Great discoveries: $250 million for 665 new research projects

Improving learning in science and mathematics, developing new DNA identity methods, understanding young children’s use of the internet, and koala conservation will be the focus of some of the 665 outstanding basic and applied research projects funded by the Australian Government today.

Minister for Education, the Hon. Christopher Pyne MP, has announced a total of $250 million for projects funded through the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Discovery Projects scheme.

“To successfully compete internationally, Australia must maintain and build its research capacity,” Mr Pyne said.

“Investing in 665 high-quality basic and applied research projects through this scheme will allow our world-class research pool to grow.”

Some of the projects to commence with funding awarded under the 2015 Discovery

Projects scheme round include:

• $603 900 for Queensland University of Technology researchers to create a new approach to student learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) across grades 3–6, to improve primary school achievement and to enhance the Australian curriculum.
• $408 600 for researchers at The University of Adelaide to develop and apply a targeted DNA sequencing approach to help the identification of unknown suspects, disaster victims and missing persons and to assist in counter-terrorism operations.
• $458 600 for research at the University of the Sunshine Coast to explore Chlamydial infection of the eyes to prevent blindness in koalas and improve koala conservation.
• $325 500 for researchers at The University of New South Wales to develop new tough and durable coatings that will transform industries such as manufacturing, mining and offshore oil exploration as well as enhance the lifetime of prosthetic devices.
• $365 211 for Edith Cowan University researchers to investigate the use of tablet computers and smartphones by children under five.

This announcement of $250 million for Discovery Projects is part of the 2015 ARC Major Grants announcement totalling $354 million for 941 research projects. A table of funding awarded across Australia is attached.

For a full list of funded Discovery Projects please visit the ARC website. To view a selection of projects by State and Territory please view example sheets in the mediaannouncementkit.