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Australian research organisations with a focus on dairy have a chance to win funding from Dairy Innovation Australia (DIA), between AUS$200,000-AUS$2.5m.

DIA is an industry led company established in 2007 to be a catalyst for innovation in the Australian dairy industry. In 2007/2008, funding from DIA totalled AUS$7.24m.

Australian research organisations with interest in any of the following four key areas can apply for the grant:

1. Cheese and Cultured Products/Production

2. Functional Foods and Ingredients/Dairy Health and Nutrition

3. Dairy Components, Ingredients and Applications

4. Process Design and Performance

Applications will be judged on a number criteria, including quality of the project plan, potential scientific and technological benefits to the dairy industry and the track record of research teams involved.

The company said that although discoveries will be protected, much of the knowledge generated will eventually become publicly available through publication, collaboration or licensing arrangements.

Applications for the latest round of grants must be received by 5pm on 9 January 2009.