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Summary of Linkage International Awards Round 12
(excluding Materials World Network proposals)
New South Wales
The University of New South Wales
LX0669069 Prof RG Clark; Prof AS Dzurak; Prof M Pepper;
Prof CM Marcus; Dr DJ Reilly
Approved Project Title: UNSW Harvard Cambridge
Partnership in Semiconductor Nanostructures for Quantum Computing and
Quantum Science
2006 : $15,000
2007 : $15,000
Primary RFCD 2402 THEORETICAL AND CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
Collaborating Countries
UK
USA
Administering Institution The University of New South
Wales
Project Summary
Breakthrough nanotechnologies based on quantum mechanics promise important
new devices with many applications in information and communications
technologies. For example, quantum computers promise an enormous increase
in computing power, allowing fast and complex processing in areas such
as database searching, gene sequencing and weather modeling. This new
collaboration brings together researchers from major national Centres
in Australia (UNSW), Great Britain (University of Cambridge) and the
USA (Harvard University) to tackle one of modern sciences most challenging
problems how to control and manipulate quantum states.
LX0668738 Prof TP Davis; Dr L Barner; Prof Dr A Greiner;
Prof JH Wendorff
Approved Project Title: Polymer nanoobjects
functionalized by polymer brushes: preparation, organization and integration
in devices
2006 : $10,000
2007 : $10,000
Primary RFCD 2505 MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
Collaborating Countries
Germany
Administering Institution The University of New South
Wales
Project Summary
The proposed project targets the collaboration between two leading research
teams. The University of Marburg is leading in the area of the preparation
of nanoobjects, while the research team at CAMD (UNSW) focuses on the
preparation of well controlled polymer structures via RAFT polymerisation.
The combined strength of both groups seeks to improve the properties
of nanodevices by the attachment of well defined polymer layers. We expect
therefore an optimum scientific output with both groups focusing on their
research potency next to being able to access new knowledge. The visit
to the German research group enables the Australian researchers access
to a leading team in nanotechnology.
LX0668753 Dr SC Griffith; Prof TR Birkhead; Dr AN Rutstein
Approved Project Title: The evolutionary effect
of the domestication process in a model organism
2006 : $11,000
2007 : $11,000
Primary RFCD 2707 ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Collaborating Countries
UK
Administering Institution The University of New South
Wales
Project Summary
A significant proportion of research in the field of evolutionary biology,
focuses on captive populations of laboratory bred animals. Little is
known about the impact of the domestication process on these species,
raising questions about the relevance of such studies. The Australian
zebra finch is the avian model species of choice in evolutionary biology
laboratories in Europe and the USA and the focus of many high profile
publications. Our investigation into the affect of domestication on the
evolutionary biology of this key model species will have a high international
impact, raising the profile of Australian research, in addition to providing
fundamental knowledge across several areas of reproductive biology.
LX0669217 Prof BK Milthorpe; A/Prof RA Simmons; Prof
Dr F Besenbacher; Dr M Foss
Approved Project Title: Biomolecular surface interactions with
smart biomaterials
2006 : $5,000
2007 : $5,000
Primary RFCD 2915 BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Collaborating Countries
Denmark
Administering Institution The University of New South
Wales
Project Summary
Current materials used for medical implants are often recognised by the
body as foreign materials causing implant rejection or encapsulation.
Research into the interactions between biological molecules and chemically
and topographically modified materials will aid in the development of
new materials and devices that optimise the body's response to the implanted
material. The new materials and surfaces developed from this research
will provide longer lasting implants and reduce the need for repeated
operations. This will improve the quality of life for implant recipients
and reduce health care costs.
LX0668702 A/Prof BA Neilan; Prof PL Rogers; Prof K
Lee; Dr Y Jeon
Approved Project Title: Metabolic engineering to develop recombinant
Zymomonas mobilis for the production of fuel ethanol and fermentation
chemicals
2006 : $11,000
2007 : $11,000
Primary RFCD 2702 GENETICS
Collaborating Countries
Korea
Administering Institution The University of New South
Wales
Project Summary
This project will provide an opportunity to revolutionise the Australian
chemical and sugar industries. Unlike the traditional methods of the
petrochemical industry, bioconversion of carbohydrates to chemicals,
such as succinic acid via fermentation is more considerably environmentally
friendly. For the sugar industry this project will provide an opportunity
to produce not only conventional sugar products but also high value commodities
via the process integration of succinic acid production using agricultural
residues, such as bagasse. This will contribute to significant levels
of job creation in Australia, with the further benefit that such products
will be important for both import replacement and export potential.
