Curtin University has successfully obtained more than $6.2 million in funding through the Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project grants. This funding will support eleven innovative projects aimed at addressing various challenges in fields such as space science, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and digital culture.
Among the notable projects is an investigation into how Australian children engage with social media and their aspirations to become online influencers. This research is designed to inform government policies and enhance online safety education in light of the evolving social media landscape and its impact on childhood.
Another significant initiative involves the development of a cutting-edge system to convert mixed waste plastics into sustainable jet fuel. Additionally, researchers will analyze samples retrieved from asteroids to gain insights into the origins of the Solar System, which could bolster future planetary defense strategies. Another project focuses on creating advanced monitoring systems for assessing the structural integrity of major civil structures, such as bridges.
Professor Melinda Fitzgerald, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research at Curtin, commended the successful researchers, emphasizing that these achievements highlight Curtin”s strengths in global research. “Discovery research lays the foundation for major innovation. This funding will allow Curtin researchers to expand into new fields and help increase Australia”s global research impact,” Professor Fitzgerald stated. “These ARC Discovery successes demonstrate Curtin”s growing impact across science, technology, health, and the humanities.”
The successful projects encompass a wide range of innovative approaches. For instance, one initiative aims to develop technology that converts biomass into high-quality biochar pellets and green chemicals, addressing key challenges in existing biochar and bio-oil production. This work supports cleaner energy and sustainable regional development.
Another project seeks to enhance clean energy reactions through the creation of advanced high-entropy nanocrystals that serve as powerful catalysts. Utilizing a novel synthesis method, this research aims to push the boundaries of knowledge in nanotechnology, potentially leading to breakthroughs in sustainable energy production.
Furthermore, researchers are exploring the use of microbes that can naturally decompose asbestos into safe, non-toxic forms, while also capturing CO2. This research aims to develop new strategies for safer asbestos disposal and contribute to efforts toward achieving net-zero emissions.
In urban settings, drive-by sensing technology will be employed to monitor the condition of aging city bridges more effectively. By improving data analysis methods, this project aims to create a cost-effective system for large-scale bridge health assessments, enhancing safety and lowering maintenance costs.
Advanced generative and physics-informed artificial intelligence will also be utilized to improve the monitoring and understanding of civil structures. By developing more intelligent methods for data generation and interpretation, this initiative intends to enhance infrastructure maintenance, making it safer and more cost-efficient.
In the realm of space research, studying materials returned from asteroids will provide new insights into the formation and evolution of the solar system. This work aims to strengthen Australia”s contributions to global space research and inspire future generations of space scientists.
Additionally, researchers will create new algorithms to generate ultra-detailed radio images of rapidly changing cosmic events using Australia”s advanced telescopes. This project aims to reveal how black holes emit powerful streams of matter and energy, enhancing our understanding of the Universe”s most energetic phenomena.
Finally, a project will explore the impact of international funding and politics on contemporary art in Timor-Leste. This research aims to deepen the understanding of how art reflects social and political changes while promoting equitable and respectful collaboration between artists and cultural institutions.
Many drugs and chemicals exist in two mirror-image forms, with one being beneficial and the other potentially harmful. One project aims to develop a cleaner and more cost-effective method for separating these forms using specially designed electrodes, thereby reducing waste and energy consumption.
The initiative studying Australian children”s social media usage and their influencer aspirations will focus on real experiences. The outcomes are expected to inform safer and more supportive educational practices and regulations regarding child influencers, ultimately enhancing the wellbeing and online safety of young individuals.
For further details on the ARC Discovery grants, additional information is available online.
