The Morrison Government will provide an additional $10 million to upgrade six leading research facilities to ensure Australia remains at the forefront of science and technology.
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the additional funding from the Morrison Government would ensure our world-class researchers had access to the most up-to-date infrastructure.
The funding is part of the $3 billion provided since 2004 under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) which helps drive innovation by supporting leading national research infrastructure projects.
"It is critical that Australian researchers are equipped with research facilities that enable them to do the ground-breaking and world-leading work they do," Mr Tehan said.
"Our researchers are working to deliver results, from finding cures for diseases to drought-proofing crops, and it is important they have the most up-to-date tools to achieve this.
"Between 2015-16 and 2016-17 there was an almost 10 per cent increase in commercialisation outputs from NCRIS facilities, including clinical trials supported, patents and proof of concepts.
"The Morrison Government is supporting research and innovation across agriculture, the environment and astronomy to deliver outcomes that will benefit every Australian.
"Astronomy Australia will receive $2 million towards the Gravitational Wave Data Centre, which enhances Australia’s position as a world leader in astronomical research.
"The Gravitational Wave Data Centre puts Australia at the forefront of gravitational wave research and improves our expertise in new, complex data technology, in the early detection of earthquakes and in improving the navigation of autonomous vehicles."
A full list of the six projects funded is below:
NCRIS project |
Lead agent |
Project details |
Amount |
Astronomy Australia |
Astronomy Australia Limited |
Gravitational Wave Data Centre |
$2,000,000 |
AuScope |
AuScope Limited |
Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) national flagship |
$5,000,000 |
Australian Plant Phenomics Facility |
University of Adelaide |
Upgrade to equipment for agriculture research |
$1,000,000 |
Heavy Ion Accelerators |
Australian National University |
Upgrade to equipment to understand the nature of matter |
$700,000 |
Australian Phenomics Network |
Australian National University |
Upgrade to equipment for medical research |
$903,000 |
Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) |
University of Queensland |
TERN Technology Infrastructure Platform |
$400,000 |
