A $4.7 million boost from the Coalition Government will strengthen innovation and science links with China to help tackle challenges facing key industry sectors, with a focus on developing medical and alternative energy security technology.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Australia-China Science and Research Fund investment will bolster global partnerships and fuel economic growth.

“Strengthening our global relationships builds our research capacity, increases the potential for commercial application of research and enhances international competitiveness,” Minister Andrews said. 

“This funding will help these world-class Australian research institutions build links with China – an important collaborative partner for Australia in science and research.

“This round of Joint Research Centres is focused on priority areas in agreement with the Chinese Government and reflects our industry growth sectors, as well as science and research priorities.”

Receiving a grant of over $900,000 each, the five new Joint Research Centres include:

• University of Melbourne and Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology to develop low-cost flexible solar cells and new near-infra-red technologies.
• Flinders University and Nankai University to develop accessible medical sensing devices to enable early detection of emerging health concerns and empower healthy choices.
• University of Technology Sydney and the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry to develop a low-cost, next-generation, portable, point-of-care testing device to help identify markers of genetic disorders, infections and cancers.
• University of Adelaide and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University to develop combined wind-and-wave power generation technologies to improve energy security.
• University of Sydney and Tianjin University to develop energy informatics and demand response technologies that improve energy sustainability, improve energy affordability and secure energy infrastructures.
• Joint Research Centres will also receive co-investment from the Chinese Government through the partnering Chinese institute.

The Coalition recognises the value of science in growing the economy and creating local jobs, as part of our broader plan to create 1.25 million more Australian jobs over the next five years. That’s why we’ve invested more than $2.5 billion to grow our science, research and technology capabilities.

Further information on the Joint Research Centres can be found at www.business.gov.au/assistance/australia-china-science-and-research-fund-joint-research-centres.

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070