Partially Observable MDPs, Monte Carlo Methods, and Sustainable Fisheries. Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs) provide a general mathematical framework for sequential decision making under uncertainty. However, solving POMDPs effectively under realistic assumptions remains a challenging problem. This project aims to develop new efficient Monte Carlo algorithms to significantly advance the application of POMDPs to real-world decision problems involving complex action spaces an ....Partially Observable MDPs, Monte Carlo Methods, and Sustainable Fisheries. Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs) provide a general mathematical framework for sequential decision making under uncertainty. However, solving POMDPs effectively under realistic assumptions remains a challenging problem. This project aims to develop new efficient Monte Carlo algorithms to significantly advance the application of POMDPs to real-world decision problems involving complex action spaces and system dynamics. Both theoretical and algorithmic approaches will be applied to sustainable fishery management --- an important problem for Australia and an ideal context for POMDPs. The project will advance research in artificial intelligence, dynamical systems, and fishery operations, and benefit the national economy.Read moreRead less
A disease of the brain: how do neurobiological explanations of addiction influence the attitudes and behaviour of smokers? This project explores the impact of promoting addiction as a "brain disease" on smokers' confidence in their ability to quit smoking, and the methods they use to quit. This is essential to inform public health policies designed to reduce the burden of tobacco related harms.
Architectural design to improve Indigenous health outcomes. The project seeks to develop evidence-based knowledge on what Indigenous clients find supportive or stressful in health care settings, to formulate recommendations for architectural design and service delivery. Many Indigenous people fail to present for health care until chronically ill, due to fear or dislike of health services and their settings. This project aims to understand how design in healthcare architecture across different bu ....Architectural design to improve Indigenous health outcomes. The project seeks to develop evidence-based knowledge on what Indigenous clients find supportive or stressful in health care settings, to formulate recommendations for architectural design and service delivery. Many Indigenous people fail to present for health care until chronically ill, due to fear or dislike of health services and their settings. This project aims to understand how design in healthcare architecture across different building scales and services (clinics, hospitals, waiting rooms, wards etc) affects Indigenous people’s use and perceptions of these environments and consequent motivation to access health care services. Developing innovative and adaptable research methods, the project seeks to identify the necessary architectural design changes for health settings to facilitate access for Indigenous people.Read moreRead less