Australian government awards $650 millions-worth of research grants

The Australian Departments of Education and Industry Science and Resources have awarded $650 millions-worth of R&D grants to 25 Australian agencies under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).

Grants include $23m to the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) to maintain and upgrade facilities nationwide for projects such as pain-free diabetes tests, quantum technology manufacturing and sensors for driverless cars.

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has been awarded $10.7 million to transform Australia’s accelerator mass spectrometry capability for the environment and climate challenges of this crucial decade; ion beam analysis for continental-scale pollution monitoring and PFAS contamination screening; ion irradiation for the emerging needs of defence, health, semiconductor, and space sectors and industry uplift for innovation and translation.

This significant investment supports more than 50,000 researchers and help drive Australia’s economic growth, while addressing some of the nation’s biggest challenges. The 2023 NCRIS funding round prioritises transformative investments in medical research, synthetic biology and climate research, with funding including:

A joint statement by Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic and Minister for Education Jason Clare said NCRIS is a world-leading approach to research infrastructure funding and the 2023 investment will support the responsible development of Australia’s industries and research capability.

Projects will align with priority areas identified through the Government’s $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, including renewables and low emissions technologies, medical science, transport, value add in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and resources, as well as defence and enabling capabilities.

This initiative also sits alongside major national strategies and investments in critical technologies such as Quantum, robotics, artificial intelligence and batteries.

This funding is part of the $4 billion Australian Government investment in NCRIS from 2018 to 2029.