Investigating the structure of a T cell immune checkpoint molecule. This project aims to investigate the basic structure and function of a key co-receptor expressed on T cells, known as lymphocyte activation gene-3. T cells play a role in the immune system but must be managed to prevent autoimmunity. Insight into the function of the lymphocyte activation gene-3 function can be used to tailor immunotherapeutics to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer. Functionality of the T cell recept ....Investigating the structure of a T cell immune checkpoint molecule. This project aims to investigate the basic structure and function of a key co-receptor expressed on T cells, known as lymphocyte activation gene-3. T cells play a role in the immune system but must be managed to prevent autoimmunity. Insight into the function of the lymphocyte activation gene-3 function can be used to tailor immunotherapeutics to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer. Functionality of the T cell receptor is determined by utilising structural biology and cellular immunology techniques. The impact of this project effects the development of innovative T cell immunomodulatory agents, improving the health and quality of life of the Australian population.Read moreRead less
Investigating the atomic structure of an immune cell inhibitory receptor. T cells play a key role in the adaptive immune system, whose reactivity must be controlled to prevent aberrant reactivity. Central to the function of T cells is the T cell antigen receptor, and a host of co-stimulatory molecules, co-receptors and inhibitory receptors. This proposal, in partnership with Immutep Ltd, aims to gain a basic understanding of the structure and function of a key inhibitory receptor found on T cel ....Investigating the atomic structure of an immune cell inhibitory receptor. T cells play a key role in the adaptive immune system, whose reactivity must be controlled to prevent aberrant reactivity. Central to the function of T cells is the T cell antigen receptor, and a host of co-stimulatory molecules, co-receptors and inhibitory receptors. This proposal, in partnership with Immutep Ltd, aims to gain a basic understanding of the structure and function of a key inhibitory receptor found on T cells, termed the Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3). The proposal utilises a combination of cellular immunology and structural biology to gain insight into the form and function of the LAG-3 molecule. Ultimately this fundamental knowledge can be used by the biotechnology industry.Read moreRead less
Connecting the dots: Image analysis for single molecule localisation microscopy. It is now possible to record the positions of single fluorescent molecules in intact cells to build up an image literally molecule by molecule. But how to ‘connect the dots’ and extract structural information from molecular coordinates is yet to be worked out. The project aims to do exactly that, and write and implement novel analysis routines to quantify a diverse range of biological structures such as protein comp ....Connecting the dots: Image analysis for single molecule localisation microscopy. It is now possible to record the positions of single fluorescent molecules in intact cells to build up an image literally molecule by molecule. But how to ‘connect the dots’ and extract structural information from molecular coordinates is yet to be worked out. The project aims to do exactly that, and write and implement novel analysis routines to quantify a diverse range of biological structures such as protein complexes, membrane morphologies, filamentous cytoskeletal networks, vesicles and viruses. The project is a collaboration between a cell biologist (Professor Gaus) who is a leader in single molecule localisation microscopy, an expert in fluorescence image analysis (Dr Nicovich) and an industry partner (Dr Lucas) who has a sophisticated software platform.Read moreRead less
Developing auxetic composite system for protective engineering applications. This project intends to explore the possibilities of extending the latest developments in auxetic technologies to the protective design of engineering structures. Auxetic materials become thicker perpendicular to the applied force when stretched. Specifically, the project plans to develop a novel auxetic composite system with a focus on protecting civil and defence infrastructure from extreme loads. It is expected that ....Developing auxetic composite system for protective engineering applications. This project intends to explore the possibilities of extending the latest developments in auxetic technologies to the protective design of engineering structures. Auxetic materials become thicker perpendicular to the applied force when stretched. Specifically, the project plans to develop a novel auxetic composite system with a focus on protecting civil and defence infrastructure from extreme loads. It is expected that the system’s superior energy dissipating capability will broaden its application beyond civil infrastructure, such as armoured vehicles, protective sports gear and body armour. The project also plans to develop a multiscale numerical modelling and topological optimisation framework to accelerate the adoption of this advanced composite system.Read moreRead less
Understanding the performance of cold-formed steel frame wall systems in fires to design for superior fire resistance. This project will develop new light gauge steel frame (LSF) wall systems with superior fire resistance rating and associated design rules to enable innovative and safe applications of these wall systems in various building applications. This will enable expansion of the worldwide market for LSF wall systems by the industry partner.
