Australia’s young agricultural scientists are now invited to submit their innovative agricultural research project ideas to the 2018 Science and Innovation Awards.

This is their opportunity to potentially receive a share in up to $242,000 in grants.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, said the Science and Innovation Awards encouraged 18-35 year old innovators to undertake new and creative research to help agricultural industries overcome problems and realise their potential.

“Australia is a world leader in agricultural innovation, and innovative ideas have allowed Australian agricultural industries to become more competitive, resilient, productive and profitable, and to overcome barriers to growth,” Minister Joyce said.

“Many of these ideas come from young people working or studying in the field, and the Science and Innovation Award scheme aims to support early career researchers, scientists and other innovators to develop new approaches to industry issues.”

Applications close on Friday 13 October 2017.

The awards will be publicly presented to recipients as part of the Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) Outlook 2018 Conference in Canberra.

Since their launch in 2001, the Science and Innovation Awards have helped more than 220 young researchers, innovators and scientists turn their ideas into reality through almost $3.5 million in grant funding.

Eleven industry award categories are open in the 2018 round, with each winner being eligible to receive a grant of up to $22,000 (including GST).

For more information on the awards, and how to apply, visit agriculture.gov.au/scienceawards.