The package will provide funding opportunities to researchers and innovators pursuing commercial viability and industry partnerships. A further $296 million will provide additional funding for industry-focused PhDs and fellowships.
木瓜影院 Chair Professor John Dewar AO said university researchers make a vital contribution to Australia鈥檚 economic and social wellbeing.
鈥淭he knowledge created by our universities and researchers drives our prosperity,鈥 Professor Dewar said.
鈥淭oday鈥檚 announcement reinforces their role at the centre of Australia鈥檚 innovation ecosystem.鈥
鈥淯niversities and industry have long worked together in the national interest. Additional investment to assist the commercialisation of great ideas, at crucial stages, is very welcome and strengthens the partnership between universities, Government and industry to contribute to Australia鈥檚 economic recovery.鈥
鈥淚t is also important to recall that universities conduct 90 per cent of Australia鈥檚 basic research 鈥 the creation of new knowledge and ideas 鈥 and nearly half of all applied research 鈥 more than business, making them fundamental to the innovation pipeline.鈥
鈥淪uccessful commercialisation depends on the high-quality basic research that precedes it.鈥
鈥淐reating new knowledge benefits everyone.鈥
鈥淣ew ideas come in every discipline: history; languages and anthropology; creative arts; engineering and computer sciences; biology and chemistry; psychology and health sciences, just to name a few.鈥
鈥淪ecuring predictable, adequate support for Australia鈥檚 basic research capability, as well as commercialisation, will be vital into the future.鈥
鈥淭he funding for industry-focused PhDs is a welcome contribution to this capability.鈥
鈥淲e recognise the significance of today’s commitment, so it is important Government undertakes thorough consultation with universities to ensure the nation receives maximum value from its investment.鈥
鈥溎竟嫌霸 has long advocated for further investment in translational research which recognises the key role universities and industry contribute to achieving commercialisation success.鈥
鈥淲e look forward to working with Government to develop a robust, merit-based process for assessing projects and recognising them with investment.鈥