conditions that have shaped her career and the significance ascribed to her by generations of fans, detractors and other listeners.

The University of MelbourneDE130100914 Swain, Dr Rachael A

Approved Listening to country - Indigenous dance dramaturgy in remote AustraliaProject Title

2013 $124,997.00

2014 $103,500.00

2015 $94,250.00

Total $322,747.00

Primary FoR 1904 PERFORMING ARTS AND CREATIVE WRITING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Rachael A Swain


Project Summary

Listening to country is a performance research project to investigate Indigenous story structures in contemporary theatrical forms. The project will identify a theory and practice of dramaturgy which 'listens' to place, history and community in Indigenous Australian contexts.


Page 111

1999 OTHER STUDIES IN CREATIVE ARTS AND WRITING

La Trobe UniversityDE130100514 Miranda, Dr Maria C

Approved The cultural economy of Australian artist-run initiativesProject Title

2013 $112,052.00

2014 $112,826.00

2015 $96,028.00

Total $320,906.00

Primary FoR 1999 OTHER STUDIES IN CREATIVE ARTS AND WRITING

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Maria C Miranda


Project Summary

This project will explore the cultural economy of artist-run initiatives in the Australian context. It will develop an understanding of a diverse range of artists' practices, including in relation to the National Broadband Network which will contribute to policy development for a more vibrant Australian arts landscape.


Page 112

2001 COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES

Curtin University of TechnologyDE130100400 Aly, Dr Anne


Collective action and resistance to terrorism: construction of the Bali Peace Park as counter- terrorism

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 2001 COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Anne Aly

Administering Organisation Curtin University of Technology

Project Summary

This project will explore how the Bali Peace Park functions as a mechanism for collective resistance to terrorism. It will explore how individuals and communities engage with the Peace Park as a form of counter terrorism. The project will contribute to an understanding of how governments and societies can counter the social impact of terrorism.

Murdoch UniversityDE130101712 Ellis, Dr Kathleen M

Approved Disability and digital TV: access, representation and receptionProject Title

2013 $124,240.00

2014 $121,333.00

2015 $124,133.00

Total $369,706.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Kathleen M Ellis

Administering Organisation Murdoch University

Project Summary

Digital television has the potential to lesson the social exclusion of people with disability, if it is made accessible. This project will provide a much-needed user-focused analysis of two areas of key concern to Australians with disability as the nation switches over to digital TV - access and representation.


Page 113

RMIT UniversityDE130100551 Gomes, Dr Catherine J

Approved Media and transient migrants in Australia and Singapore: mapping identities and networksProject Title

2013 $106,860.00

2014 $118,200.00

2015 $120,000.00

Total $345,060.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Catherine J Gomes


Project Summary

This project is a journey of discovery into the migration experience of transient migrants (international students and skilled professionals) in Australia and Singapore through their use and engagement with the media (screen and digital). This project will help us understand permanent migration patterns in Australia.

The University of SydneyDE130101267 Martin, Dr Fiona R

Approved Mediating the conversation: inclusive dialogue in globalising online news environmentsProject Title

2013 $122,546.00

2014 $121,062.00

2015 $121,342.00

Total $364,950.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Fiona R Martin


Project Summary

'Mediating the Conversation' is an international study of how public participation is facilitated and regulated in online news and opinion sites. It will evaluate approaches to managing comments and interaction, and will produce best practice guidelines for news media on promoting inclusive, productive online conversations.


Page 114

2002 CULTURAL STUDIES

The Australian National UniversityDE130101746 Broinowski, Dr Adam

Approved Contaminated life: hibakusha in Japan in the nuclear ageProject Title

2013 $119,680.00

2014 $120,570.00

2015 $103,958.00

Total $344,208.00

Primary FoR 2002 CULTURAL STUDIES

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Adam Broinowski


Project Summary

This project will compare aesthetic reflections of hibakusha, or those who have been exposed to prolonged doses of radioactive contamination, after the 1945 and 2001 contaminations. Comparing their core concerns, how has the social image of hibakusha changed? What do hibakusha reflections imply for a new ethics in individual-state and human- nature dyads?

The University of QueenslandDE130100999 George, Dr Nicole L


Gender violence, women's empowerment and human rights in Melanesia: exploring the French connection

2013 $119,536.00

2014 $116,686.00

2015 $122,366.00

Total $358,588.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Nicole L George


Project Summary

This project examines the varied prevalence and acceptance of gender violence in Francophone and Anglophone Melanesian countries. It challenges the predominant view that the promotion of women's human rights ideals, in isolation from broader empowerment strategies, will encourage women to resist their exposure to this violence.


