AMRS - Australian Microbial Resources Study

The Australian Microbial Resources Study Program will develop strategies to accelerate the description of Australian microbial diversity and to progressively make this information available to the research community. A portfolio of current research projects being undertaken by participants and published literature and expertise will be compiled and used to assess current research activity and to promote opportunities for collaboration. Research funding will be sought to undertake a progressive study of the diversity, taxonomy, and ecology of Australian microorganisms as has been carried out for Australia 's unique endemic flora and fauna.

Research priorities focussing on unique Australian microbial habitats will be determined by the Network participants after wide consultation. The research will encourage postgraduate training and research to build the pool of microbial taxonomists for future national strategic needs, and will develop strategies for mentoring young postdoctoral researchers. Research will be show cased by the introduction of an annual scientific meeting on Australian Microbial Resources and Biodiscovery to share research results and foster a national focus. A visiting scientist program will be established to encourage collaboration and sharing of expertise between participant researchers.