Advanced computer simulations of star cluster evolution. The topic of this fellowship is dynamical simulations of star clusters using high-end graphics cards originally developed for the computer gaming industry. The proposed fellowship will thereby enhance Australia's capacity in the exploitation of high-performance computing and will give it a strong position in the new field of graphics card based simulations. The computer cluster built during the fellowship will also be an outstanding enviro ....Advanced computer simulations of star cluster evolution. The topic of this fellowship is dynamical simulations of star clusters using high-end graphics cards originally developed for the computer gaming industry. The proposed fellowship will thereby enhance Australia's capacity in the exploitation of high-performance computing and will give it a strong position in the new field of graphics card based simulations. The computer cluster built during the fellowship will also be an outstanding environment for the training of students. In addition, while Australia has a strong tradition in star cluster astronomy, it has so far not captured a leadership role in the theoretical analysis. The four years of this fellowship will allow it to establish a world-leading position in star cluster simulations.Read moreRead less
Advanced materials for space propulsion: satellites and cubesats. Poorly controlled interactions between plasmas and surfaces often mean loss of process efficiency and surface degradation over time. For Hall thrusters, a type of engine used to move satellites in space, this means increased fuel consumption and shorter useful life. Through modelling and experiment, this project will show how intelligent selection of advanced materials and plasma parameters can minimise surface wear, enable in sit ....Advanced materials for space propulsion: satellites and cubesats. Poorly controlled interactions between plasmas and surfaces often mean loss of process efficiency and surface degradation over time. For Hall thrusters, a type of engine used to move satellites in space, this means increased fuel consumption and shorter useful life. Through modelling and experiment, this project will show how intelligent selection of advanced materials and plasma parameters can minimise surface wear, enable in situ material repair to extend device lifetime, and modulate plasma properties to increase thruster efficiency for a given task. These benefits enable reliable propulsion platforms for massive communication and observation satellite networks and deep space exploration.Read moreRead less
Fundamentals and practical applications of hierarchically-structured bulk materials. Structured bulk materials are very promosing for process intensification. By using structured bulk materials instead of fine particles, this project will have the opportunity to realise hydrogen or methane storage at very low pressure, and significantly speed up the production of alternative transport fuels from syn gas.
Peptides and Proteins for Fighting Pests and Protecting the Environment. This project aims to use peptides and proteins to fight pests and protect the environment, which is significant because current practices have unintended harmful effects and are unsustainable. Achieving these aims must first involve scientific development of ecofriendly lead molecules. This project will develop platform technologies for the design of bioactive peptides or proteins based on molecules used naturally for highl ....Peptides and Proteins for Fighting Pests and Protecting the Environment. This project aims to use peptides and proteins to fight pests and protect the environment, which is significant because current practices have unintended harmful effects and are unsustainable. Achieving these aims must first involve scientific development of ecofriendly lead molecules. This project will develop platform technologies for the design of bioactive peptides or proteins based on molecules used naturally for highly selective functions in communication and defence. Expected outcomes include novel peptide and protein leads and improved strategies for developing them, which will lead to new and safer ways of protecting biodiversity and food security that are expected to reduce our environmental footprint and bring economic benefits.Read moreRead less
Systematic prioritisation of action for confronting invasive vertebrates in Australia. This project will use novel scientific approaches to effectively prioritise action for mitigating the threats invasive vertebrate pests pose to humans and to biodiversity in Australia. Results will inform policy and management, substantially advancing our understanding of the key factors shaping spatial invasion sources, hotspots, drivers and impact.
The human mirror system and the perception of others' actions. This research will provide greater understanding of how the human mirror system operates for the perception of actions, a crucial first-step toward understanding disorders of action perception such as autism and apraxia. The research program will also contribute greatly to building national capacity in cognitive neuroscience research, using advanced brain imaging methods. The fellow actively encourages and mentors young scientists, o ....The human mirror system and the perception of others' actions. This research will provide greater understanding of how the human mirror system operates for the perception of actions, a crucial first-step toward understanding disorders of action perception such as autism and apraxia. The research program will also contribute greatly to building national capacity in cognitive neuroscience research, using advanced brain imaging methods. The fellow actively encourages and mentors young scientists, organises advanced workshops that bring brain imaging researchers around the world to Australia, and builds international collaborations based around high-field brain imaging. The Future Fellowship will substantially enhance these activities, building capacity and enhancing Australia's reputation in cognitive neurosciences.Read moreRead less
Novel control strategies for mosquitoes threatening Australia. Increased global transport and human mobility have led to the spread and establishment of potential disease vectors and pathogens of public health importance in many parts of the world from which these were absent or had been eradicated. Aversion of this risk can be more effective when applying area-wide rather than focal (e.g. insecticide) control efforts. We will further the development of genetic and biological control tactics. We ....Novel control strategies for mosquitoes threatening Australia. Increased global transport and human mobility have led to the spread and establishment of potential disease vectors and pathogens of public health importance in many parts of the world from which these were absent or had been eradicated. Aversion of this risk can be more effective when applying area-wide rather than focal (e.g. insecticide) control efforts. We will further the development of genetic and biological control tactics. We aim to reduce the risks posed by two important dengue-vectoring mosquitoes: the yellow fever and the Asian tiger mosquito. This will lead to environmentally friendly and sustainable mosquito control and protect the Australian population and its regional neighbours against the threats of mosquito-borne disease.Read moreRead less
Why certain viruses don't get along in mosquitoes. The molecular mechanism. The overall goal of this project is to obtain an understanding of how certain insect-only viruses make mosquitoes incapable of transmitting diseases. These viruses, called insect-specific flaviviruses, can be employed as biocontrol agents for mosquito-borne human and veterinary diseases. However as it is currently unknown how exactly they affect mosquitoes, the safety and efficacy of their use can't be predicted. The pro ....Why certain viruses don't get along in mosquitoes. The molecular mechanism. The overall goal of this project is to obtain an understanding of how certain insect-only viruses make mosquitoes incapable of transmitting diseases. These viruses, called insect-specific flaviviruses, can be employed as biocontrol agents for mosquito-borne human and veterinary diseases. However as it is currently unknown how exactly they affect mosquitoes, the safety and efficacy of their use can't be predicted. The proposed project will dissect the very intricate mechanisms of interactions between insect-specific flaviviruses and mosquitoes and explain how exactly they prevent disease transmission. It should generate novel fundamental knowledge, implement innovative methodologies and provide training for students and junior scientist. Read moreRead less
Understanding and predicting invasion in the sea: a mechanistic approach. Marine invasive species cost millions of dollars each year. This project aims to determine how and why invasive species outcompete native species around much of the coast of Australia. Identifying the conditions that help invasive species outcompete native species will help managers reduce the spread and impact of marine invasive species.
Revealing how the human brain coordinates body movements for applications in health and technology. This project will extend the basic understanding about how the brain controls the movements of our bodies, and how it changes to allow us to adapt and refine our movements. This project will generate information that is critical for applications in the fields of health (e.g. rehabilitation) and technology (e.g. human-machine interfaces).