Government announces funding for cancer and hearing CRCs in latest round

In the latest announcement dedicating almost $186 million in funding, the federal government will create three new cooperative research centres (CRCs) and extend four existing CRCs, including the Hearing CRC and the Cancer Therapeutics CRC, to drive research that will deliver practical benefits.

The Hearing CRC will receive $28 million, which will “develop new devices, therapies and service delivery models to improve the prevention, detection and remediation of hearing disorders”. The Cancer Therapeutics CRC, which will receive $34 million, will build on the “drug-discovery engine it has already created to discover effective new drugs for major cancers and improve the lives of Australian children with cancer through tailored and personalised treatment”.

The Hon Ian Macfarlane, Minister for Industry, said in his announcement that the three new CRCs are The Rail Manufacturing CRC ($31 million); the Data to Decisions CRC ($25 million); and the Space Environment Management CRC ($19.8 million). The other two extended CRCs are the Capital Markets CRC ($32.4 million); and the CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation ($15.5 million).

Minister Macfarlane said: “In addition to this funding, the Advanced Manufacturing and Manufacturing Industry Innovation CRCs are well positioned to assist the Australian manufacturing industry to adapt to new, high-tech manufacturing processes and will assist in opening new markets. These applications displayed merit and are proposing to address issues of national importance. As such I have asked these CRCs to submit a combined proposal for my consideration.”

The CRC Program is a joint effort - since 1991, the Australian Government has committed more than $3.7 billion to CRCs, and CRC participants have contributed a further $11.7 billion in cash and in-kind support. More information about the successful new and extended CRCs is available here.

Applications for the 17th CRC Program selection round will open on 3 March 2014 and close on 3 July 2014. Applications that are industry-led and focused on practical outcomes are encouraged to apply.

Applications should address market needs and focus on solutions that diversify the Australian economy and improve the competiveness, productivity, sustainability and export potential of Australian industries. Information sessions will be held around the country and interested parties can register to attend on the CRC Program website.

Potential applicants should visit http://www.crc.gov.au/ or contact the CRC Program helpline on (02) 6213 7177 or email crc.program@industry.gov.au for more information.