Double success for ECU in national research grants

These projects, awarded a combined total of more than $823,000, highlight ECU's commitment to advancing impactful research that addresses critical societal and technological challenges.

The ARC Discovery Projects scheme, a cornerstone of Australia's National Competitive Grants Program, aims to expand the nation's knowledge base while delivering meaningful economic, social and cultural benefits. In the latest round, over $342 million was awarded to 536 innovative research projects across the country.

Recognition of Excellence in Research

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Caroline Finch AO was enthusiastic in her congratulations to the ECU researchers for the acknowledgement and enabling impact that these grants bring.

"The competition for grant funding nationally is intense and the process of selection these projects go through to be selected is rigorous so our applications achieving funding is a testament to ECU's research impact on both national and global stages," said Professor Finch.

University's success in securing two Discovery Projects underscores the ECU's growing reputation for world-class research.

The funding also highlights the value of the ARC Discovery Projects scheme, which delivers $3.32 in economic output for every $1 of research funding, supporting projects that provide substantial benefits to the Australian community.

Countering Sexual Image Abuse and Sextortion

Led by ECU's Professor Lelia Green, with Associate Professor Debra Dudek and University of London's Professor Jessica Ringrose, ECU has been awarded $309,360 to explore teen-informed strategies for addressing sexual image abuse and sextortion.

This pioneering cultural studies project delves into the complexities of adolescence in the digital age. With sexting increasingly becoming a tool for consensual sexual exploration among teens, the potential for harm has grown. Issues such as gender-linked sexual shaming, sextortion and the rise of sexualised deepfakes pose serious risks to young people.

This project will seek teenagers' perspectives on these challenges, empowering them to develop solutions that mitigate harm while protecting their peers. Outcomes will align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, offering actionable strategies to reduce risk and support vulnerable teens in navigating these difficult experiences.

Understanding and advancing AI

In the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision, Professor David Suter has been awarded $513,848 to deepen our understanding of robust data clustering and fitting through his project on HyperGraph Classes, Robust Fitting and Clustering.

This innovative research will address critical challenges in AI, particularly in how systems identify and group data reliably amidst the noise of measurement errors or irrelevant information. The project will investigate what makes clustering tasks simple or complex and identify the characteristics that determine whether data can be processed effectively.

By enhancing our understanding of these fundamental principles, this research has the potential to revolutionise AI's capabilities in fields ranging from automated systems to advanced image processing, creating more reliable and adaptable solutions.

National and Global Impact

The ARC Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr Richard Johnson, commended the projects funded through the Discovery scheme, noting their potential to deliver cultural, social and economic benefits.

"Discovery grants support researchers and research teams in addressing critical challenges, creating innovations that benefit our community and industries," Dr Johnson said.

Looking Ahead

The success of ECU's researchers in the DP25 scheme reflects the University's commitment to tackling pressing societal issues and advancing technology through interdisciplinary collaboration.

For more information about the Discovery Projects scheme and a full list of funded projects, visit the ARC website.

Congratulations to ECU's research teams for this outstanding achievement, showcasing the University's impact on both national and global stages.

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