Molecular Mechanisms of Biochemical Regulation: Neutron and X-ray Scattering Studies. This project will develop and use novel neutron and x-ray scattering methods to study the molecular mechanisms by which nature regulates biochemical processes. Healthy function requires cells to tightly control and coordinate a myriad of molecular activities. My research focuses on a set of interdependent molecular networks inside cells whose behavior is controlled by the so-called 'second messengers' that tr ....Molecular Mechanisms of Biochemical Regulation: Neutron and X-ray Scattering Studies. This project will develop and use novel neutron and x-ray scattering methods to study the molecular mechanisms by which nature regulates biochemical processes. Healthy function requires cells to tightly control and coordinate a myriad of molecular activities. My research focuses on a set of interdependent molecular networks inside cells whose behavior is controlled by the so-called 'second messengers' that translate external signals into the right cellular responses. The proposed experiments will provide a unique structural framework by which we can understand how these signals are transmitted. Such knowledge is an important foundation for advances in biomedical research and biotechnology applications.Read moreRead less
Molecular machines that drive microbial pathogens. We will provide a comprehensive understanding of molecular machines situated at the surface of bacteria. This ground-breaking research will provide excellent outcomes in the training of research students and staff: this project entails frontier technology, and the transfer of technological capabilities not currently available in Australia. Our study on a non-pathogenic species of bacteria is timely too for National security: related species of b ....Molecular machines that drive microbial pathogens. We will provide a comprehensive understanding of molecular machines situated at the surface of bacteria. This ground-breaking research will provide excellent outcomes in the training of research students and staff: this project entails frontier technology, and the transfer of technological capabilities not currently available in Australia. Our study on a non-pathogenic species of bacteria is timely too for National security: related species of bacteria were amongst the first organisms trialed as biological weapons, and the pathogenic species remain rated as Class 3 organisms by the Centers for Disease Control.Read moreRead less
New approaches to functional and structural genomics. Genome sequencing has revealed complete sets of macromolecules that make up our cells. We now need to learn how these macromolecules work together in a coordinated fashion. The proposed research will lead to the discovery of new biological molecules, interactions and processes essential for the function of cells, identify new therapeutic targets and strategies to combat disease, identify new concepts in bio- and nanotechnology, and train new ....New approaches to functional and structural genomics. Genome sequencing has revealed complete sets of macromolecules that make up our cells. We now need to learn how these macromolecules work together in a coordinated fashion. The proposed research will lead to the discovery of new biological molecules, interactions and processes essential for the function of cells, identify new therapeutic targets and strategies to combat disease, identify new concepts in bio- and nanotechnology, and train new interdisciplinary researchers. It will underpin the National Research Priorities (Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries, and Promoting and Maintaining Good Health) and help Australia capitalise on a plethora of opportunities for future economic and health benefits.Read moreRead less
Molecular control of apoptosis and protein homeostasis. A million cells are produced every second by cell division. At the same time a million cells commit suicide by a process called apoptosis. When cells fail to die when they should they can develop into cancers. In heart attacks, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, many cells appear to activate their self destruct mechanism to die unnecessarily. Drugs that can cause cancer cells to kill themselves, or drugs that prevent cells dying when th ....Molecular control of apoptosis and protein homeostasis. A million cells are produced every second by cell division. At the same time a million cells commit suicide by a process called apoptosis. When cells fail to die when they should they can develop into cancers. In heart attacks, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, many cells appear to activate their self destruct mechanism to die unnecessarily. Drugs that can cause cancer cells to kill themselves, or drugs that prevent cells dying when they shouldn't, would make a major impact on many important diseases. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of cell death is the first step towards developing these drugs.Read moreRead less
Precision Pulsar Timing and its Applications. The rapidly rotating pulsars known as millisecond pulsars have period stabilities which rival that of the best terrestrial clocks. Observations of many millisecond pulsars spread across the sky should allow detection of the gravitational-wave background - likely to be the first direct detection of gravity waves. It will also enable establishment of a long-term time standard which is independent of and probably superior to that derived from terrestria ....Precision Pulsar Timing and its Applications. The rapidly rotating pulsars known as millisecond pulsars have period stabilities which rival that of the best terrestrial clocks. Observations of many millisecond pulsars spread across the sky should allow detection of the gravitational-wave background - likely to be the first direct detection of gravity waves. It will also enable establishment of a long-term time standard which is independent of and probably superior to that derived from terrestrial clocks. New analysis techniques and establishment of an international observing network will be required. Investigation and application of techniques for overcoming radio interference will be an important part of the project.Read moreRead less
Ecology and evolution in dynamic systems: a new approach to conserving Australian biodiversity. Australia has different ecosystems and different species than the rest of the world, and we need a different approach to conserve and manage our unique animals. This project will develop a new, specifically Australian-oriented approach to conservation biology.
