Australia and France join to fight disease

Australian and French researchers will be working together to fight neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s disease, thanks to funding through the 2010 French-Australian Science and Technology (FAST) Program.

The countries will work together on 14 projects ranging from screening tools for new generation antibiotics to new water treatment techniques.

The work will be undertaken by Neuroscience Research Australia, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

Another project will examine the use of carbon nanotube membranes to purify water. Given Australia’s dry climate, the research could have great benefits.

Senator Carr recently discussed the collaboration between Australia and France in a meeting with the French Minister for Higher Education and Research, Valérie Pécresse.

He believes the program will bring together the best minds from two research-intensive communities and will enable the countries to share best practice ideas.

For more information on the FAST Program, visit http://grants.innovation.gov.au.