PhD and research degrees

Educating the next generation of experimental and theoretical researchers

Our collaborative, innovative and dynamic research environment is the ideal learning platform for honours and post-graduate students.

Studying with us, you’ll gain access to our state-of-the-art facilities and have the opportunity to work alongside some of Australia’s leading research scientists.

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See if our research aligns with your interests. Learn more about our unique research themes and projects that are delivering remarkable breakthroughs in quantum science. You may also email our staff directly to discuss research projects and candidate supervision.

Our research

Higher Degree Research Opportunities

Our researchers are leaders in their fields - look at the work done by our research groups to find out about our members' research interests, and our Research Students and Projects page to see what current students are doing. Ensure you meet the entry requirements and then contact us to discuss research opportunities.

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Master of Science

Our two-year full-time program gives you the opportunity to undertake advanced study and research.

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Available Research Projects

Apply for one of our PhD research projects on offer below. Please contact the principal supervisor in the first instance in order to apply.

If you don’t find a project of interest please view the full list of available projects or contact us.

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Project	Contact Principal Supervisor
Unfortunately there are no projects that meet your criteria.
Project Megafauna fossils from the Pliocene of Australia Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution This project will examine the unique 3.5 million year old megafauna fossils from Chinchilla Rifle Range, Queensland. The project will focus on the taphonomy of the site, and the sequence of fossils collected in systematically excavated sites. Several unusual fossils are awaiting description and taxonomic identification, and palaeoenvironmental proxies revealing ancient Australian habitats can be further interogated. Palaeontology EarthScience	Associate Professor Julien Louys
Project Stone Age archaeology of southern Africa Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution This project will investigate the archaeology of southern Africa to better understand the origins and evolution of Homo sapiens. The focus will be on the Late Pleistocene record in regions that have been less well-studied (i.e., the deep interior savannah and desert environments). Evolutionary Biology ArchaeologicalScience	Dr Jayne Wilkins
Project New methods in stone tool functional analysis Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution This project will seek to develop new approaches for determining stone tool function. Emphasis will be placed on experimental and quatitative methodologies, with application to key questions about early human adaptation to new and changing environments. Evolutionary Biology ArchaeologicalScience	Dr Jayne Wilkins
Project Ancient DNA Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution This project aims to recover all the genetic information from four ancient humans. Two of these iconic specimens come from Australia and two from Malaysia. We will sequence the entire DNA (genomes) and proteins (proteome) of Mungo Man (Willandra), as well as the Yidinji King (Cairns), the Deep Skull (Borneo) and the Bewah specimen (Malaysian Peninsula). This will provide a better understanding of the settlement of Australia and new knowledge about the ancient people of Australasia and their relationship to other human populations worldwide. The research will use cutting-edge methods of DNA and protein sequencing of ancient human material and will provide critical reference genomes / proteomes that will anchor future research. Evolutionary Biology BiologicalScience	Professor David Lambert
Project Ecology of coral reef ecosystems Australian Rivers Institute Coral reefs are complex ecosystems but are under threat from anthropogenic activities. When reefs degrade, corals are normally replaced by macroalgae, therefore understanding macroalgal ecology is critical for the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). This project aims at providing fundamental knowledge of the ecological processes involved in macroalgal blooms in the GBR. Oceanography EarthScience	Associate Professor Guillermo Diaz-Pulido
Project Planning for aquaculture expansion under climate change Coastal and Marine Research Centre Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food sectors in the world, with great potential for expansion. Climate change poses a significant threat to aquaculture production - from potential losses in infrastructure to sub-optimal growth and production rates, but climate change is rarely included in aquaculture development plans. In this project you will work with an interdisciplinary team to assess and incorporate climate risk into aquaculture planning to future proof aquaculture production under a changing climate.	Dr Caitie Kuempel
Project Quantifying Australian aquaculture's environmental footprint Coastal and Marine Research Centre Aquaculture is a fast growing industry in Australia - which is known for production safe and relatively sustainable seafood products. Australia has great potential for aquaculture expansion but currently has limited knowledge of how aquaculture impacts the environment now and in the future. This project will work to quantify major environmental impacts from Australian aquaculture (nutrient pollution, GHG emissions, etc.) and potential impacts on habitat, species and ecosystem services. The work is essential for sustainable Australian aquaculture and supports many of Australia's Blue Economy initiatives. WaterandWasteManagement	Dr Caitie Kuempel
Project Land-based impacts on marine restoration efforts Coastal and Marine Research Centre Land-based run-off is one of the greatest threats to marine ecosystems, following climate change. Marine restoration efforts are ramping up due to global initiatives and local success stories. While restoration is needed, it is also crucial to understand and elimate threats that degraded land and seascapes to begin with. This project will assess the potential risk of land-based run-off of marine restoration and prioritise areas to focus future efforts.	Dr Caitie Kuempel
Project Reducing human impacts in marine protected areas Coastal and Marine Research Centre Marine protected areas are the main conservation tool used to address the biodiversity crisis in our oceans. They are also a major focus of international conservation agreements such as the recently adopted Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This project will use novel methods to quantify human impacts in marine protected areas through time and develop strategies and recommendations to reduce these impacts and improve the effectiveness of marine protected areas.	Dr Caitie Kuempel
Project Land-based run-off in international conservation agreements Coastal and Marine Research Centre Land-based run-off is one of the greatest threats to marine ecosystems, following climate change. However, it is largely ignored in international agreements. Those that do aim to address the issue largley focus on plastics and nutrients but often ignore sediments. This project will explore how international conservation agreements can be better leveraged to reduce all aspects land-based run-off.	Dr Caitie Kuempel
Project Reducing wastewater impacts on nature and people Coastal and Marine Research Centre Nearly 1/3 of coral reefs are threatened by poor qater quality and there are an estimated 800,000 human deaths each year due to sanitaiton-related water pollution. Improved sanitation has the potential to achieve benefits for both nature and people - but is often poorly understood (particularly in communities with little access to resources). This project will asess opportunities for reducing nutrient pollution to achieve both ecosystem and human health objectives - with the potential to incorporate risk and uncertainty from climate impacts.	Dr Caitie Kuempel
Project Environmental impact of firefighting chemicals and bushfire leachates on aquatic ecosystems Australian Rivers Institute The project will investigate the fate and effects of firefighting chemicals and bushfire leachates in Eastern Australian waterways to assess the risk they pose to aquatic organisms and ecosystems on the short term and long term. Firefighting chemicals are deployed by emergency services for the protection of life and property, however there is a gap in the knowledge associated with their short- and long-term effects to water quality and aquatic ecosystems. This will be a largely lab-based experimental project and will aim to better understand if and at what scale these chemicals impact aquatic ecosystems and the timescales associated with these potential impacts. Other lines of evidence will also be explored such as the identification of ‘signatures’ associated with firefighting chemicals to better understand the contribution they have to water quality impacts in a large severely burnt catchment. This project is a collaboration between the NSW Government’s Estuaries and Catchment team based in Lidcombe NSW and Griffith University (Gold Coast campus) with opportunities to work across each location. Focus areas are bushfire-related aquatic ecotoxicology, environmental pollution, and environmental chemistry. Ecotoxicology; Environmental pollution; Environmental chemistry; Bushfire EnvironmentalScience	Dr Chantal Lanctot
Project Can restoration recover lost ecosystem services? Australian Rivers Institute As restoration projects gain traction during this Decade for Ecosystem Restoration, we need to develop techniques that secure the success of these projects and achieve expected outcomes. The project works with many stakeholders including Traditional Owners, farmers, State Government and local council to determine whether ecosystem services, including nutrient retention, carbon sequestration and biodiversity, develop within current wetland restoration projects. Ecosystem function EarthScience	Dr Fernanda Adame
