Funding for industry-focused research

The Australian government will provide $60 million over five years to 217 industry-focused research projects through the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Projects funding scheme.

"The Linkage Projects scheme is successful in encouraging traditional research academics and organisations outside the higher education sector to develop long-term strategic research alliances, including industry bodies, businesses, state governments, community organisations and not-for-profit groups," said the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP.

"In this round alone, partner organisations have pledged more than $114 million in cash and/or in kind to the research projects."

The funding includes allocations for 130 Australian Postgraduate Awards (industry), 26 Australian Postgraduate Awards in information technology and 17 Australian Postdoctoral Fellowships (industry) to provide research training to postgraduate students.

The funding would also be used for collaborative research projects in areas including environmental conservation, medical advancements, medical rehabilitation and expenditure pattern research for retirees.