{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/DE260101473"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"DE260101473","attributes":{"code":"DE260101473","administering-organisation":"Monash University","announcement-administering-organisation":"Monash 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":"Nickel isotope insights into planet formation. This project aims to unravel the formation and differentiation of terrestrial planets, including Earth, the Moon, Mars, and asteroids, through high-precision Nickel (Ni) isotope analyses. By leveraging the ⁶⁰Fe-⁶⁰Ni decay system, Ni nucleosynthetic anomalies, and stable isotope fractionation, the project will refine our understanding of planetary timing, origins, and volatile depletion, including water. These insights are crucial for planetary habitability, benefiting Australian planetary exploration, training future scientists, and advancing Ni isotope applications in mining and environmental studies.","funding-current":534320.00,"funding-at-announcement":530079,"investigators-current":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Ke","familyName":"Zhu","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0003-3613-7239 "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Ke","familyName":"Zhu","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0003-3613-7239 "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"Monash University","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"VIC"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"Monash University","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"VIC"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":true,"code":"3703","name":"Geochemistry","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"370303","name":"Isotope Geochemistry","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"370507","name":"Planetary Geology","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"120603","name":"Management of Solid Waste From Construction Activities","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"140105","name":"Intelligence, Surveillance and Space","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"250402","name":"Mining and Extraction of Copper Ores","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":["England","Japan","United States of America"],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"This DECRA project will significantly advance Australia’s scientific and technological capabilities by enhancing our understanding of planetary formation and the early Solar System. Through cutting-edge isotopic analysis of meteorites and space mission return samples, the project will establish Australia as a leader in extraterrestrial sample research. Leveraging Monash University’s expertise and collaborations with NASA, JAXA, and the Australian Space Agency, this work will position Australia at the forefront of future space missions—contributing to sample return analysis, landing site selection, and contamination prevention strategies. Beyond planetary science, this project has direct applications to mining and environmental sustainability. By developing high-precision nickel isotope techniques, it will provide new tools for studying ore deposit formation and tracing environmental pollution sources—benefiting Australia's resource industry and ecosystem management. The project will also train the next generation of scientists in state-of-the-art isotopic techniques, strengthening national expertise in cosmochemistry, geochemistry, and environmental sciences. Public outreach, including contributions to museum exhibits and educational materials, will inspire future scientists and enhance public engagement with planetary science."}}}