Research funding to help unis lead nation’s COVID recovery

Researchers have developed a rapid, antibody test to track COVID cases in Australia. Photo: Jamie Kidston - ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt AC says the Federal Government's $1 billion investment in university research is a welcome boost for the nation and universities. The funding will also allow The Australian National University (ANU) - the university that serves the entire nation - to invest in research jobs, according to Professor Schmidt. The Government has announced a one-off extra $1 billion for research, to be paid to universities over 2020 and 2021 as part of the Federal Budget. "This much-needed funding will ensure that vital work that takes place in our labs and in our libraries all across the country can continue," Professor Schmidt said. "This work helps drive and develop the new technologies, policies, laws, medicines, products, industries and jobs that not only improve the lives of millions of Australians, but ensures this nation's future prosperity. "I want to thank the Education Minister Dan Tehan, as well as the Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, for this much-needed cash injection, for their significant investment in university research and for their investment in Australians everywhere." Professor Schmidt added the funding would go a long way to assist the university sector as it meets the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic fallout.