ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems. This Centre aims to build sophisticated quantum machines to harness the quantum world for the future health, economy, environment and security of Australian society. It intends to pioneer the designer quantum materials, engines and imaging systems at the heart of these machines. It also solves the most challenging research problems at the interface of basic quantum physics and engineering. The Centre will work with industry partners to tra ....ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems. This Centre aims to build sophisticated quantum machines to harness the quantum world for the future health, economy, environment and security of Australian society. It intends to pioneer the designer quantum materials, engines and imaging systems at the heart of these machines. It also solves the most challenging research problems at the interface of basic quantum physics and engineering. The Centre will work with industry partners to translate these research discoveries into practical applications and devices. It will train scientists in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, which is expected to affect Australia’s high-tech economy.Read moreRead less
Genetic rescue of Australian wildlife. Genetic rescue of Australian wildlife. This project aims to test genetic rescue as an efficient recovery technique for threatened plants and animals. Genetic rescue is under-utilised, even though it is overwhelmingly beneficial. This project will convert management actions on five Endangered/Critically Endangered species into rigorous experiments that measure the fitness benefits of genetic rescue, and demonstrate genome-wide consequences. Anticipated outco ....Genetic rescue of Australian wildlife. Genetic rescue of Australian wildlife. This project aims to test genetic rescue as an efficient recovery technique for threatened plants and animals. Genetic rescue is under-utilised, even though it is overwhelmingly beneficial. This project will convert management actions on five Endangered/Critically Endangered species into rigorous experiments that measure the fitness benefits of genetic rescue, and demonstrate genome-wide consequences. Anticipated outcomes include innovative genetic rescue protocols, a framework for genetic rescue, and leading-edge conservation training. Expected benefits are increased persistence of species that are otherwise unresponsive to management, and a new path to saving endangered species.Read moreRead less
The evolution of specialised orchid pollination and its reversibility. This project aims to determine the changes in key floral volatile compounds underpinning pollination transitions, identify their molecular basis, and understand the ecological processes favouring reversals away from extreme specialisation. By focusing on pollination of sexually deceptive Australian orchids, this project would be the first to determine the molecular, chemical and behavioural basis of evolutionary reversals to ....The evolution of specialised orchid pollination and its reversibility. This project aims to determine the changes in key floral volatile compounds underpinning pollination transitions, identify their molecular basis, and understand the ecological processes favouring reversals away from extreme specialisation. By focusing on pollination of sexually deceptive Australian orchids, this project would be the first to determine the molecular, chemical and behavioural basis of evolutionary reversals to more generalised strategies in a group of plants facing high risk of pollinator extinction. The expected outcome, a mechanistic understanding of how pollination transitions occur, would be internationally ground-breaking, and provide crucial insights to protect this diverse but highly threatened group of plants.Read moreRead less