Contact Name of Chief Investigator
Keller, Jurg
Rolfe, Barbara
Thurecht, Kris
Millard, Sean
Ngo, Shyuan
Alexandrov, Kirill Bowles, Josephine Associated School/Institute
Advanced Water Management Centre
AIBN
AIBN
Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical Sciences
IMB
IMB
Type of Grant
Project Title
Project Brief description
Preferred educational background
Contact Email address
ARC
Microbes are fascinating organisms giving us cheese, beer, and wine. A special group of bacteria is even capable to produce electricity from waste materials, or eat electricity to convert CO2 emissions into chemicals. This process has the potential to dramatically improve the sustainability of Sustainable production of chemicals and fuels future chemical industry and environmental biotechnology. We have Chemical/Process Engineering Biotechnology from carbon dioxide
already shown that acetate, an important precursor in the chemical industry, can be produced in lab‐scale reactors using selected microbial communities. Our goal is now to engineer a process capable of producing a broad range of biochemical and biofuels from CO2 at high rates and high product concentrations. [email protected]
NHMRC
The incidence of melanoma is increasing world‐wide, and Queensland has the highest rate of melanoma in the world. Despite advances in treatment, the 3‐uear survival rate for metastatic melanoma remains extremely low. Targeting the Complement Cascade: A Novel Our recent research has demonstrated a role for a key component of the Immunology, cell biology, molecular biology Therapeutic Strategy for Metastatic Melanoma
innate immune system in melanoma growth. The proposed project aims to investigate the potential of this immune mediator as a therapeutic target for metastatic melanoma, and other cancers. [email protected]
NHMRC
Immuno‐polymeric drugs for prostate cancer therapy
The aim of this study is to develop well‐defined polymeric liposomes based on established and clinically‐relevant formulations that can be modified for direct targeting of prostate cancer using recently‐developed BsAb technology. Furthermore, validation of the therapeutic nanomedicine will be assessed in mice, and also in canines, the only other animal besides man Knowledge of chemistry and cell biology is desired.
to develop prostate cancer, and will allow interrogation of both targeting (using PET‐CT) and therapeutic efficacy in real disease cases. Ultimately this will provide a mechanism to predict the most efficacious approach for treating the disease in man. A background in nano or biotechnology is required.
NHMRC
How the dosage of a Down Syndrome candidate gene affects neural circuitry and behaviour
In Down Syndrome, an extra copy of chromosome 21 increases gene expression and leads to brain defects. We hypothesise that one candidate gene, Dscam2, changes it function with increased expression. This causes brain cells that normally stick to each other to repel each other, leading to inappropriate connections in the brain. We will test this model in the fruit fly and demonstrate for the first time a mechanism dependent on gene expression that can lead to brain abnormalities in Down syndrome. NHMRC
ARC
NHMRC
Hons 1A [email protected]
[email protected]
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. In the absence of a cure for MND, more research is needed to find new therapeutic approaches. Studies indicate that patients with MND have impairments in whole body physiology and energy homeostasis, with evidence that an imbalance in energy metabolism negatively influences the Neuroscience, Molecular Biology.
rate of progression of disease. Our project will investigate and modulate energy metabolism responses to neurodegeneration in a mouse model of MND, and in human iPSC‐derived neurons and myoblast‐derived muscle fibres to define how energetic deficit causes the catastrophic death of motor neurons and progressive muscle weakness in MND. [email protected]
Electrochemical Receptors – a step towards bioelectronics hybrids
The idea of combining mechanic and biological systems has fascinated humans for centuries. The advent of electronics and space travel coincided with the introduction of a term “Borg” – an enhanced human being who could survive in extra‐terrestrial environments. While in the following fifty years our ability to control electronic and biological systems advanced dramatically their integration remains underdeveloped. This is largely due to the lack of approaches for conversion of complex biochemical signalling into electric current. In this project we will apply principles of Synthetic Chemistry, Biochemistry, physics
Biology to construct sensory arrays of artificial electrochemical receptors to hormones, metabolites and neurotransmitters. This will be achieved by exploring the natural diversity and the generic functional mechanism of bacterial chemoreceptors to create their chimers with autoinhibited redox enzymes. Such chimeric proteins will generate electron current upon encounter with a specific analyte. Using advanced nano‐printing technologies we will create sensory arrays capable of monitoring complex biological processes in tissues or on the skin of living organisms.
