AI, neurodiversity the focus of newly funded DECRA research

The Faculty of Arts is celebrating the success of four of its early career researchers following the latest round of the Australian Research Council's Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) funding.

Successful applicants Dr Emily Hughes and Dr Raphaël Millière, both from the Department of Philosophy; Dr Richard Savery, from the Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language and Literature; and Dr Diana Tan, from the Macquarie School of Education, will share in more than $1.8 million under the 2025 scheme.

Artificial intelligence and neurodiversity have emerged as the key themes of the University's newly funded projects, which were selected from a total of 1120 applications nationally.

Professor Chris Dixon, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, said: "It is wonderful to see four successful DECRA applications from the Faculty of Arts and I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the recipients.

"The Faculty continues to see an impressive trajectory of impactful research and these projects are key in ensuring our research addresses local, national and global challenges."

Through funded projects, the DECRA scheme aims to generate "new knowledge that addresses a significant problem or gap in knowledge", according to ARC Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr Richard Johnson.

He continued: "[The program] offers exciting opportunities for Australia's promising early career researchers to develop in supportive environments.

"As well as boosting Australia's research and innovation capacity, DECRA projects result in new technologies and ideas, leading to new jobs, economic growth, and ultimately improved quality of life for Australians."

The successful Macquarie University projects are:

A lone or lonely life? Lived experiences of loneliness in autistic women

Dr Emily Hughes, Department of Philosophy

Autistic people experience depression, anxiety and suicidality to a greater extent than non-autistic people. Loneliness has been shown to be an important, causally contributing factor that can exacerbate suffering. Yet, experiences of loneliness in autism remain poorly understood, particularly in the case of autistic women, who are often un-, mis-, or late-diagnosed due to the dominant male-based conception of autism. In redressing this problematic gap, the aim of this project is to characterise experiences of loneliness in autistic women by prioritising their voices; to determine what this reveals about the autistic self in relation to others; and to use this knowledge to improve the wellbeing of autistic women across the lifespan.

Funding awarded: $483,379

Philosophical Foundations of Mechanistic Understanding in AI

Dr Raphaël Millière, Department of Philosophy

This project aims to design a comprehensive theoretical framework to understand the behaviour of AI systems mechanistically. By integrating insights from philosophy, cognitive science and computer science, the project will bridge the gap between the low-level mechanisms and observable behaviours of AI systems. Expected outcomes include the development of novel interpretability methods and enhanced collaborations across global academic and industry sectors. The project is anticipated to advance our theoretical understanding of AI systems and apply these insights to critical safety issues, thereby contributing to the responsible evolution of AI technology.

Funding awarded: $364,904

Robot Musicians: Long-term Use, Group Dynamics, and Artificial Intelligence

Dr Richard Savery, Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language and Literature

This project aims to investigate long-term interaction and group dynamics in artificial intelligence (AI) through the lens of robotic musicianship. It will use a custom robot platform and the construction of three new drumming and rapping robots, placing them in musical situations for extended periods and in ensembles. This project will develop new knowledge about how AI can be integrated into daily usage, beyond existing digital interfaces. Expected outcomes include an enhanced understanding of trust, fluency and generalisable approaches to AI. This will provide public benefits by enhancing cultural experiences and developing commercial opportunities through the innovative integration of AI in the creative industries.

Funding awarded: $476,941

Fostering a sense of belonging for neurodivergent university students

Dr Diana Tan, School of Education

This project is the first major study into why neurodivergent students often feel like they do not belong in universities. Using innovative ways to learn how daily encounters at universities can impact neurodivergent students' sense of belonging, this project will generate new knowledge of what it means to belong and how to foster belonging among neurodivergent students. Outcomes include a better understanding of how marginalised people conceptualise belonging and a practice guideline for the creation of a more inclusive university environment for neurodivergent students. Expected benefits include improved university experiences for these students and contributing to a more inclusive society overall.

Funding awarded: $487,562

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