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France and Australia share a long-standing history of science and research collaboration which is underpinned by an Agreement on Scientific and Technological cooperation, signed in October 1988. France is currently Australia’s sixth most prolific partner in terms of co-authored publications.
France is a strong performer in terms of scientific and research output, and has particular strengths in aerospace, transport and nuclear energy. France hosts or co-hosts major world-class facilities, including the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility and the CERN Large Hadron Collider.
In recognition of the strong collaboration between Australia and France on science and technology, the French government has awarded honours to three members of the Australian Academy of Science for their outstanding contributions to bilateral cooperation in science, education and culture. The Australian Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research has reinforced the strong relationship between Australia and France over the last decade by supporting researcher exchanges and fellowships between the two countries, delivered through The International Science Linkages - Science Academies Program.
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The French-Australian Science & Technology (FAST) Program
The Governments of Australia and France facilitate research collaboration through travel grants awarded by the FAST Program, which was established in November 2003. From the Australian side, the program is administered by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research as part of the International Science Linkages (ISL) Program. The Department provides $250,000 a year for the Program, which is matched by the French Government.
The funding for FAST projects is awarded annually on a competitive basis. France and Australia jointly call for applications and select successful projects based on their merit.
The FAST program has supported over 80 projects. Round Eight is currently being finalised. For further information, please visit the FAST website.
Outcomes from previous rounds can be found below:
List of projects, French Australian Science and Technology Program Rounds 1-7 (2003-2009)
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