The Minister for Science and Technology has announced priority collaboration areas and identified partners for the first year of the strategic element of the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund (GSTDF).
The $60.2 million fund will boost Australia’s science and technology diplomacy by:
- funding access to the world’s best knowledge, technology and research infrastructure
- promoting links and partnerships with international partners.
The GSTDF will provide Australian researchers and businesses with support to ensure Australia remains at the forefront of science and technology innovation. The fund also supports economic recovery as we navigate our way out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The GSTDF will continue maintaining 2 elements: strategic and bilateral.
Priority research areas and partners for collaboration are part of the strategic element of the GSTDF.
The strategic element is a flexible funding arrangement. The 2022 priority research areas have been identified through extensive stakeholder engagement and align with Australian Government strategies and priorities. The research partners have been selected through:
- data analysis
- their track record of delivering world-leading research capabilities
- impactful collaboration potential with Australia.
The intent is to build additional relationships where there are currently low levels of collaboration, not to replace successful and valued partnerships. Multi-partner applications will be encouraged to foster collaboration with partners that are not part of the priority list.
We identified research areas and partners through extensive stakeholder engagement, alignment with Government priorities and strategies and data analysis. The Prime Minister and Minister for Science and Technology will review these annually.
We will also maintain 2 dedicated bilateral funds:
2022 priority collaboration areas and partners
The strategic element of the GSTDF will fund collaborative projects with priority partners in 4 priority areas.
Advanced manufacturing
Collaborating on advanced manufacturing capabilities will help Australian manufacturers scale-up and increase domestic and international competitiveness and supply chain resilience.
Identified partners based on collaboration opportunities in this area:
- USA
- Italy
- UK
- France
- Switzerland.
Artificial intelligence and quantum computing
Collaborating on artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing helps create a safe, trusted and secure digital economy. We aim to secure Australia as a global leader in this area, making us a trusted partner for other security conscious, like-minded partners.
Identified partners based on collaboration opportunities in this area:
- Japan
- UK
- France
- Spain
- USA.
Hydrogen production
Hydrogen production presents export opportunities for Australia. It is a clean, dispatchable and safe fuel source that produces no carbon emissions. We are positioning Australia as a major player in hydrogen by 2030. Collaborating with other countries will attract investment, build supply chains and advance research and development.
Identified partners based on collaboration opportunities in this area:
- Germany
- Canada
- Malaysia
- South Korea
- Thailand.
RNA (including mRNA) vaccines and therapies
RNA (including mRNA) vaccines and therapies play a critical role in the global COVID-19 recovery effort. Through international collaboration Australia can contribute significantly to the next generation of advanced health care.
Identified partners based on collaboration opportunities in this area:
- USA
- Spain
- Japan
- Brazil
- Singapore.
Next steps
We will open grant applications later this year to Australian researchers in:
- universities
- businesses
- government agencies
- the not-for-profit sector.
The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering will deliver the strategic element of the GSTDF in partnership with the Australian Academy of Science under an $18.2 million grant agreement.
The Prime Minister and Minister for Science and Technology will review priorities annually.
Read more
- The Minister announced the investment and priorities on 7 April 2022
- Read how we support international collaboration on science and research through funding and grants