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Stature estimation from fragmentary skeletal remains in prehistoric Cambodia: Health and forensic applications
This project examines the interrelationships between social change and health and growth during the Iron Age (500 BCE-CE 500) in northwest Cambodia. To facilitate this investigation, a new methodology is established to determine biological sex, long bone lengths and stature from the fragmentary remains of four Iron Age communities (Phum Snay, Phum Sophy, Prei Khmeng and Phum Lovea) in Cambodia. Evidence for growth during childhood in prehistoric times is combined with evidence for growth disruption, diet, and disease to extend the understanding of the quality of life experienced by Iron Age people. This period is considered one of social tension with a developing hierarchical social structure that eventually led to state rule across Cambodia and beyond. This project assesses the interrelationships between sociopolitical change and health and growth in the everyday experience of communities and individuals.
Managing Rangelands for Drought Resilience
This project will draw on artificial intelligence, machine learning and drone technologies and techniques to improve rangeland mapping that leads to enhanced drought resilience and management. Utilising digital precision mapping technologies at demonstration sites will allow the ability to detect changes in ground cover and land condition to be assessed. In collaboration with Southern Gulf NRM and landholders, ways in which this information could be used to improve drought resilience will be reported. Landholders will be exposed to potential techniques to automate mapping of on-ground features for improved management.
Evaluating the drivers of persistent bare soil in the Southern Gulf to inform rehabilitation and build drought resilience
This project will investigate the drivers of persistent bare soil development in parts of the Southern Gulf region of north-west Queensland in order to inform bare soil rehabilitation efforts and build drought resilience. The project will combine satellite imagery analysis of land cover change, with long-term rainfall analysis, and on-ground field data collection, including drone mapping, soil sampling and land condition assessment at selected sites. The project will communicate and disseminate findings through demonstration sites, field days, production of communications material, working collaboratively with landholders, Southern Gulf NRM, and the TNQ Drought Hub. Importantly, the project will leverage and add value to an existing project focused on the demonstration of bare soil rehabilitation techniques for building drought resilience. While focused in the Southern Gulf region, the new knowledge and information generated from this project will be of great value to other regions around Australia seeking to better understand the drivers of persistently bare soil development and rehabilitate and restore these degraded landscapes.
Ecosystem Services Gained and Lost from Proposed Development Areas
This project will examining the ecosystem services gained and lost for proposed development areas in the Gilbert River catchment.
Sustainable REE extraction from Australian ores using environmentally friendly reagents, advanced characterisation techniques and geological knowledge
This project aims to improve the sustainable extraction of rare earths from Australian ores using environmentally friendly reagents.
Optimising the geophysical ore body model to aid in the discovery of new critical mineral deposits
This project aims to develop advanced geophysical tools that can help exploration companies identify critical mineral resources. Current geophysical exploration methods—such as magnetic, electric, gravimetric, magnetotelluric, radiometric, and seismic surveys—are commonly used in the industry to detect geophysical anomalies. However, many detected anomalies do not contain mineralization due to a lack of tools to identify the specific geophysical signatures of ore bodies.
Our goal is to create tools that enable explorers to distinguish between barren and mineralized anomalies, enhancing the accuracy of mineral discovery. Currently, there is limited knowledge on the specific geophysical responses of mineralized ore bodies. Some preliminary research by CSIRO on IOCG deposits in Cloncurry suggests that combining geological and petrophysical data can model an ore body's geophysical response.
Emerging technologies for advanced geochemical exploration undercover
Isotope geochemistry can provide powerful insights to the sources or process involved in the formation of an ore deposit. Weathering ore bodies produce unique isotopic fingerprints which can be tracked by using groundwater to undertake exploration undercover. There has been increasing commercial interest in searching for Cu a critical element for the green energy transition through this sustainable technique. However, current approaches suffer from several limitations due to the saline nature of groundwater which limits the sample size that can be routinely processed. This project will use automated separation techniques to achieve greater enrichment factors to enable high precision isotope measurements.
Walking through Time: Australia-Japan Symposium and History Trail
This project delves into the rich history shared by Australia and Japan, with a specific focus on northern Queensland. Townsville is the site of Australia’s first Japanese Consulate (1896-1908), and the project’s primary location, which highlights the unique opportunity of this project.
The project involves a one-day symposium bringing together eminent scholars from both countries, presented in-person and online. Their presentations will explore diverse aspects of Australia-Japan history focused on northern Australia. This public symposium is complemented by a guided walking tour of significant sites of Australia-Japan’s shared past in Townsville, bringing these place-based histories to life.
To ensure long-term impact, the project partners will collaborate on a digital resource documenting the history trail. This online platform will showcase these key Australia-Japan sites, alongside photographs and information, making the project accessible to a wide audience. Through co-creation and public outreach, this project will foster deep appreciation for Australia-Japan’s shared histories and inspire further education, research, and collaborations.
The project will coincide with the Australian Historical Association conference held in Townsville in 2025, thereby capitalising on opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange among historians, educators, and heritage professionals. Ultimately, this initiative will strengthen Australia-Japan partnerships through education, engagement, and cultural exchange.
High-throughput neutron tomography core scanner for critical minerals resources
This project aims to develop a drill core scanner based on neutron tomography technology.