New opportunities to drive innovation and science collaboration

15 Apr 2016 Media release

The Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Christopher Pyne, announced the first round of grants under the Global Connections Fund, at the APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education (ASPIRE) awards ceremony in Adelaide today.

The Global Connections Fund will provide grants to help Australian researchers and businesses collaborate in the global arena, link with international counterparts and expertise, and seize opportunities and explore collaborative projects in global markets.

“The Government’s $1.1 billion National Innovation and Science Agenda will support increasing our linkages with key economies through the Global Innovation Strategy and Global Connections Fund,” Mr Pyne said.

“Through the Fund, we can link Australian SMEs with international researchers, and Australian researchers with international SMEs, to allow greater international industry-researcher engagement, enabling access to world-class expertise, infrastructure and the global market.

Mr Pyne today also announced Dr Lee Baumgartner (Charles Sturt University) as Australia’s 2016 ASPIRE nominee.

“The Government values the important role that APEC plays to promote science and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region. ASPIRE is an annual award that recognises young scientists across APEC countries who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in scientific research and cooperation across economies,” Mr Pyne said.

“Dr Baumgartner is recognised for his collaborative research on the development and application of innovative technology, providing substantial food security outcomes through increased fisheries production in developing countries.

Dr Baumgartner will represent Australia at the APEC Science Prizes for Innovation, Research and Education later this year in Peru.

More information about the Global Connections Fund is available at:www.globalconnectionsfund.org.au

More information about the APEC ASPIRE awards is available at:

www.science.org.au/opportunities/travel/grants-and-exchange/apec-science-prize-innovation-research-and-education-aspire