Dr Caitlin Gionfriddo from the School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment received $485,703 while Dr Michelle Richards from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences received $392,691.
The DECRA scheme provides focused research support for early career researchers in both teaching and research, and research-only positions.
Dr Gionfriddo’s project aims to investigate the evolutionary origin of microbial production of the toxin methylmercury, testing a possible link with microbial resistance mechanisms to other toxic metals.
The research outcomes have the potential to provide significant environmental benefits.
“This work will hopefully inform Australian regulation of mercury emissions, limiting the toxic effects of mercury on humans and wildlife, and its burden on food safety," Dr Gionfriddo said.
Dr Richards’ project will use innovative combination of new scientific techniques and creative methods for engaging with Pacific (Pasifika) communities with the aim of transforming understandings of the colonial legacy of 19th century museum collections.
The work of Australian entrepreneur James Lyle Young, who had interactions with cultural groups across the Pacific for six decades, will be newly explored with an emphasis on Pasifika perspectives.
"A new database and innovative methodologies will yield significant benefits for Pasifika communities, regional museums, and cultural centres by connecting descendants with their material cultural heritage housed in overseas museums," Dr Richards said.
La Trobe Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Industry Engagement, Professor Chris Pakes said the funding success highlighted the value of the breadth of research undertaken at La Trobe.
“These projects will provide valuable insights that have the potential to have positive impacts for the wider communities concerned,” Professor Pakes said.
“I congratulate Caitlin and Michelle on a significant achievement and look forward to keeping updated with how their projects progress.”
The DECRA scheme supports excellent and innovative research that addresses a significant problem or gap in knowledge.
It provides funding for outstanding early-career researchers with demonstrated capacity for high-quality research and emerging capability for leadership and supervision.
