$4m boost for cutting-edge research with India

Cutting-edge research on topics from climate change and evolution to malaria vaccines and the impact of global warming on agriculture will be funded under round 3 of the $20 million Australia–India Strategic Research Fund.

The $4 million in funding awarded to 15 collaborative projects has been announced by Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

"This funding will further cement close relations between Australia and India," Senator Carr said.

"Some of the best scientists from both nations will work together to tackle the big issues facing Australia, India and the rest of the world.

"This fund — a joint initiative of the Australian and Indian governments — is Australia's largest bilateral research fund, providing $20 million over five years from 2006–07.

"India is a research powerhouse and an important partner in our own work here in Australia."

Projects to be supported under this funding round include:

• establishing Australian–Indian collaboration on gravitational wave astronomy; and
• assessing the impact of rainwater harvesting on the regional hydrological balance in the Arawali foothills region of India.

Other projects supported by the fund are in areas as diverse as agricultural research, nanotechnology, medical diagnostics, nutraceuticals, and microelectronic devices and materials.

For further information on the fund, please visit the Innovation website.