LX0668749 Prof JW Storey; A/Prof MC Ashley; A/Prof
MG Burton; Dr NR Epchtein
Approved Project Title: ARENA: Antarctic Research, a European
Network for Astronomy
2006 : $10,000
Primary RFCD 2401 ASTRONOMICAL SCIENCES
Collaborating Countries
Belgium
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
UK
Administering Institution The University of New South
Wales
Project Summary
With compelling evidence now growing that the world's best astronomical
observing sites for optical/infrared astronomy are located on the high
plateau of Australia's Antarctic Territory, a race is underway to establish
the first major observing facilities there. The European Union have recently
funded a network of 20 leading research institutes to coordinate the
development of enabling technologies and astronomical programs in Antarctica,
with a view to constructing a so called 'Great Observatory'. Australia's
participation in this network ensures continued technology exchange and
builds our knowledge base in robotics, harsh environment engineering
and computational fluid dynamics, while creating important new astronomical
opportunities.
The University of Sydney
LX0669139 A/Prof CB Inglis; Dr KM Dunn; Dr C Pina Guerassimoff
Approved Project Title: Contemporary Chinese transnationalism
from an international perspective: Australia and France compared
2006 : $6,000
Primary RFCD 3705 DEMOGRAPHY
Collaborating Countries
France
Administering Institution The University of Sydney
Project Summary
The recent focus on terrorism and security has heightened concerns that
migrant transnational linkages affect social and political security.
The project will help understanding of the transnational ties of Chinese
and other migrants through comparison of their international social,
economic, and faith based practices and relationships. One aim is to
assess whether common negative perceptions about transnationalism are
accurate. Also examined is the capacity for such stereotypes to cause
resistance among migrants and the strategies available to policy makers
to overcome such responses with their potentially destabilising impact
on the host societies and their security;
LX0668654 Dr JR Reimers; Prof MJ Crossley; Prof P Franzon
Approved Project Title: Development of a test bed for molecular
memory and molecular photovoltaic devices.
2006 : $10,000
2007 : $8,000
Primary RFCD 2503 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Collaborating Countries
USA
Administering Institution The University of Sydney
Project Summary
The development of nanostructured materials and the devices that utilize
them is at the forefront of modern science and technology. Electrical
devices whose functional units are structurally ordered single molecules
dominate biochemical processes, especially pertinent ones being photosynthesis
and cellular energy production; artificial devices promise new technologies
in multi $B markets such as long term data storage and renewable solar
energy production. Interfacing molecules with macroscopic interconnects
poses a great technological challenge, however, and in this project the
underlying basic science will be determined through the formation of
molecules into device accessible functional materials.
University of Technology, Sydney
LX0669182 Prof S Muecke; Em/Prof MN Pearson; Dr D Ghosh;
Dr HE Niemeijer; Prof PD Reeves
Approved Project Title: Cultures of Trade in the Indian Ocean
2006 : $7,500
Primary RFCD 4203 CULTURAL STUDIES
Collaborating Countries
Netherlands
Singapore
Administering Institution University of Technology,
Sydney
Project Summary
A decline in cultural understandings in the IO is threatening trade opportunities.
'Value', accordingly, must be understood both in economic and cultural
terms. Another outcome of this collaboration will be an analysis of the
ways in which current regional security issues are being posed, and it
is essential to have an international network of scholars to provide
an appropriate comparative perspective. By giving us a clearer understanding
of the impact of culture on commercial relations and of Australia's place
in the Indian Ocean Region, the project will help Australia to build
strong, peaceful and mutually beneficial relations with its neighbours.
