The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, today announced that 71 research projects will share more than $30 million in funding under the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) scheme.
The LIEF scheme provides funding for large-scale cooperative initiatives so that expensive infrastructure, equipment and facilities can be shared by researchers in partnered organisations.
“Research infrastructure is the bedrock of good research and a robust innovation system,” Senator Carr said.
“The Australian Government is supporting collaborative research arrangements to ensure that researchers in fields of recognised research potential have access to the infrastructure, equipment and facilities to carry out high-quality research.
“The LIEF research projects will see Australian institutions collaborate with national and international higher education, industry and government organisations,” Senator Carr said.
Projects include:
• A legislative database – which will provide free access for all Australian legal researchers and lawyers to a comprehensive national collection of legislation which meets international best practice standards.
• Development of a facility for mid-infrared photonic materials – this will lead to the development of new optical fibre-based laser sources for defence and surgery, and new technologies for detecting and treating cancer.
• High performance analytical tools to strengthen clean energy research – which will lead to major advances in fundamental and applied research, aimed at carbon abatement and clean energy technologies.
Funding for the successful LIEF projects will commence in January 2010.
The LIEF scheme is part of the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP). Applications for NCGP funding are subject to a rigorous, independent peer review.
A summary of the funding outcomes can be found at: www.arc.gov.au.
Media contacts: Catriona Jackson, Minister's office, 0417 142 238
Sheena Ireland, ARC, 0412 623 056