Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts Grants and Funding

Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities (CERF)

World-class research for Australia's unique environment

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. More background on the CERF program.

Funding is allocated to two broad streams of research:

• Nation-wide research; and
• Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility.

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: cerf@environment.gov.au