Applications urged for $100m fund

Queensland researchers are being urged to take advantage of the state government's $100 million Smart State Research Facility Fund by getting their applications in before March 4.

Mr Paul Lucas, Minister for Innovation and Information Economy, said while his department had already received an impressive number of applications from public and private sector organisations, he would still like to see more flow in before the cut off date next month.

"This fund will drive the development of the vital science and technology infrastructure that we need, to be a leader in the knowledge economy," Mr Lucas said.

"It will provide money to establish world class science and technology infrastructure needed to facilitate high quality research programs that produce real social and economic benefits in the form of new and improved products and services and high value jobs for Queenslanders."

Sixty-six expressions of interest have already been received. Applications from regional centres are being strongly encouraged and will receive favourable consideration as part of the Beattie government's commitment to building Queensland's regions.

The fund includes a special allocation of $15 million for biodiscovery research facilities to encourage value-adding, development and commercialisation of bioproducts and discoveries in Queensland.

$17.5 million has already been committed to the development of the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology based at the University of Queensland and $7.4 million has been committed to the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Engineered Fibre Composites at the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba.

For further information on the fund click here.