ARC awards $82.5m for new research hubs and training centres


Friday, 16 October, 2026

ARC awards $82.5m for new research hubs and training centres

The Australian Research Council (ARC) has announced that $82.5 million has been awarded in Australian Government funding to 17 new research hubs and training centres through the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP).

The ITRP supports long-term partnerships between universities, industry and other research end-users to address practical challenges, translate research into new products and processes, and develop an industry-ready research workforce.

ARC Chief Executive Officer Professor Ute Roessner said the investment would help build the partnerships, skills and technologies needed to support Australia’s future prosperity.

“These new research hubs and training centres bring together Australia’s leading researchers and industry partners to solve complex challenges and unlock new opportunities for industry and the economy,” Roessner said. “Through these partnerships, researchers will develop new technologies, products and processes while helping build the skilled workforce Australian industries need to remain globally competitive.”

Across the 17 projects, 323 participating organisations will contribute expertise, facilities and co-investment. The Australian Government’s investment has leveraged partner contributions of nearly $132 million to help ensure the research is shaped by real-world needs and translated into impact. The Training Centres will also prepare the next generation of researchers through industry-focused training, placements and collaborative research.

The successful projects span areas including AI governance and resilient cities, quantum safety testing, space domain awareness, agricultural innovation, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and construction productivity. The investment will also support Australia’s transition to a net-zero economy, strengthen sovereign capability and contribute to a more productive, resilient and prosperous nation.

A full list of the 17 successful Research Hubs and Training Centres is available in the Announcement Kit.

Image credit: iStock.com/Edgars Sermulis

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