The first digital imaging survey of the southern hemisphere night sky and a next generation tsunami warning system will be developed thanks to funding of over $36 million for ACT research projects from the Gillard Labor Government.
 
Announcing funding for 106 projects, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said that investing in research was vital for the development of new ideas, the creation of jobs and a better quality of life for all Australians.

“We rely on our researchers to help feed the hungry, cure the sick, protect the environment and secure our future. That is why the Government is providing $310 million to Australia’s research institutions through the Australian Research Council’s major grant schemes,” Senator Carr said.

“Researchers at the Australian National University, working with Australia’s newest Nobel Laureate, Professor Brian Schmidt, will use a $390,000 grant to image
a billion stars and galaxies in the Southern Sky Survey, underpinning science programs of international prominence such as the search for the oldest stars in the galaxy. 

“The ANU will also use a $420,000 grant to help improve tsunami warnings to help emergency managers make rapid decisions and save lives.

“And researchers at the University of Canberra will receive a $347,823 grant to study why some midlife Australians do not participate in the labour market, despite wanting to work. This project will bring together service agencies with researchers to inform labour policy.

“This $36 million investment is great news for the ACT community because it highlights the local research talent and supports interstate and international research partnerships.
I congratulate the successful institutions, researchers and partners.”

The 106 research projects were announced as part of the Australian Research Council’s 2012 Major Grants Announcement, with $310 million announced for over 1,000 research projects. Funding will begin in 2012 and be administered over a period of up to five years under the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development, Discovery Projects, Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities Projects and Linkage Projects scheme.

To view the summaries of all funding outcomes and information on the funding schemes, visit www.arc.gov.au/media/major_announce.htm.

For more information on the ARC and the Innovation, Industry, Science and Research portfolio, including the research grants available, visit www.arc.gov.au and www.innovation.gov.au.

A printable version of the media release [PDF 58 KB] is available.