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New South Wales
University of Wollongong
DP0986748 Dr SJ Bennett; Dr KA Maton
Approved Living and Learning in a Knowledge Society: The implications of young adults'
Project Title knowledge-creating practices for higher education
2009 : $ 40,000
2010 : $ 40,000
Primary RFCD 3301 EDUCATION STUDIES
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
As society moves into a new era, knowledge creation has become vital to Australia's participation in global society.
Knowledge creation fuels innovation and economic prosperity, and fosters social cohesion through new forms of
community engagement. Young adults play an important role in our society as the next generation of knowledge
workers, with many already active knowledge creators in their everyday and academic lives. By investigating how
young adults create knowledge across these diverse contexts, this research will provide important practical insights
for educators and policy-makers who are trying to determine the role of higher education in a knowledge society.
DP0986628 Dr SJ Blanksby; Dr TW Mitchell; Dr K Ekroos
Approved New methods to complete the lipidomics puzzle: revealing the structural diversity of
Project Title lipids by mass spectrometry
2009 : $ 80,000
2010 : $ 55,000
2011 : $ 70,000
Primary RFCD 2701 BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
Lipid-related disorders such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease are reaching epidemic proportions in the
western world. The integration of innovative techniques will provide Australia with unique capabilities to investigate
these diseases and place Australia at the forefront of lipid research internationally.
DP0986738 Dr SJ Blanksby
Approved New insights into free radical reactivity via gas phase studies of radical anions
Project Title
2009 : $ 140,000
2010 : $ 90,000
2011 : $ 90,000
Primary RFCD 2501 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (INCL. STRUCTURAL)
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
Free radicals are known to be critical reactive intermediates in chemical processes ranging from the formation of
photochemical smog, through combustion to the onset of age-related diseases. This research increases our
understanding of how free radicals react and will thus allow for more accurate prediction, and in some instances
greater control, of the outcomes of chemical reactions and their health and environmental consequences. New
instrumental technologies will be developed and young Australian researchers will be trained here, and with
collaborators in the USA, in state-of-the-art techniques (particularly in mass spectrometry) that are essential to our
emerging technology-based economy.
DP0987232 Dr AR Clarke; Prof RJ Barry
Approved Development of Central Nervous System Functioning in AD/HD: a Longitudinal Study
Project Title
2009 : $ 80,000
2010 : $ 70,000
2011 : $ 60,000
Primary RFCD 3801 PSYCHOLOGY
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is a debilitating problem affecting 5% of children. AD/HD causes
substantial school problems and predisposes the child to drug and alcohol abuse, marital breakdown, criminal
prosecution and psychiatric problems in later life. At present we know very little about the underlying causes of the
behavioural changes seen in this disorder. This project will clarify the maturational abnormalities in brain function
that occur from childhood through to adulthood in this disorder. Better understanding of the normal developmental
paths of this disorder will have major clinical benefits as it will allow the development of more optimal treatment
plans for these children.
DP0984797 Prof NE Dixon; Dr T Huber; Dr K Ozawa; Dr M Tehei
Approved Mapping Protein Contacts and Conformational Changes in Macromolecular Assemblies
Project Title
2009 : $ 190,000
2010 : $ 190,000
2011 : $ 190,000
2012 : $ 160,000
2013 : $ 160,000
Primary RFCD 2701 BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
ARF Dr K Ozawa
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
We now have a great deal of information about the structures of proteins that interact to do much of the chemistry
that governs the lives of cells and organisms, but are just beginning to understand how proteins communicate with
each other in the large, dynamic molecular machines that carry out many cellular functions. Australia has invested
in expensive instrumentation that can be used in conjunction with new laboratory methods to develop better
understanding of how these machines work, and how they malfunction in disease. This project will bring together
four scientists with a unique combination of expertise and novel technologies to develop understanding of changes
in structure of a large protein complex in different functional states.
DP0985300 Dr A Dolnik
Approved From Emergence to Demise: Examining the Dynamic Life Cycle of Terrorist Campaigns
Project Title
2009 : $ 90,000
2010 : $ 85,000
2011 : $ 135,000
2012 : $ 65,000
2013 : $ 85,000
Primary RFCD 3602 POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
Australia has made a long term commitment to the global campaign against terrorism, under the sound premise
that it will take a persistent investment of energy and resources to succeed, and the notion that success in this
struggle will be contingent on the depth of our knowledge about the nature of the threat. This project will contribute
to this effort by enhancing global understanding of the different stages of the dynamic life cycle of terrorist
campaigns, and by formulating empirically based policy recommendations that will move beyond flawed quick-fix
solutions, toward the building of a consistent long-term incremental strategy for managing a threat that will never
fully disappear.
