#NationalCollaborativeResearchInfrastructureStrategy

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Australian Research Funding: Powers Transformative Innovations

  A Transformative Investment in Research

Addressing Critical Challenges In a remarkable and forward-thinking initiative, the Albanese Government is injecting fresh life into Australian research by allocating substantial funds to a wide array of groundbreaking projects. These projects encompass a range of areas, from pain-free diabetes testing to climate-change data tracking and innovations for driverless cars, signifying a substantial financial commitment that aims to usher in transformative change.  

Funding for Transformative Research

A total of $650 million in funding from the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), spanning from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2027, is breathing life into 80 projects led by 25 agencies. This monumental investment will support over 50,000 researchers, contributing to Australia's economic growth while addressing some of the nation's most pressing challenges.   Prioritizing Crucial Research Areas The 2023 NCRIS funding round is prioritizing strategic investments in medical research, synthetic biology, and climate research, offering financial support that reaches far and wide. - Transforming Medical Research: An allocation of $23 million is earmarked for the Australian National Fabrication Facility. This investment will support the maintenance and enhancement of nationwide facilities, propelling projects like pain-free diabetes tests, quantum technology manufacturing, and the development of sensors for driverless cars. - Enhancing Climate Research: The Integrated Marine Observing System, led by the University of Tasmania, will receive $47 million. This financial boost is set to supercharge real-time information available for mineral exploration, fishing trawlers, and marine resource management. - Aiding Climate-Change Data Collection: The Southern Coastal Research Vessel Fleet, with $19 million in funding, will construct a research vessel. This vessel will play a pivotal role in providing climate-change data to the South Australian State Government, local councils, and the Commonwealth government. - Synthetic Biology Leadership: Bioplatforms Australia, leading a collaboration of NCRIS projects, secures $55 million. Their mission is to position Australia as a global leader in synthetic biology, consequently fostering the development of new bioindustries and ensuring that Australians have early access to enhanced food and cutting-edge medical products.  

Fueling Responsible Development

NCRIS is spearheading a world-leading approach to research infrastructure funding, with the 2023 investment aimed at supporting the responsible growth of Australia's industries and research capabilities. The projects align closely with the Government's $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, with a focus on renewables, low emissions technologies, medical science, transport, value addition in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and resources, as well as defense and enabling capabilities. This substantial financial commitment also dovetails with the national emphasis on critical technologies like Quantum, robotics, artificial intelligence, and batteries.  

An Investment in Australia's Future

This funding is part of the $4 billion Australian Government investment in NCRIS from 2018 to 2029, highlighting a commitment to driving innovation and progress across the nation.   Quotes from Government Officials Minister for Education, Jason Clare, expressed the significance of these investments, stating, "These investments allow our world-class universities and researchers to work on game-changing projects that are good for our economy and good for Australia."   Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, emphasized the potential of scientists and researchers to pave the way for new discoveries, helping manufacturers create innovative products within Australia. These grants will supercharge research efforts in priority areas, enhancing Australia's position as a hub of global scientific excellence.   Sources: THX News & The Hon Ed Husic MP,  Minister for Industry and Science. Read the full article