The governments of Australia and China have established a science and research fund to focus on food security, clean energy, environmental protection and new industries.
The Australia-China Science and Research Fund was formalised by Kim Carr, Australia’s innovation minister, and Wan Gang, China’s science minister, in a memorandum of understanding signed at the 8th Australia-China Joint Science and Technology Commission meeting in Shanghai on 2 August.
Australia and China are each investing AU$9 million in the fund with the aim of strengthening science and research links between the two countries.
The fund will establish five joint research centres, with up to AU$2m each. The centres will focus on disciplines that range from biotechnology to the social sciences.
The fund will also provide AU$6m for research missions bringing together top scientists from the two countries.
Australia’s fund contribution will be provided over three years from 2011-12.