DP0986666 Dr AW Gorman-Murray
Approved Men on the home front: spatialities of domesticity and masculinity
Project Title
2009 : $ 90,000
2010 : $ 90,000
2011 : $ 82,652
Primary RFCD 4203 CULTURAL STUDIES
APD Dr AW Gorman-Murray
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
This project promotes 'good health and well being for all Australians'. Case studies 1 and 2 investigate the factors
underpinning self-reliance and family support in a time of changing household structures. They seek to understand
how the domestic lives of men both living alone, and in families, can better contribute to social well-being and wider
community interaction and cohesion. Case study 3 focuses on a group of men marginalised from wider society and
the care networks servicing the aged community, thus providing knowledge that will improve the mental and
physical capacities of older gay men.
DP0986898 Dr HC Hill; Dr PD Claes; Prof A Johnston
Approved Face-space: linking three-dimensional shape and human perception across changing
Project Title viewing conditions.
2009 : $ 80,000
2010 : $ 30,000
2011 : $ 50,000
Primary RFCD 3801 PSYCHOLOGY
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
People, and increasingly machines, use faces to identify and interact with people. One source of information
available for this is the three-dimensional (3D) shape of the face. This information, unlike a photograph, does not
change with lighting and viewpoint. This project will link measurements of face shape to the perceived similarities
and differences between faces we use to make decisions. This will facilitate the use of 3D databases in diverse
applications including establishing identity, making facial reconstructions of victims of crime or disaster, making
databases searchable, computer animation, archaeology, and plastic surgery. In particular the work will make
physical databases relevant to human perception.
DP0985208 Prof JM Hill; Dr BJ Cox
Approved Mathematical and mechanical models in nano-engineering and nanomedicine
Project Title
2009 : $ 190,000
2010 : $ 130,000
2011 : $ 110,000
2012 : $ 180,000
Primary RFCD 2918 INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING
APD Dr BJ Cox
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
The major environmental problems generated from global warming and the major human health problems, like
cancer and diabetes, if they are to be solved at all, will most likely be resolved making use of advances in
nanobiotechnology. This proposal will position Australia as a leader in the modelling of nanodevices such as
gigahertz oscillators, nano-electromagnets, nanosensors, nanosyringes and nanoporous media suitable for
hydrogen storage and gas separation, which will lead to new technologies and commercial spin-offs that will be of
major benefit to this country. The applicants will develop a range of topics in nano-engineering and nanomedicine,
training a team that will provide the next generation of researchers in these vital areas.
DP0985395 Dr C Jones
Approved Phonological development in child speakers of mixed language
Project Title
2009 : $ 69,804
2010 : $ 69,804
2011 : $ 67,612
2012 : $ 23,137
Primary RFCD 3802 LINGUISTICS
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
In Northern Territory Aboriginal communities where traditional languages are mostly spoken fluently by older
people, the home language for many children is a kind of mixed language combining elements of traditional
languages, Kriol and English. This project will document for the first time the sound system of this language, and
investigate how children's background knowledge of this sound system prepares them to learn words in English
and traditional languages. This information is important because it can help parents, teachers and speech
pathologists assess and teach Aboriginal children from mixed language backgrounds.
DP0984651 Prof SC Jones; Dr LK Kervin
Approved Measuring children's responsiveness to food advertising
Project Title
2009 : $ 60,000
2010 : $ 30,000
2011 : $ 30,000
Primary RFCD 3502 BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
This will be the first study, in Australia or elsewhere, that concurrently examines food promotions across a range of
child-targeted media, in real-time, and investigates the way that these commercial messages are attended to,
interpreted, and responded to by young people. This project will assist us in developing appropriate regulatory and
social marketing responses to non-television advertising to children, will have valuable flow-on effects for
measuring the effects of advertising of other types of products, and via other media, and will place Australia at the
forefront of research in this area.
DP0984200 Prof RA Lewis; Dr J Horvat; Dr W Xu
Approved Better emitters, enhanced optics, superior detectors: advancing terahertz science and
Project Title technology for applications in medicine, agriculture, industry and national security
2009 : $ 120,000
2010 : $ 90,000
2011 : $ 90,000
Primary RFCD 2909 ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
We will start with a new fundamental study of the interaction of light and matter to explicate the phenomena of the
emission, transmission and detection of terahertz electromagnetic radiation. Using our increased understanding of
terahertz science, we will then engineer better terahertz sources, optics, and sensors. Better terahertz technology
will open up new applications in medical diagnosis, especially dermatology; industrial productivity, such as quality
control; and the detection of contraband, including illicit drugs and explosives. In maintaining good health,
transforming industries and safeguarding Australia, advanced terahertz systems will bring the nation health,
economic and security benefits.
