Future copper metallurgy for the age of e-mobility and the circular economy. Copper, nickel, cobalt, chromium and tin metals are essential for the manufacture of new battery materials, electrical and electronic devices and technologies that will enable the global transition to sustainable energy systems. There are major technical challenges associated with the industrial scale high temperature production, separation and recycling of these metals. The aim of the present study is develop advanced ....Future copper metallurgy for the age of e-mobility and the circular economy. Copper, nickel, cobalt, chromium and tin metals are essential for the manufacture of new battery materials, electrical and electronic devices and technologies that will enable the global transition to sustainable energy systems. There are major technical challenges associated with the industrial scale high temperature production, separation and recycling of these metals. The aim of the present study is develop advanced chemical thermodynamic databases and models that can be used to predict the outcomes of these complex chemical reactions, and in doing so provide the industry with the vital fundamental scientific information and tools needed to be able to design and improve new, more efficient metal production and recycling technologies. Read moreRead less
Sustainable copper metallurgy and recycling – saving energy and resources. This project aims to develop new, powerful and sophisticated, computer-based models that can reliably predict the results of chemical reactions in complex, high temperature metal production processes. This project expects to use these models, initially applied to copper smelting systems, to enable the improved recycling of other valuable metals. These models should be able to be applied to a wide range of technologies use ....Sustainable copper metallurgy and recycling – saving energy and resources. This project aims to develop new, powerful and sophisticated, computer-based models that can reliably predict the results of chemical reactions in complex, high temperature metal production processes. This project expects to use these models, initially applied to copper smelting systems, to enable the improved recycling of other valuable metals. These models should be able to be applied to a wide range of technologies used in the metallurgical industry as most of the world’s metals are produced by these pyrometallurgical processes. This should provide significant benefits such as substantial improvements in productivity and process efficiencies, whilst at the same time delivering energy savings and improved use of valuable metal resources.Read moreRead less
Thermodynamic basis for ironmaking and slag recycling in circular economy. This project aims to develop new, powerful state-of-the-art computer-based tools to predict the outcomes of complex chemical reactions, high-temperature ironmaking and slag recycling processes. Globally, over 1 billion tonnes of iron are produced each year consuming 30 billion billion (Quintillion) Joules energy! and creating over 300 million tonnes of molten oxides (slags). Our industry partners need new advanced thermod ....Thermodynamic basis for ironmaking and slag recycling in circular economy. This project aims to develop new, powerful state-of-the-art computer-based tools to predict the outcomes of complex chemical reactions, high-temperature ironmaking and slag recycling processes. Globally, over 1 billion tonnes of iron are produced each year consuming 30 billion billion (Quintillion) Joules energy! and creating over 300 million tonnes of molten oxides (slags). Our industry partners need new advanced thermodynamic databases and computer models with which to optimise their major industrial processes and develop new technologies. By delivering these tools, this project expects to benefit both industry and the community through improved process efficiencies, and reductions in energy usage, pollutants, and environmental impacts.
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Innovative thermodynamic process control - the key to sustainable metal use. Large amounts of electronic goods such as computers and mobile phones are discarded each year in Australia. They contain both valuable and toxic metals so dumping them as landfill is unacceptable. Australia has a smelting method which could be adapted to reprocess this waste to recover the valuable metals, returning them for reuse. It would also safely handle the toxics. This project will determine the appropriate s ....Innovative thermodynamic process control - the key to sustainable metal use. Large amounts of electronic goods such as computers and mobile phones are discarded each year in Australia. They contain both valuable and toxic metals so dumping them as landfill is unacceptable. Australia has a smelting method which could be adapted to reprocess this waste to recover the valuable metals, returning them for reuse. It would also safely handle the toxics. This project will determine the appropriate smelting strategies and control methods. As a result, transportation of toxic materials overseas will be eliminated, environmental hazards will be reduced and our sustainable use of metals will be increased.Read moreRead less
Subtype selectivity and functional bias of receptor positive allosteric modulators for understanding models of pulmonary disease. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are an important superfamily of proteins that are involved in a myriad of physiological processes and a wide range of serious illnesses. This project seeks to gain a more detailed understanding of new mechanisms of GPCR modulation and function that will be of direct relevance to drug discovery.