Page 115

University of WollongongDE130101436 Brennan-Horley, Dr Christopher R

Approved Experiments in space: geospatial information technologies for cultural environmental researchProject Title

2013 $104,220.00

2014 $99,790.00

2015 $93,000.00

Total $297,010.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Christopher R Brennan-Horley


Project Summary

By harnessing the power of emerging digital mapping technologies, this research will extend how we understand the relationship between humans and the environment. Specifically it will use maps to generate new knowledge across two important yet everyday problems: bushfire management and urban quality of life.


Page 116

2004 LINGUISTICS

The University of MelbourneDE130100399 Blythe, Dr Joe


He's not heavy, he's my brother: the acquisition of kinship terminology in a morphologically complex Australian language

2013 $125,000.00

2014 $125,000.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $375,000.00

Primary FoR 2004 LINGUISTICS

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Joe Blythe


Project Summary

Murrinh-Patha is one of the few Australian indigenous languages still being acquired by children. This project investigates how children acquire the grammar and lexicon of kinship. It will inform our understanding of how children gain social competence and learn complex kin-based grammars. It will help to maintain this and other indigenous languages.


Page 117

2005 LITERARY STUDIES

The University of QueenslandDE130101179 Garvey, Dr Nathan

Approved The Australian penal colonies and British print culture, 1786-1900Project Title

2013 $97,979.00

2014 $97,936.00

2015 $93,270.00

Total $289,185.00

Primary FoR 2005 LITERARY STUDIES

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Nathan Garvey


Project Summary

This project is the first comprehensive investigation of the literature surrounding convict transportation and the Australian penal colonies, and its relationship to British print culture in the nineteenth century. Grounded in empirical research, the project will foster a new understanding of a foundational aspect of Australian cultural history.


Page 118

The University of Western AustraliaDE130101688 Dau, Dr Duc T

Approved The Song of Songs in Victorian literature and cultureProject Title

2013 $99,336.00

2014 $104,665.00

2015 $91,362.00

Total $295,363.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Duc T Dau


Project Summary

What do literary and artistic references to the Bible tell us about love, marriage and gender? Discussing the influence of the biblical book, the Song of Songs, on literature and culture in the Victorian era, the project will answer this question.

DE130100621 Hirsch, Dr Brett D


Reproducing Renaissance drama: editing and publishing the plays of early modern England,1744-2012

2013 $117,500.00

2014 $111,810.00

2015 $100,732.00

Total $330,042.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Brett D Hirsch


Project Summary

With fresh insights from archival materials supported by quantitative and qualitative research methods, this project offers the first extended study of the editing and publishing of English Renaissance drama since the eighteenth century and its relationship to the formation of the dramatic canon.


Page 119

2101 ARCHAEOLOGY

La Trobe UniversityDE130101816 Garvey, Dr Jillian M


Palaeoenvironments and human adaptation in the late quaternary of the semi-arid Murray RiverValley, northwestern Victoria

2013 $113,370.00

2014 $115,320.00

2015 $119,398.00

Total $348,088.00

Primary FoR 2101 ARCHAEOLOGY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Jillian M Garvey


Project Summary

This project involves a multidisciplinary approach to investigating Indigenous settlement and subsistence strategies along the Murray River in northweast Victoria during the last Ice Age. It will examine the palaeoecology and palaeoenvironment of the region, with particular focus on how people and animals responded to climatic varibility.

The Australian National UniversityDE130101703 Flexner, Dr James L

Approved Mission archaeology and colonial encounters in Southern VanuatuProject Title

2013 $117,055.00

2014 $117,075.00

2015 $116,375.00

Total $350,505.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr James L Flexner


Project Summary

The remains of Christian missions in southern Vanuatu are important heritage sites for local communities, and for their place in world history as part of one of the final frontiers of European colonialism. This project explores these sites to produce a new picture of everyday life that includes the perspectives of missionaries and native people.


Page 120

DE130100153 Pryce, Dr Thomas O

Approved Radiogenic bronze and the Indianisation of Southeast AsiaProject Title

2013 $115,859.00

2014 $118,908.00

2015 $112,789.00

Total $347,556.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Thomas O Pryce


Project Summary

Intense South/Southeast Asian maritime activity began circa 2500 years ago, but the societies involved and their motivation is unknown. Study of exchange networks in chemically distinctive bronzes related to early Buddhism and their likely production centre in eastern India will establish a sound economic basis underlying long-term cultural influence.

DE130100046 Reepmeyer, Dr Christian H


Foundations of Island Southeast Asian maritime interaction: unravelling cause and consequence for the transformation of past societies

2013 $124,887.00

2014 $124,787.00

2015 $124,901.00

Total $374,575.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Christian H Reepmeyer


Project Summary

The successful spread of Neolithic innovations across the world was one of the most important transformations inhuman history. This project combines the geochemical and technological analysis of stone tools to track the evolution of maritime colonisation in Island Southeast Asia, the foundation for the success of agriculture in this region.