Development of efficient, robust and architecturally-flexible structural systems using innovative blind-bolted connections. The aim of the proposed project is to develop structural systems that have sufficient stiffness, strength, and ductility to withstand code-specified loads and that will be competitive in the marketplace. The development of demonstrable cost-effective structural systems is essential if these types of systems are to be widely adopted in practice, thus allowing Australian manu ....Development of efficient, robust and architecturally-flexible structural systems using innovative blind-bolted connections. The aim of the proposed project is to develop structural systems that have sufficient stiffness, strength, and ductility to withstand code-specified loads and that will be competitive in the marketplace. The development of demonstrable cost-effective structural systems is essential if these types of systems are to be widely adopted in practice, thus allowing Australian manufacturers of blind bolts and steel tubes to achieve a greater market share.Read moreRead less
Development of Fibre Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Products. The construction industry is one of the world's largest consumers of raw materials and it is widely accepted that current material usage trends are unsustainable. Development of new more efficient construction materials is paramount to overcoming this. This novel research will use advanced high strength glass and carbon fibres and polymer resins to improve the structural behaviour, versatility and economic viability of a natio ....Development of Fibre Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Products. The construction industry is one of the world's largest consumers of raw materials and it is widely accepted that current material usage trends are unsustainable. Development of new more efficient construction materials is paramount to overcoming this. This novel research will use advanced high strength glass and carbon fibres and polymer resins to improve the structural behaviour, versatility and economic viability of a nationally significant construction material known as Autoclaved Aerated Concrete. The material technologies developed by this research will lead to more efficient material use, a more sustainable materials solution and the potential to export the technology worldwide.Read moreRead less
A study of the correlation between pre- and post- demolition performance assessment for prestressed concrete beams in a 45 year old major road bridge. In 2002 a major prestressed concrete bridge in Tasmania was demolished after only 45 years in service because of fears about the corrosion of the prestressing bars. Earlier, very extensive investigations were carried out to attempt to assess the rate of its deterioration and to establish the remaining margin of safety.
The present project aims ....A study of the correlation between pre- and post- demolition performance assessment for prestressed concrete beams in a 45 year old major road bridge. In 2002 a major prestressed concrete bridge in Tasmania was demolished after only 45 years in service because of fears about the corrosion of the prestressing bars. Earlier, very extensive investigations were carried out to attempt to assess the rate of its deterioration and to establish the remaining margin of safety.
The present project aims to investigate the degree of correlation between the performance assessment before and after demolition. Extensive pre-demolition documentation provided by the industry partner and detailed new assessments will give valuable research insight about the meaningfulness and reliability of investigative techniques for safety assessment. It will assist road authorities in structural assessment of bridges close to coastal marine environments.
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Advanced cryobanking for recalcitrant-seeded Australian rainforest plants. This project aims to develop an interdisciplinary research alliance to enhance the efficiency of ecological restoration for recalcitrant Australian rainforest plant species. The project expects to provide fundamental knowledge to target two major impediments to cryostorage of recalcitrant-seeded native species: desiccation sensitivity with relatively large size, and active metabolism and precocious germination. These attr ....Advanced cryobanking for recalcitrant-seeded Australian rainforest plants. This project aims to develop an interdisciplinary research alliance to enhance the efficiency of ecological restoration for recalcitrant Australian rainforest plant species. The project expects to provide fundamental knowledge to target two major impediments to cryostorage of recalcitrant-seeded native species: desiccation sensitivity with relatively large size, and active metabolism and precocious germination. These attributes severely limit the time available for effective use of collected germplasm for long-term storage. A combination of biochemical, biophysical and molecular simulation approaches will be used to optimise cryopreservation of a wide range of endangered Australian rainforest species. This should provide significant benefits such as enabling conservation agencies to greatly enhance their ability to preserve the unique Australian rainforest flora, particularly given current threats due to habitat loss and global warming.Read moreRead less
Advanced Molecular Frameworks for Sodium Battery Electrode Applications. This project aims to develop new molecular materials capable of high capacity sodium-ion insertion. Through an innovative interdisciplinary approach that targets the synthesis and detailed characterisation of an extensive family of materials this project expects to generate major advances in the understanding of how the chemical, physical and structural attributes of the materials relate to their electrical charge/discharge ....Advanced Molecular Frameworks for Sodium Battery Electrode Applications. This project aims to develop new molecular materials capable of high capacity sodium-ion insertion. Through an innovative interdisciplinary approach that targets the synthesis and detailed characterisation of an extensive family of materials this project expects to generate major advances in the understanding of how the chemical, physical and structural attributes of the materials relate to their electrical charge/discharge behaviours. Significant anticipated outcomes and benefits include the development of new material design approaches that optimise battery electrode performance across a diverse parameter space, and the generation of advanced new materials worthy of commercial development in low-cost, large-scale battery applications.Read moreRead less