Needle-free vaccinations, protection from cyber-bullying and a better understanding of the impact of sea change on coastal communities will soon be possible thanks to 219 new research partnerships between Australian and international universities and industry.
Announcing funding of $67 million for the partnerships under the Australian Research Council Linkage Projects scheme, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said the Gillard Labor Government was strengthening research partnerships with industry because research and development was the key to a richer, fairer and greener future.
"Government investment of $300,000 will allow Swinburne University of Technology to collaborate with dairy industry innovator Gardiner Foundation on research into skimmed milk processing. This uses ultrasonic waves and tiny bubbles to save energy and cleaning costs and develop future health products," Senator Carr said.
Highlighting the international partnerships being built with this investment Senator Carr said he was pleased Australia's best and brightest researchers were able to access to the best kit the world has to offer.
"For example, Monash University will use $360,399 to use the world-class research equipment available at Swedish and United States institutions to develop engineering and education solutions to reduce child injury and deaths in car crashes from the incorrect use of child restraints.
"These projects and the 217 others show the diverse range of problems the Australian Government is committed to tackling through ARC grants.
"The Linkage Projects scheme is a vital component of the ARC competitive grants suite because of the partnerships it encourages - with manufacturers and private enterprise here and overseas. These partnerships help produce tangible, workable solutions to real issues, like climate change, health and national security."
The 31 Australian research institutions being awarded funding have partnered with 436 national and international organisations. These organisations will top-up the Government's investment with an additional $139 million in cash and in-kind support. Funding will commence in July 2011.
For more information on the ARC and to view the media kit for this announcement, which including summaries of the research projects and information on the funding scheme, visit www.arc.gov.au/media/major_announce.
Senator Carr said the new R&D Tax Credit, currently awaiting debate in the Senate, would further strengthen the links between researchers and industry and encourage the creation of new and improved materials, products, processes and services, leading to greater prosperity and more high-wage, high-skill jobs for Australians.
For more information on the R&D Tax Credit and the Innovation portfolio, visit www.innovation.gov.au.
Media releases issued for each state are available:
A printable version of the media release 
[PDF 116KB] is available.