Canberra to offer states 5 year skills agreement, $4.8 billion extra

Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor has revealed the Commonwealth will offer the states and territories a new 5-year skills agreement that will come with an additional $4.8 billion in funding. Speaking ahead of Cabinet meeting tomorrow O’Connor told the Australasian VET Research Association Conference that he would announce the proposed agreement later today, boosting…

UNSW researchers secure $5.5 million for quantum computing, fusion and other projects

The University of NSW has announced that four researchers from its science and engineering faculties have been awarded a total of $5.5 million for projects covering quantum computing, environmental sensing, urban stormwater reuse, and fusion energy storage. The funding is being delivered through the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) new Mid-Career Industry Fellowships program ($3.7 million)…

Grants for Victorian Hanwha suppliers announced

The first round of grants under the Victorian Land Systems Fund – Supply Chain Uplift Program, has been announced, with five companies awarded between $2,000 and $100,000 for projects to help them participate in Hanwha Defense Australia’s supply chain. The grants were announced during a visit by manufacturing minister Ben Carroll to Hanwha’s site —…

BioCina to expand mRNA vaccines capabilities

Biotechnology company BioCina is expanding the capabilities of its Australian biologics facility (pictured), broadening its capabilities to manufacture mRNA-based vaccines and therapies. The factory, formerly owned by vaccines manufacturer Pfizer, is to employ a range of technologies from associated companies Cytiva and others associated with American medical group of companies Danaher, as well as collaborater…

Snakebite treatment stems severe bleeding

University of Queensland researchers have inspiration from nature to develop unique hydrogels derived from snakes that can save people from blood loss incurred during traumatic injury. Based at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), postdoctoral research fellow Dr Amanda Kijas and Professor Alan Rowan looked at compounds in snake venom that activate the…