Department of Industry, Innovation, Science and Research (DIISR) (scheme formerly funded by DEST)

Australia-India Strategic Research Fund - Round Two

Scheme Aim and Objectives

The AISRF aims to facilitate and support Science and Technology research cooperation between Australia and India. The fund will assist Australian researchers to increase their participation in leading edge scientific research with Indian scientists, to raise the profile of Australian research, and to support the development of strategic alliances between Australian researchers and Indian researchers. Science refers to the natural and physical sciences for the purposes of the AISRF.

The AISRF comprises three components:

1. Indo-Australian S&T Fund
2. Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund
3. Targeted Allocations

1.  The Indo-Australian S&T Fund 

The Indo-Australian S&T Fund, jointly managed by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation, Science and Research (DIISR)and the Indian Department of Science and Technology (DST), supports collaborative research activities and workshops through projects that build productive alliances, enhance opportunities for Australian and Indian expertise, and create opportunities for researchers in both countries. 

Each Australian applicant must have an Indian 'partner' and each partner must submit an application to their respective government. Australian applicants must apply to the DIISR administered Indo-Australian S&T Fund.

Projects may range from short international visits or activities to more complex projects spanning up to 3 years. Projects cannot extend beyond the life of the Indo-Australian S&T Fund (30 June 2011). Priority will be given to the bilaterally agreed areas of:

• Agricultural research;
• Astronomy and Astrophysics;
• Environment sciences;
• Micro-electronics devices and materials;
• Nanotechnology;
• Renewable energy; and
• Marine sciences.

However, applications in other areas of science and technology may be considered.

All applicants should refer to  Part 2 of the AISRF Guidelines for the eligibility criteria, activities which are eligible for support, assessment criteria, level of support available, and the assessment process

2. The Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund 

The Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund, jointly managed by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and the Indian Department of Biotechnology (DBT), supports collaborative research activities and workshops in fields of biotechnology through projects that build productive alliances, enhance opportunities for Australian and Indian expertise, and create opportunities for researchers in both countries.

Each Australian applicant must have an Indian 'partner' and each partner must submit an application to their respective government. Australian applicants must apply to the DEEWR administered Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund.

Projects may range from short international visits to more complex projects spanning up to 3 years. Projects cannot extend beyond the life of the Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund (30 June 2011). Priority will be given to the bilaterally agreed areas of:

• Biomedical devices and implants;
• Stem cells;
• Vaccines / medical diagnostics;
• Transgenic crops;
• Nutraceuticals and functional foods; and
• Bioremediation.

However, applications in other areas of biotechnology may be considered.

 All applicants should refer to Part 3 of the AISRF Guidelines for the eligibility criteria, activities which are eligible for support, assessment criteria, level of support available, and the assessment process.

3. Targeted Allocations 

This component of the AISRF promotes effective research collaboration by providing a vehicle for the Australian Government to establish strategic links and relationships with Indian counterparts. Targeted Allocations is not an open application scheme and there will be no formal call for proposals.

The Department may consult with the Australian research community, industry and government to identify activities that will be likely to best contribute to the objectives of the AISRF. The Department may:

• Develop proposals; or
• Invite other agencies or individual researchers to develop and deliver specific proposals.  

Funding

Under the AISRF, the total amount of funding available per round from the Australian Government is variable. The Australian funding is available in the following amounts over the five year period:

The Indian Government is committed to providing matching funding for collaborative activities between Australia and India.

With the exception of international travel costs and living allowances, there is no prescribed funding limit on individual applications or activities. However, from time to time, a funding cap on individual applications may be applied as the funding available under the scheme dictates.

The Australian Government will contribute the following funding support towards international travel and living expenses:

• travel costs of up to A$2,500 per person per trip (maximum) for international economy return airfares for Australian researchers to travel to India (international travel and associated costs for Indian researchers travelling to Australia will be met by the Indian Government); and
• living allowance (per person) up to A$200 per day for Indian researchers visiting Australia, or A$2,500 per month, whichever is the lesser amount (local costs including accommodation and meals for Australian researchers travelling to India will be met by the Indian Government). Arrangement and payment of accommodation for Indian researchers visiting Australia is the responsibility of the Australian host organisation. Where meals are not supplied the Australian host will provide the visiting Indian researcher with a Per diem of $50 per day for meals from within the $200 a day living allowance.

Guidelines and Instructions  

Online Application forms  

Submission Requirements

• Research Office Application Cover Sheet
• Signed original print out of the application is to be sent to the Research Office prior to electronic submission of application.
• The application form and all relevant, clearly labelled attachments should be submitted in a single email to the following email address: aisrf@dest.gov.au.