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The Australian Research Council Super Science Fellowships have awarded four years funding to Prof Malcolm T McCulloch, Prof Gregory N Ivey, Asst Prof Ryan J Lowe, Asst Prof James Falter, Dr Ross J Jones for their project

Ocean Climate Change: Ningaloo Reef, a litmus test for the survival of coral reefs

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The project summary for their application is as follows:

Coral reefs are at the frontline from the effects of rapidly rising levels of carbon dioxide that is causing both global warming and oceans to become more acid-like. Our research program will determine how the survival of one of the World's most pristine and best preserved coral reefs, Ningaloo Reef, is linked to the response of Australia's Indian Ocean to climate change. For the first time, we will simulate realistic ‘future' conditions and see how actual coral reef systems respond. This will provide a ‘yardstick' against which the best-case survival potential of the world's coral reefs can be assessed, critical for underpinning the urgently needed action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions if we are to ensure the survival of coral reefs.

Senator Kim Carr Minister for Innovation,Industry, Science and Research Media Release highlighted that over $27 million dollarsto help attract the best and brightest.

Attracting and retaining the best and brightest early-career researchers from within Australia and around the world is at the heart of the Rudd Government’s decision to fund 100 Super Science Fellowships.

Researchers are critical to Australia’s knowledge economy. Early-career researchers are well placed to take advantage of opportunities as they emerge. They are the entrepreneurs of the future.

More than $27.2 million will be spent over four years to help keep Australia at the forefront of global research and ensure it remains internationally competitive. Our aim is to support exceptional domestic and international researchers to establish and maintain careers in Australia, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr said today.

“Providing opportunities for our most promising early-career researchers to work in areas of importance to all Australians is critical, especially as we move through the global recession,” he said.

“These Super Science Fellowships will not only enable vital research in the areas of space and astronomy; marine and climate; and future industries, they will foster our brightest young minds to start or further their research careers in Australia.

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Media references

Ms Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs) (61 8) 6488 5563 / (+61 4) 32 637 716