Dark Matter Discovery. Dark matter research is fundamental breakthrough science, thus its National and Community benefits can only be indirect. This, nevertheless, does not reduce the importance of these benefits. The proposed program strengthens Australian fundamental science by extending it in a new direction, and considerably boosts the quality of theoretical dark matter research in Australia. Since a large part of the proposed work is expected to be performed in international collaboratio ....Dark Matter Discovery. Dark matter research is fundamental breakthrough science, thus its National and Community benefits can only be indirect. This, nevertheless, does not reduce the importance of these benefits. The proposed program strengthens Australian fundamental science by extending it in a new direction, and considerably boosts the quality of theoretical dark matter research in Australia. Since a large part of the proposed work is expected to be performed in international collaboration, positive results will increase the Australian presence on the international astro-particle physics scene. Successful students involved in this project are also expected to assume leading roles in international dark matter research.Read moreRead less
Origins of our Universe. The present proposal will study the origins of our Universe, which is one of the grand challenges of 21st century physics. As such it will utilise insights and discoveries in many areas of physics, ranging from string theory and particle physics at the highest energies, to x-ray, optical and radio astronomy. The research program will add to our understanding of a fundamental branch of science - extending it in new directions - thereby considerably boosting the quality of ....Origins of our Universe. The present proposal will study the origins of our Universe, which is one of the grand challenges of 21st century physics. As such it will utilise insights and discoveries in many areas of physics, ranging from string theory and particle physics at the highest energies, to x-ray, optical and radio astronomy. The research program will add to our understanding of a fundamental branch of science - extending it in new directions - thereby considerably boosting the quality of cosmology and theoretical physics research in Australia. In concert with our international collaborations, work arising from this fellowship will enhance the Australian presence on the international cosmology, astro-particle, and theoretical physics scene.
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Re-balancing global resources: Manipulating toxic prussic acid (dhurrin) to improve nitrogen use efficiency in forage sorghum in a changing climate. Sorghum is grown widely is Australia and world-wide for forage, grain (mostly for animal feed) and biofuels. It grows well in dry areas. The problem is that the leaves contain a toxin that releases prussic acid (cyanide) that can reduce animal production or even kill stock feeding on it, especially when water stressed. The problem will get worse wit ....Re-balancing global resources: Manipulating toxic prussic acid (dhurrin) to improve nitrogen use efficiency in forage sorghum in a changing climate. Sorghum is grown widely is Australia and world-wide for forage, grain (mostly for animal feed) and biofuels. It grows well in dry areas. The problem is that the leaves contain a toxin that releases prussic acid (cyanide) that can reduce animal production or even kill stock feeding on it, especially when water stressed. The problem will get worse with climate change. Low-cyanide plants developed by us using non-GM methods grow fast, but accumulate nitrate instead which is also toxic. This is a waste of expensive fertiliser too. We aim to develop plants that divert resources to growth instead of toxins in order to reduce fertiliser use and help prepare for the future. The fast growing plants may also be useful as a biofuel crop.Read moreRead less