Early career researchers from around 30 Australian universities will partner with German researchers on 71 different projects under the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme.

The program fosters closer research collaboration between Australia and Germany — and has awarded nearly $12 million in grants for 316 projects since 2015.

The grant scheme is a partnership between Universities Australia and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) — the largest funding organisation for international academic co-operation in the world.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said the bilateral scheme helped both nations to build global research partnerships and solve major challenges in our countries.

“The connections that are forged between these researchers — at the very early stages of their careers — can lead to new knowledge and products down the line,” Ms Jackson said.

Australian researchers receive up to AUD $25,000 for travel and living expenses to support their research work. Many of the projects have continued, receiving larger funding grants from organisations like the Australian Research Council and from international funding bodies.

“Having more than 70 projects funded this year is a testament to the quality of the research projects involved,” she said.

“Australia leverages more funds through this German program than the US and the UK.”

The scheme is funded with $1.34 million contributed by Australian universities and $1.5 million from DAAD this year.

The Australian Government’s Enabling Growth and Innovation Program provides $250,000 to cover the administration of the scheme over two years.

“We thank Education Minister Dan Tehan and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, who is co-chair of the Australia-Germany Advisory Group, for his enduring support of this important program.”

Further information on the program is available here.