News Alerts

NHMRC Partnerships scheme launched

The National Health and Medical Research Council’s new Partnership scheme has been launched by the CEO, Professor Warwick Anderson, providing funding for partnerships between policy makers, managers, service providers and researchers that will enable them to work together, define research questions, undertake research, and interpret the findings.

The scheme, which is ongoing, has been allocated $108 million over the first two years. It will focus on informing the decisions that influence health and well-being through changes in the delivery, organisation, funding and access to health services. 

Partner organizations will include:

• those working in federal, state, territory or local government - in the health portfolio or in other areas affecting health, such as treasury, urban planning, education or transport;
• those working in the private sector, such as employers, private health insurance providers or private hospitals;
• major non-government organisations and charities;
• community organisations, such as consumer groups;
• provider and professional groups.

There are two elements to the scheme.

• NHMRC Partnership Projects will fund collaborations between researchers and policy or practice agencies. It is anticipated that cash and/or in-kind contributions would be provided by the policy/practice partner organisation. The sheme will support projects that require medium to long term support and are likely to impact on health policies and/or service delivery. Applications for funding have been called and close on 19 December 2008.
• NHMRC Partnership Centres for Research Excellence will be established as leaders in scientific research relevant to policy and practice. The Centres will not necessarily be funded to address a particular health issue, but rather to develop research capacity in designated areas of interest to one or more partner policy agency. It is proposed that funding will be provided in five year blocks, but centres will be encouraged to attract funding from other sources. Applications for the centres are expected to be called early in 2009.

More details about NHMRC Partnerships can be found at http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/grants/partnerships.htm

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Business innovation hampered by skills shortfalls

A study by the Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that during 2006/07 over one-third (37%) of Australian businesses reported undertaking some form of innovation. However, more than a quarter of businesses claimed that a lack of skilled staff significantly hampered their ability to innovate.

Other findings include:

• The Information Media and Telecommunications industry had the highest proportion of innovation activity (52%), followed by Manufacturing (50%). Four other industries recorded an innovation-active rate of over 40%. These were Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services; Wholesale Trade; Financial and Insurance Services; and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services. 
• Information technology skills (35%) were the most prevalent skill type used for innovation purposes.
• Introduction of goods or services that were new-to-the-world was reported by 9% of innovating businesses.
• More than three-quarters (76%) of innovative-active businesses claimed that the most common driver of innovation was profit-related.
• The industry with the highest proportion of innovation-active businesses was Information Media and Telecommunications at 52%, followed by Manufacturing (50%). Four other industries recorded an innovation-active rate of over 40%.

Further information is available in Innovation in Australian Business, 2006-07 (cat. no. 8158.0), available for free download from the ABS website www.abs.gov.au.

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Eureka Awards announced

The Australian Museum’s Eureka Prizes have been awarded for 2008.

Winners in the Research and Innovation categories are:

• Environmental Research: Dr. Gary Richards and his National Carbon Accounting Team at the Department of Climate Change who have developed a National Carbon Accounting System (NCAS) to monitor and predict greenhouse emissions.
• Environmental Sustainability Education: a website, Birds in Backyards, developed by the Australian Museum and Birds Australia.
• Ethics Research: Professor Garrett Cullity, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Adelaide, and author of the book, The Moral Demands of Affluence.
• Innovative Solutions to Climate Change: University of New South Wales School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering.
• Medical Research: the Multiple Sclerosis Group at the Howard Florey Research Institute led by Professor Trevor Kilpatrick.
• Research that Contributes to Animal Protection: Maxine Piggott, Post Doctoral Fellow at Monash University, who has developed non-invasive methods of species and individual identification, using faeces and hair to obtain DNA. The methods remove the need to capture or handle wild animals, eliminating the risk of stress, injury or death to the animals.
• Science in support of Defence or National Security: Microelectronics Research Group of the University of Western Australia led by Professor Lorenzo Faraone, for microspectrometer sensing technology.
• Scientific Research: Professor Stephen Simpson, Professor at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, for work which initially sought to understand the swarming of locusts, and resulted in a hypothesis about human protein intake and obesity.
• Taxonomic Research: Dr William Humphreys, Principal Scientist, Museum of Western Australia, who discovered microscopic life forms in the subterranean waters of North Western Australia.
• Water Research and Innovation: Professor Matthew England and his team at the Climate Change Research Centre who have found a pattern of Indian Ocean temperatures that control, and can be used to predict, year-to-year rainfall variations.

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SA Science Awards announced

The $50,000 SA Scientist of the Year prize has been awarded to biochemical geneticist, Professor John Hopwood, head of the Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit at Pathology SA.

The award recognizes Professor Hopwoods research leadership in the area of inherited lysosomal storage disorders. Professor Hopwood and his team have discovered genes responsible for some of these disorders and have been licensed to commercialise recombinant proteins, which recently gained US Food and Drug Administration approval.

