Research projects
Explore CBA-funded projects at ANU, driving innovative biodiversity research. Discover collaborative initiatives addressing global ecological challenges through cutting-edge science and data-driven solutions.
CBA's Ignition Grants foster novel collaborations between researchers from at least two partner institutions (ANU, CSIRO, UC), aiming to lay the groundwork for larger research proposals. Since 2012, over 60 projects have been funded across 11 rounds. In June 2016, grant recipients showcased their progress at a symposium, delivering lightning talks that highlighted the scheme's success in driving diverse and innovative research.
This project investigates the taxonomy and genetic diversity of seabird ticks affecting Little Blue Penguins and Shearwaters in Australia and New Zealand. It utilises next-generation sequencing to address taxonomic issues, assess parasite dispersal, and inform conservation efforts, particularly under climate change influences.
Rhytiphora, Australia's largest genus of longhorn beetles, is highly diverse due to late arrival and adaptation to new plant communities. Researchers aim to trial Molecular Inversion Probes on old specimens to study Rhytiphora's phylogenetics, comparing this method with Whole Genome Shotgun sequencing for effectiveness.
QuestaGame, a Canberra-based mobile app, merges citizen science, biodiversity economics, and social gaming to engage players in exploring local environments. It partners with notable organisations and offers paid part-time internships for students, providing practical experience outside academia. Contact co-founder Mallika Robinson for internship details.
The CBA-supported Honours project (2019/20) on genomic studies of the Australian alpine plant Wahlenbergia ceracea has been awarded. It aimed to explore genome structure and plasticity in response to climate change using sequencing techniques. The project was supported by ANU and CSIRO.
Researchers from ANU and CSIRO aimed to identify evolutionary refugia in northern Australia using spatial analysis and genomics. Their study focused on vulnerable regions like the Mt Isa Inlier. The project led to discovering two new gecko species and initiated an honours project.
The CSIRO Supplementary Postgraduate Scholarship offers $7,000 annually for living expenses and $10,000 for research. It supports PhD students with first-class honours in relevant fields, allowing collaboration between CSIRO and Australian universities. Applications close 31 October 2018. Contact Cecile Gueidan for more information.
The awarded CBA-supported project investigates telomere length as a stress biomarker in Australian pest moths, comparing pre- and post-insecticide populations. The student will analyse genome data using a bioinformatic pipeline, collaborating with ANU and CSIRO under expert supervision, supported by a $5,000 stipend.
The Ignition Grant Round 7 project, led by Elle Bowd, focuses on characterising soil communities in Victorian Mountain Ash forests using DNA and RNA metabarcoding. It examines the impact of fire and logging on soil seed-banks and fungi, contributing to long-term biodiversity and conservation research.