Funding environmental science research

Environment, biodiversity and climate research will receive a boost with the Australian Government committing $102 million over four years to the National Environmental Science Program.

The National Environmental Science Program was formed by the amalgamation of the National Environmental Research Program and the Australian Climate Change Science Program, which was announced in the 2013-14 Budget.

The program will support collaborative research and aims to provide greater cohesion between environmental and climate science.

Six research hubs will be selected for funding through a competitive process.

The six hubs will focus on:

• Threatened species recovery - supporting the management of threats and improving recovery of threatened species.
• Marine biodiversity - researching Australia’s oceans and marine environments, including temperate coastal water quality and marine species.
• Tropical water quality - researching coastal water quality and coastal management focused on the Great Barrier Reef and other tropical waters.
• Clean air and urban landscapes - supporting environmental quality in urban areas.
• Earth systems - furthering our understanding of the drivers of Australia’s climate, focusing on coastal systems and protections.
• Northern Australia environmental resources - supporting the sustainable development of northern landscapes.

Applications are now open for groups to form research hubs to commence in January 2015.

Applications close on 5 November 2014 and further information is available here.

Research currently funded under the National Environmental Research Program and the Australian Climate Change Science Program will continue through to scheduled completion.