The Australian Research Council (ARC) announced an investment of $92.9 million to fund 200 research projects led by early-career researchers across the country.
This funding, part of the ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) scheme, aims to drive innovation and address critical challenges in various fields, the council said in a news release.
Among the funded projects are initiatives that could revolutionise plastic recycling and enhance agricultural productivity.
The University of New South Wales, for example, has been awarded $458,331 to develop new catalysts that convert plastic waste into high-value chemicals, potentially enabling the creation of new virgin plastics from recycled materials.
Another notable project is from the Australian National University, which received $467,603 to improve the efficiency of nitrogen use in crops.
By advancing the understanding of how plants utilise nitrogen during grain filling, the research could lead to increased crop yields with less fertiliser, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Dr Richard Johnson, acting CEO of the ARC, highlighted the broader impact of the DECRA scheme.
“The ARC Discovery Program has an impressive track record in generating new knowledge that addresses significant gaps,” he said.
“These projects not only enhance Australia’s research and innovation capacity but also pave the way for new technologies, economic growth, and improved quality of life.”
Additional projects funded under the DECRA scheme include research on digital learning at the University of Wollongong, studies on Indigenous heritage by Monash University, and climate research at the University of Tasmania.
Each of these projects promises to contribute valuable insights and innovations in their respective fields.
For a full list of funded DECRA projects, including a snapshot of funding by State and Territory, please visit the ARC website.
