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Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240101261
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,347.00
Summary
Carbon-negative concrete produced with innovative artificial aggregates. To achieve net-zero carbon emissions in Australia by 2050, this project proposes to develop carbon-negative concrete using two typical industrial wastes, recycled powder from construction and demolition waste and drinking water treatment sludge from the water industry. This project first aims to develop innovative artificial aggregates containing sludge-derived biochar and recycled powder under carbonation curing. The devel ....Carbon-negative concrete produced with innovative artificial aggregates. To achieve net-zero carbon emissions in Australia by 2050, this project proposes to develop carbon-negative concrete using two typical industrial wastes, recycled powder from construction and demolition waste and drinking water treatment sludge from the water industry. This project first aims to develop innovative artificial aggregates containing sludge-derived biochar and recycled powder under carbonation curing. The developed artificial aggregates with superior carbon absorption capacity are then used to produce carbon-negative concrete. The properties of artificial aggregates and carbon-negative concrete will be comprehensively investigated. This project creates a green engineering solution to stockpiled industrial wastes.
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Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100798
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$433,000.00
Summary
Novel multinary intermetallic compounds for water electrolysis. This project aims to make breakthrough developments in producing high performance water splitting electrocatalysts based on high-entropy intermetallic compounds (HEIMCs) by understanding their processing-structure-catalysis relationships. The project will generate new knowledge on how to enhance that performance by the combined effect of nanoscale atomic ordering and lattice distortion via alloying. Expected outcomes will be an enha ....Novel multinary intermetallic compounds for water electrolysis. This project aims to make breakthrough developments in producing high performance water splitting electrocatalysts based on high-entropy intermetallic compounds (HEIMCs) by understanding their processing-structure-catalysis relationships. The project will generate new knowledge on how to enhance that performance by the combined effect of nanoscale atomic ordering and lattice distortion via alloying. Expected outcomes will be an enhanced capacity to develop and commercialise HEIMCs with functional properties superior to current hydrogen production catalysts. Anticipated benefits will be reduced consumption of fossil fuels, development of renewable clean energy, and stimulation of economic development to Australian mining industries. Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120101562
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Quantifying the contribution of leaf vein networks to the leaf economics spectrum in native and agricultural species. Using a combination of eco-physiological and geometric measures this project will evaluate the influence of leaf vein networks on leaf economics. It is expected that this work will identify vein investment and network design as major sources of variability underlying species adaptive strategies, and the global leaf economics spectrum as a whole.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170101249
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Polymers with controllable networks. This project aims to understand the mechanism and molecular level factors controlling the network flexibility, reversibility and rapid curing of cross-linked polymer structures. A highly formable, rapidly curing polymer network could improve manufacture of composites where a fibre material is embedded in a polymer matrix. The key challenges for these materials are achieving high rates of production (one part per minute) and end of life recyclability. Expected ....Polymers with controllable networks. This project aims to understand the mechanism and molecular level factors controlling the network flexibility, reversibility and rapid curing of cross-linked polymer structures. A highly formable, rapidly curing polymer network could improve manufacture of composites where a fibre material is embedded in a polymer matrix. The key challenges for these materials are achieving high rates of production (one part per minute) and end of life recyclability. Expected outcomes are polymer materials with tailorable properties and the uptake of lightweight composite materials into mass transport systems.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210100375
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,191.00
Summary
Defining single-strand DNA break repair capacity in oocytes. This project aims to investigate fundamental biological mechanisms required for the production of high-quality oocytes, which fortify female fertility and the propagation of all sexually reproducing species. Exploiting unique mouse models, this study will define the importance of single strand DNA break repair capacity in oocytes for the first time, by outlining the role of single strand DNA repair proteins in maintaining genetic integ ....Defining single-strand DNA break repair capacity in oocytes. This project aims to investigate fundamental biological mechanisms required for the production of high-quality oocytes, which fortify female fertility and the propagation of all sexually reproducing species. Exploiting unique mouse models, this study will define the importance of single strand DNA break repair capacity in oocytes for the first time, by outlining the role of single strand DNA repair proteins in maintaining genetic integrity of gametes throughout their lifespan. In doing so, the intended outcome of this project is to dramatically improve our understanding of quality control in the female germ line. This should provide significant benefits to Australia by positioning it as a world leader in the field of Reproductive Science.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130100906
