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Federation Fellowships Funding outcome 2002
Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte
Dr Ronald Ekers
Professor Terence Hughes
Professor Graeme Hugo
Professor Yuri Kivshar
Professor Trevor Lamb
Dr Catherine Stampfl
Professor David Trimm
Professor Rodney Tucker
Dr Simon Turner
Professor Mark von Itzstein
Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte
Recognised internationally as one of the most innovative researchers
in field robotics
Project:
Information fusion in autonomous systems
Host Institution:
Department of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, The University
of Sydney
Qualifications of Fellow:
Ph.D (1986) Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, USA
MSE (1985) Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, USA
B.Sc (1983) Nuclear Engineering, University of London, UK
Recent Positions Held:
Director, Key Centre for Field Robotics, The University of Sydney, Department
of Aerospace Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering - commenced
1999 (current position)
Professor of Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney, Department of Aerospace Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering - commenced 1995 (current position)
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer, Oxford University, Department of Engineering Science, 1987 to 1995
Project Description:
The aim of this fellowship is to explore and develop a family of powerful new
Bayesian (probability-based) representations of sensory information and to
demonstrate their application in perception and navigation of advanced robotic
systems. These representations have the potential to revolutionize the field
of intelligent autonomous systems and realize a whole new level of capabilities
and applications for advanced robotics in complex and unstructured environments
such as sub-sea exploration, mining, fire fighting and defence.
International Collaboration:
France and United States
Major Research Fields:
Autonomous systems; probabilistic models; and sensor data fusion, real-world
applications of robots
National Benefit:
Australia has developed a leading international position in robotics research,
especially in field applications such as mining, water-front automation and
agriculture. The proposed research will extend the capabilities of systems
currently used in semi-structured environments, such as cargo terminals or
underground mines into applications in very unstructured environments, such
as sub-sea exploration, fire fighting and defence. Industry interest in field
robotics is very strong, both in Australia and overseas.
Dr Ronald Ekers
A highly esteemed astronomer who has led the Australia Telescope
National Facility to being one of the world's leading observatories
Project:
A clearer view of the evolving universe
Host Institution:
Australia Telescope National Facility, CSIRO
Qualifications of Fellow:
Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (1993) (Astronomy)
PhD (1967) Astronomy, The Australian National University
BSc (Hons) (1963) Physics, The University of Adelaide
Recent Positions Held:
President Elect, International Astronomical Union (current)
Chair, International
SKA Steering Committee (current)
Foundation Director, Australia
Telescope National Facility, CSIRO commenced 1988 (current position)
Miller
Professor, University of California, USA (Astronomy) 2001 to 2002 (on leave
from CSIRO)
Director for Very Large Array Operations National Radio
Astronomy Observatory, USA 1980 to 1988
Project Description:
The two complementary research objectives of this proposal are (i) a basic
research program to understand star formation in galaxies through a study of
the correlation between far infrared and radio continuum emission and (ii)
a strategic research program to develop interference mitigation techniques
to enable the next generation of radio telescopes which will study star formation
in the early Universe. This program of research innovation in radio astronomy
will also promote the broad aims of furthering opportunities for Australian
participation in international science and of gaining insight into ways in
which Australia can exploit its niche advantages in the global economy.
International Collaboration:
Italy, The Netherlands, Taiwan, and the United States
Major Research Fields:
Cosmic rays; galaxies; interference mitigation; radio astronomy; radio telescopes
National Benefit
The aim for the basic research component of the project is to not only add
new knowledge of the cosmos but to develop new tools to exploit the next generation
of optical/infrared and radio telescopes. The strategic research component
will develop and demonstrate new and better interference mitigation techniques.
These techniques will have application in other areas and appropriate companies
will be invited to help develop the applications.
