War, Computer Games and Contemporary Technoculture. This project examines computer games with a view to understanding the profound interrelationship of war and cultural developments that influences much of the innovation in computer gaming and simulation today. In the wake of the recent escalation of terrorism and state-supported counter-terrorism, war has become even more visible in media and audio-visual entertainment, making the question of the relation between war and mainstream culture one ....War, Computer Games and Contemporary Technoculture. This project examines computer games with a view to understanding the profound interrelationship of war and cultural developments that influences much of the innovation in computer gaming and simulation today. In the wake of the recent escalation of terrorism and state-supported counter-terrorism, war has become even more visible in media and audio-visual entertainment, making the question of the relation between war and mainstream culture one which poses itself with increasing urgency. This project's exploration of computer games is aimed at illuminating crucial features of this wider question of war's place in Australian contemporary culture, connected as it is to the global media context.Read moreRead less
Only at the movies: mapping the contemporary Australian cinema market. Only at the movies? is a three-year project that asks: What is the enduring appeal of cinemagoing and how is it changing? It will provide detailed analyses of formal film exhibition and distribution in Australia by combining economic, cultural and geospatial research with industry expertise.
Holobody: Advancing the Future of Mixed Reality Technologies. This project aims to advance our understanding and use of mixed reality technologies by pioneering a new approach to interaction in virtual systems that recognises, capitalises on, and expands the potential of the human body as a human-machine interface. The project expects to apply the unique, embodied methodologies of dance and movement technology, integrated with customised software, advanced visualisation and artificial intelligen ....Holobody: Advancing the Future of Mixed Reality Technologies. This project aims to advance our understanding and use of mixed reality technologies by pioneering a new approach to interaction in virtual systems that recognises, capitalises on, and expands the potential of the human body as a human-machine interface. The project expects to apply the unique, embodied methodologies of dance and movement technology, integrated with customised software, advanced visualisation and artificial intelligence, to develop next-generation principles of embodied interaction in virtual systems. Expected outcomes are improved assistive technology, new prototyping techniques for manufacturing, and improved productivity through interactive and immersive systems, benefiting Australian businesses, healthcare and the arts.Read moreRead less
Mathematical modelling of information flow in social networks. This proposal aims to develop new mathematical and statistical methods to understand information flow in social networks. By using novel information theoretic techniques, it will create new methods to characterise social information flow in social networks. These tools will allow derivation of fundamental limits of predictability for AI methods applied to digital data. New mathematics of information flow will produce insights into so ....Mathematical modelling of information flow in social networks. This proposal aims to develop new mathematical and statistical methods to understand information flow in social networks. By using novel information theoretic techniques, it will create new methods to characterise social information flow in social networks. These tools will allow derivation of fundamental limits of predictability for AI methods applied to digital data. New mathematics of information flow will produce insights into social influence in online social networks. Benefits include: better understanding of how echo chambers may form in social networks, predictive models for how misinformation can spread online such as during an emergency, and a framework for intercomparison of AI methods applied to digital data on individuals. Read moreRead less
Digital China: From cultural presence to innovative nation. This project aims to investigate how digital platforms and technologies help Chinese culture and ideas reach the world. While China's global cultural presence has increased, it is not seen as an innovative nation. The project examines how the Chinese government’s internet+ strategy changes power dynamics among political institutions, commercially motivated digital companies and online communities. The project will investigate internatio ....Digital China: From cultural presence to innovative nation. This project aims to investigate how digital platforms and technologies help Chinese culture and ideas reach the world. While China's global cultural presence has increased, it is not seen as an innovative nation. The project examines how the Chinese government’s internet+ strategy changes power dynamics among political institutions, commercially motivated digital companies and online communities. The project will investigate internationalisation strategies and consumption of Chinese culture on digital platforms in China, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea. It expects to understand the implications of China's digital ascendency and the lessons for Australia in the post-resources boom era.Read moreRead less
Growing up too quickly? Body objectification in adolescent and pre-adolescent girls (teens and tweens). The premature sexualisation of girls is seen as a major public health issue in Australia by government, welfare agencies and the general public alike. While the sexually objectified presentation of children in the media is well documented and unarguable, the consequences for individual psychological well-being are not. The empirical data base provided by the present project will allow the ide ....Growing up too quickly? Body objectification in adolescent and pre-adolescent girls (teens and tweens). The premature sexualisation of girls is seen as a major public health issue in Australia by government, welfare agencies and the general public alike. While the sexually objectified presentation of children in the media is well documented and unarguable, the consequences for individual psychological well-being are not. The empirical data base provided by the present project will allow the identification of girls who might be particularly vulnerable (or resilient) to the effects of objectification and sexualization, as well as suitable targets for intervention. Thus the research seeks to contribute to the well-being of adolescent and pre-adolescent girls (National Research Priority No. 2).
