The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, today announced that 73 projects will share in funding of over $31.6 million under Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) Projects scheme.

"The Rudd Government is committed to supporting Australian research through the provision of critical research infrastructure, equipment and facilities," Senator Carr said.

"This scheme is about development through collaboration – funding collaborative arrangements between higher education organisations and other organisations, including industry.

"The $31.6 million that I am awarding today will see Australian institutions collaborate with a large number of national, international and other government organisations.

"This funding round will see these organisations contribute a total of over $180 million to research infrastructure, equipment and facilities that will benefit Australian researchers.

"Projects range from measuring the impact of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef – to a life-saving safety test for car crashes where the car rolls."

Funding for the successful LIEF projects will commence in January 2009.

The LIEF scheme is part of the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP), which nurtures the creative abilities and skills of Australia's most promising researchers.

Applications for NCGP funding are subject to a rigorous, independent peer review.

A summary of the funding outcomes can be found at LIEF funding outcomes.

Media contacts:  Catriona Jackson     Minister's office     0417 142 238
                           Sheena Ireland        ARC                      0412 623 056