The Turnbull Government will back 120 new research projects across Australia with $170.6 million to tackle problems from fire safety to the country’s ageing population, literacy and numeracy levels in schoolkids and coral reef conservation.
Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the benefits of many of the research projects would ultimately be felt by Australians from all walks of life.
“This latest round of funding for these 120 projects backs in our support for Australia’s world-leading research sector,” Minister Birmingham said.
“By giving some of our brightest minds the funding, support and time they need for outcomes-focused and ‘discovery’ research we can tackle some of the issues the country faces.
“This latest round of $170.6 million for research continues the Turnbull Government’s significant investment in a wide variety of fundamental and applied research projects.”
Minister Birmingham said the latest round of the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) National Competitive Grants Program includes:
- 9 Training Centres, worth $37.0 million over five years, under the Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme.
- 3 Research Hubs, worth $9.6 million over five years, under the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme
- 17 Fellowships, worth $47.0 million over five years, under the Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme
- 91 Fellowships, worth $77.0 million over four years, under the Future Fellowships scheme.
“Many of these projects will also grow much needed industry-research collaboration and support the training and skilling-up of our next generation of researchers.
“The ARC’s new assessment process will ensure researchers and businesses can collaborate as opportunities arise, improving the timeline for translating research into broader outcomes for businesses and the community.”
This funding announcement is in addition to the $22.2 million over four years for the latest round of the Linkage Projects scheme announced earlier this week.
“The Turnbull Government is making a significant investment in science, research and innovation—committing $10 billion across all portfolios in 2016?17 alone. Driving smart ideas that create business growth, local jobs and global success—delivering real outcomes that will benefit all Australians,” Minister Birmingham said.
For more information about the funding outcomes, including statistics and full project details please visit the ARC website or view the ARC media announcement kit.