New grants to accelerate research uptake
FollowQueensland’s researchers, scientists and their commercial partners are encouraged to apply for grants of up to half a million dollars under the state government’s new science and research funding program.
The Accelerate Partnerships funding program was opened by Queensland Chief Scientist Dr Geoff Garrett AO who said universities and research organisations with their industrial or commercial partners could apply for research grants from the $8.75 million Accelerate Science and Innovation Program.
Dr Garrett said collaboration and the translation of research into tangible outcomes were the key focuses of the program. “The Queensland Government will be supporting new projects that will deliver benefits for Queensland through the creation of innovative products, technologies or processes that will have practical application within five years,” Dr Garrett said. Dr Garrett said the government wants to support projects which improve linkages between research and the frontline where it can be applied and have impact.
“There is a wide scope for these projects; they may range from the development of innovative business products and technologies, to the treatment of illnesses, or the development of construction technologies resilient to extreme weather events.” Dr Garrett said projects must involve collaborations with other research organisations, and particularly with the end-users of the research.
“Collaborations are vital in the research space. The increasing scale and complexity of scientific challenges and our modest resources mean we need to continue to partner strongly and learn from others across countries, subjects and sectors.
“For example, the field of bioinformatics has been a huge plus for science, allowing researchers to perform complex tasks more quickly. A few years ago the mapping of the genomes of complex diseases took great amounts of time and resources, but now – thanks to rapid improvements in information technology – it can be done quickly and relatively cheaply.”
Dr Garrett said the government had developed Queensland Science and Research Priorities to ensure government investment supports projects that will deliver significant economic, social or environmental benefits to Queenslanders.
“In addition to being collaborative, the projects we are looking to support must also align with one or more of these priorities.”
Minister for Science and Innovation Ian Walker said the Queensland Government was committed to supporting real collaborations between Queensland based researchers and complementary research organisations and end users of the research to turn great ideas into great opportunities.
“The $4.25 million Accelerate Partnerships program will help make the most of our strong base of worldclass research infrastructure and talent, and ensure we attract and keep the brightest minds in
Queensland.”
Applications for the Accelerate Partnerships close at 5pm on Monday 14 April 2014. To apply or find out more, go to www.business.qld.gov.au/industry/science/grants/accelerate-partnerships