University of Western Sydney
LX0668626 Dr F Allon; Prof KJ Anderson; Prof M Ang;
Dr JR Lloyd; Prof RB West Pavlov; Prof Dr M Stein
Approved Project Title: Open Cities: urban citizenship in Sydney
and Berlin
2006 : $14,000
2007 : $14,000
Primary RFCD 4203 CULTURAL STUDIES
Collaborating Countries
Germany
Administering Institution University of Western Sydney
Project Summary
This collaboration will contribute directly to National Research Priority "Safeguarding
Australia: Understanding our region and the world". By analysing
the differential dynamics of cultural citizenship in global cities such
as Sydney, researchers, community service providers and policymakers
will be given contemporary knowledge to invigorate their efforts to create
and maintain a shared sense of security and belonging in a highly diverse
context. Drawing upon the latest research from European contexts will
add rigour and validity to the research program and open opportunities
for connecting with emerging EU research priorities concerned with managing
identity formation across national boundaries.
University of Wollongong
LX0668676 Dr PC Innis; Prof RB Kaner
Approved Project Title: Polyaniline Nanofibre Systems
2006 : $10,600
2007 : $10,600
Primary RFCD 2501 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (INCL. STRUCTURAL)
Collaborating Countries
USA
Administering Institution University of Wollongong
Project Summary
Advanced materials such as the conducting polymer and applications of
these materials at the nanoscale and up is clearly a cutting edge area
of international interest. Development of readily processable nano systems
has been a challenge with a clear scientific and commercial benefit.
This proposal will bring linkages to Australia with the world leader
in the field, Professor Kaner UCLA, on the synthesis of polyaniline nanofibres
and associated photowelding processes. The opportunities to Australia
and the USA will be to expand the potential utility of such systems,
which without such interactions would permit others to take a stake hold
in this emergent and potentially lucrative technology.
LX0669112 Dr W Li; Prof W Wen
Approved Project Title: Electrorheological Fluid based Actuators
2006 : $12,500
2007 : $12,500
Primary RFCD 2905 MECHANICAL AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Collaborating Countries
Hong Kong
Administering Institution University of Wollongong
Project Summary
The proposed project will make significant contribution towards both
fundamental understanding of nanoparticle materials and the development
of novel nanomaterial based devices. It is expected that new technology
obtained from this research will be transferred to the automotive industry
in Australia. It will also strengthen the collaboration between Australia
and other countries, such as Hong Kong where research is also at the
forefront in this field. Australian research students and engineers will
also gain training opportunities from this project.
LX0668564 Dr G Wang; Dr J Horvat; Dr KK Konstantinov;
Dr JZ Wang; Prof J Ahn; Dr Y Kim
Approved Project Title: Nanostructured materials for development
of advanced lithium energy storage systems
2006 : $10,000
2007 : $10,000
Primary RFCD 2914 MATERIALS ENGINEERING
Collaborating Countries
Korea
Administering Institution University of Wollongong
Project Summary
This project is expected to bring several national benefits. Novel nanostructured
electro active materials and high energy density rechargeable lithium
batteries will be developed. The application of advanced lithium batteries
as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles
(HEVs) will realise nearly zero emission transportation. The widespread
usage of EVs and HEVs could significantly reduce air pollution, improve
urban environment and increase national energy security and energy independence.
Victoria
Deakin University
LX0668877 Prof PD Hodgson; Dr H Wang; Dr C Liu; Prof
Z Hu; Prof H Zhang
Approved Project Title: Ductile Bulk Metallic Glass Composites
2006 : $10,000
2007 : $10,000
Primary RFCD 2914 MATERIALS ENGINEERING
Collaborating Countries
China
USA
Administering Institution Deakin University
Project Summary
Structural materials are the basic building blocks of modern society,
even a small advancement can have a strong impact on our society. The
properties of steel have been pushed close to the limit. The development
of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) offers the opportunity to revolutionize
the field of structural materials with strengths 3 or 4 time that of
steel. The proposed project, aims to overcome the major technical barrier
for BMGs of insufficient ductility. The development of ductile and high
strength BMGs, will position Australia and its researchers at the forefront
of this exciting material innovation. The project will develop and strengthen
Australia's international research linkages with overseas centres of
excellence.
