Manufacturing research in Australia has received a significant lift, with the Australian Research Council (ARC) announcing more than $34 million in funding to support over 25 new projects under its Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) scheme.
According to the ARC, the LIEF scheme is designed to strengthen national research capability by providing shared access to infrastructure, equipment and facilities for universities and industry partners.
In a news release, The Council said the program enables cooperative use of resources that would otherwise be too large or specialised for a single institution to deliver.
ARC Chief Executive Officer Professor Ute Roessner said the latest investment would provide researchers with access to state-of-the-art technology and facilities in Australia and overseas.
“This investment gives researchers access to specialised equipment and large-scale infrastructure that no single institution could reasonably deliver alone. By pooling resources, they create opportunities for progress that would not otherwise be possible,” Professor Roessner said.
She added that the newly funded projects are expected to support research in priority fields, including sustainable manufacturing, quantum technology and diagnostic innovation.
“These new projects will enhance Australia’s research capability in areas of national priority, including sustainable manufacturing, quantum technology and advances in diagnostic tools. They will help ensure Australia remains a leader in collaborative, world-class research,” she said.
The ARC said a full list of funded projects is available in the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities Announcement Kit.