Project Greenhouse gas emissions from wetland disturbance Australian Rivers Institute Wetlands can accumulate large amounts of carbon, but when disturbed, this carbon can be released into the atmosphere as CO2 and CH4, contributing to global warming. This project aims to determine how disturbances, including hydrological modifications, feral animals and deforestation, affect the carbon cycle of wetlands (mangroves, marshes and supratidal forests) and how can these be reversed. Oceanography EarthScience	Dr Fernanda Adame
Project Discovering macroalgal diversity in the Great Barrier Reef Australian Rivers Institute Macroalgae or seaweeds are a fundamental component of the Great Barrier Reef, but their diversity is poorly known. This project aims at discovering and documenting the diversity of marine benthic algae using molecular methods for a better understanding of their natural history and roles in coral reefs. Oceanography EarthScience	Dr Guillermo Diaz-Pulido
Project Assessing the impacts of chemical pollutants on marine wildlife using novel and ethical techniques Australian Rivers Institute Help us save the sea turtles! Chemical contaminants are accumulating in marine wildlife worldwide. However, due to their large size and often protected status, there are ethical and logistical constraints in conducting traditional whole animal toxicity tests on these animals. Recently, cell-based bioassays have been proposed as an ethical alternative to assessing the effects of contaminants in marine megafauna. This project aims to establish marine wildlife cell cultures and develop species-specific cell-based toxicity bioassays to assess the effects of chemical pollutants in marine wildlife. This project will involve both field and lab components, and include collaborations with state and federal government agencies, non-profit conservation organisations and the private sector Oceanography Environmental Science	Dr Jason van de Merwe
Project Untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics for monitoring environmental health Australian Rivers Institute Advancements in analytical capabilities make it possible to simultaneously measure a comprehensive suite of physiologically important biomolecules in living organisms. These molecules can provide a ‘snapshot’ of the health and general well-being of an organism. This research project aims to establish robust methodologies to make molecular monitoring a reality. The PhD project will apply untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics analysis to evaluate and compare the status of aquatic species from pristine and human-impacted locations, with the goal of establishing biomolecular signatures as indicators of environmental health. Applied environmental metabolomics EnvironmentalScience	Dr Steve Melvin
Project Drinking water security in Australia under climate change Australian Rivers Institute Drinking water supply is fundamentally influenced by climate. As climate change occurs, potentially causing longer duration of droughts and more frequent storm events, it is essential to assess how it will affect our drinking water security. This project will use recent updates to climate change datasets and hydrological models to assess drinking water security across Australia Climate change, reservoir, drinking water, water resources EnvironmentalScience	Professor David Hamilton
Project Blue-green algae and their toxins - can we manage them in a changing climate? Australian Rivers Institute Blue-green algal blooms dominate many Australian lakes and reservoirs. Toxic species create major problems for drinking water and recreation. We work collaboratively with environmental and water managers to determine the factors controlling these blooms with both field and lab work. Oceanography EarthScience	Professor Michele Burford
Project Is nutrient offsetting a win-win for restoring our rivers and coasts? Australian Rivers Institute Nutrient offsetting provides a market based mechanism for restoring catchments to improve the water quality in rivers and the coasts. Point source polluters pay to restore non-point source pollution in catchments. However, there are significant gaps in knowledge in comparing point and non point sources of nutrients in terms of how they affect the environment. This project will work collaboratively with industry and government to examine these nutrient sources and link them to nutrient responses in the environment. Oceanography EarthScience	Professor Michele Burford
Project Can we use revegetation to control algal blooms? The role of organic matter leached from trees Australian Rivers Institute Our research has found that leaves from trees leach organic matter that can negatively effect algae. However, at the catchment level it is unclear how much impact the organic matter from trees is having on algal blooms. This research would involve working with the water industry to tackle this question. Ecosystem function EarthScience	Professor Michele Burford
Project Automated monitoring of restored marine environments Australian Rivers Institute There is currently a surge in interest in marine and coastal restoration, with a significant number of projects underway, and many more planned. Current methods for monitoring restoration progress and success vary enormously, with low uptake of technological advances that promote efficiency and comprehensiveness. This project will work towards a coordinated, open-science approach to monitoring, that standardises data formats, allows trade-offs or synergies between ecological, socio-economic and cultural benefits to be explored, and facilitates cross-project comparisons and benchmarking. The project takes advantage of Griffith’s leadership in automated monitoring of marine environments, including through computer vision on underwater camera streams. Oceanography EnvironmentalScience	Professor Rod Connolly
Project Ecological connectivity through fish movement measured using artificial intelligence Australian Rivers Institute Connectivity is a guiding principle for conservation planning, but due to challenges in quantifying connectivity, empirical data remain scarce. This project provides solutions to the challenge by using computer vision to automatically extract fish movement data from underwater camera streams. The student will develop expertise in fisheries ecology, statistical modelling and programming. The project takes advantage of Griffith’s leadership in automated monitoring of marine environments, including through computer vision on underwater camera streams. It will lead to better planning and management of marine restoration and protected area projects through incorporation of connectivity principles. Oceanography EnvironmentalScience	Professor Rod Connolly
Project Effect of fire and global warming on soil organic carbon in different ecosystems Australian Rivers Institute Changes in fire regime and global warming are significant and interactive symptoms of climate change. In this study we would like to investigate the long-term, interactive impacts of fire and warming on soil C dynamics and soil-to-atmosphere C fluxes in different ecosystems Biogeochemistry EnvironmentalScience	Professor Chengrong Chen
Project Developing biogeochemical fingerprinting models for tracing the terrestrial source of sediment and nutrient in river systems Australian Rivers Institute Elevated levels of terrigenous sediments in river systems has long been regarded as one of the most deteriorating factors on water quality in rivers and coastal area. However, the land use sources of sediments in rivers systems are uncertain. In this study we will develope novel biogeochemical fingerprinting models for tracing the terrestrial source of sediment and nutrient in river systems. Biogeochemistry EnvironmentalScience	Professor Chengrong Chen
Project Developing novel Soil Ameliorants to improve agricultural activities in drought conditions Australian Rivers Institute We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to work on Soil Ameliorants. The primary purpose of this role is to develop a series of novel Soil Ameliorants from locally available materials or wastes. The ideal candidate needs to have a relevant background in chemistry. Success in this role requires collaboration with research partners, industry and farmers. This PhD project will be based on Nathan Campus, Griffith University. Material and environmental science ChemicalSciences	Professor Chengrong Chen
Project Managing environmental risk in Australia's blue economy Australian Rivers Institute Work with an interdisciplinary team to study how aquaculture and windfarming will interact with Australia’s marine ecosystems. Focal areas include marine spatial planning of aquaculture and windfarming and cumulative effects assessments. Oceanography EarthScience	Associate Professor Chris Brown
Project Evaluating the role of ecosystem processes in enhancement of soil carbon stocks and functional resilience Australian Rivers Institute this project aims to improve our understanding of how ecosystem processes affect soil carbon quality and quantity, and how this in turn influences soil resilience to environmental stresses (e.g. drought, compaction, chemical residues of fungicides, and carbon decline) and to develop sensitive and affordable assessment protocols for improvement of soil carbon stocks and functional resilience to environmental stresses. Soil Science EnvironmentalScience	Dr Mehran Rezaei Rashti
Project Biosolid-based biochars for agricultural carbon sequestration Australian Rivers Institute Biochar is a solid by-product of thermochemical conversion of biomass (in the absence or reduction of oxygen) to bio-oil and syngas, which is dominantly composed of aromatic compounds resistant to biological degradation. Biochar would enhance soil aeration, increase soil pH, favour nitrogen immobilization, interact with available organic C and N in soil, act as an electron shuttle for soil microorganisms and modify soil enzyme activities as well as microbial abundance and community composition. This project aims to investigate how modification of pyrolysis process (i.e., pyrolysis temperature; heating rate; residence time) and co-pyrolysis of biosolid with organic wastes (i.e., feedstock type; blending ratio) would reduce the environmental risks associated with biosolid (i.e., heavy metals; microplastics; PAHs; PFAS), while improve its quality (i.e., C content, specific surface area; porous structure; water holding capacity) for application in agricultural systems. Soil Science EnvironmentalScience	Dr Mehran Rezaei Rashti
