$4m for ACT to research foodborne disease and drought-proofing canola

$4m in funding will enable ACT universities to partner with industry and governments to reduce foodborne disease, make genetically modified (GM) and non-GM canola more drought tolerant and save the Grassland earless dragon from extinction.

These research projects are among 12 Australian Capital Territory projects receiving funding from the Australian Government's Linkage Projects scheme.

Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said: “This vital funding will help Canberra researchers working with industry and other partners outside the higher education sector, like manufacturers here and overseas, to find tangible, workable solutions to real issues.

“The Linkages Projects scheme supports research that helps Australian manufacturers become more innovative and create high-wage, high-quality jobs by tackling important issues and improving the quality of life for all Australians,” Senator Carr said.

Using a $251,373 grant, the Australian National University aims to identify the source of foodborne illnesses due to Salmonella and Campylobacter to inform food regulatory policy and reduce disease.

The Australian National University will also use a $240,000 grant to improve canola yields during moderate to severe droughts, addressing a major world agriculture issue.

The University of Canberra will use a $395,000 grant to identify the forces that have made species like the Grassland earless dragon endangered or vulnerable to develop tools to prevent extinction of this and other reptiles.

For more information on these projects and to see a list of all projects, visit www.arc.gov.au/media/major_announce.htm.