Organisations with research project ideas that encourage the community can now apply for a Citizen Science grant of up to $500,000.

There are some great innovators in our region, and I would encourage any organisations who have projects in mind which involve community participation and are in one of four key research areas to find out more about these Citizen Science grants.

Funding of between $150,000 and $500,000 is available to support projects in the following fields: disaster resilience and preparedness, environmental change, cyber security and artificial intelligence, and food and agribusiness.

Citizen Science grants are all about coming up with innovative solutions to some of our biggest national challenges.

They not only provide exciting opportunities for the organisations but also enable members of the community to get involved and participate in discoveries that could have an impact across the country.

I encourage organisations in our region to put their research project ideas forward for grants.

Citizen Science Grants are part of the Inspiring Australia - Science Engagement Programme, which encourages community participation in science and technology, with $4 million available over four years.

Applications for Round 2 are open until 17 December. For more information visit www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/citizen-science-grants