Applications are now open for the 2023 Science and Innovation Awards, to fund innovative projects in Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors, and support the next generation of researchers.

University of Adelaide researcher Dr Rohan Glover with the Atom Trap Trace Analysis (ATTA) facility at the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, University of Adelaide

Grants of $22,000 are on offer in each of the 12 award categories.

Applications are open to young Australians aged 18-35 years, working or studying in a related industry, to undertake a project on an innovative or emerging scientific issue that will contribute to the ongoing success and sustainability of Australia’s agricultural, fisheries and forestry industries.

Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Senator Murray Watt said creative ideas were vital to the ongoing success of Australian agricultural industries.

“These grants provide funding to take projects from concept to research and testing that will deliver genuine outcomes for the agriculture sector,” Minister Watt said.

“It’s exciting to help usher in the next generation of Aussies to our primary production industries and I will watch the applications with great interest.”

The Science Awards also builds the career and research profile for successful candidates, who gain experience in application writing, budget planning, managing a 12-month project, media exposure, engagement with industry and other researchers, and future projects.

Since they were launched in 2001, the Science and Innovation Awards have helped 284 young researchers, innovators and scientists turn their ideas into reality with over $4.7 million in grant funding.

For more information and to apply visit www.agriculture.gov.au/scienceawards.

Applications close at 5pm AEST Friday 23 September.

Categories relevant to the meat and livestock industries are:

• Adoption ready innovation and technology, proudly sponsored by AgriFutures Australia
• Red meat processing proudly sponsored by Australian Meat Processor Corporation
• Wool proudly sponsored by Australian Wool Innovation
• Biosecurity and digital innovation proudly sponsored by CSIRO Biosecurity digital innovation