DP0985389 Dr LD Nghiem; Prof M Elimelech
Approved Optimising nanofiltration and reverse osmosis filtration processes for water recycling:
Project Title effects of fouling and chemical cleaning on trace contaminant removal
2009 : $ 65,000
2010 : $ 65,000
2011 : $ 65,000
Primary RFCD 2906 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
In Australia, water recycling is considered a principal measure to manage the current ongoing water shortage and
to better protect the environment. Membrane filtration processes play important roles in the treatment of reclaimed
municipal wastewater. However, there is very limited knowledge regarding the reliability of such processes in
removing trace contaminants from recycled water, which may result in unintended health consequences. This
research will lead to a comprehensive understanding of the removal process of such contaminants by membrane
filtration. Consequently, the likely avenue of risk can be eliminated and the treatment process can be optimised to
achieve economic savings and environmental protection.
DP0988812 Prof MM Olsson
Approved Evolutionary biomedicine: genetic pathologies as selection agents in three model
Project Title systems
2009 : $ 205,000
2010 : $ 170,000
2011 : $ 170,000
2012 : $ 90,000
2013 : $ 90,000
Primary RFCD 2707 ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
APF Prof MM Olsson
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
Our environment is changing at a rate never seen before, rendering organisms 'maladapted' if they cannot evolve
quickly enough - that is, there will be a mismatch between their genes and the environment in which they evolved.
Humans are the most extreme example; maladaptation in modern society elevates risk of cancer, heart disease
and psychological disorders (e.g., anxiety probably evolved to help escape predators). I bring together two
research areas that aim to explain what causes maladaptation - reproductive medicine and evolutionary biology.
Results from this research will help us better understand genetic disease, future health hazards, and predict risk
factors of extinction.
DP0987503 Dr JM Razal
Approved Wet-Spinning Novel Multi-Functional Bio-Synthetic Platforms
Project Title
2009 : $ 78,591
2010 : $ 78,591
2011 : $ 78,591
Primary RFCD 2918 INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING
APD Dr JM Razal
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
The project will deliver new advanced materials for novel biomedical devices such as nanostructured electrodes
and tunable drug delivery systems. It will develop a very versatile and low-cost technology that is well-suited for
overcoming some of the current limitations in exploiting nanomaterials in nanoscience and biomedical industries.
The research will benefit existing biomedical industries in Australia and provide opportunities for new start-up
companies, as well as potentially attracting biomedical industries from overseas to establish a presence in
Australia.
DP0984339 Dr AD Sims
Approved Co-universal operator algebras
Project Title
2009 : $ 59,000
2010 : $ 59,000
2011 : $ 68,000
Primary RFCD 2301 MATHEMATICS
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
Australian researchers have established themselves at the very forefront of research into operator algebras
associated to graphs. The proposed research will make an important impact, at a fundamental level, on the way
that researchers around the world view these operator algebras. This will help to further strengthen Australia's
reputation in this field. The proposed program will also train two PhD students in a very active area of mathematics
and put them in contact with a vibrant research community. This will help contribute to the strong future of pure
mathematics in Australia.
DP0987164 Dr K Szabo
Approved The cutting edge: Investigating the use of shell as a raw material by Australasian
Project Title hominins
2009 : $ 132,701
2010 : $ 127,000
2011 : $ 163,119
2012 : $ 117,220
2013 : $ 120,769
Primary RFCD 4302 ARCHAEOLOGY AND PREHISTORY
QEII Dr K Szabo
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
Australasia has tended to exist on the periphery of major debates surrounding human evolution. There is little
justification why this should be the case, and Australasia has much to contribute with insights into adaptations to
island and tropical environments, and the use of novel raw materials for artefact production. Such enquiries not
only help us understand the place of early Australasians within a global framework, but assist us in understanding
the unique challenges and opportunities afforded by this region. The regional and European research linkages
developed and enhanced by this project ensure that such knowledge is not only 'owned' by Australasians, but is
incorporated into global thinking.