Project Developing sustainable growth media for bioretention systems using recycled materials Australian Rivers Institute Bioretention systems are excavated basins or trenches that are filled with porous filter media and planted with vegetation to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff.The main aim of this project is to examine the impacts of locally available recycled organic amendments on improvement of plants performance and reduction of nutrient leaching from bioretention filter media. The main objective is to design a cost-effective and functional bioretention filter media with optimum nutrient retention capacity and carbon storage for supporting sustainable plant performance in bioretention systems. Soil Science EnvironmentalScience	Dr Mehran Rezaei Rashti
Project Detecting microplastics in organic-rich materials and their potential risks to terrestrial ecosystems Australian Rivers Institute Microplastics (MPs) are a major emerging contaminant in agroecosystems, due to their significant resistance to degradation in terrestrial environments. This project asseses the characteristics and fate of MPs in contaminated soils and their risks to soil biota. Soil Science EnvironmentalScience	Dr Mehran Rezaei Rashti
Project Chlorine Evolution Catalysts for Efferent Seawater Electrolysis Centre for Catalysis and Clean Energy Seawater is the most abundant aqueous resource on earth that is readily accessible at very low costs, but yet to be directly utilised for production of hydrogen fuel and commodity chemicals. This project aims to develop cheap and plentiful carbon-based high performance chlorine evolution electrocatalysts for seawater electrolysis powered by renewable electricity to realise the production of hydrogen, chlorine and sodium hydroxide directly from seawater. The electrolyser can also be used to treat desalination brine while produce hydrogen and chemicals. The success of the project will set a firm technological foundation for seawater utilisation, which will add to Australian capability to meet future energy and environment challenges. Functional materials, Electrochemistry ChemicalSciences	Professor Huijun Zhao
Project Atomically Thin 3d Transition Metal Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting Centre for Catalysis and Clean Energy The current industrial-scale hydrogen productions are reliant on high temperature steam reforming fossil fuels, consuming large quantity of energy and fossil resources, and emitting huge amounts of CO2. This project aims to develop cheap and plentiful transition metal-based high performance water splitting electrocatalysts, enabling economically viable large-scale water electrolytic hydrogen production driven by renewable electricity. A theory-guided catalyst approach will be used to guide the efficient design and development of high performance electrocatalysts. The success of the project will lead to a suit of high performance water splitting electrocatalysts, leaping forward water electrolytic hydrogen production technology. Functional materials, Electrochemistry ChemicalSciences	Professor Huijun Zhao
Project Two-dimensional nanoporous structured high performance gas evolution electrocatalysts Centre for Catalysis and Clean Energy This project aims to develop nano-catalysts with high catalytic activity and rapid gas detachment properties for efficient fuel gas production. Heterogeneous electrocatalytic gas evolution reactions are important for clean energy generation and storage technologies, but high overpotentials caused by slow gaseous products’ detachment from catalyst surface severely hinder their efficiencies. Expected outcomes include insights into gas bubble formation and evolution during electrocatalysis, effective catalyst structures to mitigate negative effects of gas bubble formation, and improved catalytic efficiency of gas evolution reactions and develop high performance electrocatalysts for fuel gas production. Functional materials, Electrochemistry ChemicalSciences	Professor Huijun Zhao
Project Nanoparticle impregnated carbon as a reductive catalysis for environmental toxin removal Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security Nanoparticles have a great potential to be used in water treatment due to its high surface area. This can be utilised efficiently for removing toxic metal ions, microbes and organic matter from water. However, due to their sizes, nanoparticles often form aggregates/agglomerates lowering their activities. To prevent these, further processing including surface passivation is applied. Material Science, Analytical Chemistry, Nanomaterials, Environmental Remediation ChemicalSciences	Dr Tak Kim
Project The use of activated carbon into the nanoparticle systems is another strategy as it is simple and economical. Activated carbon was recorded to be used for a multitude of applications, including water filtration/treatment, gas phase adsorption and decolourising agents in the food industry. Research into improving both structure and applications has grown exponentially in recent decades as environmental sustainability has become a key focus, especially the areas involved in environmental remediation. Combination of the nanoparticle and activated carbon provides an excellent platform for the environmental applications such as enhanced capacities and rates.
Project We have developed a system consisting of iron nanoparticles impregnated onto activated carbon. The synthesised materials demonstrated substantially higher arsenic (III) adsorption efficiency/capacity in comparison with nanoparticles and activated carbon alone.
Project The aim of this project is to extend these results producing comprehensive systems for the removal of well-known toxins such as PFAS.
Project Antibiotic-nanoparticle conjugate systems and their effectiveness assessments against gram negative bacteria Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security Antimicrobial therapies have been a magic bullet against infectious diseases since their introduction. However, due to the excessive use of antibiotics via irrelevant and unregulated access, the efficacy of the antibiotic has declined rapidly in parallel with increases in antibiotic resistant bacterial strains. Resistance to this antibiotic has risen rapidly and its clinical usefulness has declined to a point that it is now rarely considered a frontline treatment option. With the emergence of resistant Gram-negative ‘superbugs’, infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria have been named as one of the most urgent global health issues due to the lack of effective drugs. Material Science, Chemistry, Nanomaterials, Drug Delivery ChemicalSciences	Dr Tak Kim
Project Numerous research for new antibiotics focus on developing improved versions of existing molecules, Amongst these new designed and engineered drugs, nanosized particles have gained much recent attention due to their physical size, biocompatibility and functionalities. Nanoparticles are expected to provide a localized cure for complex diseases by facilitating targeted delivery and improved bioavailability. The functionalized nanoparticles can
Project either act as the vehicle for potent drugs or they themselves can act as the therapeutic agents.
Project We have developed antibiotic conjugated carbon-based nanoparticle systems and the conjugated systems displayed notable antibiotic effects on various gram-negative bacteria, including those resistant to the antibiotic moiety conjugated onto the nanoparticle.
Project The aim of this project is to extend these systems to include different antibiotic moieties to construct a range of effective antibiotic conjugate analogues onto the nanoparticles.
Project Quantum observers Centre for Quantum Dynamics Despite its enormous scientific and technological success, quantum theory suffers from deeply puzzling conceptual problems, none more vexing than the quantum measurement problem. It involves inconsistencies that arise when considering the treatment of "observers" as physical systems amenable to a quantum description. Recent results on extended versions of the "Wigner's friend paradox" exemplify the measurement problem in the form of rigorous no-go theorems, such as the "Local Friendliness" no-go theorem. It shows that certain sets of a priori plausible assumptions cannot be simultaneously satisfied by any theory that can accommodate certain phenomena where an "observer" can be treated as ordinary systems subject to quantum-mechanical operations. This project, which has both a conceptual and a technical component, aims to propose increasingly convincing experimental realisations of such phenomena, by asking what are sufficient conditions for a system to be deemed an observer, and what experimentally feasible but increasingly sophisticated quantum systems may provide models of quantum-coherent observers. Quantum Physics PhysicalSciences	Associate Professor Eric Cavalcanti
Project Quantum causal models Centre for Quantum Dynamics The 2022 Nobel prize in Physics was awarded to the experimental demonstration of quantum entanglement and its counterintuitive properties, in particular the violation of Bell inequalities. A modern way to understand this phenomenon is as a failure of a classical causal model that satisfies relativistic constraints on causal structure. The program of quantum causal models aims at resolving the puzzle of Bell's theorem by extending the classical framework of causality to a quantum setting, while maintaining compatibility with relativistic causal structure. This project will involve further developing the framework of quantum causal models and addressing various open questions, such as counterfactual reasoning, indefinite causal structure, and/or potential applications to quantum information processing tasks. Quantum Physics PhysicalSciences	Associate Professor Eric Cavalcanti
Project Quantum Foundations and Quantum Causality Centre for Quantum Dynamics Quantum technologies are poised to become major drivers of scientific and economic growth in the 21st century. On the other hand, quantum advantage over classical computers has only been demonstrated for a few classes of algorithms. This interdisciplinary project will tackle the key question for unlocking the benefits of quantum information processing: what gives quantum mechanics its information-processing power beyond classical physics? It will explore the hypothesis that quantum advantage is associated to fundamentally different ways in which causality operates in the quantum and classical regimes. Quantum Physics PhysicalSciences	Associate Professor Eric Cavalcanti
