“The Government will back a wide range of research projects and hands-on activities to inspire secondary students and researchers from industry to universities and public research agencies,” Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research said.
“Programs could range from establishing space education programs or centres of space capability, to funding high-level, collaborative research.
“The program’s first stream will provide from $200,000 to $1 million for collaborations between universities and secondary schools or other institutions. Projects will inspire students to become involved in the space industry and could range from developing mini-satellite payloads that can observe earth to helping students study courses not available in Australia.
“There are many examples of young people carrying out exciting and useful space projects on relatively low budgets, and we want to encourage and build on that inventiveness.
“The program’s other stream will offer between $1 million and $5 million to help develop Australia’s niche space capabilities by supporting collaboration between researchers and industry on space science and innovation projects in areas of strategic national priority.
“Australia is keen to continue its record of collaboration and support for space activities and this program will build on existing strengths.
“This program will renew and increase Australia’s capacity to participate in global research networks and use space technology to deal with areas of national importance like natural resource management, national security and climate change.”
Grant applications close on Friday 4 December 2009 and information on the program and how to apply is available at http://www.space.gov.au/
