Government gives more funding for international research, but no word on innovation review

Federal Minister for Innovation, Kim Carr, has announced $1 million of funding for international research engagements for humanities, and a new laureate fellowships scheme to attract researchers from overseas.

Federal Minister for Innovation, Kim Carr, has announced $1 million of funding for international research engagements for humanities, and a new laureate fellowships scheme to attract researchers from overseas.

Carr made the announcements in a speech to the National Press Club in Canberra yesterday, titled “The art of innovation”.

But he declined to comment on Terry Cutler’s long-awaited innovation review, which was delivered to the Government earlier this week. Carr says the Government will respond to the review with a white paper by the end of the year, and only gave one hint as to report’s recommendations.

“Without giving too much away, I can tell you it has also devoted considerable thought to the last of our 10 points – government procurement.”

Yesterday, Carr announced funding of $1 million over the next three years to support international research in social sciences.

“Extending the funding to these disciplines recognises the important contribution that the humanities, arts and social sciences make to the national innovation system,” Carr said.

“The inclusion of specific support for the humanities and social sciences recognises their central role in building a strong and sustainable economy through innovation and creativity.”

The funding will be offered through the International Science Linkages program, which will endeavour to support research cooperation between Australian and international researchers.

“Research in the humanities and social sciences is essential to meeting some of the great challenges facing the world today,” the senator said.

Carr also announced a new Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme designed to attract international researchers to Australia.

“Under the new scheme, researchers at the peak of their careers will have the opportunity to develop strong teams of emerging talent – passing on their experience and knowledge to the next generation,” Carr said.

The program, which will cost $239 million over five years, will replace the Federation Fellowships program and acts on recommendations given last year by the ARC Advisory Council.

“Up to 15 fellowships will be awarded every year. Each fellowship will be worth around $3 million over five years and will allow the laureate fellow to work with, and mentor, up to four post-doctoral and post-graduate researchers,” he said.

“The new scheme takes the best elements of Federation Fellowships and adds a focus on team work and building career paths for the best, emerging researchers.”

“Australian Laureate Fellows will provide gifted researchers with an attractive career path, allowing them to tackle the big issues, with benefits for the whole community.”

Senator Carr says the Government hopes the scheme will begin next month.

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