University researchers from Australia and Germany will share in grants worth almost $2.2 million under the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme in 2019.
Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said the scheme helps to forge deeper ties between Australian and German researchers and universities.
“Germany is one of the world’s most advanced economies and a research powerhouse – so it’s terrific to have a scheme to boost collaboration between brilliant Australian researchers and their German peers,” she said.
“International research collaborations, such as those funded by this scheme, make a huge contribution to Australia’s knowledge breakthroughs, growth and prosperity.”
“These researchers will visit each other’s countries as they work together on big issues for both our nations – but also for humanity more broadly.”
The funding announced today will enable early career researchers from 25 Australian universities to partner with German researchers on 49 projects.
It supports researchers from Australian universities to spend time at partner institutions in Germany, and German researchers to spend time at Australian universities.
It is a partnership between Universities Australia and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) — the largest funding organisation for international academic cooperation globally.
Since 2015, more than $13.7 million in funding has been awarded to 366 projects.
Funding for the Australian researchers is provided by Australian universities, with the costs of administering the scheme supported by the Australian Government and the Department of Education.
Ms Jackson thanked the Government – and especially Education Minister Dan Tehan and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann – for their ongoing support of this important bilateral scheme.
“Consistent strong backing for this scheme by Government over a long period of time has nurtured this relationship and made a powerful contribution to research advances,” she said.
Further details on the scheme are here.