Page 121

University of WollongongDE130101560 Brumm, Dr Adam R


A world of its own: earliest human occupation of the Maros karsts in Southwest Sulawesi, Indonesia

2013 $124,000.00

2014 $124,300.00

2015 $124,300.00

Total $372,600.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Adam R Brumm


Project Summary

Excavations at Leang Burung 2, a rockshelter on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, yielded evidence for the initial arrival of modern humans and underlying deposits containing primitive stone tools from earlier inhabitants. This project aims to recover further evidence of early modern humans at the site and the identity of the earlier tool-makers.

DE130100068 Mackay, Dr Alexander C


Dwellers on the threshold: the evolution of human behavioural complexity in peripheral regions of southern Africa

2013 $124,570.00

2014 $124,825.00

2015 $94,725.00

Total $344,120.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Alexander C Mackay


Project Summary

This project will clarify the causes and contexts under which Homo sapiens evolved and began to display our species- defining behavioural complexity through an analysis of archaeological sites located on the fringes of southern Africa's arid interior. The project will significantly enhance understandings of the behavioural evolution of our species.


Page 122

2103 HISTORICAL STUDIES

Monash UniversityDE130100979 Monagle, Dr Clare F

Approved Sexing scholasticism: gender in medieval thought 1150-1520Project Title

2013 $122,824.00

2014 $116,621.00

2015 $118,185.00

Total $357,630.00

Primary FoR 2103 HISTORICAL STUDIES

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Clare F Monagle


Project Summary

This project explores medieval theological debates about why it was necessary that Christ was born as a man. This offers new evidence for understanding the history of gender in the Middle Ages, granting access to ideas about masculinity and femininity held by the elite ruling cultures of western Europe between 1150 and 1520.

DE130100775 Verhoeven, Dr Timothy

Approved Secularism in nineteenth-century America: a historyProject Title

2013 $112,356.00

2014 $114,106.00

2015 $112,050.00

Total $338,512.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Timothy Verhoeven


Project Summary

This project brings to light a popular movement in nineteenth-century America which sought to separate Church and State. The project thus offers a crucial historical context to modern debates about the role of religion in public life and whether or not the United States is a Christian nation.


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The University of New EnglandDE130101789 Scully, Dr Richard

Approved The cartoon empire: The Anglo-American tradition of political satire and comic art, 1720-2020Project Title

2013 $119,660.00

2014 $119,371.00

2015 $116,723.00

Total $355,754.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Richard Scully

Administering Organisation The University of New England

Project Summary

This project will provide a much-needed broadening of our understanding of this pivotal form of political art, which is dominated by a narrow focus on national traditions. The project will provide a comprehensive, transnational history of Anglo-American political comic art, which is the basis of today's global political cartoon genre.

The University of SydneyDE130100634 Frawley, Dr Jodi E

Approved Shoal waters: estuary histories, local knowledge and sustainable fishing in Eastern AustraliaProject Title

2013 $119,295.00

2014 $123,482.00

2015 $114,362.00

Total $357,139.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Jodi E Frawley


Project Summary

Estuaries all along Eastern Australia are subject to two hundred years of pressure from changing human populations, which has put fish and their environments at risk. This project provides an innovative framework for sharing scientific and local knowledge to contribute new ways of planning for the future of estuary fishing.


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Victoria UniversityDE130100121 Klugman, Dr Matthew


Modern mania: the emergence of passionate spectator sport cultures in Melbourne, Manchester and Boston

2013 $123,343.00

2014 $124,987.00

2015 $125,000.00

Total $373,330.00


Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Matthew Klugman

Administering Organisation Victoria University

Project Summary

This project will explore the emergence of modern 'sports-mad' fans in Melbourne, Manchester and Boston. Understanding the intense pleasures and passions that early spectators found in Australian Rules football, Association football (soccer) and baseball will help us understand how these sports came to hold such social, cultural and economic power.


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2203 PHILOSOPHY

The Australian National UniversityDE130101601 Briggs, Dr Rachael

Approved Wellbeing, preferences, and basic goodsProject Title

2013 $111,470.00

2014 $115,050.00

2015 $111,420.00

Total $337,940.00

Primary FoR 2203 PHILOSOPHY

Funded Participants:DECRA Dr Rachael Briggs


Project Summary

Since individual choice and public policy aim at promoting wellbeing, it is crucial to understand what wellbeing is. This project develops an account of wellbeing that is grounded in individual preferences, but acknowledges that people sometimes desire what is harmful to them.

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