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Cartoon Nation: Australian Editorial Cartooning - Past, Present, and Future. This landmark study aims to facilitate a new scholarly and public appreciation of Australian editorial cartooning: something often celebrated, but seldom studied seriously. At a moment when the art-form is transitioning, the study will elucidate its enduring democratic and cultural significance, revealing diverse stories told through cartoons. Expected project outcomes include: pioneering new scholarship; the enhancemen ....Cartoon Nation: Australian Editorial Cartooning - Past, Present, and Future. This landmark study aims to facilitate a new scholarly and public appreciation of Australian editorial cartooning: something often celebrated, but seldom studied seriously. At a moment when the art-form is transitioning, the study will elucidate its enduring democratic and cultural significance, revealing diverse stories told through cartoons. Expected project outcomes include: pioneering new scholarship; the enhancement of cross-institutional networks; and improved capacity for collaboration between academia and industry (professional bodies and collecting institutions). The project will benefit the nation, providing a truer understanding of the defining Australian sense of humour, press, and political culture, across more than 200 years.Read moreRead less
How effective are disclaimer labels on fashion magazine images? Commentators and researchers from a number of Western countries, including Australia, have suggested that idealised media images in fashion magazines should carry some sort of disclaimer informing readers when these images have been digitally enhanced. The overall aim of this project is to investigate the impact of disclaimer labels on women's mood and body dissatisfaction. Expected outcomes include recommendations to policy makers ....How effective are disclaimer labels on fashion magazine images? Commentators and researchers from a number of Western countries, including Australia, have suggested that idealised media images in fashion magazines should carry some sort of disclaimer informing readers when these images have been digitally enhanced. The overall aim of this project is to investigate the impact of disclaimer labels on women's mood and body dissatisfaction. Expected outcomes include recommendations to policy makers as to the most effective form of intervention, as well as increased theoretical understanding of the operation of disclaimer labels.Read moreRead less
Promoting the making self in the creative micro-economy. The project aims to analyse a new workplace phenomenon: not simply the negotiation of work-life or public-private boundaries, but their deliberate collapse. Focussing on handmade creative micro-enterprise, it aims to identify the 'self-making' skills for success in the competitive 'long tail' craft marketplace. By examining the soft skills required to engage in online retail, the research aims to identify ways of improving the ability of c ....Promoting the making self in the creative micro-economy. The project aims to analyse a new workplace phenomenon: not simply the negotiation of work-life or public-private boundaries, but their deliberate collapse. Focussing on handmade creative micro-enterprise, it aims to identify the 'self-making' skills for success in the competitive 'long tail' craft marketplace. By examining the soft skills required to engage in online retail, the research aims to identify ways of improving the ability of creative Australians to run a micro-enterprise. It endeavours to advance the knowledge base of interdisciplinary scholarship on creative industries, cultural work, and on the impact of social media upon work/life relationships and personal privacy and identity construction.Read moreRead less
Cyberkids and cyberworlds: new literacies, identities and communities in formation. Little is known of the online cyberworlds of young Australians. Yet they are the highest users of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs). This project theorises that these cyberworlds are sites for the development of new forms of literacy, identity and community. This study will achieve a new perspective by utilising a multi-disciplinary approach to produce case studies that examine new literacies an ....Cyberkids and cyberworlds: new literacies, identities and communities in formation. Little is known of the online cyberworlds of young Australians. Yet they are the highest users of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs). This project theorises that these cyberworlds are sites for the development of new forms of literacy, identity and community. This study will achieve a new perspective by utilising a multi-disciplinary approach to produce case studies that examine new literacies and communities generated online and their consequences for literacy and ICT education practice. Such information is vital in Australia and internationally if education is to produce the highly technologically literate citizens on whom future economic prosperity depends.Read moreRead less