Cook Government invests $2.5M in cutting-edge infrastructure at ANFF-WA
The Cook Government has announced a significant $44 million boost to research infrastructure, aimed at providing world-class investigative equipment to universities, government and industry groups.
This investment is set to advance scientific research in critical areas such as minerals, agriculture, food security, defence industries and climate change.
Science Minister Stephen Dawson said the Cook Government was providing $14.8 million with an additional co-investment of more than $29 million from the Commonwealth’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program and local research institutions, including from The University of Western Australia and Curtin University.
A notable highlight of this funding is $2.5 million allocated to the ANFF-WA Node. Based at the University of Western Australia, and in partnership with Curtin University and the UWA School of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering’s Microelectronics Research Group, ANFF-WA provides a wealth of knowledge in advanced microelectronic, optoelectronic, and photonic materials, devices and systems. The facility runs a complete, vertically integrated operation, from materials growth, through device design, fabrication, and testing, to packaging and subsystem assembly.
This investment will support projects like the development of sensors for autonomous vehicles and applications in defence and space, positioning Western Australia as a leader in cutting-edge technology and innovation.
Science Minister Stephen Dawson commented, ‘This latest investment by the Cook Government equips our local researchers with world-class research tools to help them address some of the biggest scientific challenges of today and the future.’
This funding aligns with the priorities outlined in the Government’s recently released 10-Year Science and Technology Plan, which emphasizes the importance of scientific and technological capabilities in driving economic prosperity, societal wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
This strategic investment underscores the Cook Government’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the ANFF-WA Node, ensuring it remains a pivotal hub for innovation and technological advancements in Western Australia.
For more information, read the full press release at https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook%20Labor%20Government/Government-announces-$44-million-boost-to-research-infrastructure–20241224
For more information on the UWA Microelectronics Research Group, visit https://www.mrg.uwa.edu.au/
Posted 20 January 2025