[email protected]
Exposing the mechanisms underlying mammalian meiotic onset
Germ cells must undergo a special form of cell division, meiosis, before they can form oocytes in females or sperm in males. We want to know, in detail, how meiosis is triggered in germ cells and what the first steps are in meiotic Molecular genetics, developmental biology, progression. This information will help us understand the causative factors reproductive biology. in infertility (1 in 6 couples of reproductive age are infertile), control fertility (develop new contraceptives) and avoid testicular cancer (the most common tumour type in young men). [email protected]
Bioenergetic deficit in Neurodegeneration: studies in motor neuron disease (MND)
Secondary Contact
Membrane trafficking proteins at atomic resolution
Collins, Brett
IMB
ARC & NHMRC
Cooper, Matthew
IMB
NHMRC
Membrane‐active antibiotics against multi‐
drug resistant Gram negative bacteria
Craik, David
IMB
NHMRC
New drugs for cholesterol
Hankamer, Ben
Koopman, Peter
Lewis, Richard
Parton, Robert
IMB
IMB
IMB
IMB
ARC
ARC & NHMRC
ARC
NHMRC
Sweet, Matt
IMB
NHMRC
Teasdale, Rohan
IMB
ARC
Professor Jennifer Stow
IMB
Our group aims to determine the molecular basis of how transport proteins move receptors around our cells. We use a wide variety of techniques including molecular biology, protein X‐ray crystallography, biochemical and biophysical studies of protein‐protein and protein‐lipid interactions. We have several projects available, to study in atomic detail the structures of proteins involved in trafficking including those required for normal human development, or mutated in neurodegenerative disease, muscle dystrophy and cancer. Compounds that target bacterial membranes are of great interest as potential antibiotics. We have examined a class of disulphide constrained beta‐hair‐pin peptides (DC‐BHPs) and developed a sophisticated design model that optimises peptide hydrophobicity, amphipathicity, hydrophobic moment and pKa. The focus of the PhD project will be the application of chemoinformatics and modelling design to other DC‐BHPs. Design candidates will be synthesized and tested, with their activity used to iteratively refine the modelling create improved antibiotics with better activity and reduced toxicity
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in Australia. Although there are drugs on the market, e.g. statins, that have helped alleviate the burden of the disease, these drugs are associated with serious side effects in ~20% of cases. We want to develop a new generation of peptide drug leads for lowering cholesterol by targeting a novel cell pathway. The successful applicant will desgn new drug leads, chemically synthesize them and characterize their structure and activity using biophysical techniques such as NMR and SPR. The global human population will expand to over 9 billion people by 2050, and will require 70% more food, 50% more fuel, 50% more water and 80% reduction in CO2 emissions to maintain political, social, fuel and climate security. Microalgae sit at the nexus of this challenge as they have evolved Solar Biotechnology: Atomic resolution single intricate solar interfaces that tap into the huge energy resource of the sun particle analysis of isolated photosynthetic to produce the food, fuel and oxygen required to support life on earth. As supercomplexes
part of a larger program of work focused on producing a molecular resolution 3D atlas of the photosynthetic machinery of a high‐efficiency green algae cell, the successful applicant will using a cutting edge single particle analysis pipeline to determine the atomic resolution structures of one (or more) key photosynthetic supercomplexes. Molecular genetics of sex determination and associated disorders
N/A Chemistry or molecular biology with a focus on molecular modelling and bioinformatics Chemistry and/or biochemistry Specialisation
Protein biochemistry
Structural biology
Membrane Proteins
Single Particle Analysis We are using a variety of molecular genetic strategies to characterize genes important for the development of the testes and ovaries, and genes which when mutated give rise to human disorders of sex development, a common group of conditions of which the causes are largely unknown. This project Molecular genetics, developmental biology involves the identification of new candidate genes, studying the regulation and interaction of new and previously identified genes and the proteins they encode, and detailed functional analysis using cell culture models and CRSPR genome engineering technology in mice.
Muscle fibres contain an elaborate system of membranes that allow the fibre to contract. An action potential generated by a nerve cell reaches the muscle surface but must then pass down a specialized system of tubes to reach the centre of the muscle fibre and trigger contraction. How this Cell biology, molecular biology
system of tubes is generated during muscle development and then maintained as muscles carry out their work is largely unknown. This proposal aims to use zebrafish and mammalian systems to understand how this tubular system develops and how it is disrupted in disease. Macrophages are innate immune cells that coordinate inflammatory responses upon detection of danger in the form of infection, tissue damage and/or dysregulated homeostasis. These cells use pattern recognition Molecular mechanisms in innate immune cells receptors, such as the Toll‐like Receptors (TLRs), to sense such danger. This 1st class Honours in Immunology, Cell Biology, providing specificity to inflammatory cytokine project will explore the role of a novel signalling pathway in providing Microbiology or Biochemistry outputs
specific to inflammatory cytokine outputs downstream of TLRs. The project will use molecular and cellular approaches, as well as in vivo studies, to characterize the biological significance of the pathway. The function of proteins is dependent on how they travel through the various regions or compartments within the cell. One intracellular Defining the membrane protein cargo compartment, termed endosomes, is central to this dynamic process. This BSc (Hons)/Cell Biology transported by Retromer
project is focused on defining the role of Retromer, an endosome‐
associated protein machine that directs the organisation and movement of proteins within the cell.
Inflammation and inflammatory cytokines are essential to fight infection but also cause chronic disease. This project aims to define novel Cellular regulation of receptor signalling mechanisms for activation and controlling inflammation. A PhD project molecular/cell biology; neuroscience; with additional top‐up funding for overseas travel and study is immunology or biomedical science.
