Griffith University researchers have collectively received more than $5 million in Australian Research Council funding for projects commencing in 2019, further asserting the University’s place as one of Australia’s leading research-intensive institutions

The Minister for Education, the Honorable Dan Tehan, announced the outcomes of the ARC’s Discovery and Linkage program applications on Tuesday (27 November), with 16 Griffith-led projects earning a total of $5.6 million in funding.

Twelve research teams were approved under the Discovery Projects banner, three under the Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) program and one under the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities program.

Some of the highlights from among the Discovery recipients include:

  • Professor Jennifer Martin’s research into molecular mechanisms of novel bacterial copper defence proteins ($550,000);
  • Professor David Hamilton’s exploration of next-generation models to predict cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms ($475,000);
  • an investigation into ways to reduce educational inequalities led by Professor Parlo Singh ($414,000);
  • Dr Andy Kaladelfos’ mission to undertake the first national study into longitudinal trends in the history of interpersonal violence in Australia ($388,904); and
  • an investigation into the factors regarding the incidence, severity and outcomes of the intimidation of scientists, led by Professor David Peetz ($348,531).

This year’s DECRA recipients — who collectively contributed more than $1.1 million to 2019 funding outcomes — are Dr Alison Peel (Beyond Hendra: the significance of viral communities in bat virus spillover, $422,492), Dr Jayne Wilkins (The environment and human origins in the Kalahari, South Africa, $410,175) and Dr Johanna Nalau (Re-evaluating climate adaptation principles for a more resilient Australia, $352,000).

Professor Nam-Trung Nguyen leads the successful Linkage project, A femtosecond laser micromachining facility for a wide range of materials ($438,783), which will allow fast and precise prototyping of bulk materials.

Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Ned Pankhurstsaid the funding is an endorsement of Griffith’s reputation for undertaking world-class research conducted across a wide range of academic fields and with demonstrable societal impact.

“The depth and diversity of projects approved for 2019 further highlights the University’s commitment — and capacity — to produce high-impact, future-focused research for the betterment of society in Australia and across the world at large,” Professor Pankhurst said.

To see the full list of approved Griffith University projects, see the Australian Research Council website.