Professor Terence Hughes
Regarded as one of the world’s leading coral reef ecologists
Project:
Science for sustainable management of coral reef biodiversity: a multi-disciplinary
approach to global-scale processes and patterns
Host Institution:
School of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, James Cook University
Qualifications of Fellow:
Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (2001) (Biology)
PhD (1984) Ecology & Evolution, The John Hopkins University, USA
MA (1980) Ecology & Evolution, The John Hopkins University, USA
BA (Mod. 1st class) (1978) Zoology Trinity College, Dublin Ireland
Recent Positions Held:
Director, James Cook University Centre for Coral Reef Biodiversity, 2001 (current
position)
Professor (personal chair), James Cook University (Marine Biology) 2000 (current
position)
Associate Professor, James Cook University (Marine Biology) 1997 to 2000
Visiting Professor, Trinity College, Dublin (Zoology) 1997 (10 month appointment)
Senior Lecturer, James Cook University (Marine Biology) 1994 to 1997
Project Description:
Professor Hughes will lead an international team to undertake a multi-disciplinary
program of research that will quantify the processes underlying biodiversity
patterns on coral reefs, focusing on ecological and evolutionary mechanisms
of these complex systems at multiple scales in space and time. A novel modeling
component will provide the mechanistic link between multi-scale rocesses and
regional-scale patterns. This research will cement Australia's leading contribution
to coral reef science, and will guide the management, sustainable use and conservation
of coral reef biodiversity across international boundaries.
International Collaboration:
France, Japan, Panama, Taiwan, and the United States
Major Research Fields:
Biodiversity; biogeography; conservation biology; coral reefs; and macroecology
National Benefit:
The project will inform governments, the tourism and fishing industries, overseas
development and environmental agencies on how to manage and protect coral reef
diversity. The proposed regional-scale research program will place Australia’s
reefs, their ecology and their condition into global perspective. The knowledge
gained will underpin the management of Australian reefs and will be vital to
the sustainable use of biodiversity goods and services (tourism, fishing and
recreation). The goals of the project are consistent with Australia’s
Ocean Policy and the Marine Sciences and Technology Plan.
Professor Graeme Hugo
Has an international reputation in the field of population changes
and mobility and their effects
Project:
The new paradigm of international migration to and from Australia: dimensions,
causes and implications
Host Institution:
The University of Adelaide
Qualifications of Fellow:
Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia (1987)
PhD (1976) Demography, The Australian National University
MA (1972) Geography, The Flinders University of South Australia
BA (Hons) (1968) Geography, The University of Adelaide
Recent Positions Held:
Director, The University of Adelaide National Key Centre for Social Applications
of Geographical Information Systems, 1995 (current position)
Professor of Geography, The University of Adelaide, Geographical and Environmental Studies, 1991 (current position)
Lecturer in Geography, Senior Lecturer in Geography, Reader, The Flinders University of South Australia, Geography 1975 to 1990
Project Description:
Population movement to and from Australia is undergoing a major transformation
but much thinking about immigration in Australia remains based on paradigms
of the past. Yet debates such as those on immigration's contribution to national
population size and growth, the significance of skilled migration, the response
to asylum seekers, undocumented movement and the role of temporary versus
settlement migration have increased. This study identifies emerging trends
of migration, examines global and domestic drivers of the movement in the
context of developing migration theory, explores the economic, social and
demographic consequences and draws out the implications for immigration and
population policy.
Major Research Fields:
Asylum seekers; economic and social change; emigration; immigration; population
policy
National Benefit:
Few contemporary nations have been as influenced by immigration than Australia.
Post-war international migration has transformed the nation’s demography
and massively influenced the economic, social and political fabric of the nation
and reshaped national identity. The project aims to make a significant contribution
to the immigration policy debate, the results of which will be of crucial significance
to the nation's future.
