Better protecting plants from climate change and finding a new treatment for malaria are a step closer, thanks to funding of more than $3 million from the Gillard Labor Government.

Announcing funding for 11 Tasmanian research 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.

“The University of Tasmania will use a $285,000 grant to investigate how plants and vegetation respond to climate change so they can develop simple ways to protect vulnerable species. Researchers will also use a $280,000 grant to study how platelets in the blood kill the malaria parasite during infection in the hope of developing novel anti-malarial agents.

“The purchase of a high resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometer and liquids separation module – made possible through a $630,000 grant – will help the university and support our national research efforts and international research reputation.

“This $3 million investment is great news for the Tasmanian community because it highlights the excellent local research talent and supports new interstate and international research partnerships. I congratulate the University, its researchers and partners.”

The 11 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 55 KB] is available.