Rapid mapping of genes for complex traits. This project will develop a new resource that will allow rapid identification of genes controlling complex traits. This world-leading resource will improve knowledge of diseases like diabetes and neurological diseases.
Alternative reproductive tactics and threshold evolution. This research is focussed at the highest level in the field of evolutionary biology; testing recent theory for the evolution of alternative reproductive tactics and using these species to test hypotheses about adaptation. The proposal involves collaborations with high-profile researchers from three European countries and will increase Australia's standing as a world-leader in evolutionary biology. Australian students will benefit from exp ....Alternative reproductive tactics and threshold evolution. This research is focussed at the highest level in the field of evolutionary biology; testing recent theory for the evolution of alternative reproductive tactics and using these species to test hypotheses about adaptation. The proposal involves collaborations with high-profile researchers from three European countries and will increase Australia's standing as a world-leader in evolutionary biology. Australian students will benefit from exposure to high quality international collaborators. We will also increase our understanding of the biology of the European earwig, a pest species in Australia. Reproductive tactics are exciting topics for media attention and this research will reach a wide and interested Australian and world audience.Read moreRead less
Quantifying condition-dependence in sexual selection. This research centres on testing evolutionary models of sexual selection. The project has relevance for understanding the role of mutations in reducing the fitness of populations and hence has implications for the conservation of endangered species and for human health. The research also investigates how investment in one trait, such as horns, will take resources away from another, like muscle. This has implications for animal production. The ....Quantifying condition-dependence in sexual selection. This research centres on testing evolutionary models of sexual selection. The project has relevance for understanding the role of mutations in reducing the fitness of populations and hence has implications for the conservation of endangered species and for human health. The research also investigates how investment in one trait, such as horns, will take resources away from another, like muscle. This has implications for animal production. The project utilises pest species as research models and will hence provide further understanding of pest life-history, knowledge critical to the success of control programmes. Australian science will further benefit through the research fellow's established collaborations with international scientists.Read moreRead less
Sources of genetic and phenotypic variation in sexual selection. This project will contribute towards Australia's reputation as a country where excellent and original research in evolutionary biology is conducted. The project will focus on the evolution of mate choice in the Western Australian rainbowfish, which has never been formally studied. Our research will therefore work towards a better understanding of Australian native fauna. Conceptually, the work encompasses new and innovative experim ....Sources of genetic and phenotypic variation in sexual selection. This project will contribute towards Australia's reputation as a country where excellent and original research in evolutionary biology is conducted. The project will focus on the evolution of mate choice in the Western Australian rainbowfish, which has never been formally studied. Our research will therefore work towards a better understanding of Australian native fauna. Conceptually, the work encompasses new and innovative experimental procedures that will address fundamental questions in sexual selection. The results will ultimately be geared towards publication in the highest ranking journals, thereby promoting Australian science on the international stage. Australian science will further benefit from the training of young scientists.Read moreRead less
Postcopulatory sexual selection and intraspecific variation in sperm competition traits. This project will contribute towards Australia's burgeoning reputation as a country where excellent and original research in behavioural ecology and evolution is conducted. By focusing on the evolution and function of sperm and genitalic traits, the project will address fundamental questions at the core of contemporary evolutionary research, thereby yielding results that will have a significant international ....Postcopulatory sexual selection and intraspecific variation in sperm competition traits. This project will contribute towards Australia's burgeoning reputation as a country where excellent and original research in behavioural ecology and evolution is conducted. By focusing on the evolution and function of sperm and genitalic traits, the project will address fundamental questions at the core of contemporary evolutionary research, thereby yielding results that will have a significant international impact. Australian science will further benefit from the research fellow's established collaborations with international scientists and through the training of young scientists.Read moreRead less