and cytokine responses
available within this program to specifically study neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. [email protected]
[email protected]
BSc/MSc Biochemist
This project aims to accelerate the search for novel bioactive peptides in cone snail venoms. It was recently discovered that cone snails can rapidly and reversibly switch between distinct venoms in response to predatory or defensive stimuli, implying that defensive and predatory venoms have Structure‐function and regulation of defensive BSc in Biochemistry, pharmacology, chemistry evolved under separate selection pressures. The project will obtain and predatory venom peptides from cone and/or pharmacy background would be an separate predatory and defensive venoms from individual cone snails to snails
advantage compare and contrast the structure and function of conotoxins evolved for predations versus those evolved for defence, to elucidate the comparative structure‐function and evolution of these important classes of bioactive peptides and identify how they are selectively regulated. Molecular characterisation of transverse tubule development in skeletal muscle
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Li, Xue
ITEE
ARC
Rakic, Aleks
ITEE
ARC
Smith, Graeme
Faulkner, Geoffrey
ITEE
Mater Research Instit‐UQ
ARC
NHMRC
Smith, Maree
Pharmacy
NHMRC
Goodhill, Geoff
QBI
NHMRC
Goetz, Juergen
QBI
ARC
Robinson, Matthew
QBI
Social networks are fast becoming an important platform for understanding social opinions about events, organisations, products or services. An object in social networks refers to anything people talk about. This project aims to design and implement new social media mining algorithms to analyse the opinions that people express about such objects in terms of who, what, Opinion Analysis on Objects in Social Networks when and where. Through an interactive exploration of social opinion analysis, people can make better decisions. In order to capture people’s opinions such as feelings, attitudes and judgments, we will integrate different types of social media data such as text, spatial‐temporal data of users, and structure of social networks to analyse opinions effectively and efficiently. Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70. With Queensland being known as the skin cancer capital of the world, this project aims to develop new diagnostic technology capable of assisting clinicians in early skin cancer detection. The project will focus on Engineering the Terahertz Laser Technology engineering a disruptive technology based on the terahertz quantum for Skin Cancer Detection
cascade laser (QCL) and exploring the underpinning physical phenomena of laser radiation interaction with skin. The outcome will be the first terahertz imaging system based on optical‐feedback in a semiconductor laser suitable for early skin cancer detection. Formal verification of concurrent objects on modern multi‐core architectures
Honours Degree or Masters Degree in Computer Science, or Information Technology, specialised in Data Mining, Machine Learning, or Algorithms and Data Structures
[email protected]
Honours in Electrical Engineering or Science [email protected]
Modern multi‐core architectures optimise performance by writing values to local buffers rather than directly to the shared memory space. Difference architectures deal with the distribution of the values in local buffers in different ways. This project will adapt existing approaches to mathematical verification of concurrent objects, i.e., objects accessed simultaneously by Software Engineering or Mathematics
multiple threads, to cater for popular multi‐core architectures such as the ARM architecture used in most mobile phones. It will involve development of generic approaches to mathematically modelling implementations of concurrent objects and efficiently verifying their correctness with respect to software library specifications.
Neuroplasticity, the ability of neurons to reorganise and create new connections in response to external stimuli, is critical for learning and memory formation. This project will assess the role of a mobile DNA BSc (Hons) or MSc in molecular genetics and/or Does mobile DNA impact memory formation? element, the retrotransposon L1, in reshaping the neuronal genome in an behavioural neuroscience enriched learning environment, using cutting edge approaches in single‐cell genomics and electrophysiology. The main objective is to elucidate whether this “jumping gene” is a molecular component of neuroplasticity. For the 10‐30% of patients with advanced cancer who experience unremitting severe pain despite escalating doses of pain‐killers by conventional oral or injection routes, more invasive dosing may be warranted. Intra‐spinal delivery systems enable logarithmic scale Novel prolonged‐release polymetric reductions in dose relative to systemic routes. Due to the close proximity of microparticles for relief of intractable cancer‐ spinally administered pain‐killers close to their target receptors and ion related pain
channels, analgesia has a longer duration and systemic side‐effects are reduced. However, implanted devices are associated with catheter‐related problems in ~25% of patients. Hence, we will develop biodegradable prolonged‐release polymer formulations for spinal administration to produce long‐lasting analgesia in these patients. We will combine mathematical modelling with novel microfluidics technologies to investigate how growing nerve fibres sense chemical gradients, and how they use these gradients to find their appropriate How are axons guided to their targets in the targets in the developing nervous system. Students are only required to be developing nervous system? involved in either the modelling or the experimental aspects of the project (though they can be involved in both if desired). For more details about the lab see http://cns.qbi.uq.edu.au
The storage of long‐term memories is characterised by two distinct phases, namely consolidation and reconsolidation. Although both processes critically depend on protein synthesis, little is known about which proteins are involved in these processes. Here, we will apply a novel biochemical Role of de novo protein synthesis in learning protocol to a newly established transgenic mouse model, that allows us to and memory – a click chemistry approach
visualise de novo protein synthesis specifically in the hippocampus and to also determine whether and how the de novo proteome differs between initial memory consolidation and subsequent reconsolidation. Together this project will facilitate the unravelling of the molecular correlates of memory.
The project will empirically test theory for the genetic basis of ageing.Differences among individuals in distinct changes in their physiology as they age, lead to differences in their susceptibility to negative later‐life outcomes, and ultimately to differences in lifespan. Using a combination of genomic techniques, novel data analysis methods, and the largest dataset of it’s kind, this proposal aims to identify the genomic regions and The genetics of ageing in human populations
biochemical pathways associated with changes in cognition and physiological function in later‐life. Reproductive timing in women (ages at menarche and menopause) is linked with a range of later‐life outcomes, and we will assess the genetic basis of these relationships. This is crucial to understanding human life stages (e.g. infancy, childhood, adolescence and ageing).
