Science scoops ARC grants

Monash's Faculty of Science was a big winner in the 2001 Australian Research Council Large Research Grants Scheme, with 16 projects scooping a total of $3.26 million over the next three years.

Earth Sciences head Dr Ian Nicholls said four grants each went to the departments of Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Mathematics and Statistics, with two each awarded to Biological Sciences and Physics.

"This is an excellent result, given that last year we received only 11 grants. Chemistry and Earth Sciences have consistently had good success rates with ARC grants in the past, and receiving four for Mathematics and Statistics will make 2001 a very good year for that department," he said.

Australian Crustal Research Centre (Earth Sciences) director Professor Gordon Lister will receive $402,200 over the next three years for his work relating to the formation of mountain ranges and how they affect the earth.

In addition, several Science faculty staff were involved in successful proposals associated with the faculties of Medicine and Engineering.

Other Monash faculties to receive grants included Engineering, winning $1.69 million (nine grants) and Medicine $1.18 million (seven grants).

Business and Economics received $619,000 (six grants), Arts $656,000 (five grants), Information Technology $491,000 (three grants), Education $283,000 (two grants) and Law $168,000 (two grants).