The Federal Government has announced two new Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) will share in $70 million in funding.

The new CRCs will be focused on:

  • Alertness, safety and productivity
  • Cell therapy manufacturing, living with autism spectrum disorders
  • And extension of funding for eye care under the Vision CRC.

Federal Minister for Science and Research, Chris Bowen, said that the CRCs will bring together top researchers, industry representatives and community members and government figures to produce world-leading research that addresses major challenges.

The CRC for Alertness, Safety and Productivity will receive $14.5 million to reduce the burden of impaired alertness on the safety, productivity and health of all Australians.

The CRC for Cell Therapy Manufacturing will receive $20 million to help make Australia a world leader in the manufacture of cell therapies, which offer exciting possibilities for a range of previously incurable and difficult-to-treat conditions.

The CRC for Living with Autism Spectrum Disorders will receive $31 million to enhance the lives of individuals with lifelong development disabilities arising from an autism spectrum disorder.

An additional $5 million will enable the Vision CRC to revolutionise the delivery of eye care in remote environments by developing a world first, intelligent retinal camera.

The camera will be able to be used in extreme environments by non-specialist staff to accurately and rapidly detect sight-threatening conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.