Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) Fact Sheet 

KEY POINTS

• The AISRF was established as a component of the then Australian Scholarships package, with funding of $20 million provided over five years commencing in FY 2006/07.
• The AISRF aims to facilitate and support Science and Technology research cooperation between Australia and India.  The fund assists 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.
• The AISRF comprises three components:
• Indo-Australian S&T Fund ($6 million);
• Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund ($6 million); and
• Targeted Allocations ($8 million)
• As an emerging economic powerhouse that has embraced the importance of S&T to its development and sustainability, India is an increasingly important partner for Australia’s researchers. This is demonstrated by the enthusiastic response to the AISRF, which attracts approximately 150 applications in each round, seeking in funds in excess of $100 million.
• Round One of the competitive components provided $4.5 million worth of Australian funding for 20 projects.  Further investment of over $4 million was provided by the Australian Government for 15 projects under Round Two with a similar amount of funding for a further 15 projects under Round Three.  Additionally, four large-scale projects are being supported under the Targeted Allocations component of the AISRF.
• Bilateral negotiations with the Indian Government for Round Three applications were successfully held on 3-4 March 2009.  Details of the successful applications funded under this round are now available on the AISRF website.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Targeted Allocations