Professor Yuri Kivshar
An inspirational scholar and world leader in the study of the behaviour of
light, particularly in the modern fields of nonlinear optics and solitons
Project:
Nonlinear photonics and all-optical technologies
Host Institution:
Research School of Physical Sciences and Engineering, The Australian National
University
Qualifications of Fellow:
Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (2002) (optics) ?PhD (1984)
Theoretical Physics; Condensed Matter Physics, The Institute for Low Temperature
Physics and Engineering, National Academy of the Ukraine MSc (1981)
Theoretical and Experimental Physics, Kharkov National University USSR
Recent Positions Held:
Head & Professor, Nonlinear Physics Group, The Australian National University
Research
School of Physical Sciences & Engineering 2001 (current position)
Associate Editor, Physical Review E, American Physical Society, USA Editorial
Offices, New York 1999 (current position)
Professor, The Australian National University Research School of Physical Sciences & Engineering,
1999 (current position)
Fellow and Senior Fellow, The Australian National University Research School
of Physical Sciences & Engineering, 1993 to 1999
Project Description:
Information is playing an increasing role in the modern society. The future
progress in the information data processing is associated with a new generation
of compact nanoscale optical devices operating entirely with light. The research
program aims to develop innovative concepts of all-optical communication
and information technologies and to carry out both theoretical and experimental
studies on the photonic-crystal physics and engineering, optical solitons,
and nanoscale nonlinear switching devices. The research will help to promote
the new field of photonic crystals, enhance its development in Australia
and provide linkages between leading edge R&D and industry in an important
emerging technology.
International Collaboration:
Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Russian Federation, and the United States
Major Research Fields:
All-optical information technologies; complex systems and networks;
nonlinear photonics and technology; optical switching devices; photonic crystals
and waveguides
National Benefit:
The outstanding contribution of Australian scientists to optical physics
is already internationally recognised. The project has the aims to develop photonic
crystal physics and technology to the stage where it can be commercially
accepted in Australia. This will be done through established, and developing,
links with industry (including Redfern Photonics, The Bandwidth Foundry and
international partners) and the Australian Photonics Cooperative Research
Centre.
Professor Trevor Lamb
A world leader in the field of sensory transduction - his research is noted
for its innovative experimental approaches and quantitative rigour
Project:
The first stage of vision: transduction and adaptation in retinal photoreceptors
Host Institution:
The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University
Qualifications of Fellow:
Fellow of the Royal Society
Sc D (1988) Physiology, University of Cambridge, UK
Ph.D (1975) Physiology, University of Cambridge, UK
M App Sci. (1972) Electrical Engineering & Physiology, The University of
Melbourne
BE (Elec) (1970) Electrical Engineering, The University of Melbourne
Recent Positions Held:
Professor of Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Physiology, 1994 (tenured)
Reader in Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Physiology 1991 (tenured)
Lecturer in Physiology, University of Cambridge, Physiology 1984 to 1991
Project Description:
The project aims to provide a detailed understanding of the molecular steps
involved in the first stage of vision - the conversion of light into a neural
signal in the photoreceptors of the retina. The significance of this is that
it will explain the initial events that enable us to see, and will help explain
the deficits that occur when the process fails. The outcome will be a comprehensive
understanding of how our photoreceptors respond with extreme sensitivity,
yet great rapidity,
and over an enormous range of light intensities, thus endowing us with our
remarkable sense of vision.
International Collaboration:
United States
Major Research Fields:
Dark adaptation; G-protein cascades; light adaptation; photoreceptors; phototransduction
National Benefit:
The research is likely to help in the treatment of retinal disease. A major
impetus to this research is the close similarity between phototransduction
and the signaling cascades employed in ormonal and synaptic systems, and also
in olfaction. This could lead to a cross fertilisation of ideas into other
research areas including taste and smell. A potential spin-off for this research
is the development of electronic products for the coding of images obtained
from optoelectronic sensors.
Dr Catherine Stampfl
An outstanding scientist with an international reputation for theoretical,
multi-disciplinary investigations of the behavior of surfaces
Project:
Application of first-principles theory in condensed matter physics, surface
physics, chemistry, and engineering: coatings, catalysis, and devices
Host Institution:
The School of Physics, The University of Sydney
Qualifications of Fellow:
German Habilitation (2001 and current) Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics,
Technical University, Berlin, Germany
PhD (1991) Physics, La Trobe University
BSC (Honors H1) (1985) Physical Science, La Trobe University
Recent Positions Held:
Senior Research Associate, Northwestern University, Illinois, Physics and Astronomy,
1999 (current position)
Research Scientist, Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max Planck
Gesellschaft, Theory Department, 2001 to early 2002
Staff Scientist, Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max Planck Gesellschaft,
Theory Department, 1998 to early 1999
Visiting Scientist, Xerox Palo Alto Research Centre, Electronic
Materials, 1996 to 1997
Staff Scientist, Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max Planck
Gesellschaft, Theory Department, 1995 to 1996
Project Description:
The project addresses areas of high technological interest, namely the development
of nitride-based materials for hard-coatings, spintronic (control and use of
electron spin) and optoelectronic (in the blue/UV energy range) devices - as
well as the area of heterogeneous oxidation catalysis. Using state-of-the-art
methods it will lead to the development of new materials and devices of relevance
to industry.
