Designer solvents to control reaction outcome. This project aims to control outcomes of chemical reactions using specifically designed ionic liquids as solvents. Ionic liquids are distinct from molecular solvents and are underused due to the limited understanding of their effects on chemical processes. We are developing a predictive framework to explain such effects and this project aims to exploit this new knowledge, using both new and rarely applied ionic liquids to control reaction outcomes. ....Designer solvents to control reaction outcome. This project aims to control outcomes of chemical reactions using specifically designed ionic liquids as solvents. Ionic liquids are distinct from molecular solvents and are underused due to the limited understanding of their effects on chemical processes. We are developing a predictive framework to explain such effects and this project aims to exploit this new knowledge, using both new and rarely applied ionic liquids to control reaction outcomes. The significance lies in the ability to optimise reaction outcomes without the need for solvent screening. The innovation lies in the measurement of microscopic interactions between solvent and reagents, and the use of these interactions to affect a given process.Read moreRead less
Examining scientific, philosophical, and folk perspectives on time=. This project aims to consider three very different physical theories, each of which reconciles quantum mechanics and general and special relativity in a different way. While science is more accessible than ever, we are increasingly faced with a scientific world-view that is antithetical to the way we see the world and experience ourselves in it. This project will consider the tension between the scientific picture of the world ....Examining scientific, philosophical, and folk perspectives on time=. This project aims to consider three very different physical theories, each of which reconciles quantum mechanics and general and special relativity in a different way. While science is more accessible than ever, we are increasingly faced with a scientific world-view that is antithetical to the way we see the world and experience ourselves in it. This project will consider the tension between the scientific picture of the world and our experience of the world, and aims to reconcile the two by bridging the gap between lived experience and scientific findings. The project will provide a range of ways of bridging the tension between these physical theories with our lived experience.Read moreRead less
ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science. This Centre aims to manipulate the way light energy is absorbed, transported and transformed in advanced molecular materials. The research programme spans high-throughput computational screening, single molecule photochemistry and ultrafast spectroscopy and embraces innovative outreach and commercial translation activities. The Centre plans to capture the knowledge generated as new intellectual property, materials processing know-how, and through the ....ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science. This Centre aims to manipulate the way light energy is absorbed, transported and transformed in advanced molecular materials. The research programme spans high-throughput computational screening, single molecule photochemistry and ultrafast spectroscopy and embraces innovative outreach and commercial translation activities. The Centre plans to capture the knowledge generated as new intellectual property, materials processing know-how, and through the creation of new employment opportunities. The expected outcomes and benefits include new Australian technologies in solar energy conversion, energy-efficient lighting and displays, security labelling and optical sensor platforms for defence.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Training Centres - Grant ID: IC200100023
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,920,490.00
Summary
ARC Training Centre for The Global Hydrogen Economy. The centre aims to transform Australia into a hydrogen powerhouse by building enabling capacity in hydrogen innovation in a short timeframe. Australia is well-positioned to capitalise on the emerging global growth of hydrogen, however to be competitive and produce at scale, we need cost-effective hydrogen technologies and capabilities for transitioning hydrogen into industries. This innovative, five-year program will generate new technologies ....ARC Training Centre for The Global Hydrogen Economy. The centre aims to transform Australia into a hydrogen powerhouse by building enabling capacity in hydrogen innovation in a short timeframe. Australia is well-positioned to capitalise on the emerging global growth of hydrogen, however to be competitive and produce at scale, we need cost-effective hydrogen technologies and capabilities for transitioning hydrogen into industries. This innovative, five-year program will generate new technologies and equip a future workforce of industry-focused engineers with advanced skills for development and scaling-up of hydrogen generation and transport. Benefits include: export of hydrogen fuel and advanced technologies; job creation; and a lower emissions domestic energy industry.Read moreRead less
The role of phospholipids in the biogenesis of lipid droplets. The general aim is to elucidate the fundamental molecular mechanisms that govern the biogenesis/formation of the lipid droplets. Lipid droplets store sterol esters and/or triacylglycerols, two major storage lipids that play key roles in cellular and whole body lipid metabolism. Lipid droplets are also the core components of plant oil and biodiesel. Little is known about how lipid droplets are generated. The proposed work will examine ....The role of phospholipids in the biogenesis of lipid droplets. The general aim is to elucidate the fundamental molecular mechanisms that govern the biogenesis/formation of the lipid droplets. Lipid droplets store sterol esters and/or triacylglycerols, two major storage lipids that play key roles in cellular and whole body lipid metabolism. Lipid droplets are also the core components of plant oil and biodiesel. Little is known about how lipid droplets are generated. The proposed work will examine the synthesis of certain lipid intermediates such as phosphatidic acid, and their impact on the biogenesis of lipid droplets from the endoplasmic reticulum. Such fundamental new knowledge on how cells store neutral lipids will provide new strategies for enhancing plant oil and biodiesel production. Read moreRead less
