Joint media release with the Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP

Pain-free diabetes testing, a new vessel to track climate-change data and sensors for driverless cars are some of the innovations being supported through new funding from the Albanese Government.

Eighty projects across 25 lead agencies received $650 million in funding from the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2027.

This significant investment supports more than 50,000 researchers and help drive Australia’s economic growth, while addressing some of the nation’s biggest challenges.

The 2023 NCRIS funding round prioritises transformative investments in medical research, synthetic biology and climate research, with funding including:

• $23m to the Australian National Fabrication Facility to maintain and upgrade facilities nationwide for projects such as pain-free diabetes tests, quantum technology manufacturing and sensors for driverless cars.
• $47m for the Integrated Marine Observing System, led by the University of Tasmania, to boost real-time information for mineral exploration, fishing trawlers and marine resource management.
• $19m for the Southern Coastal Research Vessel Fleet to build a research vessel to provide climate-change data to the South Australian State Government and local councils as well as the Commonwealth government.
• $55m to Bioplatforms Australia, leading a collaboration of NCRIS projects, to position the nation as a world leader in synthetic biology, delivering new bioindustries that give Australians early and secure access to better food and cutting-edge medical products.

NCRIS is a world-leading approach to research infrastructure funding and the 2023 investment will support the responsible development of Australia’s industries and research capability.

Projects will align with priority areas identified through the Government’s $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, including renewables and low emissions technologies, medical science, transport, value add in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and resources, as well as defence and enabling capabilities.

This initiative also sits alongside major national strategies and investments in critical technologies such as Quantum, robotics, artificial intelligence and batteries.  

This funding is part of the $4 billion Australian Government investment in NCRIS from 2018 to 2029.

To view all of the recipients and project details receiving NCRIS funding in 2023: www.education.gov.au/node/16446

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“These investments allow our world-class universities and researchers to work on game-changing projects that are good for our economy and good for Australia.

“This is a strategic investment that will help to deliver the solutions we need for the challenges ahead."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic:

“Scientists and researchers making new discoveries can help manufacturers make new products, right here in Australia. 

“These grants will supercharge research efforts in priority areas identified through the Government’s $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, and will help to cement Australia’s reputation as a centre of global scientific excellence.”