Newcastle innovators awarded grants to go global
Two leading academics from the University of Newcastle are among the 38 beneficiaries in the latest round of the Australian Government’s Priming Grants, aimed at building international relationships to commercialise ground-breaking research.
The grants will facilitate Professor Christopher Grof to further his work in medicinal cannabis and Dr Adjanie Patabendige to explore pharmaceuticals designed to combat the effects of stroke.
Aimed at supporting researchers and small-to-medium enterprises, Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator Michaelia Cash, said Priming Grants showed how fostering industry-led innovation created commercial benefits and inspired job growth.
“These Priming Grants are designed to empower researchers and businesses to work with overseas experts to commercialise their projects.
“This means more opportunities for Australians to grow their ideas by opening doors to foreign markets, which contributes positively to Australia’s economy and job market,” she said.
Professor Grof will collaborate with Dutch company Bedrocan to investigate the development of a novel strains of medical cannabis to export to a world market estimated to be worth $56 billion by 2025.
Dr Patabendige, an affiliate of the Hunter Medical Research Institute, will work with Pharmidex Ltd in the UK and develop pharmaceutical agents that could reduce swelling within the skull after stroke.
Liberal Senator for New South Wales, the Hon Arthur Sinodinos, said the grants would allow the locals driving important projects to travel overseas and develop partnerships to take their ideas to market.
“Since 2016–17, the Australian Government has provided 114 Priming Grants worth approximately $800,000 and I’m glad local researchers are benefitting from this new round,” Senator Sinodinos said.
The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) works with the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science to deliver the Priming Grants under the Australian Government’s Global Connections Fund (GCF).
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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.