Project Numerical solution and simulation of electron transport and plasma models in various application areas Centre for Quantum Dynamics This project centres around construction of simulation frameworks for a variety of high impact plasma and electron transport applications, such as atmospheric lightning discharges, low temperature plasma-solid interactions through to magnetically confined fusion plasmas. Areas of investigation can be tailored to candidate expertise & interests, including numerical solution techniques for transport equations, the closure problem, machine learning and AI in computational science, kinetic or Monte Carlo methods. Applied Mathematics; Plasma Physics; Modelling ComputationalScience	Dr Nathan Garland
Project Plasma modelling and simulation for magnetically confined fusion plasmas Centre for Quantum Dynamics A variety of projects are available in different modelling areas, with the focus applied to modelling a variety of important physics scenarios important to tokamak plasmas, such as those anticipated in ITER. Equilibrium plasma discharge, tokamak disruption, runaway electrons, edge-plasma, and surface wall interaction applications are examples of focus applications. Plasma Physics; Fusion; ITER PhysicalSciences	Dr Nathan Garland
Project Formulation and application of deep learning and other AI techniques to physical sciences Centre for Quantum Dynamics The current wave of deep learning and AI research has yielded many advances in how tools such as neural networks, optimization, or uncertainty quantification can be used to improve modelling capability for a number of useful applications. Projects are available in the development of robust and transparent machine learning and AI techniques that can be employed to augment existing computational modelling techniques (e.g. surrogate models, reduced order models, etc) or to provide new avenues of solution (e.g. PINNs as a famous example). Applied Mathematics; Deep Learning; Modelling ComputationalScience	Dr Nathan Garland
Project Ultra-high-quality generation, communication, and processing of photonic quantum information Centre for Quantum Dynamics Photons are low-noise and flexible quantum systems, perfect for quantum communication and quantum information processing. However, to date, it has not been possible to create key photonic quantum states such as high-fidelity states of many correlated photons and complex heralded entangled photon states. These projects will use high-efficiency photon-pair sources developed at Griffith University and world-leading superconducting photon detectors to develop and generate these important photonic quantum states. Quantum Physics PhysicalSciences	Dr Nora Tischler
Project Counterfactual quantum smoothing Centre for Quantum Dynamics Quantum state smoothing is a newly developed way to estimate the state of a quantum system at time t using measurement results in both the past and future of t, with applications in experiments with continuous measurements. This project will further develop this formalism, including using it to address the question of what is the most likely thing a quantum system would have done if you had measured it in a different way from how you did. Feel free to contact me about other areas I have published in recently. Quantum Physics PhysicalSciences	Professor Howard Wiseman
Project Quantum machine learning for efficient quantum tracking Centre for Quantum Dynamics The project will apply quantum machine learning to the problem of tracking the state of an open quantum system. Specifically, we want to find the most memory-efficient classical apparatus, which performs adaptive quantum measurements so as to maintain the state of the quantum system in a stochastically varying conditional pure state. While this problem can be attacked by exact methods in classical numerics, these are very computationally expensive, so machine learning is an obvious alternative. Most interestingly is to use genuine quantum machine learning. That is, to perform quantum machine learning experimentally, where the system itself is part of the machine learning loop. This project thus has an experimental quantum photonics supervisor also. Quantum Physics PhysicalSciences	Professor Howard Wiseman
Project Interaction of attosecond light pulses with atoms and molecules Centre for Quantum Dynamics This project is an investigation into the time that it takes for an electron to tunnel-ionise from molecules, referenced to the tunnelling time from atomic hydrogen The proposed research is based around a state-of-the-art laser system, the Australian Attosecond Science Facility (AASF). This laser system is unique in Australia and one of only a few around the world. The light pulses generated by this laser are highly amplified and are only a few cycles of the optical field, and so measured in attoseconds (10-18 sec). We study of the interaction of such strong-field engineered light pulses with matter. The research will build on a ground-breaking research into the time it takes for tunnel ionisation to occur in atomic hydrogen, which was recently published by the Griffith team in Nature [Sainadh et al. Nature, 568, 75 (2019). This project will extend the measurement of the tunnel ionisation of electrons from other atoms and molecules and will provide the most stringent tests to current models for these interactions. Quantum Physics PhysicalSciences	Professor Igor Litvinyuk
Project Continuous beam atom interferometers for quantum enhanced navigation Centre for Quantum Dynamics Atom interferometers have demonstrated great promise for next generation accelerometers and gyroscopes, with significant gains in sensitivity and immunity to bias drift . To date, most work has focused on pulsed atom interferometers, which use a series of time-seaparated light pulses to split and recombine the atomic ensemble, with the resulting phase shif. However, pulsed approaches suffer from significant loss in bandwidth, due to dead-time where no measurement is made. This project will construct a continuous beam interferometer using laser cooled rubidium atoms, with the interfereterometer sequence constructed by atoms traversing spatially separated light fields, giving significant gains in bandwidth and flux. Quantum Physics PhysicalSciences	Dr Mark Baker
Project Adaptation of the whale watch industry to climate change Cities Research Institute Globally, the whale watching industry has been increasing in size and economic value since the 1990s. Whale-watching tourism has transformed entire local communities and contributed significantly to economies. The whale-watching industry, and the whales themselves, face uncertain threats from multiple pressures. This includes the impacts of increased sea surface temperature, altered currents and changes in food abundance on whale behaviour. The research project will look at adaptations of the whale watch industry to changing whale distributions and abundance, drawing from two primary species for Australian waters for which the Whales & Climate Program has data on climate change impacts. This study involves modelling, social and economic science, with a focus on sustainable tourism. Eco-Tourism EnvironmentalScience	Dr Olaf Meynecke
Project Whale Economy – the value of whale watching to the Australian blue economy Cities Research Institute Globally, the whale watching industry has been increasing in size and economic value since the 1990s, yet, little is known about the importance of this sector to the local economy. This research project aims to update and establish the latest figures on this sector for Australia recognising the increase of whale watching and swim with whales in Australia. The most recent estimates on the contribution of whale watching to the economy date back to 2008, where it was found that over 1.6 million people went whale watching, generating AUD $47 million in ticket expenditure and AUD $264 million in total tourism expenditure. This project will involve the analysis of historic customer number and revenue data collected by whale watch operators and may also involve collecting data directly from whale watch participants via an expenditure survey. Eco-Tourism EnvironmentalScience	Dr Olaf Meynecke
Project Process-driven sediment regime changes in semi-enclosed tidal estuaries Cities Research Institute The Broadwater on the Gold Coast is a large semi-enclosed tidal estuary that forms the southern portion of Moreton Bay. While the estuary receives fluvial sediments from four major river catchments, the dynamic coastal processes have long dominated sediment inflow into the estuary. The study seeks to quantify the ratio of catchment-derived to marine-derived sediments in the estuary, and determine refined proactive management mechanisms for maintaining ecosystem function and navigability within the estuary. Environmental Science Management EnvironmentalScience	Associate Professor Andrew Brooks
Project Geochemistry
Project The role of government in sustainable development and addressing climate change Cities Research Institute Governments have a key role to play in achieving sustainable development and addressing climate change. The object of this research is to synthesise policies, plans and strategies that will assist with this transition. While commitments have been made at the international level, and some organisations have made improvements at the local level, there is a strategic gap between the two that has not been fully researched. PhDs can be on either sustainability or climate change and take a theoretical or applied approach. The methods used include case studies, comparative analysis, policy analysis, stakeholder interviews, or surveys. Environmental Management, Sustainability and Climate Change Adapatation EnvironmentalScience	Associate Professor Michael Howes