BSc Hons (Biomedical discipline) or B Pharm Hons 1. Maths, physics or engineering, or
2.neuroscience
Bachelor of Science – Honours Class 1A
Biology, statistics, mathematics, or computer science
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Richards, Linda
Visscher, Peter
Yang, Jian
QBI
QBI
QBI
ARC
ARC
ARC & NHMRC
Development of the cerebral cortex.
The cerebral cortex is the area of the brain that has expanded most extensively throughout evolution. The laboratory has several projects investigating the development of the cerebral cortex in mouse and marsupial animal models as well as in human disease. We are particularly interested in the molecular mechanisms regulating the precise proliferation, migration and axonal development of neurons in the cerebral cortex.
Prediction of environmental exposures and phenotypes from epigenetic and genetic signatures in DNA samples The aim of the project is to quantify the accuracy of prediction of past or current environmental exposures from multi‐locus epigenetic models and to develop, test and validate unbiased and accurate predictors of age, smoking and other environmental factors from existing data on genome‐wide Statistics, quantitative genetics, computer science, methylation. For environmental exposures that also have a genetic bioinformatics, forensic science
component, the aim is to combine epigenetic and genetic information to maximise the accuracy of phenotypic prediction. The outcome from this project will be accurate prediction of important characteristics of an individual from which a biological sample has been obtained using DNA methylation profiling. X‐chromosome inactivation (XCI) is an important biological phenomenon but its effect on complex trait variation remains largely unknown. This project aims to develop novel statistical methods to estimate the X‐linked genetic variance and the proportion that escapes XCI, and identify trait‐
Biology, statistics, mathematics or computer The X‐chromosome and human complex trait associated genetic variants affected and not affected by XCI. The methods science variation
will be applied to large datasets from genome‐wide association studies for a large number of human complex traits. The unique methods and new knowledge will be of great significance to better understand the role of XCI in complex trait variation in humans. Macarthur, John
Sch of Architecture
ARC
Is architecture art? A history of categories, concepts and recent practices
Cook, Lyn
Sch of Biological Sciences
ARC
Why are Australian cycads endangered: pollinators, climate or humans?
Degnan, Bernie
Sch of Biological Sciences
ARC
Evolutionary origin of stem cells
Pandolfi, John
Sch of Biological Sciences
ARC
An elemental hypothesis for sub‐tropical refugia in reef corals
Lichtwark, Glen
Sch of Human Movement & Nutrition Sciences
ARC
Can muscles tune foot stiffness to enhance efficiency of human locomotion?
Davis, Matthew
Sch of Maths & Physics
ARC
Neuroscience/Biological/ Biomedical Sciences. Bioinformatics.
Genetics/ Molecular Biology/ Biotechnology.
Animal Sciences.
Nonequilibrium flows in polariton superfluids
There is no simple answer to the recurring question of whether architecture is an art. Nevertheless, unpacking the historical and current interests at stake in this question will lead to a better understanding of architecture in contemporary culture. Current issues arising from the exhibition of architecture in art galleries and architecture’s classification in new Architecture
measures of the cultural economy appear to be unconnected. The Project will, however, show that these issues are linked in the long history of systems of the arts and recent debates about the role of medium, discipline and aesthetic autonomy in defining the arts. The Project will provide new ways for architectural theory to engage with creative practice.
Globally, and in Australia, a majority of cycad species are currently listed as vulnerable or endangered. Landclearing post‐European settlement is thought to be the major threat, but Australian cycads are might already have been restricted to refugia following the aridification of Australia or landscape changes induced by the arrival of the first humans. The project aims to determine whether Australian cycads are threatened mostly by historical processes, such as ancient climate change, megafaunal extinction, increased fire regimes and pollinator disruption, or by post‐European changes to their environment. Our findings should inform management of a group of vulnerable plants, and contribute to our understanding of the maintenance of biodiversity in general. Stem cells are present in all animals. They are often derived from differentiated cells that undergo an epithelial‐mesenchyme transition, another fundamental feature of metazoans. We have developed a system to induce EMT in the sponge Amphimedon queenslandica‐ arguably one of the most advanced early‐branching models – that produces a pluripotent Molecular and cell biology
stem cell type. This project seeks to understand the epithelial to mesenchymal stem cell transition at the molecular and cellular level in Amphimedon, with the goal of identifying ancient and deeply conserved features of EMT and stem cell regulation in animals. This PhD student will discover the underlying traits that permit reef corals to live near the edges of their ranges in cool water. The PhD project will assess the plasticity in elemental composition (C, N and P) and metabolism of corals and their symbionts in response to low water temperatures. The outcome of the project will provide knowledge to support predictions of species migrations from tropical to subtropical waters, enabling managers to anticipate response of coral communities to ocean warming This project aims to understand the key role that muscles play in supporting the arch of the foot and determine if foot muscle function improves the efficiency of human walking and running. The project will involve making novel biomechanical measure of foot bone movement using high sped biplane radiography and will explore the how muscles can tune the stiffness of the foot. Exploration of how foot stiffness is controlled during human movement is expected to improve our understanding of the evolution of human waling and running and contribute to improving the design of modern footwear
