{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/FT250100239"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"FT250100239","attributes":{"code":"FT250100239","administering-organisation":"The University of Queensland","announcement-administering-organisation":"The University of Queensland","scheme-name":"ARC Future Fellowships","grant-status":"Active","funding-commencement-year":2025,"years-funded":4,"project-start-date":"2026-06-30","anticipated-end-date":"2030-06-29","grant-summary":"4D printing of Liquid Metal-Reinforced Tough Hydrogel as Robotic Device. This project aims to develop advanced hydrogels—highly absorbent, shape-shifting polymeric materials—using cutting-edge 3D and 4D printing technologies. By integrating liquid metal particles into hydrogel networks, the project seeks to significantly enhance mechanical properties through innovative toughening mechanisms. Expected outcomes include the creation of robust, smart hydrogel-based robotic devices with programmable movements. This research will revolutionise hydrogel manufacturing, positioning Australia as a global leader in the field and driving innovation in key industries.","funding-current":1155446.00,"funding-at-announcement":1130976,"investigators-current":[{"title":"A/Prof","firstName":"Ruirui","familyName":"Qiao","roleName":"Future Fellowship","roleCode":"FT","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-8351-7093 "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"A/Prof","firstName":"Ruirui","familyName":"Qiao","roleName":"Future Fellowship","roleCode":"FT","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-8351-7093 "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"The University of Queensland","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"QLD"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"The University of Queensland","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"QLD"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":true,"code":"4016","name":"Materials Engineering","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"401605","name":"Functional Materials","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"401609","name":"Polymers and Plastics","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"280105","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Chemical Sciences","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"280110","name":"Expanding Knowledge In Engineering","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":["Singapore"],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"The field of advanced manufacturing and materials technology is undergoing a fourth industrial revolution driven by digital innovations like artificial intelligence and robotics. A key technology in this transformation is 3D printing, which can produce advanced soft materials for critical applications such as medical implants, soft robots, and wearable health devices. However, developing materials that are both strong and flexible while maintaining complex shapes remains a significant challenge. This project will address these challenges by innovating material design and fabrication methods to create soft and intelligent materials with enhanced properties. \nThis project has great potential for beneficial impacts on Australia's advanced manufacturing sector, healthcare innovation, and technology-driven industries. By developing stronger and more adaptable materials, it will enable the production of affordable, high-performance products like smart wearables, flexible robotics, and advanced packaging systems. These advancements can reduce reliance on imported technologies, drive local economic growth, and position Australia as a leader in cutting-edge manufacturing, with applications extending to sectors such as healthcare, automation, and consumer goods. "}}}