The Regional Research Collaboration (RRC) Program funded research collaboration between regional universities, industry and other higher education providers to help regional universities develop their research strengths.
The RRC Program supported research collaboration in our regions by:
- funding research collaboration between regional universities, industry and other higher education providers
- helping address the challenges associated with undertaking research in regional institutions
- improving support for regional areas by strengthening rural research capacity
- creating more opportunities for Australians in regional areas to pursue post-graduate qualifications
- opening more opportunities to develop local industry
- helping regional institutions develop their research strengths, particularly through skills development.
Program guidelines
The RRC Program Guidelines set out:
- eligibility criteria
- program objectives and outcomes
- the application process and criteria
- the selection process.
Five successful projects under Round Two
In April 2022, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, then Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education, approved five successful projects under round two:
- Charles Sturt University – Training Hub promoting Regional Industry and Innovation in Virology and Epidemiology
- Federation University Australia – Transforming chronic health outcomes through digital innovation
- La Trobe University – Next Generation Protected Cropping in a Regional Manufacturing Facility — a Cannabis Exemplar
- University of Southern Queensland – Sustainable Industry Manufacturing Planning for Long-term Ecosystems Hub
- University of Tasmania – Building capacity in Regional Australia to enhance Australia’s Economy through research, training, and environmentally sustainable production of critical metals.
Six successful projects under Round One
On 7 September 2021, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, then Minister for Education and Youth, and Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, then Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education, jointly announced six successful projects under round one:
- Federation University Australia – Research Centre for New Energy Transition
- Central Queensland University – Development of Hydrogen Applications for Regional Industries
- University of Tasmania – Boosting research capability to develop value-added products for the food and wood industries in regional areas
- Charles Darwin University – Research Institute for Northern Agriculture and Drought Resilience
- University of New England – The Regional Australia Mental Health Research and Training Institute (RAMHeaRT), now known as the Manna Institute
- Charles Sturt University – Next Generation Water Engineering and River Management Hub.
Contact Us
For direct enquiries, please email RRC@education.gov.au
The RRC Program has now ceased. All projects funded under the RRC Program will continue through to completion. No future rounds will occur.