Creating a non-invasive window into the mind. This project aims to create better tools to study the human mind. This project expects to generate new knowledge that can be used to non-invasively image neuronal activity. Expected outcomes include the development of unique new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) instruments to study neuronal activity in both highly controlled laboratory conditions and in humans, with the spatial and temporal resolution needed to study the neuronal circuitry that drive ....Creating a non-invasive window into the mind. This project aims to create better tools to study the human mind. This project expects to generate new knowledge that can be used to non-invasively image neuronal activity. Expected outcomes include the development of unique new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) instruments to study neuronal activity in both highly controlled laboratory conditions and in humans, with the spatial and temporal resolution needed to study the neuronal circuitry that drives low and high-level brain functions, i.e., creating a window into the mind. In the future, outcomes from this study could improve our understanding of mental disorders, advance computer brain interface technology, and inspire the next paradigm shift in artificial intelligence.Read moreRead less
Nonlinear quantum science with superconducting circuit quantum-electrodynamics. Circuit quantum electrodynamics has rapidly emerged in recent years as a new field of experimental quantum science, with applications to precision measurement, nanomechanical transducers and quantum information processing. We will design and demonstrate new experimental devices, grounded in a long-standing expertise in quantum optics, and enabled by a new low temperature laboratory under development at The Universit ....Nonlinear quantum science with superconducting circuit quantum-electrodynamics. Circuit quantum electrodynamics has rapidly emerged in recent years as a new field of experimental quantum science, with applications to precision measurement, nanomechanical transducers and quantum information processing. We will design and demonstrate new experimental devices, grounded in a long-standing expertise in quantum optics, and enabled by a new low temperature laboratory under development at The University of Queensland. This project will deliver a new technological capability for Australia.Read moreRead less
Modelling quantum dynamics of electronic excited states in complex molecular materials. Understanding new materials that are the basis of new sources of renewable energy sources represents a major scientific challenge. Many of these materials are composed of large organic molecules containing hundreds of atoms. Their properties and the concepts needed to understand these materials are distinctly different from semiconductors such as silicon. This research will enhance our ability to design bett ....Modelling quantum dynamics of electronic excited states in complex molecular materials. Understanding new materials that are the basis of new sources of renewable energy sources represents a major scientific challenge. Many of these materials are composed of large organic molecules containing hundreds of atoms. Their properties and the concepts needed to understand these materials are distinctly different from semiconductors such as silicon. This research will enhance our ability to design better materials and optimize the performance of organic solar cells and LEDs. Australia's capacity for research and development in this scientifically challenging and technologically important field will be enhanced by this project. Read moreRead less
Kruppel-like factors and the methylome. This project aims to test the hypothesis that the KLF/SP family of transcription factors work in part via dynamic interactions with methylated cytosine nucleotides in DNA. This is fundamental to their function as pioneer factors in reprograming and their ability to co-ordinate differentiation and organogenesis. Conversely, dynamic changes in methylation status engage or disengage new regulatory elements in the genome via recruitment of KLF/SP family protei ....Kruppel-like factors and the methylome. This project aims to test the hypothesis that the KLF/SP family of transcription factors work in part via dynamic interactions with methylated cytosine nucleotides in DNA. This is fundamental to their function as pioneer factors in reprograming and their ability to co-ordinate differentiation and organogenesis. Conversely, dynamic changes in methylation status engage or disengage new regulatory elements in the genome via recruitment of KLF/SP family proteins as specific effectors. This project will address a new paradigm in genetics that is likely to underpin development.Read moreRead less
Controlling the adhesome to regulate cell fate on biomaterials. Mesenchymal stem cell-based tissue engineering practices are hampered worldwide by the lack of appreciation and understanding of the matrix-mediated cues that must be provided during adhesion and spreading to drive cells to definitive tissue end points. This project will address these knowledge deficiencies by combining high throughput array technologies, a set of tailorable self-assembling biomaterials and real-time biosensors to r ....Controlling the adhesome to regulate cell fate on biomaterials. Mesenchymal stem cell-based tissue engineering practices are hampered worldwide by the lack of appreciation and understanding of the matrix-mediated cues that must be provided during adhesion and spreading to drive cells to definitive tissue end points. This project will address these knowledge deficiencies by combining high throughput array technologies, a set of tailorable self-assembling biomaterials and real-time biosensors to rapidly, at high resolution, elucidate how mechanotransductive cues determine the fate choice of mesenchymal stem cells, and furthermore, how to manipulate them with smart biomaterial design to achieve desired outcomes for tissue engineering. Read moreRead less
