Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210101297
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,000.00
Summary
A novel, dictionary-free, multi-contrast MRI method for microscopic imaging. This project aims to develop a novel quantitative imaging technique for comprehensive in vitro and in vivo tissue characterisation on the microscopic scale. The technology innovated in the project could revolutionise microscopic imaging techniques by breaking through the sub-millimetre image resolution bottleneck of current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the e ....A novel, dictionary-free, multi-contrast MRI method for microscopic imaging. This project aims to develop a novel quantitative imaging technique for comprehensive in vitro and in vivo tissue characterisation on the microscopic scale. The technology innovated in the project could revolutionise microscopic imaging techniques by breaking through the sub-millimetre image resolution bottleneck of current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the emerging field of biological imaging and to deliver an integrated imaging platform for mapping various tissue microscopic components at the cellular level. Successful outcomes have the potential for commercialisation and will accelerate a range of fundamental science and engineering studies requiring imaging techniques.Read moreRead less
Robust, valid and interpretable deep learning for quantitative imaging. One of the biggest challenges in employing artificial intelligence is the “black-box” nature of the models used. This project aims to improve the effectiveness and trustworthiness of deep learning within quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. Deep learning has great promise in speeding-up complex image processing tasks, but currently suffers from variable data inputs, predictions are not guaranteed to be plausible and it i ....Robust, valid and interpretable deep learning for quantitative imaging. One of the biggest challenges in employing artificial intelligence is the “black-box” nature of the models used. This project aims to improve the effectiveness and trustworthiness of deep learning within quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. Deep learning has great promise in speeding-up complex image processing tasks, but currently suffers from variable data inputs, predictions are not guaranteed to be plausible and it is not clear to the end user how reliable the results are. The outcomes intend to deliver advanced knowledge and capability in artificial intelligence and machine learning that Australia urgently needs to capitalise on bringing deep learning into practical applications delivering economic, commercial and social impact.Read moreRead less
Multi-Modal Dictionary Learning for Smart City Operation and Management. This Project aims to provide new digital asset management tools for city councils to improve city services by utilising new sensing and automated learning technologies for recognising, tracking and auditing of assets. Currently, there are no digital tools available to handle these services. This project proposes new multi-modal sensing and mapping of city asset techniques by building new multi-modal dictionary learning proc ....Multi-Modal Dictionary Learning for Smart City Operation and Management. This Project aims to provide new digital asset management tools for city councils to improve city services by utilising new sensing and automated learning technologies for recognising, tracking and auditing of assets. Currently, there are no digital tools available to handle these services. This project proposes new multi-modal sensing and mapping of city asset techniques by building new multi-modal dictionary learning procedures. The new framework will recognise different conditions of city assets in real-time to make decisions. Expected outcomes of this Project include integration and easy access of assets with unique digital identities to help city councils, governments, and navigation services for real-time asset monitoring.Read moreRead less
Practical multi-receiver passive radar with low-cost synchronisation. This project aims to address the current challenges of developing practical multi-receiver passive radar systems, through the development of advanced receiver synchronisation techniques, which do not require the deployment of costly infrastructure. The project will develop novel algorithms and techniques that enable synchronous combining of data from multiple radars, allowing for the detection of smaller targets and significan ....Practical multi-receiver passive radar with low-cost synchronisation. This project aims to address the current challenges of developing practical multi-receiver passive radar systems, through the development of advanced receiver synchronisation techniques, which do not require the deployment of costly infrastructure. The project will develop novel algorithms and techniques that enable synchronous combining of data from multiple radars, allowing for the detection of smaller targets and significantly extending the radar coverage zone. The expected outcomes of this project include improved performance of passive radar systems and the advancement of radar technology. The benefits of this project include new applications in areas such as traffic monitoring, drone detection and national security.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190101174
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,000.00
Summary
Building a mechanical quantum memory from superfluid helium. This project aims to implement a quantum computer memory module which can be integrated in a future hybrid quantum computer, where the advantages of different quantum platforms are combined. The memory module will be achieved by coupling a superconducting qubit to the surface vibrations of superfluid helium and exchanging quantum information between the qubit and helium. By simulating chemical reactions, the project expects to find cle ....Building a mechanical quantum memory from superfluid helium. This project aims to implement a quantum computer memory module which can be integrated in a future hybrid quantum computer, where the advantages of different quantum platforms are combined. The memory module will be achieved by coupling a superconducting qubit to the surface vibrations of superfluid helium and exchanging quantum information between the qubit and helium. By simulating chemical reactions, the project expects to find cleaner alternatives of current industrial processes, reducing environmental impact. The outcomes should provide significant benefits for testing the validity of quantum mechanics, and by contributing to the realisation of a quantum computer, contribute to broad socio-economic benefits.Read moreRead less
