PA/72/10 26 November 2010
Australia and India combine to tackle ‘grand challenges’
Australia and India are working together to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems — food and water security, sustainable farming and climate change.
Launching the Grand Challenge Fund today, Australia’s Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, said international partnerships increase our ability to solve problems and stimulate global economies.
“I am pleased that Australia has forged this partnership with India. Under the fund, Australian and Indian researchers will share their knowledge, ideas and experience to develop solutions to the problems both countries face,” Senator Carr said.
“To help find practical solutions, the fund will support projects that bring together researchers, business, industry, government and other end users. This will ensure those new ideas are readily applied and work effectively on the ground.
"Under the Grand Challenge Fund, the Australian Government will provide funding of up to $3 million (Rs 13.5 crore) per project. This will be matched by the Government of India.”
Expressions of interest for funding will open on 29 November 2010. Collaborative projects in the priority areas of food and water security, and the environment are sought.
“The Grand Challenge Fund is a component of the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund, which has supported more than 60 joint research projects since it began in 2006. Over 100 leading Australian and Indian universities and research institutes have collaborated on these projects,” Senator Carr said.
“Some of the institutions our researchers have partnered with include the Indian Institute of Technology Mumbai, India’s International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and the Indian National Geophysical Research Institute.
“These collaborations have produced exciting outcomes, such as the discovery of an antibody that can overcome dose limiting side effects of chemotherapy drugs.”
For more information on the Fund and the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund, visit www.innovation.gov.au/aisrf .