Funding boost for scientists and innovators

The Newman Government will inject $8.75 million into Queensland’s research sector to boost innovation and retain the state’s brightest minds.

Science and Innovation Minister Ian Walker today announced the funding commitment as part of a new initiative, the Accelerate Queensland Science and Innovation Program.

Mr Walker said the Newman Government was committed to collaborating with the innovation industry to turn great ideas into great opportunities.

“The Newman Government is determined to provide the roadmap and the funding to support science and innovation,” Mr Walker said.

“This government realises that research and innovation is vital to our future economic growth and prosperity.

“These initiatives make the most of our strong base of research infrastructure and world-class institutions and ensure we attract and keep talented people in Queensland.”

The following funding is available as part of the Accelerate Queensland Science and Innovation Program: 

• $3 million Accelerate Fellowships program that focuses on the development of early to mid-career fellowships
• $4.25 million Accelerate Partnerships program that focuses on collaborative science and research projects
• Up to $1.5 million in Accelerate Ideas to assist collaborations between researchers and industry to demonstrate the commercial viability of new ideas

Sisters Dr Cheryl McCarthy, 30, and Dr Alison McCarthy, 28, mechatronic research engineers at the University of Southern Queensland welcomed the Accelerate Fellowships program funding.

The sisters are developing a technology using strategic reconnaissance drones that detect pests, disease and weeds in agricultural crops from the air.

Dr Cheryl McCarthy said there was limited access to traditional fellowship programs and the new funding programs would be vital to delivering new technology.

“I’m thrilled the Newman Government has recognised how important it is to support new and early career researchers working at the cutting edge,” Dr McCarthy said.

The funding program is part of the Science and Innovation Action Plan (SIAP) – an overarching blueprint to support science and innovation in Queensland.

Included in the SIAP is an innovations solution program to promote stronger links between government and innovative Queensland businesses and researchers.

An online directory has been developed to provide information on science expertise across Queensland, including our research precincts to help increase investment and collaboration.

A digital library of case studies will also showcase local innovation success stories to the world.

The funding is in addition to the Newman Government’s commitment of $42 million towards the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine in North Queensland – Townsville, Cairns and the Torres Strait.

“Unlike the previous Labor Government, we are determined not to let Queensland’s innovation sector languish,” Mr Walker said.

For more information on the Accelerate Queensland Science and Innovation Program and to download the Science and Innovation Action Plan and Investment Framework go to  www.qld.gov.au/science

[ENDS] 30 October 2013
Media Contact:     Alex Bernard     0417 252 563