Polaritons are hybrid particles of light and matter than can be engineered in two‐dimensional layers inside a semiconductor. At sufficiently high densities a Bose‐Einstein condensate emerges, a form of superfluid that exhibits features such as quantised vortices and frictionless flow. This PhD project will design schemes to generate and control novel nonequilibrium states of a polariton superfluid, and study their properties using computational methods. It is in collaboration with an experimental team at the Australian National University, who will be studying these new states of matter in the laboratory. Biology Exercise science, bio/mechanical engineering, rehabilitation sciences (eg physiotherapy, podiatry), comparative biology The project will suit a person with an interest in theoretical and computational physics, but also in working closely with experimental physicists. You will develop skills in the quantitative modelling of physical systems that are transferable and highly valued in research and in industry. [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Davis, Tamara
Sch of Maths & Physics
Namdas, Ebinazar
Sch of Maths & Physics
Neufeld, Zoltan
Powell, Ben
Rasmussen, Jorgen
Sch of Maths & Physics
Sch of Maths & Physics
Sch of Maths & Physics
ARC
ARC
ARC
ARC
This project plans to measure how supermassive black holes have evolved over the last 12 billion years. Direct measurements of central black hole masses only exist for about 40 relatively nearby galaxies. The unique time‐
lapse observations and five‐year baseline of the Australian Dark Energy Survey will enable us to measure masses for about 400 black holes, an order Weighing Black Holes with the Australian Dark of magnitude more than previously possible. In addition to weighing black Honours in astrophysics. Strong computing skills Energy Survey holes, recent results show that with precision measurement these systems may provide a standard candle, a new fundamental yardstick for cosmology. Unlike supernova observations that discovered dark energy, our measurements are practical to distances stretching back across 90 per cent of the observable universe. Positions are available for two PhD students (physics and chemistry each) to work on an ARC supported project, in developing a new class of laser and next generation display using organic semiconductor materials. The research is interdisciplinary and the candidates will work closely with world‐ Honours Class I (or equivalent) in Physics (Condensed Matter/Semiconductor Physics/ class researchers in physics and chemistry and gain a first class Light emitting transistors: a new route to Lasers)
postgraduate education at the state‐of‐the‐art research centre, digital display and Lasers
OR Chemistry (synthetic chemistry).
(http://www.physics.uq.edu.au/cope/node/2). Applicants should have first class honours degree in a scientific discipline that is relevant to the project, including physics, chemistry, materials science and Engineering. The PhD research projects will investigate the role of mechanical interactions between cells in determining the structure and morphology of different types of complex biological tissues. The projects will study the role of multicellular biomechanics in a range of different biological contexts including embryo development and morphogenesis, maintenance and regeneration of adult tissues, and the initiation and spread of cancer cells in Mathematical modelling of tissue mechanics, a tissue. The projects will use mathematical models and computer morphogenesis, and tumour growth
simulations, based on partial differential equations, stochastic models of interacting particles etc, and involves collaborations with experimental groups at the UQ Institute for Molecular Biosciences. The projects also aim to contribute to optimising treatment strategies, including surgery, radio‐ and chemo‐therapy with particular focus on glioblastoma brain tumours. The mathematical modelling will be supported by experiments and MRI imaging data from the UQ Centre of Advanced Imaging.
mathematics, physics or engineering (previous background in biology is not required) Neuroscience, Molecular Biology.
Biochemistry and Physiology How do we build a quantum spin‐liquid?
Quantum spin‐liquids (QSLs) are exotic states of matter where quantum fluctuations are so strong that they control the physics of the material. QSLs display very stronge properties – for example the electron appears split inside of some QSLs. But only a handful of QSLs have been identified and very little is known about them experimentally. In this project you will Physics, chemistry or materials science combine state‐of‐the‐art analytical theory with supercomputer based computational methods to understand how one might engineer these quantum states of matter systematically. We will work with our collaborators in experimental physics and synthetic chemistry to implement the derived principles. Inde‐composable representation theory
Indecomposability is a central concept in representation theory and is thus fundamental to a wide range of applications in science. This project aims to develop a systematic approach to the study and applications of families of Honours Class I (or equivalent) in mathematics or indecomposable representations/modules in pure mathematics and theoretical physics
mathematical physics. Important context and their underlying mathematical structures include ring theory, Lie algebras and generalisations thereof, conformal field theory, integrable systems and advanced linear algebra. Huang, Han
Sch of Mechanical & Mining Engineering
ARC
Developing innovative methodologies to understand nanoscale adhesion and friction
Zou, Jin
Sch of Mechanical & Mining Engineering
ARC
Synthesis and Characterisation of Thermoelectric Nanostructures
The understanding of adhesion and friction between a nanowhisker and a substrate is crucial for developing next generation nanodevices. However, the current methods for measuring nanoscale adhesion and friction are inaccurate and can produce contradictory results, sue to the extreme challenges in mastering sophisticated measuring techniques and the lack of understanding of their underlying mechanisms. This research aims to develop innovative “push‐peel” and “push‐slide” methods to accurately measure those properties and to further understand their fundamental origins. Successful outcomes from this study will not only solve a long‐
standing problem in the application of nanowhiskers, but also generate breakthrough nanosurface science. This project aims to develop high‐performance thermoelectric nanostructures by synthesising them using microwave assistant hydrothermal approach. The obtained nanostructures will be characterised using advanced microscopy to determine their evolution/formation mechanisms. Using our newly installed facilities, the thermoelectrical performance of these nanostructures will be evaluated. By correlating the characterisation results with determined the performance of fabricated nanostructures, this project will clarify the fundamental reasons that are responsible to measured performance. Ultimately, this project will provide critical insights in securing high‐performance Thermoelectric nanostructures.
