Visualising molecular level detail in single cells and intact tissues. The goal of this project is to deliver a new toolkit for imaging cells at an unprecedented resolution and level of chemical detail. We will expand the capabilities of two existing, but complementary, methods: optical fluorescence microscopy with responsive probes and X-ray fluorescence imaging. Expected outcomes include improved techniques and benchmarks for visualising bacterial and mammalian cells; development of new molecu ....Visualising molecular level detail in single cells and intact tissues. The goal of this project is to deliver a new toolkit for imaging cells at an unprecedented resolution and level of chemical detail. We will expand the capabilities of two existing, but complementary, methods: optical fluorescence microscopy with responsive probes and X-ray fluorescence imaging. Expected outcomes include improved techniques and benchmarks for visualising bacterial and mammalian cells; development of new molecules for elucidating cellular chemistry; better utilisation of valuable synchrotron resources; and greater understanding of the strengths and limitations of current microscopy workflows. Results should benefit the biotechnology sector, and may lead to improved medical, diagnostic, and bioremediation capacity.Read moreRead less
Carbon conundrum: Functional characterisation of organic matter-clay mineral interactions in relation to carbon sequestration. Carbon sequestration in soil has been recognised as one of the possible measures through which greenhouse gas emissions can be mitigated. The major processes involved in carbon sequestration in soil include chemical immobilisation of carbon with soil particles and physical protection in the pores of soil microaggregates. These two processes are mediated through the funct ....Carbon conundrum: Functional characterisation of organic matter-clay mineral interactions in relation to carbon sequestration. Carbon sequestration in soil has been recognised as one of the possible measures through which greenhouse gas emissions can be mitigated. The major processes involved in carbon sequestration in soil include chemical immobilisation of carbon with soil particles and physical protection in the pores of soil microaggregates. These two processes are mediated through the functional relationships of soil organic matter and clay mineral interactions in soils. This project investigates nanoscale organomineral association underlying microaggregate formation and stability, as well as the distribution and microbial decomposition of carbon within microaggregates using a suite of advanced spectroscopic, molecular and isotopic techniques.Read moreRead less
Characterisation of the beneficial vs toxic forms of selenium in the diet. This project aims to examine how dietary selenium is converted into essential proteins and beneficial compounds that mitigate against a broad range of human diseases; or alternatively, into toxic molecules. Cutting-edge methodologies should resolve significant unknowns in selenium metabolism, to provide definitive dietary guidelines and to explore how selenium can treat and protect against disease. Expected outcomes from ....Characterisation of the beneficial vs toxic forms of selenium in the diet. This project aims to examine how dietary selenium is converted into essential proteins and beneficial compounds that mitigate against a broad range of human diseases; or alternatively, into toxic molecules. Cutting-edge methodologies should resolve significant unknowns in selenium metabolism, to provide definitive dietary guidelines and to explore how selenium can treat and protect against disease. Expected outcomes from this national and international collaboration include expert training for young biochemical researchers and refinements to novel analytical techniques. Results should benefit the food and agricultural sectors to provide tailored products locally and for export, as well as enhanced health opportunities for all Australians.Read moreRead less
Engaging Students during the Early Years of Secondary School. This project aims to design, test and share sustainable strategies to support teachers and enable students from low socioeconomic communities to achieve success. The greatest decreases in students’ interest and effort occur when they transition into secondary school, with students from low socioeconomic communities at greatest risk of disengagement. What can teachers do to engage their students during this key life transition? This pr ....Engaging Students during the Early Years of Secondary School. This project aims to design, test and share sustainable strategies to support teachers and enable students from low socioeconomic communities to achieve success. The greatest decreases in students’ interest and effort occur when they transition into secondary school, with students from low socioeconomic communities at greatest risk of disengagement. What can teachers do to engage their students during this key life transition? This project plans to identify teacher behaviours that motivate students in their first year at secondary school. Using an experimental design with a representative sample of 150 teachers and 1500 students in low socioeconomic areas across three states, the project plans to test whether an online professional learning program for teachers can improve student engagement and achievement. This cost-effective and scalable intervention is designed for widespread dissemination to Australian teachers.Read moreRead less
Evolution. Morphodynamics and History of the Younghusband Peninsula. This project will examine the history and evolution of the Sir Richard-Younghusband Peninsula (SRYP) complex barrier in SA. The aims are to derive a understanding of how the influences of relative sea-level changes, neotectonics, and sediment supply, can produce remarkably different responses in barrier development. No complex barrier (i.e. foredune ridges in one portion, transgressive dunefields in another) has ever been compr ....Evolution. Morphodynamics and History of the Younghusband Peninsula. This project will examine the history and evolution of the Sir Richard-Younghusband Peninsula (SRYP) complex barrier in SA. The aims are to derive a understanding of how the influences of relative sea-level changes, neotectonics, and sediment supply, can produce remarkably different responses in barrier development. No complex barrier (i.e. foredune ridges in one portion, transgressive dunefields in another) has ever been comprehensively drilled, dated, modelled, or examined in the context of indigenous occupation and oral histories in Australia. The study provides excellent analogues for barrier and dune response, and shoreline translation to varying rates of sea level rise, paralleling pressures facing all coastlines today.Read moreRead less
