Research organisations and institutions are encouraged to lodge an expression of interest (EOI) under the NSW Environmental Trust’s latest Environmental Research Grant program, Clarence MP, Chris Gulaptis announced last week. Mr Gulaptis said research proposals addressing environmental problems would be considered under the program. “The aim of the program is to support applied social, economic and biophysical environmental research projects, with the priorities under this round being biosecurity, climate change, waste and pollution and mechanisms for social engagement. “There is $1 million in total available for the program, with grants of up to $150,000. “This is a terrific opportunity for research organisations to utilise these funds to deliver positive outcomes for our environment.” The Environmental Research Grant Program is a long-standing Environmental Trust program that supports research organisations and institutions to undertake priority research projects that help address environmental problems in NSW. The objectives of the program are: • to generate new knowledge or information to facilitate local solutions to environmental problems; • to discover new methods of operation for NSW industries that are less harmful to the environment and enhance public good; • to provide knowledge and advance techniques to solve general environmental problems in NSW; and • to assess and evaluate the application of innovative solutions to decrease environmental degradation in NSW. Mr Gulaptis said the closing date for EOIs was 11 March 2016 and invitations to submit full applications would follow the assessment of EOIs. Successful grants will be announced by November 2016.