La Trobe University
LX0668974 Prof MA Anderson; Prof RE Hancock
Approved Project Title: Molecular basis of the antifungal and
antimalarial activity of a plant defensin
2006 : $7,500
2007 : $7,500
Primary RFCD 2701 BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
Collaborating Countries
Canada
Administering Institution La Trobe University
Project Summary
The plant defensin NaD1 has potent inhibitory activity against a number
of agronomically important fungal pathogens. These species are major
pathogens of cotton and other important agricultural crops such as canola
and potatoes. These pathogens cause serious economic losses and threaten
the future of the cotton industry in Australia. NaD1 also has potential
as a new antibiotic for treatment of infections in humans.
Monash University
LX0667332 Prof AM Bond; Dr TP McCormac
Approved Project Title: Overcoming the Barriers in the Development
of Solid State Materials
2006 : $6,500
2007 : $10,000
Primary RFCD 2501 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (INCL. STRUCTURAL)
Collaborating Countries
Ireland
Administering Institution Monash University
Project Summary
A major impact of this proposal shall be in terms of researcher training.
By synergistically combining materials chemistry, fundamental physical
chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and electrochemistry, this basic program
will provide high level training to a new generation of Australian and
Irish scientists thus helping to safeguard the economic competitiveness
of the countries. Beyond the impact of the fundamental insight into the
rational design, structure and behaviour of a new class of solid materials,
success in this program will have widespread applications for a variety
of strategically important industries and should place Australia and
Ireland at the forefront of this technology.
LX0668992 Prof K Hourigan; A/Prof MC Thompson; Prof
WP Anderson; Dr T Leweke; Dr L Schouveiler; Prof PA Monkewitz; Prof M
Brons; Prof JN Sorensen; A/Prof M Pedersen; A/Prof MP Sorensen
Approved Project Title: Fluid mechanics and physiology of blockages
in vascular systems
2006 : $20,000
2007 : $20,000
Primary RFCD 2499 OTHER PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Collaborating Countries
Denmark
France
Switzerland
Administering Institution Monash University
Project Summary
Vascular disease is a major health problem both in Australia and worldwide.
In particular, cardiovascular disease is a major killer of adult Australians.
Engineers and mathematicians working with biologists will gain a greater
understanding of vascular diseases, a major health problem, including
cardiovascular disease, which is one of the biggest killers worldwide,
as well as tackling renal circulation problems, which are a significant
problem and may contribute to hypertension. Detailed measurement and
prediction will be undertaken of the mechanical loading and response
of cells to their microenvironment, an important first step to controlling
pathological responses which lead to a variety of autoimmune problems.
LX0668485 Dr RY Lapovok; Prof TG Langdon; Prof YS Estrin
Approved Project Title: Development of a Superplastic Forming
Capabilities in Magnesium Based Alloys through
Processing using Severe Plastic Deformation
2006 : $15,000
2007 : $13,000
Primary RFCD 2913 METALLURGY
Collaborating Countries
Germany
USA
Administering Institution Monash University
Project Summary
This research will provide a basis for advancing the structural use of
magnesium alloys in the building and transportation industries. It is
anticipated the project will lower the cost of producing lightweight
structures and extend the range of alloys that can be used in such applications.
With the growing magnesium industry in Australia, and with the potential
for Australia to become a major world supplier of magnesium, the development
of advanced processing technology for magnesium based alloys is of national
importance. The project will play a vital role in strengthening the Australian
technological position and increasing the opportunities for professional
Australians.
LX0668799 Prof X Zhao; Prof J Teng
Approved Project Title: CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer)
Strengthening of Steel Structures
2006 : $6,000
2007 : $5,000
Primary RFCD 2908 CIVIL ENGINEERING
Collaborating Countries
Hong Kong
Administering Institution Monash University
Project Summary
The research will produce a breakthrough in understanding the bond characteristics
between CFRP and steel. It will develop strengthening techniques for
steel structures. The project will contribute to improved cost effectiveness
and safety of steel structures thereby contributing to the socio economic
well being of Australia including the road, offshore, building and mining
industries. It will increase the international competitiveness of the
Australian steel industry and Australia's infrastructure maintenance
capability. Furthermore, Australia will be better positioned for potential
technology transfer to Asian countries in this technical area.