At least Honours degree in mechanical or materials engineering BE/BS in Materials Engineering/Science, Materials Physics/Chemistry
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Haslam, Cath
Louis, Winnifred
Brady, Michelle Lawrence, Geoffrey
Sch of Psychology
Sch of Psychology
Sch of Social Sci
Sch of Social Science
Memmott, Paul
School of Architecture
Matook, Sabine School of Business
Marinovic, Welber
School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences
ARC
ARC
ARC
ARC
ARC Discovery
Retirement involves a major life change, to which 30% of people fail to adjust successfully. Previous work in the social identity tradition suggests that the negative effects of significant life changes (e.g. moving into care) can be buffered by access to social group networks, but this possibility has Adjustment to retirement through social not been examined in the context of retirement. This project addresses this identity change gap through studies that establish the importance of social group factors for successful adjustment among Australian, English, American and Chinese retirees. It also tests the efficacy of a new model that seeks to improve adjustment to retirement by incorporating various forms of social planning into preparation for this transition. If a democratic protest rally is ignored by authorities, does support for violence increase? If a turbulent riot attracts favourable media attention and concessions, does this increase the likelihood of future riots or undercut them? This research aims to answer these questions. It tests a new, integrative model of collective action and the intergroup dynamic, Outcomes of collective action: After the using a mixed‐methods approach including experiments, small group blockade, what next?
research, and longitudinal field surveys. This project will provide an evidence basis for policy makers’ debates about trajectories of radicalisation and deradicalisation, and for recommendations about engagement and negotiation of tactics for activists, political parties and NGOs
This project aims to identify how best to achieve flexible childcare for the large number of Australian shift work, professional or casual employees who work outside or beyond standard work hours. Consecutive governments have attempted to intervene in what is now regarded as a childcare flexibility crisis, but their attempts have failed due to fundamental Addressing childcare flexibility misunderstandings of family needs for affordable, quality care and service providers’ business requirements. This project seeks to reconcile family and provider experiences with government cost and quality concerns. It aims to deliver new knowledge on the alignments between stakeholders’ interests so as to offer a way forward in the creation of an affordable, flexible, quality care system. Financialisation – the growing presence of financial firms in economic relations – is an important, yet poorly understood, concept. Its application to agri‐food industries is very recent. Interviews and document analysis will be used to examine the ways financialisation is transforming Australia’s agri‐
food industries. The PhD student will undertake research into financial Food, Farming and Financialisation: Agri‐food intermediaries – Australian‐based firms and individuals that provide the Transformations in Australia
links between foreign and national finance capital, and Australian farms and food companies. The team consists of E/Professor Lawrence, an RA, and three overseas experts from Norway, Germany and South Korea. Participation at yearly Agri‐food Research Network Conferences will be encouraged.
Evidence of Indigenous experience of healthcare settings to improve health
Governance of Agile Software Development Projects
ARC
Revealing the beneficial effects of acoustic stimulation on the human brain
Many Indigenous people fail to present for health care until chronically ill, due to fear or dislike of health services and their settings. Across a range of building scales, this research aims to understand how design in healthcare architecture (clinics, hospitals) affects Indigenous people’s use and perceptions of these environments (waiting rooms, wards etc) to facilitate their well‐being and their consequent motivation to access health care services. Developing innovative and adaptable research methods, the project seeks the necessary architectural design changes, which are needed for health settings to facilitate access for Indigenous people, contributing towards closing the untenable national Indigenous health gap.
Effective governance of software development projects is essential for companies to protect their IT investments.
Nowadays, companies have migrated to agile software development where requirements and solutions evolve
iteratively and change frequently; yet formal approaches to governance (e.g. steering committee & detailed plans)
are ineffective, impede flexibility, agility, and creativity. Hence, this project will identify informal governance
approaches for agile projects based on team embeddedness and network theory. The project is the first that will
generate theoretical knowledge on how to govern agile teams effectively. With this knowledge, management can
ensure the project delivers value at an acceptable cost, quality, and timescale.
Psychology Honours degree Psychology
Architecture
Art History Cultural Studies
Philosophy We are seeking applicants with a degree in one the following areas:
Sociology, gender studies, women’s studies, political science, social policy, public policy or governance. Ideally the candidate will have a particular interest in gender relations, or public policy or families. Candidates with a background or interest in qualitative research methods are also particularly sought.
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Undergraduate training in social science theories and methods is essential. The PhD candidate would be expected to have a first class honours degree in one of: sociology; political economy; human geography; economic geography; economics; or a close4ly‐related discipline. Note: some travel monies available for fieldwork
[email protected]
Architecture, anthropology, sociology
[email protected]
Honours or Masters (by research) degree in Information Systems (or Information Systems major within a Business Degree), Organizational Science, Information Technology, or Psychology, in Management.