International Collaboration:
Germany and the United States
Major Research Fields:
Density functional theory calculations; magnetic phenomena; nanoscale systems:
multilayers; nitrides; point defects
National Benefit:
Surfaces are at the cutting edge of materials sciences. The processes that
occur at surfaces play a critical role in the manufacture and performance of
advanced materials (electronic, magnetic and optical devices, sensors, catalysts
and hard coatings). The research methods developed and knowledge gained will
have applications in a range of physical, chemical, biological, medical engineering
and material science problems. There is scope to initiate collaborations with
mining, petroleum, automotive, biotechnology and chemical industries.
Professor David Trimm AM
An outstanding researcher in the use of catalysis for fuel conversion - contributing
to extracting maximum value from Australia's existing and future gas reserves
Project:
The conversion of remote location natural gas to fuels and chemicals
Host Institution:
The Division of Petroleum Resources, CSIRO
Qualifications of Fellow:
Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering
(1992)
DIC (1963) Chemical Engineering, Imperial College, UK
PhD (1961) Chemistry, University of Exeter, UK
BSc (1958) Chemistry, University of Exeter, UK
Recent Positions Held:
Science Leader, Gas Processing, CSIRO Petroleum, 2001 (current position)
Scientia
Professor, University of New South Wales 2001 (current position)
Professor,
University of New South Wales, Chemical Engineering & Industrial
Chemistry, 1979 to 2001
Project Description:
The objectives of the research program will be to develop novel science, engineering
and technology that will allow cost efficient conversion of remote gas reserves
to liquid fuels and/or chemicals with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. The
significance of the proposal rests in the fact that Australia has large remote
location gas fields that cannot be economically exploited with existing technologies.
The development of new processes for gas to liquids conversion and new technology
for existing processes is the essential aim of the proposed research.
International Collaboration:
India, Republic of Korea, and South Africa
Major Research Fields:
Catalytic processing; conversion of stranded gas; gas to chemicals; gas to
liquids (GTL); science and engineering GTL
National Benefit:
The project has the potential to generate large export and import replacement
earnings for Australia. If successful Australia will be able to export new
gas-to-liquid conversion technology and unlock large reserves of ‘stranded’ gas
for use.
Professor Rodney Tucker
A world leader in optical networking research - Australia's
major figure in the field
Project:
Towards an all-optical internet
Host Institution:
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Melbourne
Qualifications of Fellow:
Fellow of the Australian Academy of Sciences (1998) (broadband networks)
Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering
(1993)
PhD (1975) Electrical Engineering, The University of Melbourne
BE (1970) Electrical Engineering, The University of Melbourne
Recent Positions Held:
Professor, The University of Melbourne, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
1990 (current position)
Department Scientist, Agilent Technologies Research Laboratories 1999 to 2001
Project Description:
The Federation Fellowship will build on the applicant's established and highly
successful research program into key technologies and architectures for the
all-optical internet. Unlike the current internet, which relies heavily on
electronics for switching and routing, the all-optical internet will use optics
for these functions. The all-optical internet will provide a vast increase
in capacity, and will change the basic infrastructure of telecommunications.
The research program will produce important innovations and will advance the
Australian knowledge base in optical communications, photonics, and information
networks. The research will assist Australia to capitalise on this new technology
and to become a significant player in the next phase of the information revolution.
International Collaboration:
Japan, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States
Major Research Fields:
Optical and photonic systems; optical communication; optical networks; telecommunications;
National Benefit:
The optical internet is poised to replace the existing internet. The increased
bandwidth and capacity of the optical internet will provide exciting opportunities
in many areas including education, entertainment, medicine, business and industry.