The University of Melbourne
LX0669098 Dr A Tordesillas; Dr JF Peters
Approved Project Title: Modelling and simulation of emergent
behaviour in particulate assemblies under terrestrial and microgravity
conditions: a focus on force propagation
2006 : $12,000
Primary RFCD 2907 RESOURCES ENGINEERING
Collaborating Countries
USA
Administering Institution The University of Melbourne
Project Summary
Systems and processes involving particulate matter are complex, and due
to inadequate understanding and modelling capabilities, rarely reach
more than 60% of the design capacity. Given the prominence of these materials
in Australia's leading export industries, the potential economic and
social impact of this research program is significant. For example, Australia
holds the largest known resources of iron ore with annual exports exceeding
$3.8 billion; annual wheat exports exceed $3.4 billion and 90% of Australia's
sealed roads (granular paved) cost $1 billion per year to maintain. This
research will advance knowledge of fundamental behaviour and deliver
predictive tools to control and optimise processes involving particulate
matter.
Australian Capital Territory
The Australian National University
LX0668812 Prof NE Dixon; Dr EM Sevick; Dr AM van Oijen;
Dr S Hamdan
Approved Project Title: Single Molecule Studies of Replisomal
Function
2006 : $10,200
2007 : $10,200
Primary RFCD 2503 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Collaborating Countries
UK
USA
Administering Institution The Australian National University
Project Summary
It has recently become possible to watch the copying of DNA molecules
with a specialized microscope in real time. This process requires assembly
of a complex molecular machine on the DNA, followed by triggering of
its function, and yields exquisitely detailed information about how the
machine works. In this new collaboration between scientists in Australia
and the U.S.A., we will assemble these machines on single DNA molecules,
watch how they work and simultaneously measure the very small forces
that the machines generate. This will give Australian scientists access
to a new technology for studying molecular machines.
LX0668781 Dr AM Hogg; Prof WK Dewar; Prof RW Griffiths
Approved Project Title: Nonhydrostatic waves and instabilities
in rotating fluids
2006 : $5,400
2007 : $11,000
Primary RFCD 2604 OCEANOGRAPHY
Collaborating Countries
USA
Administering Institution The Australian National University
Project Summary
This project addresses a fundamental gap in our understanding of the
ocean circulation. The benefits of the program will be to improve the
way we model and predict the ocean circulation and the response of the
ocean to climate change. The project will thereby assist National Research
Priorities on global change and link with a major new ANU Marine Science
Strategic Initiative.
LX0669082 Dr G Laudel; Dr J Glaser; Prof U Schimank;
Dr S Lange
Approved Project Title: The differential impact of performance
based and size based funding of university research in
Australia and Germany
2006 : $9,000
2007 : $9,000
Primary RFCD 3706 HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE
AND MEDICINE
Collaborating Countries
Germany
Administering Institution The Australian National University
Project Summary
The project will significantly increase knowledge about organisational
and individual responses to systems of financing university research.
A comparison of University research in Australia to a 'ground state'
of research that has not been affected by evaluation based funding will
assist Australian policy makers to better manage the use of tax payer
dollars to fund research. The project will identify adaptive behaviour,
and will thus support the discussion about possible consequences of the
upcoming new Research Quality Framework in Australia. German science
policy will benefit from insights into the long term effects of formula
based funding that cannot as yet be observed in Germany.
LX0668616 Dr BS Richards; Dr AN Tiwari
Approved Project Title: Enhancing the performance of thin film
photovoltaic cells via the application of luminescent
down shifting layers
2006 : $3,000
2007 : $7,000
Primary RFCD 2404 OPTICAL PHYSICS
Collaborating Countries
Germany
Switzerland
Administering Institution The Australian National University
Project Summary
Photovoltaic (PV) devices convert sunlight directly into electricity.
For decades, the dominant PV technology has been based on thick, costly
silicon wafers. However, due to higher energy conversion efficiencies
and manufacturing processes, thin film PV cells can provide lower price
than of the conventional wafer based technologies. This project takes
one of the leading thin film technologies and couples it with a passive
optical layer, which will result in a 30% performance enhancement by
overcoming internal absorption losses. It is anticipated that the increased
performance will enable the thin film PV technology to be far more commercially
viable and attractive for future commercialisation, and hence reduce
the cost of solar power.
