To increase the uptake of leading edge science and technology (S&T) by supporting collaboration between Indian and Australian researchers in strategically focussed, leading edge, scientific research and technology projects, India and Australia will soon begin joint research in priority areas of biotechnology.

The priority areas under this Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund (IABF) programme include bio-medical devices and implants; stem cells; vaccines; medical diagnostics; transgenic crops and marker-assisted breeding; nutraceuticals and functional foods; bioremediation; and bioenergy and biofuels.

The Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund (IABF) is a platform for bilateral collaboration in science jointly managed and funded by the governments of India and Australia. The IABF is managed jointly by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India and Department of Industry, Australia.

The objectives of the IABF are to increase the uptake of leading edge science and technology (S&T) by supporting collaboration between Indian and Australian researchers in strategically focussed, leading edge, scientific research and technology projects; strengthening strategic alliances between Indian and Australian researchers; and also to facilitate India‘s and Australia‘s access to the global S&T system.

Since its establishment in 2006, the IABF has supported collaborative, leading-edge research between scientists in Australia and India across a range of agreed priority areas. It has also helped to build linkages between premier research and educational institutions in both countries.

Both the DBT and the Department of Industry, Australia have invited proposals from eligible scientists to participate in this Round Eight of the programme till April 22, 2014.   Applications for Round Eight of IABF are open only to previously successful applicants who received funding for  collaborative research projects under Rounds One to Five (held from 2006 to 2010, completed or near completion) to move from proof of concept to validation and end-use stage.

The new application should build on the work of the original project that has been completed or is nearing completion. An application in Round Eight may not be appropriate if the original project has come to a logical conclusion already and/or was of a nature which does not lend itself to further useful work.