Federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne announced this afternoon that the university would receive $3.9 million from the Australian Research Council.

University vice chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen said they had been able to increase this by securing industry support to the tune of $9.6 million, as well as other federal funding.

Mr Pyne said six universities were sharing in $23.9 million from the ARC to establish hubs in mining, oil and gas, manufacturing and food.

He said world class researchers at the university would work together to improve profitability and productivity in the country's mining industry.