What is a CRC
The Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Program was established by the Australian Government in 1990 and is administered under the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR). The objective of the program is ‘to enhance Australia’s industrial, commercial and economic growth through the development of sustained, user-driven, cooperative public–private research centres that achieve high levels of outcomes in adoption and commercialisation’.
The CRC Program links researchers with industry to focus efforts on research that can be readily used and commercialised. The close interaction between researchers and the users of research is a key feature of the Program. Another is the industry contribution to CRC education programs to produce industry-ready graduates.
There are currently around 50 CRCs operating in six broad sectors:
- environment
- agriculture and rural-based manufacturing
- information and communication technology
- mining and energy
- medical science and technology
- manufacturing technology
More information on the CRC Program can be found on the DIISR website.
CRC Association
The CRC Association represents CRCs around Australia on issues of generic importance to CRCs and their operation, promotion of CRCs and the CRC Program in general, and as a forum for members to share experiences and practices.