Television in the post-broadcast era: the role of old and new media in the formation of national communities. This Federation Fellowship program will examine the place of television in a range of national locations during the post-broadcast era, addressing its socio-cultural function for the citizen as well as considering the competing or complementary roles played by new forms of online journalism. The program will provide a unique international comparative overview of contemporary media system ....Television in the post-broadcast era: the role of old and new media in the formation of national communities. This Federation Fellowship program will examine the place of television in a range of national locations during the post-broadcast era, addressing its socio-cultural function for the citizen as well as considering the competing or complementary roles played by new forms of online journalism. The program will provide a unique international comparative overview of contemporary media systems in the midst of dramatic change. The expertise, critical mass and findings developed within the program will equip Australia to better understand and manage the complex role the media plays in socio-cultural change, while providing cutting edge policy advice to government and industry.Read moreRead less
A clearer view of the evolving universe. The two complementary research objectives of this proposal are (i) a basic research program to understand star formation in galaxies through a study of the correlation betwen far infrared and radio continuum emission and (ii) a strategic research program to develop interference mitigation techniques to enable the next generation of radio telescopes which will study star formation in the early Universe. This programme of research innovation in radio astron ....A clearer view of the evolving universe. The two complementary research objectives of this proposal are (i) a basic research program to understand star formation in galaxies through a study of the correlation betwen far infrared and radio continuum emission and (ii) a strategic research program to develop interference mitigation techniques to enable the next generation of radio telescopes which will study star formation in the early Universe. This programme of research innovation in radio astronomy will also promote the broad aims of furthering opportunities for Australian participation in international science and of gaining insight into ways in which Australia can exploit its niche advantages in the global economy.Read moreRead less
Science for resilience of coral reef systems. Hughes's Fellowship has enormous capacity to provide economic, cultural, environmental and social benefits for Australia. The coral reefs of Australia, particularly the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo Reef, and Lord Howe Island World Heritage Area are Australian national icons, of great economic, social, and aesthetic value to this country. Hughes and his collaborators in a newly-created ARC Centre of Excellence will be the premier providers of the scie ....Science for resilience of coral reef systems. Hughes's Fellowship has enormous capacity to provide economic, cultural, environmental and social benefits for Australia. The coral reefs of Australia, particularly the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo Reef, and Lord Howe Island World Heritage Area are Australian national icons, of great economic, social, and aesthetic value to this country. Hughes and his collaborators in a newly-created ARC Centre of Excellence will be the premier providers of the scientific expertise that underpins the management of Australian reefs, which is vital for the sustainable use of biodiversity goods and services (e.g. by the tourist industry, fisheries, and recreational users).Read moreRead less
Biohumanities: Philosophical, Historical, and Socio-Cultural Studies of Contemporary Bioscience. Improving understanding of the meaning and implications of contemporary bioscience, especially genetics and molecular biology, through bioliterate research in the humanities and social sciences, and conversely through better assimilation of bioscience and its significance by the humanities and social sciences. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with the Australian scientific commun ....Biohumanities: Philosophical, Historical, and Socio-Cultural Studies of Contemporary Bioscience. Improving understanding of the meaning and implications of contemporary bioscience, especially genetics and molecular biology, through bioliterate research in the humanities and social sciences, and conversely through better assimilation of bioscience and its significance by the humanities and social sciences. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with the Australian scientific community and will be disseminated back to the scientific community, to the humanities and to the Australian public. The project will bring to Australia the strengths of the applicant's existing collaborations with leading research centres in this field in the USA, UK and Canada.Read moreRead less