Some of Australia's brightest young scientists and researchers will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and build international networks with Nobel Laureates and other young researchers from around the world, thanks to a new program announced by the Gillard Government.

The Minister for Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans, has announced two new programs as part of the Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF), designed to fund scientific research that will benefit Australia and solve modern challenges.

The first will support fellowships for up to 15 Australian early career researchers to attend the prestigious Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany.

"The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings provide an extraordinary opportunity for young researchers to engage with Nobel Laureates and showcase Australian science on the international stage," Senator Evans said.

"More than 500 of the world's leading early career researchers will spend a week with about 25 Nobel Laureates.

"This is a great chance for the transfer of knowledge between generations of scientists - inspiring and motivating the best of Australia's young talent.

"By giving our up and coming scientists the opportunity to benefit from international knowledge and experience, we are ensuring Australia remains at the forefront of world leading science for generations to come."

The second program, the SIEF Special Research Program: Synchrotron Science, is a $10 million funding grant to give public research agencies access to the Australian Synchrotron, which hosts more than 3000 researchers and conducts about 500 experiments each year.

Senator Evans also awarded six John Stocker Postdoctoral Fellowships, four Postgraduate Scholarships and one Honours Scholarship to outstanding academics who will carry out research that will deliver important scientific benefits to Australia.

SIEF received $150 million from the initial proceeds of licences granted by CSIRO in 2009 for its wireless local area network (WLAN) technology.

The SIEF supports projects in new and emerging areas of science, the creation or development of significant national research facilities, and research scholarships and fellowships.

Media Contact: Minister Evans' office, 02 6277 7580