The Births and Deaths of Stars. This project aims to investigate how the formation of planets and their stars are intertwined, by determining the ages, masses and compositions of the stars to unprecedented precision. It will probe the nature of compact remnants left behind when stars undergo supernova explosions by using an innovative approach to studying the motions of stars through space. Expected outcomes include the discovery of the closest supernova remnants to Earth, and detailed character ....The Births and Deaths of Stars. This project aims to investigate how the formation of planets and their stars are intertwined, by determining the ages, masses and compositions of the stars to unprecedented precision. It will probe the nature of compact remnants left behind when stars undergo supernova explosions by using an innovative approach to studying the motions of stars through space. Expected outcomes include the discovery of the closest supernova remnants to Earth, and detailed characterisations of the orbits of several hundred binary stars to reveal how stars form. This should provide significant benefits to major Australian astronomical surveys that are trying to understand Earth’s place within our Galaxy.Read moreRead less
Single-molecule optofluidics: streamlining high-throughput engineering and analysis of proteins and protein assemblies. This project aims at creating novel technologies for high-throughput engineering and analysis of proteins with single-molecule sensitivity. The platform will considerably accelerate the generation of protein-based diagnostics, new vaccines and therapeutics; it will foster collaborations with industry putting Australia at the forefront of protein research.
Hetero-epitaxial silicon carbide: enabling wide-band-gap semiconductors on silicon for greener technologies. In the next decade wide band gap materials will unlock vast potential for a capillary outreach of smart heterogeneous devices, improving energy efficiency and lessening our carbon footprint. This project will aim at major breakthroughs, enabling this pressing technological demand, and putting Australia at the leading edge of this revolution.
School retention and second chance schooling. This project is concerned with ensuring that students who experience systemic disadvantage are not excluded from the benefits of a formal education. It provides an account and critique of the growth of second chance schooling options catering to such students in both Australia and the UK.
All-Metal Nanoporous Materials as Highly Active Electrocatalysts. This project aims to create new avenues for well-controlled large-scale synthesis of hierarchical nanoporous platinum-based architectures, and develop applications for the resultant new electrocatalysts. Developing novel high-performance, low-cost, and long-life electrode catalysts can improve the efficiency, cost, and durability of energy conversion technology. The project plans to use the unique properties of well-defined nanoar ....All-Metal Nanoporous Materials as Highly Active Electrocatalysts. This project aims to create new avenues for well-controlled large-scale synthesis of hierarchical nanoporous platinum-based architectures, and develop applications for the resultant new electrocatalysts. Developing novel high-performance, low-cost, and long-life electrode catalysts can improve the efficiency, cost, and durability of energy conversion technology. The project plans to use the unique properties of well-defined nanoarchitectures to reduce platinum content and to improve electrocatalytic performance. Nanoporous systems in electrocatalysts can provide more active sites and effective surface permeability, which should enhance catalytic activity. Project outcomes may also contribute to our understanding of the relationships among morphologies, pore structures, surface atomic structures and catalytic activities to guide the development of other kinds of high performance nanoporous catalysts.Read moreRead less
Nanoscale control of energy and matter for future energy-efficient technologies. Unprecedented control of energy and matter in nanoscale fabrication will be achieved using non-equilibrium self-organised plasma-solid systems. The outcomes will lead to energy-efficient, environment- and human-health-friendly production of nanomaterials for future energy, health, information, food, water, environmental and security technologies.