Crossing quantum-classical boundaries in a single particle. This project is aimed at constructing and observing an individual quantum system that can exhibit chaotic behaviour under controllable conditions. It is a long-sought goal of modern physics that can become reality for the first time in the world, thanks to the unique availability in Australia of the most quantum-coherent single spin ever made and a long history of theoretical advances in the field. Turning a spin into a chaotic system w ....Crossing quantum-classical boundaries in a single particle. This project is aimed at constructing and observing an individual quantum system that can exhibit chaotic behaviour under controllable conditions. It is a long-sought goal of modern physics that can become reality for the first time in the world, thanks to the unique availability in Australia of the most quantum-coherent single spin ever made and a long history of theoretical advances in the field. Turning a spin into a chaotic system will uncover the true nature of the quantum-classical boundary, and verify whether an underlying classical chaotic dynamics ultimately influences the behaviour of quantum systems. It is expected that the discoveries made will illuminate the path towards the technological exploitation of increasingly complex quantum devices.Read moreRead less
Design and Fabrication of 2D Hybrid Materials. There are >300 2D materials like graphene with potentially exotic and useful electrooptic and superconductor properties that will drive novel industrial applications. This project aims to use advanced computational and experimental techniques to discover and fabricate new 2D hybrid materials built from different layers of 2D materials. This approach is essential as the number of possible hybrids is huge (millions) and current processes to identify a ....Design and Fabrication of 2D Hybrid Materials. There are >300 2D materials like graphene with potentially exotic and useful electrooptic and superconductor properties that will drive novel industrial applications. This project aims to use advanced computational and experimental techniques to discover and fabricate new 2D hybrid materials built from different layers of 2D materials. This approach is essential as the number of possible hybrids is huge (millions) and current processes to identify and build 2D hybrids are technically challenging and slow. Expected outcomes include defining a new paradigm for efficient identification and synthesis of 2D hybrids with exotic, bespoke properties. The generation of a large database of materials for researchers/industry would be of wide benefit.Read moreRead less
Switching, sensing and multifunctionality in spin crossover materials. This project aims to increase the temperature range where molecular spin states can be switched optically or electronically, and to develop new multifunctional materials combining switchable hosts with functional guests. By combining novel theories, synthesis and experiments, this project expects to generate step-change advances in the understanding of spin-switching materials and discover materials with novel properties wort ....Switching, sensing and multifunctionality in spin crossover materials. This project aims to increase the temperature range where molecular spin states can be switched optically or electronically, and to develop new multifunctional materials combining switchable hosts with functional guests. By combining novel theories, synthesis and experiments, this project expects to generate step-change advances in the understanding of spin-switching materials and discover materials with novel properties worthy of commercial development. Significant anticipated outcomes and benefits include the identification and development of several new classes of materials function, each of major fundamental interest, and the generation of new advanced materials with applications in electronics, sensing and gas separations.Read moreRead less
Emergent Behaviours in Spin Crossover Materials. This project aims to develop new molecular materials in which the incorporation of electronic switching leads to the emergence of fundamentally new chemical and physical phenomena. Through an innovative interdisciplinary approach that targets interesting new forms of interplay at the nanoscale this project expects to generate step-change advances in the understanding of spin-switching materials. Significant anticipated outcomes and benefits includ ....Emergent Behaviours in Spin Crossover Materials. This project aims to develop new molecular materials in which the incorporation of electronic switching leads to the emergence of fundamentally new chemical and physical phenomena. Through an innovative interdisciplinary approach that targets interesting new forms of interplay at the nanoscale this project expects to generate step-change advances in the understanding of spin-switching materials. Significant anticipated outcomes and benefits include identification and development of several new classes of materials function, each of major fundamental interest, and to the generation of advanced new materials worthy of commercial development in electronic device, actuator, sensor and gas separations technologies.Read moreRead less
Nanostructure engineering of semiconductor nanowires for high performance thermoelectrics. This project aims to develop high-performance thermoelectric semiconductor nanowires for recovery of waste heat from automotive exhausts and industrial processes. The successful development of such technology would help save energy, reduce carbon emissions and create enormous economical and environmental benefits for Australia and the world.