Government announces $440,000 to bolster overseas collaborations

The federal government has announced new funding of $440,000 to support 69 research collaborations between Australian and overseas groups, as part of the International Science Linkages – Science Academies Program.

The programs were selected by the Australian Academy of Science for their role in addressing some of the biggest global challenges in North America, Europe and Asia.

One program singled out for special mention is for research into the role of octopus and cuttlefish venom in treating cancer and for pain relief. Another will focus on studying the molecular causes of stroke, the second leading cause of death in Australia, with the hope of developing new and effective therapies.

Viticulture also gets a guernsey with money to support collaborative research into grape and wine sampling methods with a view to enabling easier differentiation of varieties. That and an environmental program examining the ecology of plankton and the use of molecular tools in aquatic ecosystems.

“The Australian Government’s International Science Linkages program enables Australian researchers to participate in work on some of the great global challenges in North America, Europe and Asia,” Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said announcing the grants. “The grants help Australian scientists to access the latest technologies and research infrastructure.”