Structural modification of conus-derived venom peptides- A route to new therapeutics. Current product deficiencies in the area of pain management are forcing the pharmaceutical industry to develop new strategies for achieving analgesia and reduce their dependence on traditional, addictive opiate-based products. Structural modification of Conus derived peptides will provide exciting new leads for achieving effective analgesia.
Data-driven monitoring of raceway dynamics in ironmaking blast furnaces. Raceway dynamics in ironmaking blast furnaces affect operational stability and cost considerably, yet their dynamic behaviour has not been well monitored online. The project aims to develop a data-driven model for monitoring the internal state of gas-solid-powder reacting flow in the raceway and predicting raceway anomalies online. It will be achieved by combining particle-fluid numerical simulations with data processing an ....Data-driven monitoring of raceway dynamics in ironmaking blast furnaces. Raceway dynamics in ironmaking blast furnaces affect operational stability and cost considerably, yet their dynamic behaviour has not been well monitored online. The project aims to develop a data-driven model for monitoring the internal state of gas-solid-powder reacting flow in the raceway and predicting raceway anomalies online. It will be achieved by combining particle-fluid numerical simulations with data processing and reduced-order state observer, supported by lab/plant experiments, and collaborating with two industry partners from coal and steel industries. The project outcomes including codes, models and raceway control strategies can help promote Australian metallurgical coal's global markets and ultimately the Australian economy.Read moreRead less
Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion- A new route to therapeutics of chronic inflammatory disease. Chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, affect millions of people leading to considerable suffering, economic loss and premature death. Anti-TNF treatments have recently shown success in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions, however, a substantial number of patients (~50%) do not re ....Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion- A new route to therapeutics of chronic inflammatory disease. Chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, affect millions of people leading to considerable suffering, economic loss and premature death. Anti-TNF treatments have recently shown success in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions, however, a substantial number of patients (~50%) do not respond to the current TNF treatments. Improved anti-TNF strategies would provide enhanced health outcomes and welcome relief to many Australians. In addition, the economic benefit of the TNF market is very substantial. Therefore the potential impact of this research is very high both for health care and economical potential.Read moreRead less
New Lead-Free Brass Solutions for Drinking Water Applications. The aim of this Linkage Project is to provide viable material solutions to address the health problem of Lead-contamination in drinking water arising from Leaded-brass plumbing products and the impact Lead-removal from brass will have on the brass industry. In order to achieve this, this project engages leading multidisciplinary researchers along with Australian and international industry partners from across the brass industry suppl ....New Lead-Free Brass Solutions for Drinking Water Applications. The aim of this Linkage Project is to provide viable material solutions to address the health problem of Lead-contamination in drinking water arising from Leaded-brass plumbing products and the impact Lead-removal from brass will have on the brass industry. In order to achieve this, this project engages leading multidisciplinary researchers along with Australian and international industry partners from across the brass industry supply and sales network. This project seeks to identify and harness the key material-product attributes required to develop and implement new, lead-free alloy alternatives that meet health-compliance, production and commercial viability, that offer benefits across the industry network and health benefits to society.Read moreRead less
Rational structure-based drug design of protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Protein tyrosine kinases (PTK) are a large, pivotal family of signalling molecules implicated in diseases such as cancer and immune-related disorders, that cause significant morbidity and mortality within the population. This research proposal aims to develop PTK-specific small molecule inhibitors to combat such diseases. Cytopia's drug discovery capability, coupled with the X-ray crystallographic expertise within Monas ....Rational structure-based drug design of protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Protein tyrosine kinases (PTK) are a large, pivotal family of signalling molecules implicated in diseases such as cancer and immune-related disorders, that cause significant morbidity and mortality within the population. This research proposal aims to develop PTK-specific small molecule inhibitors to combat such diseases. Cytopia's drug discovery capability, coupled with the X-ray crystallographic expertise within Monash University, will permit a rational, structure-based drug discovery platform to be established. The ultimate goal of this innovative and mutlidisciplinary approach, namely a portfolio of phase I therapeutics, will be of substantial benefit in the medical health area.Read moreRead less