Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL170100019
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,606,250.00
Summary
Proteins in motion - new tools for biotechnology. This project aims to assess the function of proteins by monitoring their motions using new nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques. As snapshots of 3D protein structures have been determined by crystallography, the new tools are designed to analyse functionally important motions in solution. A facility for ultrafast (> 100 kHz) magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy of proteins in the semi-solid state will bring cutting-edge know- ....Proteins in motion - new tools for biotechnology. This project aims to assess the function of proteins by monitoring their motions using new nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques. As snapshots of 3D protein structures have been determined by crystallography, the new tools are designed to analyse functionally important motions in solution. A facility for ultrafast (> 100 kHz) magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy of proteins in the semi-solid state will bring cutting-edge know-how to Australia and allow the interrogation of 3D structure and dynamics in selected protein regions. The expected outcomes of the project will have immediate benefits for the rational engineering of biocatalysts and in the design of lead compounds in drug development.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL180100019
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,906,976.00
Summary
An in situ structural study of Drosophila embryonic patterning. This project aims to develop and deploy an in situ structural biology approach, which enables direct visualisation of large macromolecular structures in cells, to be used in combination with molecular genetics, proteomics and computational biology. In situ structural biology has the potential to revolutionise discovery across life science, providing direct insight into macromolecular structure and function. This project will establi ....An in situ structural study of Drosophila embryonic patterning. This project aims to develop and deploy an in situ structural biology approach, which enables direct visualisation of large macromolecular structures in cells, to be used in combination with molecular genetics, proteomics and computational biology. In situ structural biology has the potential to revolutionise discovery across life science, providing direct insight into macromolecular structure and function. This project will establish the field of in situ structural biology in Australia by studying how a model organism, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster controls the development of how the head and tail of the embryo are specified. The project will further develop new instrumentation and approaches that will bring in situ biology to the wider scientific community.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL160100049
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,915,738.00
Summary
A molecular investigation into immune function. A molecular investigation into immune function. The project aims to understand how key immune recognition events enable immunity. This project would use a multidisciplinary approach empowered by technological innovations, including the latest advances in atomic and molecular imaging. This research is expected to identify new approaches for the biotechnology industry.
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL180100109
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,762,247.00
Summary
Unifying mechanisms of innate immunity signaling in animals and plants. This project aims to improve our understanding of innate immunity, the first line of defense against pathogens in diverse organisms. Innate immune pathways are key to a range of pathological states in animals, and provide plants with resistance to the diseases that account for 15% of crop losses. This project will generate knowledge, through characterising mechanisms of cell signalling for mammalian and plant innate immunity ....Unifying mechanisms of innate immunity signaling in animals and plants. This project aims to improve our understanding of innate immunity, the first line of defense against pathogens in diverse organisms. Innate immune pathways are key to a range of pathological states in animals, and provide plants with resistance to the diseases that account for 15% of crop losses. This project will generate knowledge, through characterising mechanisms of cell signalling for mammalian and plant innate immunity. The outcomes will include a unified signalling model, and form the foundation for a range of applications in human biology and agriculture, such as the development of durable and effective resistance in crops.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL150100146
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,977,310.00
Summary
Taking Australia from the farm to the pharm. Taking Australian from the farm to the pharm: This fellowship project aims to design novel drugs based on cyclic peptides that will be expressed in the seeds of plants to produce bio-pills — saving money for patients and the health care system. Plants produce unique cyclic peptides (mini-proteins) to protect themselves from pests and pathogens. This project aims to chemically redesign these peptides to produce stable protein-based pharmaceuticals that ....Taking Australia from the farm to the pharm. Taking Australian from the farm to the pharm: This fellowship project aims to design novel drugs based on cyclic peptides that will be expressed in the seeds of plants to produce bio-pills — saving money for patients and the health care system. Plants produce unique cyclic peptides (mini-proteins) to protect themselves from pests and pathogens. This project aims to chemically redesign these peptides to produce stable protein-based pharmaceuticals that can be eaten. It is hoped that these designer pharmaceuticals will be inexpensive, effective, easy to ingest and without the side effects of traditional drugs. The outcomes of this project are anticipated to be high-value drugs and agri-chemicals which will open up new high-value crops for Australian farmers and a new Australian ‘pharming’ industry.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL180100139
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,973,547.00
Summary
