PREMIER'S RESEARCH AND INDUSTRY FUND

Dr CLOSE (Port Adelaide) (15:19): My question is to the Minister for Science and Information Technology. Can the minister inform the house about programs funded through the Premier's science and industry fund, designed to foster international collaboration?

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy) (15:19): I thank the member for this important question. As you well know, research and development are critical for our state's productivity and prosperity. If we are to grow our advanced high-value manufacturing sector, clearly we need to be innovative and invest in world-class research. That is why I am very pleased to inform the house about the latest round of international research grants that this government has recently awarded. The grants are designed to help local researchers tap into international expertise, supporting them to identify overseas-based research or development partners.

By way of background for members, proposals are submitted and shortlisted with the assistance of our Chief Scientist, Professor Don Bursill, and I would like to thank him for his contribution. They are assessed based on how well they address state strategic priorities. They are then rigorously evaluated by members of the Australian Research Council College of Experts to ensure that they are of the highest standard and that they are likely to achieve the research outcomes. The total value of the government's contribution is $1.4 million over three years. Funding must be matched or bettered by the participating organisation, and so the total value of these collaborations is nearly $3 million.

In terms of the grantees, I informed the house recently about a collaboration between Flinders University and a Chinese seaweed processing company based in Qingdao; in fact, the Premier made reference to it earlier. I am pleased to announce that the South Australian government will strengthen this collaboration, providing $300,000 to Flinders University to assist with the establishment of a seaweed bio refinery. These grants will also support three projects at the University of Adelaide.

One involves working with the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics in Belgium to develop a small satellite-based system that will improve climate change modelling. Another supports work with the German Institute of Photonic Technology on next generation optic fibres. These are aimed at providing new possibilities for sensor technologies in areas such as agriculture, preventive health and the mining industry. The third involves work with the University of Manitoba to improve the nutritional and health benefits of chickens, which are of course an integral part of our quality food industry in South Australia. The government is very proud of this important work. I wish the grantees well.