ARC Discovery Projects funding for Faculty researchers

13 December 2022

Researchers from UQ’s Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences will lead six new projects awarded over $2.4 million from the Australian Research Council (ARC).

The ARC Discovery Project scheme supports projects to expand the knowledge base and research capacity in Australia, and deliver economic, commercial, environmental, social and cultural benefits.

Associate Professor Gary Osmond, Professor Murray Phillips and Mr Alistair Harvey will examine the history of the Torres Strait through its local, national, and international sporting past. They will provide a body of literature and resources for national communities, schools, and scholars.

Professor Paul Dux and Dr Hannah Filmer will assess neurochemical predictors of cognition and the impact of brain stimulation. Using advanced imaging and stimulation techniques, the project aims to provide insights into the relationship between brain stimulation and executive function.

Professor Timothy Carroll and Professor Reza Shadmehr will test the idea that there are two fundamentally distinct classes of motor learning processes in the brain driven by different error types. The knowledge gained from this project may identify new strategies for adapting movements that are widely applicable to industry, defence, sport, and health.

Professor Julie Henry will examine memory function in everyday life. The findings will contribute to understanding what can be done to reduce real-life vulnerability to memory failures.

Associate Professor Eric Vanman, Professor Emily Cross and Professor Dr Arvid Kappas will investigate psychological factors that can limit the acceptance of robots in the home and workplace. The project aims to enhance institutional and international collaborations, and psychological knowledge for robot designers.

Dr Nik Steffens, Professor Alex Haslam, Professor Kim Peters and Professor Naomi Ellemers will investigate when and why organisational leaders’ financial rewards improve or undermine social group functioning. The project has potential to benefit Australian business and organisations to facilitate high-functioning groups and improve productivity.

Two additional UQ projects awarded funding include Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences researchers Professor Irina Vetter and Associate Professor Stacey Parker.

UQ was awarded the second highest number of grants and total funding from the national scheme in the 2023 round.

A full list of successful projects is available on the ARC website.

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