The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr today announced funding of $325.5 million for 925 fundamental research projects under the Australian Research Council’s Discovery Projects scheme.

“The Rudd Government is committed to supporting research that creates and supports a strong national innovation system,” Senator Carr said.

“This $325.5 million investment in fundamental research and international collaboration will ensure Australia achieves its goal of a world-class national innovation system.

“The funding is being awarded through the Discovery Projects scheme, which supports high-quality fundamental research that builds Australia’s knowledge, research capacity and international competitiveness.

“These 925 fundamental research projects will not only address Australia’s priority areas–environmental sustainability, health, technology and safety—they will see 1351 instances of international collaboration with researchers in 73 countries.

“This level of collaboration is an increase from previous years and has been achieved through the Australian Research Council’s commitment to facilitate greater international collaboration by lifting restrictions on the use of ARC funds for overseas partner investigators.

“The research that will result will produce significant national benefits such as:
• an in-depth understanding of the consequences of parents giving children alcohol and when, where and how this can be done to minimise harm;
• analysis of policies on the future of farming, resilient rural communities and an environmentally sustainable Australia; and
• the creation of a non-venomous honey bee.

A summary of the Discovery Projects scheme funding outcomes is attached.

More information about the scheme and funding outcomes is available at www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/dp/dp_outcomes.htm

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