DP0986041 A/Prof G Waitt; A/Prof CR Gibson; Dr NJ Gill; Prof LM Head
Approved Making less space for carbon: cultural research for climate change mitigation and
Project Title adaptation
2009 : $ 69,984
2010 : $ 114,000
2011 : $ 120,000
2012 : $ 100,000
Primary RFCD 4203 CULTURAL STUDIES
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
The project meets the pressing need for a national response to climate change. The National Climate Change
Adaptation Framework identifies a number of cultural changes needed within the next five years to adapt to
existing climate change. Profound cultural transformations are also urgently needed to mitigate future change by
reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The true national benefit of this work should be assessed in terms of the
costs of not funding it. Australia's capacity to adapt will only ever be partial without the new and fundamental
insights provided by cultural geographic research.
DP0988700 Prof MJ Walker; Dr JA Aquilina
Approved Mapping cell wall and surface structures of Gram-positive cocci
Project Title
2009 : $ 90,000
2010 : $ 40,000
2011 : $ 40,000
Primary RFCD 2703 MICROBIOLOGY
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
The synthesis of the Gram-positive cell wall and protein transport are fundamental processes, the improved
understanding of which will impact across a range of fields including microbiology, biochemistry and biotechnology,
and the application and manipulation of Gram-positive bacteria in agriculture, industry and human health. In the
long-term, the analysis of the Gram-positive ExPortal and cell wall will identify proteins that may represent targets
for therapeutic intervention. Additionally a precise understanding of the mechanisms of secretion of anchorless
proteins will have an important impact in the biotechnology field, as new methodologies for the secretion of
recombinant proteins of industrial value is a potential outcome.
DP0987344 Prof GG Wallace; Dr SE Moulton; Prof MJ Cook
Approved Novel Drug Delivery Systems
Project Title
2009 : $ 280,000
2010 : $ 180,000
2011 : $ 180,000
2012 : $ 300,000
2013 : $ 280,000
Primary RFCD 2915 BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
QEII Dr SE Moulton
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
The polymer based structures targeted for production in this project will bring unique capabilities to the field of drug
delivery. A multi-drug delivery platform is expected to bring significant improvements in administering therapeutic
drugs for a wide range of illnesses and applications. This will have profound effects on the quality of life for those
suffering from epilepsy or requiring stent implants. Here we will demonstrate the capabilities of these novel polymer
structures both in-vitro and in-vivo.
DP0987805 Dr JZ Wang
Approved Development of inorganic-conducting polymer composites and ionic liquid-based
Project Title electrolytes for rechargeable lithium batteries
2009 : $ 110,000
2010 : $ 110,000
2011 : $ 110,000
Primary RFCD 2914 MATERIALS ENGINEERING
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
The project will lead to development of safe lithium batteries for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles to
contribute to the national priority goal of reducing and capturing emissions in transport to improve our environment.
Small, flexible batteries for new implantable medical devices will also be developed to treat millions of people
suffering from different diseases. The development of new scientific knowledge related to this project will place
Australia at the forefront of an emerging domain of research. The project will take the incentive in establishing a
leading national position in development of new energy storage technology.
DP0987190 A/Prof X Wang; Dr Z Cheng; Mr D Chen; Prof T Kimura; Dr F Klose
Approved Frustrated magnets: a new platform for multiferroic materials
Project Title
2009 : $ 160,000
2010 : $ 115,000
2011 : $ 115,000
Primary RFCD 2914 MATERIALS ENGINEERING
APD Mr D Chen
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
Ferroelectric materials with simultaneous ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism are one of the most important new
emerging fields in the materials science and condensed matter physics communities. Novel magneto-electronic
devices based on new multiferroic materials will open up a huge market for these devices, which are expected to
have a huge impact on modern science and daily life. The purpose of this project is to make Australia one of the
leading countries in this field and to work with colleagues inside Australia and around the world to move this field
forward for mutual benefit.
DP0984341 Prof MR Wilson; Prof CM Dobson; Dr JR Kumita; Mr JJ Yerbury
Approved Establishing the role of alpha-2-macroglobulin in quality control of extracellular protein
Project Title folding
2009 : $ 125,000
2010 : $ 80,000
2011 : $ 80,000
Primary RFCD 2701 BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
APD Mr JJ Yerbury
Administering Organisation University of Wollongong
Project Summary
The expected outcomes will provide important advances in understanding the role of alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M)
in maintaining the normal structure/function of extracellular proteins. This information may ultimately aid in the
design of agents to be used to clear the body of pathological protein aggregates - potentially providing a direct
economic benefit to Australia. The high novelty and broad significance of this work indicate that it will produce
high-impact publications which will tangibly assist Australia being recognized as a major contributor to world
research outcomes. This project will also provide a direct social benefit by training research students with the skills
necessary to further the development of biological research in Australia.