Data-driven modelling of complex reactive flows. Complex reactive flow is dominant in many chemicals, physical and biological processes and should be optimised online for operational efficiency and stability, yet it is hindered by the lack of reliable model techniques. The project tackles this challenge by developing a next-generation data-driven modelling approach via integrating continuum/discrete-scale fluid-particle dynamics with system/control theories, supported by lab/plant experiments. D ....Data-driven modelling of complex reactive flows. Complex reactive flow is dominant in many chemicals, physical and biological processes and should be optimised online for operational efficiency and stability, yet it is hindered by the lack of reliable model techniques. The project tackles this challenge by developing a next-generation data-driven modelling approach via integrating continuum/discrete-scale fluid-particle dynamics with system/control theories, supported by lab/plant experiments. Driven by online data, the generic approach can open up a powerful way to reliably describe the inner state of reactors and online predict operation anomalies. The outcomes can help transform a range of industries to smart manufacturing and design, which is vital to Australia's technological future.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR180200059
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$820,000.00
Summary
PFAS Harvester: A Technology for Destruction / Resource Recovery from PFAS. This project is concerned with the development and advancement of the PFAS Harvester: a novel poly-generation thermal process for combined destruction and resource recovery from PFAS contaminated media. The proposed research seeks to determine the fundamental science underpinning the creation of the PFAS Harvester and identify operating conditions necessary to support its commercial rollout. The project will pay a speci ....PFAS Harvester: A Technology for Destruction / Resource Recovery from PFAS. This project is concerned with the development and advancement of the PFAS Harvester: a novel poly-generation thermal process for combined destruction and resource recovery from PFAS contaminated media. The proposed research seeks to determine the fundamental science underpinning the creation of the PFAS Harvester and identify operating conditions necessary to support its commercial rollout. The project will pay a special attention to field testing of a pilot-scale prototype of the technology using PFAS concentrates generated at an active remediation site. The project is expected to deliver the scientific building blocks necessary for development of the Harvester; representing a vital step towards an end-to-end PFAS remediation solution. Read moreRead less
The Development of Quantum Gravity (1957-1988): The Great Divide. The problem of quantum gravity, involving the bringing together of the two pillars of modern physics (general relativity, describing spacetime and gravity, and quantum theory, describing matter and the strong, weak and electromagnetic forces), remains unresolved despite over a century of searching. Following on from a productive pair of earlier ARC fellowship projects, this project aims to continue the historical investigation of ....The Development of Quantum Gravity (1957-1988): The Great Divide. The problem of quantum gravity, involving the bringing together of the two pillars of modern physics (general relativity, describing spacetime and gravity, and quantum theory, describing matter and the strong, weak and electromagnetic forces), remains unresolved despite over a century of searching. Following on from a productive pair of earlier ARC fellowship projects, this project aims to continue the historical investigation of the quest for quantum gravity, from 1957 to 1988, with a view to opening up avenues for new solutions and new ways to crack longstanding roadblocks through a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary approach.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230100382
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$449,154.00
Summary
Charge and Energy Transfer Processes at Inorganic-Organic Interfaces . The integration of functional molecular materials with inorganic systems remains an outstanding hurdle to achieve durable, highly efficient optoelectronic devices. This project aims to develop and understand this new class of devices, with a focus on directional energy transfer processes across hybrid interfaces. This project expects to generate new knowledge in photovoltaics (PV) and for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) ....Charge and Energy Transfer Processes at Inorganic-Organic Interfaces . The integration of functional molecular materials with inorganic systems remains an outstanding hurdle to achieve durable, highly efficient optoelectronic devices. This project aims to develop and understand this new class of devices, with a focus on directional energy transfer processes across hybrid interfaces. This project expects to generate new knowledge in photovoltaics (PV) and for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) by studying triplet transfer in two model systems. The first will be a step towards the development of advanced PV devices using down-conversion to push solar cells beyond the efficiency barrier. The second will demonstrate inorganic-organic solid state up-conversion for next generation OLEDs with improved stability.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210100303
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$441,200.00
Summary
Inheritance and the Emergence of Individuals: From concepts to practice . This project aims to solve a fundamental problem in biology, namely, how entities at one level biological organisation (e.g. single cells) transition or evolve into entities at a higher level (e.g. multicellular organisms). Although several attempts to solve this problem have been made, they are unsatisfactory because they neglect the role of inheritance during the transitions. The project will employ philosophical analysi ....Inheritance and the Emergence of Individuals: From concepts to practice . This project aims to solve a fundamental problem in biology, namely, how entities at one level biological organisation (e.g. single cells) transition or evolve into entities at a higher level (e.g. multicellular organisms). Although several attempts to solve this problem have been made, they are unsatisfactory because they neglect the role of inheritance during the transitions. The project will employ philosophical analysis, formal models, and ultimately experiments with bacteria to understand the role of inheritance during these evolutionary transitions. In doing so, the project will demonstrate that conceptual research by philosophers of biology can make an impactful contribution in biology and answer fundamental questions in this field.Read moreRead less