NSW government research funding applications now open

NSW’s research organisations are being urged to apply for state government funding to help attract crucial Commonwealth and philanthropic grants.

Minister for Science and Medical Research Jodi McKay has announced that expressions of interest are now open for the latest round of the NSW Science Leveraging Fund.

McKay said up to $5 million will be made available in the current round of the Science Leveraging Fund program.

“The Science Leveraging Fund program is designed to support research excellence in NSW by providing funding that can be used by research organisations for high quality laboratories, equipment, infrastructure as well as researcher salaries and student scholarships,” McKay said.

“The funding boost also helps researchers increase their competitiveness in bids for Commonwealth and philanthropic funding.

“Since 2006, the NSW government has provided $32 million through the Science Leveraging Fund program. This has resulted in more than $214 million in Commonwealth funding and $340 million in funding and other philanthropic support.” McKay said the grants will help attract funds from Commonwealth programs such as the Cooperative Research Centres Program, Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence, the Education Investment Fund Super Science Infrastructure Initiative and the Australian Solar Institute Competitive Round.

“Last week the Australian Research Council announced more than $130 million in funding for more than 380 innovative, high-quality projects being carried out by NSW research organisations,” McKay said.

“This was the highest amount of funding for any state and demonstrates the strength of our research organisations.” McKay said the NSW government recognises the importance of research and is committed to strengthening NSW’s position as Australia’s ‘clever state’.

“In 2009/10 the NSW government will provide $36 million in funding through two major research funding programs, the Medical Research Support Program and Science Leverage Fund,” McKay said.

To find out more about Science Leveraging Fund funding and the expressions of interest process visit www.osmr.nsw.gov.au.