The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, today announced funding of over $363 million for research that will produce significant national benefit.

“The Australian Government is committed to advancing Australian research and innovation nationally and internationally for the benefit of the Australian community,” Senator Carr said.

“Through the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP) the Australian Government is providing support for the highest-quality research leading to the discovery of new ideas and the advancement of knowledge, and providing incentives for Australia’s most talented researchers to work in partnership with leading researchers throughout the national innovation system and around the world.”

1103 research projects have been awarded funding as part of the latest Australian Research Council (ARC) funding round.

For this funding round, applications were submitted to four funding schemes under the NCGP. These schemes are the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development, Discovery Projects, Linkage Projects and Linkage International (ARC International Fellowship) schemes.

“I would like to congratulate all of the successful researchers and institutions that have been selected for funding. I look forward to hearing about the outcomes and benefits you produce for Australia.”

Applications for NCGP funding are subject to a rigorous, independent peer review process that considers factors such as the researcher’s track record and capacity to undertake the work, the significance and innovation of the proposed research, the approach to be taken, training opportunities to be made available, and the national benefit.

For more information on the NCGP, visit www.arc.gov.au 
 
A copy of today's speech is available at www.minister.innovation.gov.au or by clicking here.

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