{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/DE260101262"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"DE260101262","attributes":{"code":"DE260101262","administering-organisation":"The University of Melbourne","announcement-administering-organisation":"The University of Melbourne","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":"Using low-redshift cosmic observables to probe local space-time curvature. This project aims to measure local distortions in space from nearby clumps of matter using exciting new observations and simulations. We usually study our cosmic neighborhood in a vastly simplified way, neglecting local curvature entirely. This project will develop methods for data analysis that go beyond common over-simplifications. This project expects to generate new knowledge in studying inhomogeneous curvature and expansion, which are naturally expected in the nearby Universe, with a novel approach. Expected outcomes include potential solutions to current differences in observations compared to theory. This should place Australia as a leader in cosmology and supply the next generation of scientists with advanced computational skills.","funding-current":518593.00,"funding-at-announcement":514688,"investigators-current":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Hayley","familyName":"Macpherson","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-9950-422X "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Hayley","familyName":"Macpherson","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-9950-422X "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"The University of Melbourne","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"VIC"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"The University of Melbourne","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"VIC"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":true,"code":"5101","name":"Astronomical Sciences","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"510103","name":"Cosmology and Extragalactic Astronomy","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"510105","name":"General Relativity and Gravitational Waves","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"280120","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Physical Sciences","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":["Denmark","England","United States of America"],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"Einstein’s theory of general relativity describes space as a kind of fabric, with its curvature determining the motion of massive objects. This leads to all gravitational interactions from the Earth’s motion around the Sun to the expansion of the Universe. In cosmology, general relativity forms the basis of our understanding of the Universe - however, this is a very complicated theory, so we usually simplify it a lot. This project addresses an important research gap by modelling the Universe using an advanced computational method called numerical relativity, removing common simplifications completely. Using a combination of simulations and observations of exploding stars and black holes, this research will determine how space is curved in our cosmic backyard.\n\nThis will secure Australia’s place as a leader in cutting-edge cosmological research, as well as generating economic and social benefits by training young Australians in software development, data analysis, critical thinking, and communication skills, all highly-sought abilities in industries such as finance, climate research, and engineering. This research will also serve as an exciting new topic for outreach to the Australian public, enticing budding young scientists through accessible media releases and public talks."}}}