HomeNews Australian Government Boost for Bionic Eye Research
Australian Government Boost for Bionic Eye Research
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
The Australia Government has announced funding of $50 million towards
bionic eye research as part of its response to the 2020 Summit. In a joint
release issued by Senator the Hon. Kim Carr, Minister for
Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and the Hon. Nicola Roxon,
Minister for Health and Ageing, the Government has allocated $50.7
million over four years for the development of the bionic eye.
The
fund will be administered by the Australian Research Council to support
research to develop a retinal prosthesis, or
bionic eye. The government expects those selected to undertake this
important research will include quality researchers and experts in the
development and commercialisation of medical devices.
Bionic Vision Australia, a partnership of leading research institutions
from Melbourne and Sydney,
welcomed the Government's announcement.
Professor Emeritus David
Penington, Bionic Vision Australia Chairman, said, "This funding will
build on Australia's track record in developing the bionic ear, and
recognises the importance of maintaining Australia's position at the
forefront of medical bionics. We also welcome the decision to
implement a rigorous selection process to select the team or teams best
placed to develop a functional bionic eye. I am delighted that Bionic
Vision Australia has been able to assemble a team of world-class
experts across several disciplines who possess the necessary skills and
expertise to address this exciting opportunity. This team will build
further on their decade-long, internationally respected expertise in
bionic vision research. We look forward to submitting a detailed
proposal to the Government to make this vision a reality".
