Australia Launches A$40 Million Fund to Boost Soft Power in Asia-Pacific Region through Science and Technology Collaborations

The Australian government has launched a new initiative to boost its soft power in the Asia-Pacific region. At the heart of this initiative is a A$40 million research collaboration fund aimed at enhancing Australia’s influence in science and technology development in the region.

The Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund recently opened its first round of funding, with up to A$6 million available for Australian collaborations with researchers in the Asia-Pacific region. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the government is focused on utilizing all aspects of national power to strengthen Australia’s stability, confidence, security, and influence globally.

Science Minister Ed Husic highlighted the commitment of the fund to playing a positive role in the region. The fund is an extension of a previous commitment in 2022 to support an International Science Council Asia-Pacific office. The priorities for research projects include advanced manufacturing, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, hydrogen production, and RNA research.

The fund will support collaborations with countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil. It will be jointly administered by the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. According to a joint statement from the academies, the fund is expected to play a crucial role in advancing the science and technology landscape in the Asia-Pacific region.

The deadline for applications for the first funding round is 31 May.