Aust to collaborate on science and tech with regional partners

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), in partnership with the Australian Academy of Science, is set to deliver $6.3 million in grants to strengthen science and technology collaboration with our regional neighbours through Round 2 of the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund – Strategic Element (GSTDF-SE).

Announced by Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, the grants of up to $1 million each are available to Australian researchers and businesses to partner with counterparts in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Brazil. This second round of grants builds on the success of the initial round in 2024, through which nine innovative and ambitious groups are partnering with science and industry colleagues around the world.

The scheme aims to grow international collaboration in our region, and drive innovation and commercialisation in priority areas — including artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, RNA (including mRNA) vaccines and therapies, hydrogen production, and quantum computing.

“These grants create links between Australia’s STEM leaders and global partners, building new technologies from a foundation of international collaboration,” said ATSE CEO Kylie Walker. “A grant through this scheme will boost the capabilities of researchers, industries and new businesses across many countries, all while strengthening international science and technology cooperation.”

Australian Academy of Science Chief Executive Anna-Maria Arabia added that the fund will support international scientific collaboration and diplomacy precisely when it is needed the most. “The high-quality applications received in the first round illustrate the power of international science collaboration enabling research and innovation that no single country can achieve on its own,” she said.

ATSE and the Academy of Science will draw on their expert fellowships to rigorously assess applications, which can be submitted until 4 May at https://www.glodip.org.au/. You can also register for an online information session about the program, to be held on 19 March, using this form.

Meanwhile, a new round of the Global Connections Fund (GCF) has also opened, which will see ATSE and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources partner to provide $680,000 to support Australian and Korean teams in developing, testing and prototyping technologies to respond to key national priorities.

GCF grants of between $35,000 and $75,000 are available as seed funding capital to enable viable projects to conduct proof-of-concept, product development and market testing activities across national priorities — including robotics, quantum technologies, biotechnology, and renewable energy and batteries. The grants are designed to grow partnerships internationally, helping to translate research knowledge and intellectual property into market-ready products or services.

Walker said she is excited for the opportunities that collaboration with Korean researchers can bring, stating, “Technological innovation relies on partnership, knowledge sharing and common goals. Together, Australian and Korean teams will bring their creativity and commercialisation to life to respond to some of the most exciting technological opportunities in the world today.”

GCF projects will run from mid-2025 to mid-2026 and applications are now open. All applications will be assessed by panels of expert ATSE fellows from the relevant disciplines. For more information and to apply, click here.

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