Australia-China research collaborations will benefit from an additional $18 million over the next three years, with the opening of a dedicated Australia-China Science and Research Fund (ACSRF).

The Federal Government is committing $9 million to the fund from 2011-12, matched by the Chinese Government. This is in addition to recent reforms to assist Australian researchers to collaborate with international partners generally.

Minister for Innovation Senator Kim Carr says the fund, a joint initiative with the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, is focused on achieving enduring partnerships between the two countries, and critical mass in areas of mutual research priority.

“For example, both Australia and China are keen to see partnerships develop between research and industry, to accelerate the development of technologies which will underpin tomorrow’s industries and lifestyles,” Senator Carr said.

“That is why we have crafted this program to include scope for industry participation to benefit from our strong existing science and research relationship with China.

“This is already an area of intense growth, with the rate of joint research publications increasing faster than total national output for either country.”

Announced earlier this year, the Fund will support Australia-China joint research centres.

The Australian Government will provide up to $1 million for each centre – matched by the Chinese Government. Joint research centres must include at least one Australian Eligible Research Organisation and one Chinese partner.

The Fund will also support Australia-China group missions and activities that encourage researchers from both countries to exchange research knowledge.

Applications for funding from joint research centres close on February 27 next year, while group mission applications will be assessed as they are received.

For more information on the Australia-China Science and Research Fund, visit: www.innovation.gov.au/ACSRF or contact: 02 6276 1093.