Dating the Aboriginal rock art of the Kimberley region, Western Australia - landscape geochemistry, surface processes and complementary dating techniques. The age of much of the spectacular rock art of the Kimberley region of Western Australia remains unknown, especially in its earliest stages. This project aims to use the most advanced dating techniques now available to determine a sequence of ages for this ancient cultural record, increasing its recognition as a heritage site of international ....Dating the Aboriginal rock art of the Kimberley region, Western Australia - landscape geochemistry, surface processes and complementary dating techniques. The age of much of the spectacular rock art of the Kimberley region of Western Australia remains unknown, especially in its earliest stages. This project aims to use the most advanced dating techniques now available to determine a sequence of ages for this ancient cultural record, increasing its recognition as a heritage site of international significance.Read moreRead less
An automatic markerless three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system for aquatic environments. Australia's sporting performance on the international stage forms an integral part of the psyche of Australians. This project applies latest 3D imaging and biomechanical techniques to quantify swimmers' movement patterns, thereby ensuring Australia's continued elite sporting success and consolidating its current lead in world class technologies.
Realisation of an ultra-stable local oscillator using an ultra-low vibration pulse-tube cryocooler. This project will complete the development of a new type of ultra-low-noise ultra-stable microwave oscillator cooled with an ultra-low vibration cryostat and cryocooler. The resulting oscillator will have wide application, but especially to atomic fountain clocks and to very high frequency Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) radio astronomy.
Development of class-leading bioluminescence resonance energy transfer technologies for real-time monitoring of molecular interactions. The purpose of this project is to develop improved technologies for identifying and developing pharmaceuticals with fewer side effects. The expected outcome is the development of technologies that provide a level of sensitivity and data quality that enables adoption by the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
Bio-inspired camouflage to prevent shark attacks on surfers. Bio-inspired camouflage to prevent shark attacks on surfers. This project aims to develop a new shark deterrent technology to protect surfers and paddlers. Shark attacks are physically and emotionally devastating for the victims, and make the community disproportionately afraid. Surfers are at most risk of attack, but current surfboard-mounted deterrents are ineffective and not widely used. This project will build on the recent discove ....Bio-inspired camouflage to prevent shark attacks on surfers. Bio-inspired camouflage to prevent shark attacks on surfers. This project aims to develop a new shark deterrent technology to protect surfers and paddlers. Shark attacks are physically and emotionally devastating for the victims, and make the community disproportionately afraid. Surfers are at most risk of attack, but current surfboard-mounted deterrents are ineffective and not widely used. This project will build on the recent discovery that white sharks do not attack counter-illuminated (light emitting) seal-shaped decoys, and use new information about shark vision to understand why this ‘camouflage’ is so successful. This will also help to protect threatened shark species by reducing reliance on culling programs to keep people safe in the water.Read moreRead less
Monitoring intuitive expertise in the context of airport security screening. During airport security screening and processing, confusion and error are greatest when systems or contexts are unfamiliar. Poorly designed systems compromise the interactions of airport security personnel and decrease their ability to promptly and accurately respond to situations. This project aims to deliver a suite of automated methods to monitor security operator knowledge and engagement, to assess the real-time sec ....Monitoring intuitive expertise in the context of airport security screening. During airport security screening and processing, confusion and error are greatest when systems or contexts are unfamiliar. Poorly designed systems compromise the interactions of airport security personnel and decrease their ability to promptly and accurately respond to situations. This project aims to deliver a suite of automated methods to monitor security operator knowledge and engagement, to assess the real-time security screening context, and to detect unusual passenger behaviour at the screening check-point. This monitoring aims to provide new knowledge and techniques to enhance security operator performance, refine the screening process, improve passenger experience and, most critically, ensure safety at Australian airports.Read moreRead less
Interrogating protein hydration by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. Interrogating protein hydration by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. This project aims to develop advanced terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) techniques to understand how a protein’s interaction with excipients in solution can alter the hydration layers around them and how this affects properties such as viscosity and stability. THz-TDS can detect overlapping extended hydration layers around proteins, revealing ne ....Interrogating protein hydration by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. Interrogating protein hydration by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. This project aims to develop advanced terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) techniques to understand how a protein’s interaction with excipients in solution can alter the hydration layers around them and how this affects properties such as viscosity and stability. THz-TDS can detect overlapping extended hydration layers around proteins, revealing new knowledge in protein-protein interactions and protein behaviour in an aqueous environment. The intended outcome is to use THz-TDS to better understand how proteins such as monoclonal antibodies interact in high concentration solutions, and in doing so make better medicines.Read moreRead less
Controlling empirical factors to measure educational achievement in invariant units. Over a million students take part in National and State assessments which are used to compare schools and to determine tertiary entrance. The aim of the project is to study and control the factors that affect the unit in which achievement is measured so that such comparisons and decisions are based on more valid and precise information.
A unified approach for estimating coastal flood risk. The project aims to develop a unified approach to quantifying flood risk. Because flooding is caused by multiple mechanisms such as extreme rainfall, storm surge and astronomical tide, accurately estimating flood levels in the Australian coastal zone is challenging. By quantifying flood risk in terms of these mechanisms, the project is expected to provide reliable flood risk estimates for both historical settings and future climate scenarios. ....A unified approach for estimating coastal flood risk. The project aims to develop a unified approach to quantifying flood risk. Because flooding is caused by multiple mechanisms such as extreme rainfall, storm surge and astronomical tide, accurately estimating flood levels in the Australian coastal zone is challenging. By quantifying flood risk in terms of these mechanisms, the project is expected to provide reliable flood risk estimates for both historical settings and future climate scenarios. The improved estimation should enable Australian water agencies and policy-makers to effectively design defence infrastructure (e.g. drainage systems) and urban planning policies to adapt to future flood risk.Read moreRead less
Application of microfluidics in engineering functional noble metal nano-materials. High value added nano-materials based on precious metals from gold refining will be developed using continuous flow microfluidic platforms in parallel, in partnership with the Perth Mint (WA Mint). The scalable products will be assessed for application in devices and sensor technology, and as a catalysis for the fine chemical industry.