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,150.00
Summary
Nanoengineering of low-CO2 geopolymer cements. With increasing pressure for Australia to use environmentally-conscious building materials, geopolymer concrete is an important emerging alternative to traditional concretes. This project will enhance use of this new material by discovering how to control performance and durability through nanoscale experiments and atom-based simulations.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120100307
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Determining organellar gene expression in distinct cell types: a missing piece of the puzzle for the transfer of C4 photosynthesis into C3 plants. Enhancing photosynthesis in plants will boost yields in essential food crops, such as rice, and thus offers significant implications for satisfying an increasing global demand for food. This project will investigate the photosynthetic mechanisms that exist in known high performing crops, for application in plants used in adverse climates.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210100398
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$448,365.00
Summary
The Life And Death Of Plant Genes. My recent work has demonstrated that in contrast to animal genes, many plant genes show presence/absence variation within a species, with associated trait variation. In this project, I will explore models of gene birth and death by comparing genomes of Brassicaceae, including the model Arabidopsis and Brassica crop species. By comparing many genomes I will learn how new genes were born. I will build models that predict the likelihood of gene loss based on a gen ....The Life And Death Of Plant Genes. My recent work has demonstrated that in contrast to animal genes, many plant genes show presence/absence variation within a species, with associated trait variation. In this project, I will explore models of gene birth and death by comparing genomes of Brassicaceae, including the model Arabidopsis and Brassica crop species. By comparing many genomes I will learn how new genes were born. I will build models that predict the likelihood of gene loss based on a gene’s physical environment, function, and expression. The project will build on our understanding of plant genetic diversity. Expected outcomes of this research include the identification of key genomic elements in gene birth and loss and support strategies to improve plant cultivars.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150100825
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Characterization of Novel Import/Assembly Pathways in Plant Mitochondria. In addition to their central role in metabolism, plant mitochondria have emerged as important hubs for both sensing and responding to a variety of stimuli. However, as yet there are still many unanswered basic questions about how mitochondria are built in plant cells. This project aims to characterise two novel protein import/assembly pathways, specifically, the newly identified twin-arginine translocation (Tat) protein as ....Characterization of Novel Import/Assembly Pathways in Plant Mitochondria. In addition to their central role in metabolism, plant mitochondria have emerged as important hubs for both sensing and responding to a variety of stimuli. However, as yet there are still many unanswered basic questions about how mitochondria are built in plant cells. This project aims to characterise two novel protein import/assembly pathways, specifically, the newly identified twin-arginine translocation (Tat) protein assembly pathway, and the disulphide relay system of the mitochondrial intermembrane space which displays unique characteristics compared to other systems. A mechanistic understanding of these pathways can be used to design novel strategies to alter plant growth and performance.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230100338
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$448,721.00
Summary
Enabling solid state metal recycling with new numerical techniques. This project performs modelling to help develop an additive metal manufacturing process that makes use of scrap as input feed. It will develop new understanding of the key physical aspects of friction stir additive manufacturing and build a new efficient yet accurate continuum thermo-mechanical model for its simulation. This technology will enable metal deposition at rates an order of magnitude greater than conventional powder a ....Enabling solid state metal recycling with new numerical techniques. This project performs modelling to help develop an additive metal manufacturing process that makes use of scrap as input feed. It will develop new understanding of the key physical aspects of friction stir additive manufacturing and build a new efficient yet accurate continuum thermo-mechanical model for its simulation. This technology will enable metal deposition at rates an order of magnitude greater than conventional powder additive manufacturing methods. The new computational approach will be used to create processing and design maps. The work will facilitate greater use of high metal scrap and pave the way for more robust supply chains and new business models with application in automotive, mining, aerospace and military sectors.Read moreRead less