Australia strengthens science partnerships with $6.3 million in international grants

The Albanese Government announced $6.3 million in grants as part of Round 2 of the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund – Strategic Element (GSTDF-SE) on Tuesday.

The GSTDF-SE aims to build international science relationships with key partners in Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea.

Grants ranging from $100,000 to $1 million will support activities that contribute to priority themes in collaboration with identified priority partners.

The priority themes include:
– Artificial Intelligence (AI)
– Advanced Manufacturing
– RNA (including mRNA) vaccines and therapies
– Hydrogen Production
– Quantum Computing

According to the announcement, the GSTDF-SE brings researchers and companies together globally, helping Australia boost science and technology endeavours, grow economies, provide local researchers with funding and technology access, and support the science potential of partner countries.

The Australian Academy of Technology, Science and Engineering (ATSE) delivers the programme in partnership with the Australian Academy of Science (AAS).

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said: “We become closer as nations when we work together to solve mutual problems.”

“Our researchers are globally respected, nowhere more than amongst our regional friends who recognise the importance of cutting-edge technology to develop their own economies,” Husic added.

Applications for GSTDF-SE Round 2 are now open and close on Sunday, 4 May 2025.

Picture: credit ATSE Website