Research is a major driver to innovation.

The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research consists of many research agencies such as the CSIRO, the Australian Research Council, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and the Office of the Chief Scientist as well as an entire departmental division devoted to research.

Building Australia’s Research Strengths

Australia’s smaller less research-intensive and regional universities are partnering with other institutions to combat pressing issues like the future of the Murray Darling Basin, mental health, environmental management and regional development.

Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said world-class research is one of the keys to Australia’s future and these university partnerships will strengthen Australia’s research capability and excellence and has announced $61.5 million for 12 projects under the Collaborative Research Networks (CRN) program.

Seeing the big picture through Research

Unlocking the great mysteries of space and Earth is now within reach, thanks to continuing investment and international collaboration by Australia’s top researchers.

Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr today announced additional Australian Government funding of $3 million to maintain Australia’s involvement in the Gemini Telescope Partnership, to ensure our astronomers can continue to use the Gemini Observatory which consists of two world class 8-metre telescopes, and $1.55 million towards the Integrated Offshore Drilling Program (IODP).

Read the media release for more information.

Creating links between researchers and industry

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.

Read the media release for more information.

Improvements to Excellence In Research for Australia

After several years of development, the first round of the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) initiative was run in 2010, with results published by the Australian Research Council (ARC) earlier this year in the ERA National Report.

More information is available from the ARC website and the media release.