Seven Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) addressing high priorities such as biotechnology, mining and remote community economics have been granted $130 million in funding in the CRC Program’s latest selection round.
“These CRCs address Government priorities, including economic disadvantage in remote communities,” Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, said announcing the funding.
“I congratulate all seven groups that were successful in what has been a highly competitive round.
“It is exciting to see such dynamic groups coming together to work on some of our most pressing challenges.”
The successful CRCs are:
- CRC for Advanced Composite Structures ($14 million): will connect Australian small and medium enterprises in manufacturing, materials supply and engineering to international value chains.
- CRC for Infrastructure and Engineering Asset Management ($12 million): to increase the availability, productivity and useful life of defence assets (including combat aircraft and ships), and of railways and power and water utilities.
- CRC for Environmental Biotechnology ($4 million): to commercialise biotechnologies that use natural biological systems to transform waste into useful products and green energy, and rapid microbial monitoring platforms.
- CRC for Optimising Resource Extraction ($17.5 million): to transform mineral deposit evaluation and extraction, to significantly enlarge Australia’s mineral resource and generate a more sustainable mining industry.
- CRC for Remote Economic Participation ($32.5 million): to support the Government’s commitment to close the gap on Aboriginal disadvantage and develop economically sustainable communities in remote areas.
- Wound Management Innovation CRC ($28 million): to improve wound healing and quality of life for people with wounds, and provide cost-effective wound care that lessens burdens on our healthcare system.
- Vision CRC ($22 million): to deliver revolutionary vision care treatments and products for sufferers of eye problems like myopia and cataracts.
“I’m proud that the CRC Program, which was established by the Hawke Labor Government in 1990, remains the Government’s premier program for building long-term collaborative partnerships,” Senator Carr said.
“These partnerships play a crucial role in addressing Australia’s innovation needs and delivering social, environmental and economic outcomes for all Australians.”
Details of the successful applicants are attached. More details on the CRC Program are available from www.crc.gov.au
Media contacts: Patrick Pantano, Minister's Office, 0417 181 936
Stella Morahan, Department, 02 6213 7528