The project will play an important role in assisting in the development of
the Australian telecommunications industry and building an export market in
high-technology value-added component, systems, and software. The proposed
research outputs, in the arena of applied research, are well matched to the
needs of Australian companies.
Dr Simon Turner
A world leading developer of new methods to determine geological ages, whose
highly cited work is published in Nature, Science and Geology.
Project:
The time scales of geochemical cycles and earth processes
Host Institution:
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Macquarie University
Qualifications of Fellow:
PhD (1991) Earth Sciences, The University of Adelaide
BSC (Hons, 1st Class) (1986) Earth Sciences, The University of Adelaide
Recent Positions Held:
Royal Society University Research Fellow & Lecturer, University of Bristol,
Earth Sciences 2000 (current position)
Royal Society University Research Fellow, Open University
Earth Sciences 1995 to 2000 (fixed term)
National Environment Research Council Post-Doctoral Research Assistant,
Open University Earth Sciences 1992 to 1993 (fixed term)
ARC Post-Doctoral Research
Assistant & Lecturer, The University of Adelaide,
Geology and Geophysics 1990 (fixed term)
Project Description:
Precise information on timescales and rates of change is fundamental to understanding
natural processes and the development and testing of quantitative physical
models in the Earth Sciences. Uranium decay-series isotope studies are revolutionising
this field by providing time information in the range 100-10,000 years, similar
to that of many important Earth processes. This project will establish a world-class
Australian Uranium-series research group to investigate the processes of magma
formation and transport, continental growth, rates of erosion and recycling.
These methodologies can also constrain processes governing water flow and reservoirs,
mineral resources, volcanic eruptions, carbon cycles and other environmentally
important processes/systems/cycles.
International Collaboration:
New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States
Major Research Fields:
Carbonates; geochronology; island arcs; isotope geochemistry; mantle
melting
National Benefit:
The magmatic problems to be addressed are key issues with far reaching implications,
not only for our understanding of the planet but also for the design of better
mineral exploration, and climate-change forecasting models.
Professor Mark von Itzstein
A pre-eminent Australian scientist in the area of carbohydrate science
and one of the leading scientists who was involved in the development of
the new anti-influenza drug Relenza (approved from treatment of influenza
in Europe, the United States, Japan and Australia)
Project:
Carbohydrates
and carbohydrate-recognising
proteins as drug discovery
targets
Host Institution:
Centre for Biomolecular
Science and Drug Discovery,
Griffith University
Qualifications of Fellow:
PhD (1984) Chemistry, Griffith, University, Queensland
BSc (Hons) (1980) Biochemistry, Griffith University, Queensland
Recent Positions Held:
Director/Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, Griffith University
Centre for Biomolecular
Science & Drug Discovery 2000 (current position)
Associate Dean Research,
Monash University, Victorian College of Pharmacy 1997 (fixed term)
Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, Monash University 1996
Professorial Fellow,
Monash University Medicinal Chemistry 1995 (fixed term)
Senior Principal Research
Fellow, Monash University Medicinal Chemistry 1991 (fixed term)
Project Description:
The significance and roles of carbohydrates in many biological processes, in
particular those processes associated with disease, is now well-recognised.
These new directions have captured the attention and imagination of not only
academic research groups across the world, but also pharmaceutical and biotechnology
companies and has restimulated their interest in the pursuit of carbohydrate-based
drugs and drugs against carbohydrate-recognising proteins critical in disease
processes. The current application seeks to use some of this information to
faciliate the discovery of novel carbohydrate-based chemical entities as inhibitors
of the spread of some cancers and diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms.
International Collaboration:
Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States
Major Research Fields:
Carbohydrate chemistry; carbohydrate-based therapeutics; drug discovery; medicinal
chemistry; and sialic acids
National Benefit:
Relenza was the first designer glycotherapeutic drug to come to the world pharmaceutical
market. The work associated with the Fellowship seeks to intensify the search
for new glycotherapeutic drugs for use against important clinical diseases.
The results could provide significant economic return to Australia through
attracting commercial funding and other financial returns.