Initiating motor actions appears natural and effortless, but is underpinned by complex neural mechanisms that are not well understood. This project aims to provide greater understanding of the neural mechanisms by which initiation of motor responses can be improved by unexpected s3ensory stimulation. Using novel brain stimulation techniques, the project also aims Physiotherapy, Human Movement Sciences, to assess the potential for properly timed strong sensory stimulation during Psychology, Biomedicine
movement preparation to induce neural plasticity and motor learning. Project results will have implications for the development of easy‐to‐use and cost‐effective protocols for performance enhancement in athletes, military training, and therapeutic interventions. [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Brown, Melissa Boden, Mikael School of Medicine
SCMB
NHMRC
ARC
Kobe, Bostjan
SCMB
ARC & NHMRC
Mark, Alan
SCMB
ARC
Schulz, Ben
SCMB
ARC
Stacey, Kate
SCMB
ARC & NHMRC
Williams, Craig
SCMB
ARC
Clinical classification of regulatory variants in breast cancer susceptibility genes
Germline mutations in breast cancer susceptibility genes can significantly increase the risk of disease. Whilst the risk associated with most DNA sequence variants in the protein coding regions of clinically tested breast cancer susceptibility genes is well established, advances in DNA sequence technology is enabling the identification of a large number of variants in non‐coding regions that are of unknown clinical significance. This presents Science or Biomedical Science majoring in uncertainty in genetic counselling and management of carriers of these Genetics or Bioinformatics or Epidemiology or variants and their families. This project addresses this problem by Biostatistics establishing the relationship between the bioinformatically predicted consequences of these variants, their functional effect in vitro, and their contribution to breast cancer susceptibility as determined using clinical data. This project will provide essential new information that will be used to enhance multifactorial prediction classification models and will enable more informed decisions to be made in predicting disease risk. The aim of the broader project is to computationally design and then bring to life novel proteins that operate in combinations Nature never tried. We will use bioinformatics to establish what specific changes led to the Reconstructing protein populations of the past evolutionary success of ancient proteins, and to re‐run evolution to to explain functional specificity and engineer generate novel proteins that perform in scientifically relevant conditions. biological diversity
Our research and this PhD project focuses on the development and application of probabilistic methods capable of integrating and learning from biological data and expertise. This focus underpins our recent success in reconstructing ancient proteins that are 400 million years old.
Strong computer science skills, with keen interests in molecular and evolutionary biology. Basic background in stats and probability, possibly machine learning.
Effector‐triggered immunity is a key mechanism by which plants detect invading pathogens and trigger immune responses. In this process, a pathogen effector (avirulence) protein is recognised by a plant resistance (NLR) protein. Building on our ongoing genetic, biochemical and structureal work on the flax, Arabidopsis and wheat immune receptors, the prop0sed Molecular mechanism of action of plant Ideally major/Honours in biochemistry, with work focuses on understanding the molecular basis of action of NLR immune receptors
reasonable background in chemistry/physics/math
proteins using structural biology approaches complemented by mutagenesis and function assays, in model as well as crop pathosystems. The new knowledge will support the long‐term objective of effectively manipulating immune responses to reduce the economic and environmental implications of plant diseases. Our aim is to develop the capacity to represent specific mammalian, fungal and bacterial membranes in atomic detail and to use such models to understand the role of membrane composition in the structure and Students will work at the boundary between dynamics of membrane proteins. Membrane protein assemblies are the physical chemistry, physics and structural biology. ultimate nano‐scale machines. Understanding these sub‐cellular Simulating biological membranes in atomic components is a fundamental theoretical challenge and of widespread A strong background in at least one of these detail
importance in biochemistry, structural biology and medicine. As a PhD disciplines is required. Good student you will focus on either: 1. Understanding how protein‐protein mathematical/computational/quantitative skills interactions initiate the assembly of raft‐like structures; or 2. The effect of are an advantage.
specific lipids on the structure and dynamics of membranes. The projects are computational in nature and involve large scale computer simulations of membrane systems. Many proteins are post‐translationally modified with complex sugar groups. These highly complex modifications are critical for protein structure and function, and regulate biological processes in infection, development, and cancer. Glycosyltransferase enzymes catalyse the transfer of sugar groups to selected sites in proteins with high specificity. However, these Synthetic glycobiology through enzyme: Biochemistry, bioinformatics, or genetics enzyme:substrate relationships are often unique to a given organism, substrate coevolution
suggesting there has been extensive co‐evolution of enzymes and substrates. This project will use bioinformatics, protein engineering, genome remodelling, and mass spectrometry glycoproteomics to dissect these co‐evolutionary trajectories and allow targeted engineering of systems for synthetic glycobiology. Defence against foreign DNA is an ancient need for cells. We propose that cell death is a fundamental eukaryotic cell response to cytosolic DNA, defending against infection, insertion of mutagenic DNA and gross genetic A conserved pathway of cell death in response damage. This project characterises a new form of rapid lytic death in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or to invading DNA
Immunology response to invading DNA, that is conserved in evolution. We will use genetic and biochemical approaches for discovery of proteins involved in the pathway, and live cell imaging to characterise the morphology of this mode of cell death
The societal impact of catalyst promoted chemical reactions can be measured by the 15 Nobel prizes awarded in this field, and the enormous volume of manufactured goods (e.g. plastics, pharmaceuticals) provided to the market place and consumer. The proposed body of research aims to paradigm shift known catalyst behaviour, through sophisticated mechanistic Pioneering new oxidation catalysis paradigms Organic chemistry
understanding, novel chemical reaction development, and technology for organic synthesis
transfer to both basic science applications and industrial settings. The multi‐
disciplinary and mult‐institutional approach underpins a holistic program facilitating landmark discoveries, industrial process efficiency gains, and substantial hybrid knowledge training to students en route to the entrepreneurial world.