Project Impacts of bushfires on water quality and biogeological processes in Eastern Australia Coastal and Marine Research Centre The project will assess the impacts of bushfires on water quality and biogeochemical processes within Eastern Australian waterways to better understand the short- and long-term impacts of bushfires on aquatic biogeochemical cycles in estuaries. The fate, transport, and cycling of target metals and nutrients (Fe, Mn, C, N, P, S) will be the focus of this study with both laboratory and field-based experiments utilised. This project is a collaboration between the NSW Government’s Estuaries and Catchment team based in Lidcombe NSW and Griffith University (Gold Coast campus) with opportunities to be based at either location. Focus areas are bushfire-related aquatic biogeochemistry, environmental pollution, and environmental chemistry. Biogeochemistry; Environmental chemistry; Bushfire EnvironmentalScience	Associate Professor William Bennett
Project Geochemistry of critical metals in coastal and marine waters Coastal and Marine Research Centre Australia is home to large reserves of "critical minerals" - those metals that are essential to the transition to renewable technologies. Our knowledge of the environmental chemistry of these metals is currently limited, particularly in the coastal and marine waters that will likely be their ultimate sink. This project seeks to use advanced analytical approaches, including Synchrotron-radiation X-ray spectroscopy, to unravel the complex aquatic geochemistry of critical metals in coastal and marine environments. Geochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Marine Chemistry EarthScience	Associate Professor William Bennett
Project Automated monitoring of restored marine environments Coastal and Marine Research Centre There is currently a surge in interest in marine and coastal restoration, with a significant number of projects underway, and many more planned. Current methods for monitoring restoration progress and success vary enormously, with low uptake of technological advances that promote efficiency and comprehensiveness. This project will work towards a coordinated, open-science approach to monitoring, that standardises data formats, allows trade-offs or synergies between ecological, socio-economic and cultural benefits to be explored, and facilitates cross-project comparisons and benchmarking. The project takes advantage of Griffith’s leadership in automated monitoring of marine environments, including through computer vision on underwater camera streams. Oceanography EnvironmentalScience	Professor Rod Connolly
Project Ecological connectivity through fish movement measured using artificial intelligence Coastal and Marine Research Centre Connectivity is a guiding principle for conservation planning, but due to challenges in quantifying connectivity, empirical data remain scarce. This project provides solutions to the challenge by using computer vision to automatically extract fish movement data from underwater camera streams. The student will develop expertise in fisheries ecology, statistical modelling and programming. The project takes advantage of Griffith’s leadership in automated monitoring of marine environments, including through computer vision on underwater camera streams. It will lead to better planning and management of marine restoration and protected area projects through incorporation of connectivity principles. Oceanography EnvironmentalScience	Professor Rod Connolly
Project C. elegans as a model system to characterise the role of a metabolic master regulator Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Previously we showed the enzyme dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) to be a metabolic master regulator. We now will characterise the role of DLD in the metabolic network of C. elegans by using metabolomics and biophysical techniques in isolated mitochondria, as well as curating the genome scale metabolic model of C. elegans in collaboration with the WormJam consortium and simulating the nematode’s metabolism. Systems Biology BiologicalScience	Associate Professor Horst Joachim Schirra
Project Who’s in the driving seat? – systems biology characterisation of insect-symbiont interactions Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery The metabolic interactions between the endosymbiont Wolbachia and its insect hosts depend on the combination of Wolbachia strain and host organism and range from mutualistic symbiosis to parasitic interactions. With a combination of metabolomics and physiological techniques we want to characterise these interactions and the role they play in hindering the transmission of insect-borne virus diseases. Systems Biology BiologicalScience	Associate Professor Horst Joachim Schirra
Project Systems biology in environmental research, food analysis, food security, and livestock science Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery In collaboration with colleagues at QAAFI and other institutions we are using NMR-based metabolomics as analytical platform technology to characterise the composition of foods such as honey and native Australian fruits. This involves characterising the potential of native Australian fruits as commercial food sources and developing methods for the detection of food fraud especially in honey. Food Analysis BiologicalScience	Associate Professor Horst Joachim Schirra
Project Cell transplantation therapy to repair spinal cord injury Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Olfactory glial cell transplantation therapy is effective for repairing spinal cord injury, but the approach needs enhancing to improve outcomes. This project will determine the optimal combination of cell types needed to produce cellular nerve bridges for transplantation into the injury spinal cord. The project will develop new techniques for cell purification and three-dimensional cell nerve bridge production. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Associate Professor James St John
Project Cell transplantation and drug options for peripheral nerve repair Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Peripheral nerve injuries are devastating as they can result in permanent paralysis. This project will use drug discovery and cell transplantation approaches to develop therapies to treat peripheral nerve injuries in animal models. The interaction of the transplanted cells with the host nerve will be examined and the functional outcomes will be addressed using behavioural and electrophysiological studies. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Associate Professor James St John
Project Drug discovery to treat Alzheimer's disease Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Pathogens such as bacteria and viruses are likely contributors to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This project will use drug discovery to identify compounds that can stimulate glial cells of the nervous system to combat chronic pathogen infection of the brain. The project will use in vitro cell cultures and in vivo animal models of brain infection. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Associate Professor James St John
Project Hunting for new bioactive natural products from Australian rainforest and desert plants Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Humans have utilised plants since the dawn of time for therapeutic purposes. Many important and well-known drugs (e.g. taxol, morphine) come from plants. Endemic Australian rainforest and desert plants have yielded many new and bioactive natural products, but remain under-investigated. This project will result in the purification and characterisation of new bioactive compounds, and that will impact biodiscovery. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Associate Professor Rohan Davis
Project Use of natural product scaffolds in the generation of novel chemical libraries for drug discovery Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Natural products display chemical complexity and diversity and they inherently interact with biomolecules (e.g. proteins, DNA), making them an ideal source of unique scaffolds for screening library synthesis. This medicinal chemistry project will generate unique biodiscovery libraries that will be fully characterised using spectroscopic methods before being screened in anti-infective, anti-cancer, or ion channel functional assays. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Associate Professor Rohan Davis
Project Discovery of new anti-infective drugs from the sea Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Nature provides unlimited inspiration for innovation in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sector. The Nobel Prize-winning discovery of the anti-parasitic drugs avermectin and artemisinin has renewed interest in exploring natural products for new anti-infective drugs. This project will result in the identification, semi-synthesis and full characterisation of new molecules that display anti-viral, anti-microbial or anti-parasitic activity. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Associate Professor Rohan Davis
Project Combating Giardiasis by investigating new potent compound series as leads for improved treatments Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Giardia parasites infect approximately 1 billion people and cause over 200 million cases of giardiasis each year. They also cause significant morbidity in animals. However, current treatments are inadequate, associated with resistance and collateral microbiota impacts. This project aims to improve the treatment of giardiasis by investigating the biological and pre-clinical activity of potent new anti-Giardia compounds in animal models of infection. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Associate Professor Tina Skinner-Adams
Project Identifying new compounds active against Trichomonas Vaginalis Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Trichomoniasis is a neglected parasitic disease that causes significant morbidity in pregnant and elderly women (over 100 million infections each year). However, the only FDA approved therapy for this disease is associated with treatment failures and adverse effects. This project aims to develop and implement a new medium to high-throughput assay to identify and investigate new drug leads for trichomoniasis. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Associate Professor Tina Skinner-Adams
