The Western Australian Government has announced $44 million to expand cutting-edge research infrastructure across the state’s universities, government and industry research centres.
This funding boost is directed towards important research areas such as critical minerals, agriculture and food security, as well as defence industries and climate change.
“This latest investment by the Cook Government equips our local researchers with world-class research tools to help them address some of the biggest scientific challenges of today and the future,” WA Science Minister Stephen Dawson said.
“By maintaining a strong research and development capability in WA, our government continues to drive both economic growth and innovation.”
This funding forms part of the WA Government’s 10-year science and technology plan, positioning WA as a global leader in fields such as renewable energy, critical minerals, health sciences, and digital technologies.
WA-based projects receiving funding include $2.6 million for AuScope, providing research tools for efficient mineral exploration and processing and $24 million for the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, which aims to fuel advancements in artificial intelligence, space exploration and climate research.
The Australian National Fabrication Facility has received $2.5 million to upgrade facilities to support projects such as sensor development for autonomous vehicles.
In other industries, $2.5 million has gone to Bioplatforms Australia, supporting equipment and expertise to analyse agricultural proteins and aid in breeding of plant types suited to WA’s unique conditions.
The Integrated Marine Observing System will receive $1.5 million to expand their coastal and ocean monitoring.
The remaining funding will be invested in the Australian Plant Phenomics Network, the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, the Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network, and Microscopy Australia.
The research conducted will help address a broad range of challenges, from climate change, food security and biodiversity decline to transport and urban planning.
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