{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/DE260100437"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"DE260100437","attributes":{"code":"DE260100437","administering-organisation":"The University of New South Wales","announcement-administering-organisation":"The University of New South Wales","scheme-name":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","grant-status":"Active","funding-commencement-year":2026,"years-funded":3,"project-start-date":"2026-01-01","anticipated-end-date":"2028-12-31","grant-summary":"Understanding cellular adaptation in microgravity with bioengineering tools. As humanity ventures further into space, understanding how cells adapt to microgravity is essential to expand the fundamental knowledge of life beyond Earth. This project will investigate how the absence of gravity alters key biological processes, including cell migration, tissue remodelling, and barrier function—essential for how cells organize, communicate, and adapt to their environment. Using advanced bioengineered models and microfluidic systems, we will identify gravity-sensitive pathways that drive cellular adaptation in extreme conditions. These discoveries will challenge current biological paradigms and redefine our understanding of how mechanical forces shape life in ways never before explored. ","funding-current":534117.00,"funding-at-announcement":529878,"investigators-current":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Giulia","familyName":"Silvani","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0001-6661-2817 "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Giulia","familyName":"Silvani","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0001-6661-2817 "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"The University of New South Wales","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"NSW"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"The University of New South Wales","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"NSW"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":true,"code":"4003","name":"Biomedical Engineering","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"400301","name":"Biofabrication","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"400307","name":"Mechanobiology","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"510999","name":"Space Sciences Not Elsewhere Classified","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"280102","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Biological Sciences","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"280110","name":"Expanding Knowledge In Engineering","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"280112","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Health Sciences","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":["Germany","Italy"],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"Space exploration is advancing rapidly, with NASA, ESA, SpaceX, and Blue Origin investing heavily in long-term missions beyond Earth. As Australia seeks to expand its role in the global space sector, understanding how cells adapt to microgravity is critical. Microgravity disrupts fundamental biological processes, affecting cell function, tissue organization, and adaptation, yet we still lack a complete understanding of its effects. This research will fill that gap using bioengineered models and microfluidic systems to study how cells respond to extreme environments, positioning Australia at the forefront of space biology and mechanobiology research. The global space industry is rapidly expanding, creating opportunities for Australia to strengthen its position in this high-growth sector. By investing in space life sciences and mechanobiology, this research will contribute to Australia’s technological advancement, innovation, and workforce development. The insights gained will enhance national research capabilities and create new commercial opportunities. This project will also foster global collaborations, interdisciplinary expertise, and training opportunities for young researchers, ensuring Australia remains a leader in space research and biotechnology. Supporting this work is an investment in Australia's scientific future, securing its role in space exploration and the industries of tomorrow."}}}