Project Antimicrobial probiotics and mechanism study Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery The inclusion of probiotics in animal feeds have proven to be beneficial to animal health. This project is a collaborative research program between Griffith University and Bioproton, aiming at investigating the mechanism of action of probiotics that have antimicrobial activity. The outcome of the project will lead to scientific discovery on the antimicrobial behaviours of probiotics. The active Bacillus strains can be used as effective antimicrobial agent in animal feed materials. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Associate Professor Yun Feng
Project Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and brain function Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Many TCMs have a neuroprotective effect; that is, they protect the central nervous system against damage or degeneration due to diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Working with TCMs with a known neuroprotective effect, we can isolate and identify the major constituents of selected TCM and test the compounds against cell-based models of Parkinson’s disease. By analysing and testing TCMs, we can determine their mechanism of action and develop new ways to treat neurological diseases. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Associate Professor Yun Feng
Project Gene networks associated with neurological disorders: the key to better diagnostics and treatments Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and dementia are caused by a ‘perfect storm’ of unique combinations of genetic and environmental factors. Such complex combination of events leads to disruptions in gene networks and biological pathways that alter cell functions and consequently influence disease risk. New approaches in genomic technologies, computational models and experimental systems could potentially lead to personalised treatment based on an individual’s genetic composition. This project aims to map molecular networks and cell functions affected in patient-derived stem cells to help discover new therapeutic strategies tailored based on patient’s molecular and cellular signatures. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Dr Alex Cristino
Project Developing RNA-based treatment to enhance immune response against cancers Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery This project aims to investigate the epigenetic regulation via microRNA gene silencing adopted by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) to “hack” the genetic program of human B-lymphocytes (B-cells). We use a novel EBV/B-cell model system to characterise the functional role of viral microRNAs in the micro-management of cellular pathways associated with persistent B-cell infection. Our integrated platform will contribute to better understanding of fundamental molecular and cellular processes underpinning viral infection, immune escape and proliferation. The overarching goal is to produce a system-based platform to understand the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation by microRNA gene silencing associated with virus-host interactions and human cell infection. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Dr Alex Cristino
Project Identification of a vessel wall directed therapy to treat heart disease Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery The cells of blood vessels produce sticky molecules called proteoglycans and once modified can bind and retain cholesterol. Zebrafish express all the major receptors, lipoproteins and enzymes involved in atherosclerosis and a complete set of genes to proteoglycan synthesis and modification. This project will develop a high-fat diet-induced zebrafish model of atherosclerosis to allow for screening of potential vessel wall directed therapies to prevent cholesterol binding. Cell biology, Biochemistry, signal transduction BiologicalScience	Dr Danielle Kamato
Project Mechanistic insights into heart disease and inflammatory bowel disease Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Well defined risk factors such as high cholesterol, smoking, and high blood pressure worsen the burden of atherosclerosis. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) present with a lower prevalence of classic risk factors, however, have at least a 2-fold higher risk of heart disease. Elevated inflammatory cytokines and an altered microbiome are observed in patients with IBD. This project seeks to define the biological link between IBD and heart disease by assessing the role of inflammatory cytokines and bacteria-derived toxins on vascular cells. Cell biology, Biochemistry, signal transduction BiologicalScience	Dr Danielle Kamato
Project Virus-like particle cell entry mimics for antiviral drug discovery Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Virus-like particles are non-infectious mimics of viruses that can often enter cells via the same receptor-mediated pathways as the viruses they resemble. Our work in this area includes the development of fluorescent analogues of important human pathogens and the creation of particles of different shape and size to understand the fundamentals of virus-cell interactions. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Dr Frank Sainsbury
Project Application of biocatalytic protein cages in drug discovery and metabolism. Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery We have developed a number of virus-derived protein cages into robust containers for enzymes. In addition, we are constructing hybrid biomaterials with properties tailored to working with different classes of small molecules. There are a number of project opportunities on the application of biocatalytic protein cages in drug discovery and metabolism. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Dr Frank Sainsbury
Project Biotechnology with persistent plant viruses Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery We have determined the first structure of a persistent plant virus. It is not clear what advantage these asymptomatic viruses confer in order to maintain the purported symbiotic relationship they have with their hosts. Understanding the form and function of persistent viruses through molecular and structural biology will open many possibilities for their use in plant biotechnology. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Dr Frank Sainsbury
Project Modelling neurodegeneration in the zebrafish and drug discovery Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery This project aims at establishing new zebrafish models of motoneuron degeneration or neurodegeneration per se. We will use state-of-the-art genome editing tools (optimised CRISPR/Cas9 approach) to manipulate selected genes of interest to both validate their predicted pathogenicity and generate animals developing neurodegeneration. These models will further be used to investigate the underlying degenerative mechanisms and establish drug screening/discovery programs. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Dr Jean Giacomotto
Project Zebrafishing for novel bioactive molecules Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Whilst many current drugs are derived from nature, many more bioactive molecules have still to be discovered. To help speed up discovery, we will develop i) a unique multipurpose zebrafish model combining different transgenic fluorescent markers/sensors and ii) automated assays to screen existing diverse chemical libraries for bioactive molecules. Validated assays will then be used to screen natural product libraries and start looking for the drugs of tomorrow. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Dr Jean Giacomotto
Project Unveiling the normal and pathogenic role of neurexins in the developing brain Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Neurexins are a family of genes that have been associated with several neurological diseases. We have generated a series of innovative zebrafish CRISPR-mutants that should allow to better understand the role of these genes in the developing brain. We will combine single-cell transcriptomics studies, high-end imaging, and behavioural approaches to highlight their critical function in brain development and plasticity. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Dr Jean Giacomotto
Project A new therapeutic model for Parkinson's disease: physiological and pathological roles of potassium channels Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Parkinson's disease (PD) is an ageing-related, multifactorial neurological disorder featuring selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. The mechanism underlying the loss of dopaminergic neurons is complex and still elusive. However, ion channels have been shown to play an important role in neurodegeneration due to their fundamental functions in neuronal excitability. In this project, we aim to expand our recent findings on the potential pathological role of potassium channels in Parkinson's disease, and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms using a dopaminergic neuron cell model and knockout mouse model. Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, electrophysiology BiologicalScience	Dr Linlin Ma
Project Ameliorating microglia-mediated neuroinflammation for Parkinson's disease therapy Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Microglial cells, the CNS-resident macrophages, are privileged to be the immune-competent cells of the central nervous system. A large body of evidence supports that microglial cells play a crucial role in mediating neuroinflammation as a significant contributing factor in the progression of ageing-related neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). As an essential trigger of abnormal microglial activation, oxidative stress is also a key pathological factor in PD. This project aims to explore how oxidative stress-sensitive ion channels contribute to microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in PD and whether targeting these ion channels may represent a neuroprotective approach to mitigate PD progression. Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, electrophysiology BiologicalScience	Dr Linlin Ma
Project Protein engineering of protein switches for development of diagnostics tools Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery This project combines advanced protein engineering with materials science and biotechnology. Sensitive and specific detection of serum antibodies is often used to diagnose infections. This project aims to develop a simple qualitative/quantitative device for detection of antibodies of interest. It will involve protein engineering of protein switches to incorporate antigens while attached to biomolecular scaffolds. Binding of the antibodies to the antigens will activate the protein switch which will result in release of a signal. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Professor Bernd Rehm
