NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Acting Director General, Michael Bullen, said the research fund was a partnership between the re-launched National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation and the DPI.

“With around 75 per cent of emerging human infectious diseases coming from animals, this new fund has major benefits for both human health and our $12 billion primary industries sector,” Mr Bullen said.

“$400,000 of joint funding will be available for research into new vaccines, medicines and new and faster diagnosis tools to identify and stop the spread of infectious diseases.

“Successful projects will be backed by DPI’s world-class biosecurity experts and NFMRI’s extensive networks including medical practitioners, scientists and industry leaders.”

Mr Bullen said NSW has some of the toughest biosecurity measures anywhere in the world and this partnership will bring together researchers focussed on human and animal health to solve research problems that are critical to protecting Australians and our enviable reputation and unparalleled access to global markets.

“There are around 50 known diseases in Australia that are transmitted from animals to humans,” Mr Bullen said.

“This work ensures NSW continues to lead the world in this area and find innovative new solutions that protect our communities and our profitable livestock industries.”

NFMRI CEO, Dr Noel Chambers, welcomed the NSW Government’s investment in the new research fund.

”It is important that researchers, government, industry and philanthropy work together to identify priority research areas and collaborate to support critical areas for research and translation,” Dr Chambers said.

Expressions of interest for research funding will open in March. Further information, including funding guidelines will be available at http://www.nfmri.org.au/