Western Sydney University Researchers have been awarded Australian Research Council (ARC) funding for projects to be undertaken as part of the ARC Discovery Projects scheme.
Professor Justin Welbergen and Dr Anastasia Dalziell from the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment will receive $485,378 for the project, Vocal mimicry in songbirds. Professor Kerry Robinson from the School of Social Sciences will receive $360,698 for the project, Gender Affirmation in Childhood: Protective Factors and Strategies.
The intended outcome of the Discovery Program is to contribute to the growth of Australia’s research and innovation capacity, encourage research and training in high-quality research environments and enhance the international competitiveness of Australian research.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research, Enterprise and International) Professor Deborah Sweeney welcomed the significant funding.
“These grants support world-leading research that embodies the University’s commitment to tackling intractable global challenges; having real impact on the communities we serve; and reflects our international reputation for academic excellence,” said Professor Sweeney.
ARC Discovery Projects
- Professor Justin Welbergen and Dr Anastasia Dalziell, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment ($485,378)
- Vocal mimicry in songbirds. This study aims to provide an understanding of avian vocal mimicry. The project will examine both sexes to test long-held male-centric assumptions about evolutionary origins and maintenance of this trait. Crucially, it will focus on lineages found only in Australia and Papua New Guinea, where songbirds originated, to develop a robust understanding of vocal mimicry and provide an important new perspective on why and how song began.
- Professor Kerry Robinson, School of Social Sciences ($360,698)
- Gender Affirmation in Childhood: Protective Factors and Strategies. This interdisciplinary study will explore Australian Trans and Gender Diverse (TGD) children’s experiences of affirming their gender. It will draw on multiple perspectives from TGD children (5-16), peer allies, parents, healthcare professionals and educators. TGD young people are a rapidly growing population, disproportionately affected by intentional self-harm and suicidality. The project expects to generate new understandings of gender, the lived experiences of TGD children and families, and protective factors in their lives. The project will inform theory, policy, and early interventions and co-development of resources for key stakeholders.
ARC Discovery Projects administered by other institutions.
- Professor Olivia Mirza, School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment for the project Robustness-oriented and serviceable design of innovative modular buildings. Led by Swinburne University of Technology.
- Professor Zhong Tao, Centre for Infrastructure Engineering: Composite clad steel-geopolymer concrete systems for resilient structures. Led by the University of Sydney
For a full list of funded Discovery Projects for 2024, including a snapshot of funding by state and territory, please view the ARC announcement kit here.
