Applications have opened for Global Connections Fund (GCF) Priming Grants to help Australian researchers and business to expand their work overseas. 
The Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said small and medium businesses and researchers in the Electorate of Parkes are encouraged to apply for the grants of up to $7000 to help them collaborate and link with international counterparts and expertise, and explore collaborative projects in international markets.
To date, $2.9 million in GCF grants funding has been used to increase collaboration in science, technology and innovation at the international level. Previous rounds of Priming Grants have seen Australian researchers and small and medium businesses collaborating with partners in Europe, South America, Asia and the USA.
“I encourage all eligible researchers and businesses to look internationally and take advantage of the assistance on offer in this new round of Priming Grants,” Mr Coulton said.
The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) works with the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science to deliver the GCF. 
The GCF is a key internationally-focused measure of the Global Innovation Strategy, part of the Turnbull Government’s $1.1 billion National Innovation and Science Agenda.
Priming Grants will be open for Expressions of Interest until 5:00pm (AEDT), 19 February 2018.
For more information please visit: https://globalconnectionsfund.org.au/priming-grants/