100 ARC Future Fellows to share $87.8 million

The Australian Government is investing in Australia’s smartest minds to conduct research that will deliver significant health, scientific, environmental, social and economic benefits, with Minister for Education Dan Tehan announcing that 100 new Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellows will share $87.8 million to conduct important research projects.

Future Fellowships provide four-year fellowships to outstanding Australian mid-career researchers, supporting their efforts to undertake high-quality research in areas of national and international benefit.

Projects to be undertaken by the newly announced Future Fellows include:

• Helping to build computers based on quantum physics so complex that they outperform all conventional computers by developing better controls. This will have a huge technological, scientific and economic impact.
• Developing honeybee-friendly bio-insecticides from spider venom for Australian farmers to eradicate pests. This project has environmental, social and economic benefits.
• Constructing a new class of bionic implants made from carbon fibre and diamond that will not be rejected by a human host and will last for decades.
• Measuring how animals with colour vision systems more complex than humans perceive colour. This research may inform the development of next-generation multispectral cameras used in medical, military and security applications.
• Improving disease immunity of threatened frog species using synthetic biology. This research could lead to a rebound in frog populations while demonstrating the value of synthetic biology to protect threatened wildlife.
• Studying how fear impacts the brain, which will inform how we treat related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
   

“The Morrison government is investing in the future leaders of Australian research to tackle challenges our country faces today,” Tehan said.

“We are supporting research in areas of national importance which will result in economic, environmental, social and health benefits. Our government is also fostering greater collaboration between academia and industry to improve the connection between research and real-world results.

“I congratulate all of the 2019 Fellows announced today as they embark on their research.”

The full list of the ARC Future Fellowships recipients can be found on the ARC website.

Image credit: ©fabioberti.it/Dollar Photo Club

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