"The rapid development of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines is a critical Australian Government priority," said Mr Hunt.
The University of Sydney will receive almost $3 million for a phase 1/1b clinical trial to test the safety and effectiveness of its novel DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccine is being developed so it can be administered using a needle-free system.
Mr Hunt said, "The trial is a partnership with four of Australia’s most experienced vaccine trial sites and aims to enrol 150 healthy volunteers. Findings from the trial will inform evaluation of the vaccine in larger Phase two and three trials."