Project Precision-engineering of core-shell structures for prevention and treatment of diseases Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery This project harnesses the biosynthesis capacity of microbial cells to produce polymeric self-assemblies that can be engineered to incorporate protein functions such as antigen, binding domains and enzymes. This approach uses metabolic engineering and protein engineering to exploit the vast biomaterials design space for generation of innovative smart materials that form core-shell structures and exhibit advantageous properties toward such as uses as antigen carrier in vaccine applications or for targeted delivery of active compounds. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Professor Bernd Rehm
Project Saliva test to triage lung cancer nodules found on CT scans - a pilot study Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery About 15% of lung cancer patients survive beyond 5-years. CT screening to early detect lung nodules has been investigated, however false positive results, unnecessary radiation exposure are some of the drawbacks. We propose an innovative approach to identify nodules found on CT scans using breath analysis and liquid biopsies. This new multidisciplinary partnership will lay the foundation for future collaborations. Cancer research, Liquid biopsy and salivary diagnosics BiologicalScience	Professor Chamindie Punyadeera
Project Liquid biopsy-based biomarkers for oropharyngeal cancer Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is rapidly increasing globally, with an estimated 173,495 new cases in 2018. Approximately ~10-25% of patients develop recurrences within 2-years. The aim of this NHMRC funded project is to develop a microfluidic chip to permit capture of high-purity and viable circulating tumour cells (CTCs) to early detect recurrences in HPV driven OPC. Cancer research, Liquid biopsy and salivary diagnosics BiologicalScience	Professor Chamindie Punyadeera
Project The use of minimally invasive biomarkers in the management of glioblastoma patients Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent and aggressive form of brain cancer in adults. Currently, there are no biomarkers to reliably evaluate disease progression during treatment, leading to delays in important clinical interventions. To improve noninvasive monitoring of cancer and find new potential targets for therapies, liquid biopsy approaches, including the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs), circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and circulating tumour DNA are being investigated. The liquid biopsy approach has advantages over tumour tissue biopsy since it allows serial timepoints collections and in a minimally invasive way. We aim to expand results obtained on EVs, ctDNA and CTCs isolated from blood and saliva of GBM patients, validating them in larger cohorts and identifying novel biomarkers to help in the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease. Cancer research, Liquid biopsy and salivary diagnosics GRIDD	Professor Chamindie Punyadeera
Project Oral microbiome as a biomarker to early detect heart failure Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Heart failure is a major global pandemic affecting more than 38 million people worldwide. It has been suggested that poor oral hygiene and periodontal diseases are related to a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, the underlying cause of this phenomenon has not yet been investigated. We are aiming to profile the oral microbiome content in patients with heart failure Cardiovascualr disease, biomarkers and biosensors BiologicalScience	Professor Chamindie Punyadeera
Project Precision-engineering of core-shell structures for prevention and treatment of diseases Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery The spread of cancer (metastasis) accounts for 90% of cancer deaths. Critically, this belligerent disease is highly resistant to conventional therapies, and new molecular targets and therapeutic avenues are urgently needed. Professor Richardson discovered innovative anti-cancer drugs that can increase the expression of a metastasis suppressor protein, NDRG1, that prevents tumour cell spread (Fig. 1). He also discovered these same drugs overcome resistance of cancers to chemotherapies by overcoming the drug efflux pump, P-glycoprotein. This project will involve examining the functions of NDRG1 and its targeting by our novel drugs to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in their anti-tumour activity. A range of state-of-the-art techniques will be used to maximise student training, including: tissue culture, western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and confocal microscopy. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Professor Des R. Richardson
Project Harnessing the power of the macrophage: innovative anti-cancer drugs known as 'maca-attackers' Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Despite the massive potential of pharmacologically harnessing the power of the macrophage (MØ), a lack of understanding basic molecular mechanisms led to a distinct absence of MØ-based anti-cancer therapies. MØs are powerful orchestrators of the response to tumours, making up to 50% of tumour mass. The MØ powerfully exerts tumour inhibition via either cytotoxic M1-MØs, or tumour promotion via the M2-MØ phenotype. However, a unifying model of how this occurs via nitric oxide (NO) has never been elucidated. Using our expertise in exploiting transporter pharmacology to develop innovative drugs from bench-to-bedside, we will assess the transporter, multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), to exploit NO transport between MØs and tumour cells (Figure 2) to develop frontier drugs (“MACA-ATTACKERS”) to harness the immense power of the MØ. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Professor Des R. Richardson
Project Identifying biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease as a step toward a cure Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex, incurable, multifactorial neurological condition affecting over 65,000 Australians with an economic burden of $10 billion per annum. With an aging population the disease related costs will rise unless we find better ways to identify those at risk, provide early diagnosis and treat the disease from an understanding of its causation in each individual. The development of robust biomarkers is essential to meeting these challenges. No biomarkers are available which is the major impediment to progress towards a cure. We have developed a cell model of PF using patients’ own cells. Subjecting the cells to chemical stress reveals a different response between cells from PD patients and those from healthy individuals. We have several projects examining how we can use these stress tests to identify the underlying disease trigger in each patient. This is the first step toward personalised medicine for PD. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Professor George Mellick
Project Exploring new biological targets for treating Parkinson’s disease – from patients back to patients Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Genetic factors constitute a major component in the aetiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). Significant progress towards understanding the pathologic mechanisms involved in PD and developing new therapeutics has come from studies of rare families with inherited PD. We hold an advantaged position in this research field via access to the unique cohort of thousands of PD patients participating in the Queensland Parkinson’s Project. Through sophisticated genetic studies, we have identified several novel genes from rare PD families, the encoded proteins of which have great potential in elucidating new pathologic mechanisms and providing novel treatment strategies. Using methods in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and stem cell biology, we aim to shed new light on this progressive and devastating disease. Biochemistry Cell Biology BiologicalScience	Professor George Mellick
Project Investigation of cyclization - blocked proguanil analogues for malaria Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery We have made the exciting discovery that the clinically used antimalarial drug proguanil has much more potent activity than previously thought. The activity of proguanil has, up until now, been thought to be due to its in vivo cyclization metabolite cycloguanil, a DHFR inhibitor, and by potentiating atovaquone activity. In this project, cyclization blocked analogues of proguanil, will be investigated as potential new combination partners for atovaquone. Approaches will include in vitro growth inhibition assays, combination studies, time of kill assay and in vivo efficacy testing in murine models of malaria. Physiology BiologicalScience	Professor Katherine Andrews
Project Developing native mass spectrometry methods to charterise disease related biomolecules Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery This project aims to develop native mass spectrometry methods for characterising challenging and unconventional targets that underpin emerging disease therapeutics. Native mass spectrometry is a rapidly growing biophysical technique – this project is one of few opportunities in Australia to develop skills with this emerging and continually developing methodology. Potential biomolecular targets to be investigated include soluble and membrane proteins and structured RNAs, and their complexes with other proteins, nucleic acids and/or lipid binding partners. Development of these methods will facilitate the fundamental understanding of these molecules and further drug discovery by allowing fragment, or other, screening campaigns to discover novel binding compounds, or characterise previously identified therapeutic binding compounds. This can be applied to various diseases areas including cancer and infectious diseases Chemical Biology ChemicalSciences	Professor Sally-Ann Poulsen