Developing key vision technology for automation of aquaculture factory. This project aims to investigate structural, coloured textural, and hyperspectral analysis approaches to achieve automated lobster molt-cycle staging and classification to the level required for commercial production. High labour cost, water contamination, and disease transmission are major barriers in Australian bay lobster aquaculture inhibiting its large scale production. Automation of the production process and reducing ....Developing key vision technology for automation of aquaculture factory. This project aims to investigate structural, coloured textural, and hyperspectral analysis approaches to achieve automated lobster molt-cycle staging and classification to the level required for commercial production. High labour cost, water contamination, and disease transmission are major barriers in Australian bay lobster aquaculture inhibiting its large scale production. Automation of the production process and reducing the human contact with animals are of high priority in the development of this Australian-led emerging industry. The project aims to develop technology to bring this world- first aquaculture factory to large scale production, and create new export opportunities for lobsters and production systems.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE200100778
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,000.00
Summary
Mapping the neural circuits that underlie emotional learning. This project aims to understand the precise neural circuits that mediate the formation of emotional memories. Recent findings have identified a novel complexity in these circuits and the goal of this proposal is to resolve the underlying mechanism that drives emotional memories. In detail, this project will combine state of the art dual- optical stimulation techniques combined with behaviour-dependent tagging of neurons to investigate ....Mapping the neural circuits that underlie emotional learning. This project aims to understand the precise neural circuits that mediate the formation of emotional memories. Recent findings have identified a novel complexity in these circuits and the goal of this proposal is to resolve the underlying mechanism that drives emotional memories. In detail, this project will combine state of the art dual- optical stimulation techniques combined with behaviour-dependent tagging of neurons to investigate the precise brain circuits linked to emotional learning, an approach that also allows knowledge transfer to other research fields. Expected outcomes and benefits of the project is a significant shift in our understanding of the neural mechanisms that underlie emotional learning.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE200101300
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,711.00
Summary
Lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage extracellular traps in host defence. The innate immune system is the first line of defence against invading microbes. Macrophages are key innate immune cells that deploy antimicrobial responses to clear infection and restore health. There are many critical unanswered questions on the molecular mechanisms that drive macrophage inflammatory and antimicrobial pathways. This project aims to elucidate a novel inflammatory mechanism that immobilises and kills inva ....Lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage extracellular traps in host defence. The innate immune system is the first line of defence against invading microbes. Macrophages are key innate immune cells that deploy antimicrobial responses to clear infection and restore health. There are many critical unanswered questions on the molecular mechanisms that drive macrophage inflammatory and antimicrobial pathways. This project aims to elucidate a novel inflammatory mechanism that immobilises and kills invading bacteria via newly discovered structures made by dying macrophages called extracellular traps. Insight we gain by interrogating this immune cell signalling pathway, called the non-canonical inflammasome, will add valuable knowledge to our fundamental understanding of mammalian inflammation and anti-microbial responses
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Searching for near-exact protein models. This project aims to develop novel and efficient heuristic-based algorithms leading to near accurate protein tertiary structure models. Knowledge about protein structures is fundamental to our understanding of living systems. The progress on experimental determination of these structures has been extremely limited and remains an open challenge in molecular biology. Computational prediction of protein structures from sequences is emerging as a promising ap ....Searching for near-exact protein models. This project aims to develop novel and efficient heuristic-based algorithms leading to near accurate protein tertiary structure models. Knowledge about protein structures is fundamental to our understanding of living systems. The progress on experimental determination of these structures has been extremely limited and remains an open challenge in molecular biology. Computational prediction of protein structures from sequences is emerging as a promising approach, but its accuracy is far from satisfactory. The software systems developed in this project will be used in structural identification of target proteins in drug design. This will make drug design process more efficient, saving time and cost, potentially saving lives.Read moreRead less
Tuning the activating stimulus of voltage-gated sodium channels. This proposal aims to advance fundamental knowledge about how proteins (ion channels) found on the surface of neurons (brain cells and nerves) function as molecular conduits of cell-to-cell electrical communication. We aim to study how molecular probes and structural parts of these proteins affect the local chemical environment of ion channels, and how this leads to fine tuning of the ion channel's sensitivity to the stimulus that ....Tuning the activating stimulus of voltage-gated sodium channels. This proposal aims to advance fundamental knowledge about how proteins (ion channels) found on the surface of neurons (brain cells and nerves) function as molecular conduits of cell-to-cell electrical communication. We aim to study how molecular probes and structural parts of these proteins affect the local chemical environment of ion channels, and how this leads to fine tuning of the ion channel's sensitivity to the stimulus that activates them (cell membrane voltage).
The conceptual knowledge gained from this project would advance our understanding of a fundamental physiological process and facilitate the development of drugs that regulate ion channel function, such as anti-epileptics, analgesics and insecticides.Read moreRead less