$7 MILLION FUNDING FOR VITAL RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE

Minister for Industry, Resources and Energy, Anthony Roberts, today announced a multi-million dollar funding injection for the state’s research infrastructure.

Mr Roberts said $7 million would be invested in upgrading critical infrastructure to ensure NSW researchers continue to have access to world-class facilities.

“The NSW Government recognises the importance of a strong Research & Development sector, which is a key driver of innovation in the state’s economy,”

Mr Roberts said.

“This considerable investment will make sure our researchers continue to have access to top facilities across a range of scientific fields, with applications in areas such as agriculture, environmental science, mining, renewable energy, health and medical research, and ICT.”

The NSW Government will award grants on a competitive basis to state-based research facilities currently or previously funded under the Commonwealth’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). 

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, Professor Mary O’Kane, said: “By supporting widely accessible research infrastructure that is co-located with our universities and research organisations, the NSW Government is helping create opportunities for local and international researchers to solve complex problems, which will ultimately bring economic, environmental, health and social benefits for Australia.”

In its May Budget, the Commonwealth Government announced continued funding for NCRIS facilities nationwide until 2017.

The NSW Government’s co-investment in state-based facilities will be funded from its Research Attraction and Acceleration Program (RAAP).

Grant applications are now open and will close 20 November 2015.