Defence has announced a $25 million investment program inviting Australian universities to collaborate with some of the top universities in the US on defence capability research.
“Defence will invest up to $25 million over nine years for Australian universities to leverage the existing US Multidisciplinary University Initiative (MURI) grant program, which is administered by the US Department of Defense,” Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said.
The investment is a part of the government’s $1.6 billion funding provided under the Next Generation Technologies Fund to build the innovation capabilities of Australian industry and research organisations, and to deliver innovative solutions for Defence capability.
The Australian program, called AUSMURI, will provide grants to support multi-disciplinary teams of Australian university researchers who collaborate with US academic colleagues on high priority projects for future Defence capabilities.
The designated topics for AUSMURI for projects starting in 2018 are:
- Topic 1: Integrated Quantum Sensing and Control for High Fidelity Qubit Operations;
- Topic 5: Embodied Learning and Control; and
- Topic 22: In situ Microstructural and Defect Evolution below the Micron Scale in as-Deposited Metal Alloys.
Until recently, Australian universities could collaborate on US MURI projects but were not eligible for grant funds. Eligible universities that are successful in a collaborative US MURI submission will receive an AUSMURI grant of up to $1 million per year for three years to support their research in Australia.
At the end of the three years, the AUSMURI grant may be extended for a further two years based on performance and prospects, with an additional budget of up to $1 million per year.
For further details about AUSMURI, program guidelines and how to apply, visit http://www.business.gov.au/ausmuri