Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities (CERF)
World-class research for Australia's unique environment
- CERF Research
- Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility
- Data and information guidelines
- National Environmental Research Program (NERP)
About the Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities
The environmental challenges facing Australia are as unique and varied as our natural environment. To make sure these challenges are addressed in a sustainable and innovative way, the Australian Government is investing $100 million into the Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities (CERF) program.
Funding is directed to research with a strong ‘public good’ focus and outcomes. CERF research engages with end-users, promotes collaboration between researchers and will provide results accessible to government, industry and the community. It promotes research in areas of special strength or need as identified in priority research areas. Priority research areas for the 2007 CERF Fellowships and Significant Project grants were:
- the condition of the nation's environmental assets;
- the threats and risks to our environment;
- the pressures on our coastal environment; and
- the social and economic aspects of our environment.
This work also contributes to the effort behind the Australian Government's national research priorities, including “An Environmentally Sustainable Australia” that targets water, soil loss, salinity, sustainable use of biodiversity and responding to climate change.
Funding is allocated to two broad streams of research:
Background
The Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities (CERF) initiative was announced in September 2004 and funded from 2005-06. CERF supports research that has a strong public good focus and that can demonstrate a strong public good outcome. It is designed to build critical mass in areas of Australias research strengths.
National Environmental Research Program (NERP)
On 19 February 2010, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts announced that the future research investment from the Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities (CERF) will focus on biodiversity, coinciding with the International Year of Biodiversity. This investment is being delivered through the National Environmental Research Program (NERP), and replaces the CERF program. The CERF program is currently in transition.
The NERP will provide around $20 million each year for environmental research to improve our capacity to understand, manage and conserve Australia' s unique biodiversity and ecosystems through the generation of world-class research, and its delivery to Australian environmental decision-makers and other stakeholders.
Research hubs will be established to examine emerging biodiversity issues, including in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, across Northern Australia, and the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait. Up to $7 million each year will be allocated for the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait hub (including its administration). Find out more about the National Environmental Research Program.
Contacts
Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: 02 6274 1111
Email: Contact us
