Agriculture, environment feature in CRC applications

Applications focusing on agriculture, the environment and medical research feature highly in the latest round of applications for funding under the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) program.

The Federal government received 57 applications for the next round of CRC funding.

Science Minister Peter McGauran said the successful applicants, to be announced in December after a three-stage assessment process, would be chosen for their "clearly defined benefit" to Australia.

"That we have received applications from so far and wide and from such a broad cross-section of the community, including universities, industry, research organisations and State governments, speaks volumes about the importance of this program in supporting local innovation, and increasing our international competitiveness," McGauran said. "The level of investment from industry, private research organisations, universities and States in the CRCs is evidence that a cooperative approach is the best way for promoting and growing innovation in Australia."

The CRC program received a $227 million boost through the 'Backing Australia's Ability' program of 2000.