The development of light-weight automotive components to create greener, safer cars will be possible thanks to grants to Victorian researchers worth $76 million from the Gillard Labor Government.

Announcing funding for 258 Victorian research projects, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said 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 Monash University will use a $161,000 grant to examine the processes of negotiation, accommodation and change involved in the Pilbara Aboriginal pastoral strikes — one of the most significant events in Australia's post-war history.

“Deakin University will use a $270,000 grant to develop light-weight automotive components through an innovative flexible roll forming technique, which will assist the fuel economy and crashworthiness of vehicles. 

“And researchers at the University of Melbourne will receive $159,721 to investigate the views of trade policy communities within the World Trade Organisation, to gain a deeper understanding of how the organisation might be reformed to meet 21st century challenges.

“This $76 million investment is great news for the Victorian community. It highlights the excellent local research talent and supports new interstate and international research partnerships. I congratulate the successful institutions, researchers and partners.”

The 258 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 nationwide. 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 schemes. 

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 57 KB] is available.