Testing the costs and benefits of gene flow. The mixing of individuals from different populations has traditionally been viewed as beneficial because it maintains genetic variation and offsets the deleterious effects of inbreeding. However, this practice can also have detrimental effects on the fitness of populations. In this project field and laboratory experiments will test whether the benefits gained by mixing of individuals from different populations outweigh the costs or vice versa. In add ....Testing the costs and benefits of gene flow. The mixing of individuals from different populations has traditionally been viewed as beneficial because it maintains genetic variation and offsets the deleterious effects of inbreeding. However, this practice can also have detrimental effects on the fitness of populations. In this project field and laboratory experiments will test whether the benefits gained by mixing of individuals from different populations outweigh the costs or vice versa. In addition to providing information essential for the management of endangered species, the results will provide valuable insights on the processes that determine species' ranges and how new species evolve.Read moreRead less
Nonlinear spatial and spatiotemporal econometrics: theory with applications. Modern societies like Australia have major challenges in the forecasting, measuring and managing of risks associated with global economic and environmental/climate changes. These tasks require advanced econometric techniques in modelling and forecasting of complex nonlinear spatiotemporal variability in economic and social systems. This project will develop frontier econometric technologies that enable more accurate eco ....Nonlinear spatial and spatiotemporal econometrics: theory with applications. Modern societies like Australia have major challenges in the forecasting, measuring and managing of risks associated with global economic and environmental/climate changes. These tasks require advanced econometric techniques in modelling and forecasting of complex nonlinear spatiotemporal variability in economic and social systems. This project will develop frontier econometric technologies that enable more accurate economic and climate forecasts. The tools produced will provide Australia's scientists and policy-makers with a greater capacity to manage the risks associated with these challenges. A side-benefit of the research will be high-quality publications that enhance the nation's reputation in this cutting edge research.Read moreRead less
Nonlinear Panel Data Econometrics: Theory and Practice. This research addresses the ARC National Research Priorities Goal of 'An Environmentally Sustainable Australia', specifically 'Reducing and capturing emissions in transport and energy generation'. Avoiding, managing, and/or adapting to the climate change impacts is now the most pressing global environmental problem. This project will produce tangible and original insights into policy options for institutional adjustment to future climate ....Nonlinear Panel Data Econometrics: Theory and Practice. This research addresses the ARC National Research Priorities Goal of 'An Environmentally Sustainable Australia', specifically 'Reducing and capturing emissions in transport and energy generation'. Avoiding, managing, and/or adapting to the climate change impacts is now the most pressing global environmental problem. This project will produce tangible and original insights into policy options for institutional adjustment to future climate change in Australia; will provide insight into the scope for positive community behavioural change; and possible transformations in Australian social debate to maximise adaptive capacity. It will also strengthen and produce original conceptual approaches and research methods.Read moreRead less
Bifurcation analysis with applications to design of power electronics systems. This project represents a fundamental study of nonlinear dynamics in power electronics systems. We expect that this project will result in knowledge advancement and technological innovations. In particular, rigorous algorithms will be resulted for the identification and analysis of nonlinear phenomena in power electronics systems. Special attention will be paid to design applications of power electronics systems. The ....Bifurcation analysis with applications to design of power electronics systems. This project represents a fundamental study of nonlinear dynamics in power electronics systems. We expect that this project will result in knowledge advancement and technological innovations. In particular, rigorous algorithms will be resulted for the identification and analysis of nonlinear phenomena in power electronics systems. Special attention will be paid to design applications of power electronics systems. The successful implementation of these methods and algorithms will definitely lead to development of frontier technology in engineering science, which is a National Priority Goal. Read moreRead less
Sustainable fiscal federalism and reform of the GST distribution system. The primary source of funds for Australian States and Territories is GST revenue distributed by the Commonwealth using an equalisation formula that has proved to be politically unsustainable and in recent times manifestly inadequate to provide the revenue needed in response to crises and natural disasters. A tipping point has been reached and reform is urgently needed. Drawing on international experience with GST distributi ....Sustainable fiscal federalism and reform of the GST distribution system. The primary source of funds for Australian States and Territories is GST revenue distributed by the Commonwealth using an equalisation formula that has proved to be politically unsustainable and in recent times manifestly inadequate to provide the revenue needed in response to crises and natural disasters. A tipping point has been reached and reform is urgently needed. Drawing on international experience with GST distributions specifically and fiscal federalism more generally, the project aims to develop a reform blueprint for a sustainable and equitable fiscal federalism regime in Australia that best aligns with Australia’s current and long-term fiscal needs.Read moreRead less