To eat or not to eat? How symbiotic bacteria manipulate the phagocytic behaviour of their eukaryotic host. Bacteria often live in close association with eukaryotic cells, ranging from simple amoeba to humans. This project will identify key factors that control their interactions and will yield important information on the evolution of beneficial or harmful relationships.
Improving access to phylogenomic resources for under-resourced species: a new look at existing tools. This project will have an impact on our understanding of how to most effectively use existing genomic resources to benefit a wider range of species and to better design new genomic resources. By doing so, improved access to genomic resources will be provided to species that currently have few options.
Asgard archaea: the first eukaryotic cells? . This project aims to uncover the role of unique microorganisms (Asgard archaea) in the origin of eukaryotes. These archaea may represent a ‘missing-link’ in eukaryotic evolution and are in abundance in the stromatolites in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Employing an innovative and interdisciplinary approach of cutting-edge molecular biology and high-resolution microscopy, this project expects to generate insights into fundamental aspects of evolution ....Asgard archaea: the first eukaryotic cells? . This project aims to uncover the role of unique microorganisms (Asgard archaea) in the origin of eukaryotes. These archaea may represent a ‘missing-link’ in eukaryotic evolution and are in abundance in the stromatolites in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Employing an innovative and interdisciplinary approach of cutting-edge molecular biology and high-resolution microscopy, this project expects to generate insights into fundamental aspects of evolution and cell biology. Expected outcomes include the discovery of unique branches of life and the proposal of new models for the emergence of eukaryotes. This research should allow for benefits across a spectrum of environmental and social gains, including improved ties with Indigenous communities.Read moreRead less
Genetic mechanisms of metabolic control and thermal sensing during thermoregulation. This research will significantly advance understanding of how animals can respond to climate change, and the results will benefit wildlife management processes. The proposed research will lead to collaboration with Prof. Ken Storey an ISI highly cited author and expert in microarray analysis. The cDNA microarray for Crocodylus porosus which I will construct in the proposed research will be a valuable resource ....Genetic mechanisms of metabolic control and thermal sensing during thermoregulation. This research will significantly advance understanding of how animals can respond to climate change, and the results will benefit wildlife management processes. The proposed research will lead to collaboration with Prof. Ken Storey an ISI highly cited author and expert in microarray analysis. The cDNA microarray for Crocodylus porosus which I will construct in the proposed research will be a valuable resource for Australia by increasing collaborations, and it will help find the cause of problems prevalent in the crocodile industry such as runt animals that significantly decrease production efficiency.Read moreRead less
1989 and the rule of law revolution. This project explores three elements of the post-1989 worldwide rule of law revolution: constitutionalism, 'dealing with the past', and rule of law promotion. Australia increasingly seeks to promote the rule of law internationally, but these efforts draw on an inadequate base of knowledge and theory. This project work will expand that base.
Bridling Autocrats: Limiting Executive Power in Authoritarian Polities. This project will analyse the dynamics of elite politics in authoritarian polities, focusing in particular upon how members of the elite try to constrain would-be dictators. By showing the different patterns of elite politics in different types of authoritarian systems, the project will interrogate one of the most curious aspects of contemporary international politics, why so many authoritarian regimes have been able to stab ....Bridling Autocrats: Limiting Executive Power in Authoritarian Polities. This project will analyse the dynamics of elite politics in authoritarian polities, focusing in particular upon how members of the elite try to constrain would-be dictators. By showing the different patterns of elite politics in different types of authoritarian systems, the project will interrogate one of the most curious aspects of contemporary international politics, why so many authoritarian regimes have been able to stabilise themselves in an era commonly seen as being one of democratic advance. Understanding authoritarian elite politics and their implications for regime survival is of significant policy interest.Read moreRead less
Strategies for the stabilisation of authoritarian rule: Russia in comparative perspective. This project will explore why authoritarian rule has been consolidated in post-Soviet Russia. By analysing this in a comparative context, the project will also explore why so many countries are characterised by non-democratic political systems in this so-called age of democracy.
Responses of reptiles to fluctuating thermal environments: behaviour or biochemistry? I propose a conceptual shift in the way thermal physiology of reptiles is interpreted, questioning the predominant role of behaviour in reptilian thermoregulation. I will test the hypothesis that changes in cellular biochemistry are an important mechanism by which reptiles respond to environmental fluctuations. I will determine the relationship between metabolic enzyme activity and performance functions, and ....Responses of reptiles to fluctuating thermal environments: behaviour or biochemistry? I propose a conceptual shift in the way thermal physiology of reptiles is interpreted, questioning the predominant role of behaviour in reptilian thermoregulation. I will test the hypothesis that changes in cellular biochemistry are an important mechanism by which reptiles respond to environmental fluctuations. I will determine the relationship between metabolic enzyme activity and performance functions, and the results may call for a re-assessment of current concepts such as the notion that reptiles must achieve "preferred" body temperatures to maintain performance.Read moreRead less
New models of co-operative federalism in Australia: constitutional principles and practice. This project will research the effect of intergovernmental co-operation, through bodies such as the Council of Australian Governments, on Australia's system of constitutional democracy. It will determine how federal governance can be made more effective while respecting State autonomy and maintaining parliamentary and public accountability.
A comparative study of the prerogative and reserve powers in Commonwealth nations. This project will compare and analyse the exercise of unwritten executive powers (such as emergency powers and the power to dismiss governments) in Commonwealth countries with similar systems of government to ours. It will assist in developing good governance in our region and a better understanding of the limits of executive power in Australia.