CRCBID’s CEO, Dr Gerry Roe and Director, Greg Santamaria attended a series of functions in Canberra this month held in association with the regular meetings of CRC Chairs and CEOs organised by the CRC Association (CRCA).

Dr Gerry Roe with Prof Murray Scott from CRC for Advanced Composite Structures  (image courtesy CRCA/Roellen Little)

The Minister for industry, Innovation, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Kim Carr, hosted a cocktail function for members of the House of Representatives and Senators at Parliament House to showcase the work of a number of CRCs, including CRCBID.

Senator Kim Carr told his parliamentary colleagues that innovation was the key to Australia's prosperity.

"The CRCs' role in solving real-world problems through direct links between researchers and those who will benefit from their work is vital if we are to retain our quality of life.

"CRCs are part of an integral chain of initiatives outlined in the Government's 10-year innovation agenda, Powering Ideas," Senator Carr said.

"Our 44 CRCs operate across all four industry categories - agriculture, forestry and fisheries, manufacturing, mining and services - a collaboration of researchers, industries, government and communities dedicated to generating social, environmental and economic benefits for Australia."

Since the CRC program began in 1990, the Commonwealth has supported 190 centres with $3.4 billion, and industry participants have contributed a further $10.9 billion in cash and in-kind.  Further information about the CRC Program and its achievements are featured in a series of new fact sheets now available from the CRC Program website.

CRCA also facilitated separate meetings with members of the House of Representatives and Senators over two days, allowing CRCs the opportunity to explain their research programs in person.