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Available Research Projects

Megafauna fossils from the Pliocene of Australia

Stone Age archaeology of southern Africa

New methods in stone tool functional analysis

Ancient DNA

Ecology of coral reef ecosystems

Planning for aquaculture expansion under climate change

Quantifying Australian aquaculture's environmental footprint

Land-based impacts on marine restoration efforts

Reducing human impacts in marine protected areas

Land-based run-off in international conservation agreements

Reducing wastewater impacts on nature and people

Environmental impact of firefighting chemicals and bushfire leachates on aquatic ecosystems

Can restoration recover lost ecosystem services?

Greenhouse gas emissions from wetland disturbance

Discovering macroalgal diversity in the Great Barrier Reef

Assessing the impacts of chemical pollutants on marine wildlife using novel and ethical techniques

Untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics for monitoring environmental health

Drinking water security in Australia under climate change

Blue-green algae and their toxins - can we manage them in a changing climate?

Is nutrient offsetting a win-win for restoring our rivers and coasts?

Can we use revegetation to control algal blooms? The role of organic matter leached from trees

Automated monitoring of restored marine environments

Ecological connectivity through fish movement measured using artificial intelligence

Effect of fire and global warming on soil organic carbon in different ecosystems

Developing biogeochemical fingerprinting models for tracing the terrestrial source of sediment and nutrient in river systems

Developing novel Soil Ameliorants to improve agricultural activities in drought conditions

Managing environmental risk in Australia's blue economy

Evaluating the role of ecosystem processes in enhancement of soil carbon stocks and functional resilience

Biosolid-based biochars for agricultural carbon sequestration

Developing sustainable growth media for bioretention systems using recycled materials

Detecting microplastics in organic-rich materials and their potential risks to terrestrial ecosystems

Chlorine Evolution Catalysts for Efferent Seawater Electrolysis

Atomically Thin 3d Transition Metal Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting

Two-dimensional nanoporous structured high performance gas evolution electrocatalysts

Nanoparticle impregnated carbon as a reductive catalysis for environmental toxin removal

Antibiotic-nanoparticle conjugate systems and their effectiveness assessments against gram negative bacteria

Quantum observers

Quantum causal models

Quantum Foundations and Quantum Causality

Numerical solution and simulation of electron transport and plasma models in various application areas

Plasma modelling and simulation for magnetically confined fusion plasmas

Formulation and application of deep learning and other AI techniques to physical sciences

Ultra-high-quality generation, communication, and processing of photonic quantum information

Counterfactual quantum smoothing

Quantum machine learning for efficient quantum tracking

Interaction of attosecond light pulses with atoms and molecules

Continuous beam atom interferometers for quantum enhanced navigation

Adaptation of the whale watch industry to climate change

Whale Economy – the value of whale watching to the Australian blue economy

Process-driven sediment regime changes in semi-enclosed tidal estuaries

The role of government in sustainable development and addressing climate change

Impacts of bushfires on water quality and biogeological processes in Eastern Australia

Geochemistry of critical metals in coastal and marine waters

Automated monitoring of restored marine environments

Ecological connectivity through fish movement measured using artificial intelligence

C. elegans as a model system to characterise the role of a metabolic master regulator

Who’s in the driving seat? – systems biology characterisation of insect-symbiont interactions

Systems biology in environmental research, food analysis, food security, and livestock science

Cell transplantation therapy to repair spinal cord injury

Cell transplantation and drug options for peripheral nerve repair

Drug discovery to treat Alzheimer's disease

Hunting for new bioactive natural products from Australian rainforest and desert plants

Use of natural product scaffolds in the generation of novel chemical libraries for drug discovery

Discovery of new anti-infective drugs from the sea

Combating Giardiasis by investigating new potent compound series as leads for improved treatments

Identifying new compounds active against Trichomonas Vaginalis

Antimicrobial probiotics and mechanism study

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and brain function

Gene networks associated with neurological disorders: the key to better diagnostics and treatments

Developing RNA-based treatment to enhance immune response against cancers

Identification of a vessel wall directed therapy to treat heart disease

Mechanistic insights into heart disease and inflammatory bowel disease

Virus-like particle cell entry mimics for antiviral drug discovery

Application of biocatalytic protein cages in drug discovery and metabolism.

Biotechnology with persistent plant viruses