“The work that our academics do here in Tasmania answers questions, and poses new ones, that are crucial to Australia and the international community,” Professor Rathjen said.

About

The University of Tasmania has secured $9 million for projects ranging from using DNA to develop an Australian plankton record stretching back 1000 years, to using satellites to map remote vegetation and provide early warnings of droughts, diseases and pests. This funding was won in the latest round of the Australian Research Council’s major grants program, announced today by the Federal Education and Training Minister Senator Simon Birmingham. University Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen said the projects would add to the globally impactful research currently underway in Tasmania. Securing funds from the Australian Research Council is a competitive process and our success confirms our place as a cutting edge research-led institution. Fifteen University of Tasmania projects were funded across three grant schemes, totalling over $6.8 million. The grants bring with them additional block funding, which takes the total value to the University and the State to just over $9 million. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Brigid Heywood said the projects highlighted the University’s research strengths, particularly in the Environment, Resources and Sustainability, and the Marine, Antarctic and Maritime themes. This is a small snapshot of the work that our academics are driving, and the investment in research and innovation that work brings to Tasmania, Professor Heywood said. “The challenges we face as a global community are deeply complex; with these projects, and many others, Tasmania will continue to play a key role in building a successful future.”  

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