The ability to communicate directly with the public when disaster strikes is a step closer as Queensland researchers share more than $52 million in Federal Government funding.

Announcing funding for 169 Queensland 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 the Queensland University of Technology will use a $188,000 grant to analyse how social media was used during recent natural disasters in Queensland in the hope of developing better public communication strategies that could save lives in future disasters.

“University of Queensland researchers will receive $333,000 grant to optimise starter culture strains to improve flavour, quality and efficiency in cheese making.

“And researchers at Griffith University will use a $280,000 grant to identify why students from poor urban backgrounds or rural communities are at risk of failing at school mathematics.

“This $52 million investment is great news for the Queensland community because it highlights local research talent and supports new interstate and international research partnerships. I congratulate the successful institutions, researchers and partners.”

The 169 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 scheme. 

More information on these projects is attached. 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 55 KB] is available.