Processes of plant growth that impact agriculture and horticulture. The project aims to discover the genes and processes that control plant shoot architecture, which is a major driver of yield in field, horticultural and forestry crops. Shoot branching is the result of the complex interplay of genes, environment and crop management. By investigating cellular processes governing growth and development, as well as physiology and molecular genetics, this project will enhance Australian capacity and ....Processes of plant growth that impact agriculture and horticulture. The project aims to discover the genes and processes that control plant shoot architecture, which is a major driver of yield in field, horticultural and forestry crops. Shoot branching is the result of the complex interplay of genes, environment and crop management. By investigating cellular processes governing growth and development, as well as physiology and molecular genetics, this project will enhance Australian capacity and multidisciplinary innovation. An improved understanding of shoot branching and how it may be manipulated will improve our knowledge of plant sciences that could contribute to agricultural expansion and food security in Australia and internationally.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL0992361
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,055,030.00
Summary
Metal Processes and Products for a Sustainable Future. The metal manufacturing industry is extremely important to Australia; either directly through local products or indirectly through our mineral exports to the global market. The growth in emerging economies is driving major increases in metal production which currently requires large amounts of energy and production of significant greenhouse gas. Also many of the products, such as automobiles, are contributing to our environmental problems. ....Metal Processes and Products for a Sustainable Future. The metal manufacturing industry is extremely important to Australia; either directly through local products or indirectly through our mineral exports to the global market. The growth in emerging economies is driving major increases in metal production which currently requires large amounts of energy and production of significant greenhouse gas. Also many of the products, such as automobiles, are contributing to our environmental problems. This program of research will develop new processes, such as strip casting, that can radically reduce the production energy and other resource requirements. Also new products that will lead to lighter weight vehicles will be developed.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL140100179
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,800,000.00
Summary
Controlling gene expression with synthetic RNA-binding proteins. Controlling gene expression with synthetic RNA-binding proteins. The growth and development of living organisms is largely determined by the genes they contain, but converting the genetic information into biological activity requires intermediary processes involving RNA and proteins that bind to and process RNA. This project aims to understand how the largest class of RNA-binding protein in plants recognise their target RNAs and ai ....Controlling gene expression with synthetic RNA-binding proteins. Controlling gene expression with synthetic RNA-binding proteins. The growth and development of living organisms is largely determined by the genes they contain, but converting the genetic information into biological activity requires intermediary processes involving RNA and proteins that bind to and process RNA. This project aims to understand how the largest class of RNA-binding protein in plants recognise their target RNAs and aims to develop custom-designed proteins for switching genes on or off. This technology will be used to create new hybrid cereal varieties and will also be valuable for applications in human health, such as the correction of genetic mutations.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL190100014
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,871,982.00
Summary
New Technologies for Delivering Sustainable Free-form Architecture. This project aims to harness the full potential of digital technologies to significantly enhance the performance and reduce the environmental impact of free-form architecture of the future. The research expects to establish a fundamentally new computational platform capable of producing diverse and competitive designs, and an environmentally friendly manufacturing process for realising such designs. Expected outcomes include an ....New Technologies for Delivering Sustainable Free-form Architecture. This project aims to harness the full potential of digital technologies to significantly enhance the performance and reduce the environmental impact of free-form architecture of the future. The research expects to establish a fundamentally new computational platform capable of producing diverse and competitive designs, and an environmentally friendly manufacturing process for realising such designs. Expected outcomes include an unprecedented cloud-based interactive design tool, and a novel minimum-waste manufacturing technology for fabricating mass-customised building components. This project will transform the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector and make the Australian manufacturing industry more competitive globally.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL210100107
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,960,000.00
Summary
Tracking nanoparticles: from cell culture to in vivo delivery. Understanding how cells function in the ‘real-time’ context of a living organism is a key challenge in the new era of cell biology. Using super-resolution light microscopy and state-of-the-art correlative electron microscopy together with model systems, this Fellowship aims to deliver new understandings of cells in their natural environment. Significantly, the project will elucidate how proteins or nanoparticles pass from the bloodst ....Tracking nanoparticles: from cell culture to in vivo delivery. Understanding how cells function in the ‘real-time’ context of a living organism is a key challenge in the new era of cell biology. Using super-resolution light microscopy and state-of-the-art correlative electron microscopy together with model systems, this Fellowship aims to deliver new understandings of cells in their natural environment. Significantly, the project will elucidate how proteins or nanoparticles pass from the bloodstream into tissues and then into cells, and in doing so deliver much-needed knowledge of protein and particle trafficking in situ. Outcomes and benefits include leading-edge fundamental science into the function of cells, education, outreach and building of Australian capacity in high-demand skill sets.Read moreRead less