Diversity in large crop genomes via enhanced recombination. The project aims to understand genetic and environmental factors that limit how fast genomic combinations can be generated by modifying the recombination rates between chromosomes. Plant breeding is based around genetic diversity, but modern breeding programs have captured only a small proportion of the variation available in wild relatives and land races. Knowledge of diversity in this wild germplasm pool is increasing and the challeng ....Diversity in large crop genomes via enhanced recombination. The project aims to understand genetic and environmental factors that limit how fast genomic combinations can be generated by modifying the recombination rates between chromosomes. Plant breeding is based around genetic diversity, but modern breeding programs have captured only a small proportion of the variation available in wild relatives and land races. Knowledge of diversity in this wild germplasm pool is increasing and the challenge is to quickly and efficiently introduce this variation into elite lines. This project’s findings are expected to transform wheat and barley breeding methods by unlocking the genetic diversity to produce new varieties. This will enhance and protect a critical and valuable rural industry.Read moreRead less
Culturally Responsive Schooling. Australian schools are struggling to respond positively to the increasing cultural diversity of the student cohort. The aim of this study is to research how schools become culturally responsive and specifically explores how the affective environments of schools attend to the diverse cultural, academic and emotional needs of their communities. This this study brings together methods borrowed from educational ethnography, critical policy analysis, and educational ....Culturally Responsive Schooling. Australian schools are struggling to respond positively to the increasing cultural diversity of the student cohort. The aim of this study is to research how schools become culturally responsive and specifically explores how the affective environments of schools attend to the diverse cultural, academic and emotional needs of their communities. This this study brings together methods borrowed from educational ethnography, critical policy analysis, and educational action research. The study will inform curriculum and pedagogical reform in schools, changes to teacher education programs, and potentially ameliorate systemic inequality in Australian schooling. Read moreRead less
Equipping Australian teachers today to face AI tomorrow. Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are set to transform society, including how people work and learn. Yet there is very little research about what Australian teachers need to know in order to prepare students to thrive in an AI-rich society and workforce. This study aims to construct a foundational understanding for teaching with and about AI. It will also show how to develop effective networks to empower teachers as active chang ....Equipping Australian teachers today to face AI tomorrow. Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are set to transform society, including how people work and learn. Yet there is very little research about what Australian teachers need to know in order to prepare students to thrive in an AI-rich society and workforce. This study aims to construct a foundational understanding for teaching with and about AI. It will also show how to develop effective networks to empower teachers as active change agents. The expected outcomes will equip teachers with the knowledge and resources to lead the development of Australia’s future AI capability, including through enhanced classroom practices and more creative teacher networks.Read moreRead less
Transnationalism and diaspora. This study aims to incorporate diaspora, circular migration and transnational linkages into demographic concepts of population and migration. Transnationalism’s replacement of permanent movements as the dominant paradigm in migration studies raises questions for demographic measurement and the study of migration. This project will use traditional demographic data with integrated quantitative and qualitative research to analyse the diaspora–migration–development nex ....Transnationalism and diaspora. This study aims to incorporate diaspora, circular migration and transnational linkages into demographic concepts of population and migration. Transnationalism’s replacement of permanent movements as the dominant paradigm in migration studies raises questions for demographic measurement and the study of migration. This project will use traditional demographic data with integrated quantitative and qualitative research to analyse the diaspora–migration–development nexus. It will study four countries to understand the characteristics of diasporas, their international linkages and their potential for enhancing development in origin countries. This is expected to generate policy advice on how to maximise the economic potential of diaspora.Read moreRead less
Demography & Diaspora: Enhancing Contributions to Migration & Development. The replacement of permanent displacement by transnationalism as the dominant paradigm in migration has had little impact on demographic measurement and study of migration. This project seeks to rethink demographic concepts of migration to incorporate important elements such as diaspora, circular migration and transnational linkages. It aims to show how innovative use of traditional demographic data with a range of quanti ....Demography & Diaspora: Enhancing Contributions to Migration & Development. The replacement of permanent displacement by transnationalism as the dominant paradigm in migration has had little impact on demographic measurement and study of migration. This project seeks to rethink demographic concepts of migration to incorporate important elements such as diaspora, circular migration and transnational linkages. It aims to show how innovative use of traditional demographic data with a range of quantitative and qualitative research can yield important insights into diaspora. Case studies of six countries will be undertaken to increase understanding of the initiation, maintenance and significance of diaspora and its potential for enhancing development and reducing poverty in origins.Read moreRead less