Industry collaboration at the fore of $44 million to aid UON researchers
In a welcome boost for research at the University of Newcastle (UON), the Turnbull Government has today announced $563.8 million for NSW researchers to encourage further collaboration with industry and businesses.
UON will receive more than $44 million in research block grant funding, comprised of a research training program and research support program to facilitate its world-class researchers develop solutions to real-world problems.
The Minister for Education and Training, Senator the hon Simon Birmingham, said the funding increase was a vital step in securing Australia’s future success by working closely with local business.
“New South Wales researchers have no shortage of smart ideas but we need to become better at taking research and applying it in ways that benefit the broader community and result in new job-creating commercial realities.
“These new research block grants include $50 million from the National Innovation and Science Agenda to drive universities to engage more with industry and other innovators,” Minister Birmingham said.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Kevin Hall said the funding, an increase of more than $3 million for UON from 2016, would help ensure the University’s world-class research continues to make breakthroughs that benefit all Australians.
“Putting research into practice is a vital step in ensuring the important work happening at UON translates to real-world solutions.
“Today’s announcement to further support research and research training in Australia signifies our country’s commitment to strengthening the link between innovation and practice, which is imperative to our future growth."
Minister Birmingham also highlighted that the research block grants complement other initiatives to strengthen collaboration between Australian industry and researchers, including:
- Developing an assessment of university research engagement and impact
- Introducing continuous applications and faster decision making for Australian Research Council Linkage Projects grants
- Expanding the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute internship program for PhD students to provide 1400 placements over four years and get them into the workforce
- Developing a National Careers Education Strategy for students.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.