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Smith, Tom
UQ Business Sch
ARC
Indulska, Marta
UQ Business School
ARC
McColl‐Kennedy, Janet
Copland, David
Wells, James
UQ Business School
UQ Centre for Clinical Research
UQ Diamentina Inst
ARC
ARC
NHMRC
This project analyses and benchmarks Australia’s climate change strategy and positioning in terms of its readiness to take advantage of a clean technology revolution, and to analyse what the revolution might look like and how it will evolve. Scientific evidence points to the increasingly urgent need for action on climate change and investment in cleaner technologies Australia’s climate strategy and positioning for on a large scale. This need for action coincides with emerging policy and the clean tech revolution
technological developments that are already taking place. The project aims to provide new decision=making frameworks for the timing and extent of investments in new technologies. Analysing Australia’s positioning and the coming clean techology revolution would benefit policy makers, corporations and investors. Open innovation promises to increase the potential of innovation in organisations. While the academic community has begun to provide initial guidance for improving the various stages of the open innovation process, still little is known about how organisations currently assess ideas once they are collected. Yet, the potentially vast quantity of ideas collected through Assessing ideas in an open innovation setting
an open innovation approach has limited benefits to an organisation that is not able to categorise and assess ideas. This project aims to understand current practices in assessing ideas in an open innovation initiative and identify success factors and guidance for appropriate assessment methods in various settings. Business and finance with interest in quantitative modelling, other disciplinary backgrounds can be considered if they align with the project
Commerce or business Although recent research investigates decision making within a dyadic framework, the processes of how consumers make decisions beyond narrowly defined contexts lacks sufficient theoretical development. Understanding activities individuals undergo in setting goals (e.g. personal health) and how these goals influence decision making and subsequent Impact of information strategies on multiparty behaviour in multiparty relationships is required. Of particular importance Business/medical services
decision making
is how information strategies (communication messages) influence customer choices. In a health context, this implies the impact of health provider information on patient adherence, and therefore suggests that service providers can design and implement information strategies that improve customer decision making to the benefit of all parties. The flipside of noise: Does it benefit listening and learning?
People with low attention capacity can experience improvements in cognitive function (eg memory) in the presence of external white noise. This research aims to determine the brain mechanisms for this improvement, and how it impacts oral language comprehension and verbal Speech pathology, cognitive psychology or learning. In doing so, the research will challenge the prevailing view that cognitive neuroscience
noise is always detrimental to mental processes, and will provide a theoretical framework for predicting how an individual’s cognitive capacity is impacted by the presence of noise.
Novel regulators of CD8 T‐cell function in the skin
The principal goal of this project is to understand the cellular mechanisms that act as central regulators of cutaneous CD8+ T‐cell responses, and in particular, the role of a novel population of regulatory cells in mediating this process. The proposed research will uncover essential new information regarding a recently discovered population of regulatory cells, with particular respect to understanding their mechanisms of action. The outcomes of this work will therefore provide fundamental understanding of skin physiology and lead to novel insights with regards to how CD8 T‐cell function within skin cancers may be promoted and maintained to expedite novel immunotherapy strategies. The candidate should have undertaken immunology courses during their BSc or have worked on an immunological project for Honours or have gained immunological expertise whilst working as a research assistant [email protected]
[email protected]
j.mccoll‐[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Hill, Michael
Moran, Mark
UQ Diamentina Inst
ISSR
Cells release genetic material including microRNAs in lipid membrane‐
enclosed vesicles (called exosomes and microvesicles) to alter neighbouring and distant cells. Recent research shows that the contents of these vesicles are regulated by cell state, however, the molecular mechanisms are not yet Any combination of cell biology, biochemistry, known. This project will investigate the hypothesis that changes in the RNA‐
bioinformatics, computational biology
binding protein composition of cholesterol‐rich membranes mediate the selection of miRNA loaded in the vesicles. This fundamental knowledge will increase our understanding of mechanisms of disease because this mode of cell‐to‐cell communication is disrupted or hijacked in pathologies. ARC Discovery
Control of selective microRNA release via exosomes and microvesicles
ARC Discovery
Torres Strait Islanders and PNG nationals living in the PNG‐Australia borderland have relatively unrestricted access across the border for traditional activities, under the legal framework of the Torres Strait Treaty. The interplay of public finance expenditure emanating from Australia strongly dominates the borderland economy, influencing cross‐border Assessing the Impact of Public Finances on the mobility and attendant public health and security risks from disease PNG‐Australia Borderland (2015–2018)
transmission, quarantine and transnational crime. By problematising current policy framings and analysing the asymmetric socioeconomic context of the region relative to other borderlands internationally, the research will propose alternative finance modalities that improve effectiveness across both sides of the border.
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Geography, Social Science, Political Science
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Candidates would preferably be of either a Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous)
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