{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/DE260100906"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"DE260100906","attributes":{"code":"DE260100906","administering-organisation":"The Australian National University","announcement-administering-organisation":"The Australian National University","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":"Tiny Tech, Deep Vision: Nonlinear Optics to Light Next-Gen Bioimaging. This project aims to develop a short-wave infrared metasurface-based bioimaging platform to reduce scattering and overcome penetration depth limits of conventional techniques, enabling comprehensive visualisation of bio-specimens in their native environment with minimal disruption. Metasurfaces will allow the platform to be used with visible cameras, facilitate device miniaturisation, and ensure seamless integration with existing technologies. Ultimately, this approach will advance fundamental and interdisciplinary research in physics and biology, redefine bioimaging, unlock opportunities for deep-tissue imaging, enable label-free diagnostics and advance non-invasive imaging—paving the way for early diagnosis and treatment of patients.","funding-current":521749.00,"funding-at-announcement":517509,"investigators-current":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Maria del Rocio","familyName":"Camacho Morales","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-6102-7157 "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Maria del Rocio","familyName":"Camacho Morales","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-6102-7157 "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"The Australian National University","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"ACT"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"The Australian National University","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"ACT"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":false,"code":"400304","name":"Biomedical Imaging","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":true,"code":"4018","name":"Nanotechnology","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"401809","name":"Nanophotonics","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"510203","name":"Nonlinear Optics and Spectroscopy","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"280103","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Biomedical and Clinical Sciences","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"280110","name":"Expanding Knowledge In Engineering","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"280120","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Physical Sciences","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":["United States of America"],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"Biophotonics has revolutionised biological research, offering high-resolution imaging that has deepened our understanding of cells and molecular structures. However optical microscopy is limited by a narrow field of view, shallow tissue penetration, and scalability. In contrast, optical bioimaging techniques enable deeper tissue penetration, wider fields of view, and in vivo studies, capturing functional and physiological data across larger organisms. This makes optical bioimaging essential for real-time visualisation of biological processes and specimens. This interdisciplinary project integrates advances in nanofabrication, materials science, and optics to develop a novel optical bioimaging technique that overcomes the challenges of deep tissue imaging, enabling non-invasive detection. It will bridge the US$368 billion global photonics industry with the Australia's AU$6.3 billion biomedical research sector, drive industry growth, accelerate the commercialisation of next-generation medical devices, and enhance Australia’s global competitiveness in biomedical innovation. The societal benefits are substantial since early detection of debilitating diseases such as dementia will improve healthcare outcomes for aging Australians. Research findings will be disseminated via open-access publications and international conferences to foster collaboration, industry adoption, and global recognition of Australia’s leadership in medical innovation."}}}