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Media Release
$400 MILLION BOOST FOR INNOVATION – COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRES GRANTS ANNOUNCED
21 December 2004 MIN 1038/04
I am pleased today to announce grants of $407 million for world-class research and innovation under the Australian Government's Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Programme.
The work to be undertaken by recipients of the 16 successful CRC grants will enhance Australia’s industrial, commercial and economic growth, benefiting Australian industry and the community.
The successful CRCs will undertake research in manufacturing, information and communications technology, mining and energy, agriculture and rural-based manufacturing, the environment and medical science.
Their research will significantly contribute to the Government’s National Research Priorities, helping us remain competitive by focusing resources on areas relevant to Australia’s needs.
The CRC Programme brings together universities, research organisations, government agencies and industry. The latest round of funding will support five new CRCs with an additional nine to be developed from existing CRCs. Supplementary funding will go to two existing CRCs.
The selection process is highly competitive with successful applicants having to meet very high standards for funding eligibility. The CRC selection process is undertaken in accordance with published guidelines to ensure fairness.
The successful grants include:
- $40.25 million for an eWater CRC to build on the success of the existing Catchment Hydrology and Freshwater Ecology CRCs. This CRC will develop products that will help government and industry deliver quality water, more efficiently and more cheaply;
- $38.35 million for a new CRC for Advanced Automotive Technology, to conduct engineering, design and manufacturing research that will enhance the industry’s international competitiveness;
- $25.75 million for a new CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry, aimed at reducing production costs and increasing demand for quality pork and niche products; and
- $26.44 million for a CRC for Asthma, to be developed from an existing CRC, aimed at developing more definitive means of diagnosis and more effective and safer treatments.
These CRC grants are funded as part of Howard Government’s Backing Australia’s Ability package – an $8.3 billion commitment to support Australian science and innovation. Over the period of Backing Australia’s Ability there is a commitment of $1.8 billion to support the CRC programme.
Details of the successful applicants, including funding and contact information, is in the attached fact sheet. Further information on the CRC programme can be found at www.crc.gov.au.
Media Contacts:
Dr Nelson’s Office: Yaron Finkelstein 0414 927 663
Dept of Education, Science & Training: Jenni Hudson 02 6240 7732
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