GEMOC ARC National Key Centre
GEMOC's context in 2009
A short history of GEMOC
The National Key Centre for the Geochemical Evolution and Metallogeny of Continents (GEMOC) formally commenced in January 1996 and was funded under the ARC Key Centre scheme for 6 years. Under the government regulations for this round of Key Centres, there was no provision for extension of Centre funding beyond the original six-year term. A detailed business plan was required in the application to demonstrate how the Centre could continue and maintain its identity after the Commonwealth funding term. This business plan succeeded and the evolved GEMOC started its new phase in 2002 and is continuing with an independent, well-funded base.
GEMOC’s funding base from 2002
This funding, like a good investment portfolio, has a healthy, risk-minimising diversity ranging across traditional competitive schemes such as those available from the Australian Research Council, to substantial industry collaborative projects. It also includes provision of value-added products to the mineral exploration industry (see the section on Industry Interaction) and one-off opportunities such as the competitive DEST Systemic Infrastructure Initiative in 2002 that granted over $5 million to enable GEMOC’s Technology Development Program to stay at the forefront (see the section on Technology Development). Extensive international collaborations extend our expertise and enhance our resource base.
GEMOC’S LINKAGES AND ALLIANCES
GEMOC has significantly evolved and expanded from its original base with shifts in the original linkages and expansion in collaborations. Strong new national and international collaborative research links and programs have emerged, and robust ongoing engagement with industry (mineral exploration and technology manufacturing) partners through collaborative projects continues to fulfil one of GEMOC's original goals and extend our intellectual and funding base.