The Australian Government has confirmed its long-term commitment to environment and climate research with funding of $102 million over four years for the National Environmental Science Programme.
The programme will assist decision-makers to understand, manage and conserve Australia’s environment by funding world-class biodiversity and climate science.
The research will ensure decisions about managing Australia’s biodiversity and environmental resources are made using the best available information.
The NESP is a competitive merits-based programme. Applications are now open for groups of research institutions to form research hubs to commence in January 2015.
A competitive process will select six research hubs, focussing on:
• Threatened Species Recovery – supporting the management of threats and improving recovery of threatened species.
• Tropical Water Quality – researching coastal water quality and coastal management focused on the Great Barrier Reef and other tropical waters.
• Clean Air and Urban Landscapes – supporting environmental quality in urban areas.
• Earth Systems – furthering our understanding of the drivers of Australia’s climate, focusing on coastal systems and protections.
• Marine Biodiversity – researching Australia’s oceans and marine environments, including temperate coastal water quality and marine species.
• Northern Australia Environmental Resources – supporting the sustainable development of our unique northern landscapes.
Interested organisations are welcome to submit applications for funding by 5 November 2014.
The National Environmental Science Programme brings together the National Environmental Research Programme and Australian Climate Change Science Programme.
Collaborative research funded under the National Environmental Science Programme will address priorities under the Government’s Plan for a Cleaner Environment. The new programme will provide greater cohesion between environmental and climate science.
Research funded under the National Environmental Research Programme and the Australian Climate Change Science Programme will continue through to scheduled completion in June 2015 and June 2016 respectively.
The programme guidelines and information is available at http://www.environment.gov.au/nesp