Other winners of South Australia’s Science Excellence Awards, who each receive $15,000, are:

• Science Educator of the Year - Professor Mark Buntine, University of Adelaide’s School of Chemistry and Physics. Professor Buntine developed the Advancing Chemistry by Enhancing Learning in the Laboratory program;
• Excellence in Research for Commercial Benefit - Professor Drew Dawson, Centre for Sleep Research, University of South Australia for leadership in fatigue management, working with industry to reduce the risks associated with fatigue-related accidents and injuries;
• Excellence in Research for Public Good Benefit. - Associate Professor John Mulley from SA Pathology, who established paediatric molecular genetic testing at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, with his research focussing on the genetic causes of epilepsy; and
• Constellation SA Award for Excellence in Collaborative Research - Marine Innovation SA (MISA) MISA has brought together research institutions, industry and community groups to foster and coordinate research to maintain the marine environment and advance the fishing and aquaculture industries.

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New appointments to SA Premiers Science and Research Council

A number of new appointments have been made to the expert panel tasked with advising the South Australian Government on matters relating to science, research and innovation.

The new two-year appointments to the Premier’s Science and Research Council include:

• Professor Barry Brook – Director, Research Institute for Climate Change & Sustainability, University of Adelaide;
• Dr Anna Koltunow – a senior Research Scientist, CSIRO Plant Industry, Waite campus, Urrbrae;
• Dr Warren Harch - Deputy Chief Defence Scientist, DSTO;
• Dr Ian Gould – Chancellor, UniSA; Chair, CSIRO Mineral Resources Sector Advisory Committee; Chair SA Minerals and Petroleum Expert Group;
• Mr Dennis Mutton – Chair, BioInnovation SA; Chair, Natural Resources Management Council;
• Affiliate Professor Rob Lewis - Acting SA Water Security Commissioner.

The new members will join three existing members on the Council who will continue for another 2-year term: Professor Tanya Monro, Director, Centre of Expertise in Photonics, School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Adelaide; Professor Chris Marlin, Chair, Information Economy Advisory Board and Deputy Vice Chancellor [Research] Flinders University of SA; and Dr Leanna Read Managing Director, TGR BioSciences Pty Ltd.

The panel is co-chaired by Premier Mike Rann and SA’s Chief Scientist Dr Ian Chessell.

Over the next year, the panel will mainly focus on issues relating to: climate change, particularly the opportunity for a renewable energy in the state; water security; and mining capability. Over the next four months, it will undertake a major study into the potential for the development of a significant renewable energy industry in South Australia.

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UWA to join international research university group

The University of Western Australia has been invited to join the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), a partnership of 16 research-focused universities based in Europe, North America, China and Australia.

The WUN is dedicated to making significant advances in knowledge and understanding in areas of global concern, bringing together the experience, equipment and expertise necessary to tackle the big issues facing societies, governments, corporations and education.

The University of Sydney is the other Australian university that is a member of the group.

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Macquarie University research papers to go online

Macquarie University Council has voted to endorse University Senate recommendations that research articles be deposited in the online Macquarie University repository ResearchOnline (http://www.researchonline.mq.edu.au/) after their acceptance for publication.

The Macquarie decision follows similar initiatives by overseas universities such as Harvard and Stanford, and funding bodies such as the US National Institutes of Health, National Research Council of Canada and European Research Council.

Manuscripts of Macquarie research that are accepted for publication will now be immediately available on the web. In a few cases, access to some articles may be temporarily embargoed because of a journal's policy, but this will be the exception rather than the rule.

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Announcements

Postgraduate by Research Scholarships

Postgraduate by Research Scholarships
University of Ballarat, Ballarat

The University of Ballarat has a number of postgraduate research scholarships available for 2009. The University's research strengths are aligned with regional and rural issues, specifically in the areas of our four Designated Research Centres:

• Centre for Informatics and Applied Optimisation (CIAO)
• Centre for Environmental Management (CEM)
• Centre for Health Research and Practice (CHRP)
• Centre for Regional Innovation and Competitiveness (CRIC)

The University invites eligible candidates to apply for the following stipend scholarships to support entry into a PhD, Professional Doctorate, or a Masters by Research programs:

• Australian Postgraduate Awards with stipend
• International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (course fees)
• University of Ballarat Postgraduate Research Scholarships
• University of Ballarat Partial Postgraduate Research Scholarships

Contact: Application forms and further Information are available from the Research & Graduate Studies office tel (03)5327 9508. Please contact Ms Lou Buttler for any further details or HDResearch@ballarat.edu.au

Scholarship information: here

Applications: here

Expression of Interest forms and applications forms for higher degrees Must be lodged by the closing date 31 October, 2008.

An equal opportunity employer CRICOS Provider Number 00103D 280UOB Aust

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Further Education

Responsibilities and Ethics of Clinical Research

360820 Responsibilities and Ethics of Clinical Research (12.5pts)

Enrol now for the September intake

Objectives:
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the basic concepts in human ethics, including the principles of:
- Autonomy
- Justice
- Beneficence
- Malfeasance
• Understand the need for integrity in both research and researchers
• Understand the need to protect human rights in research
• Appreciate the requirement for informed consent
• Appreciate both sides of the risk-benefit tension
• Understand the impact of different cultural perspectives on ethical issues

Description:
• Structure of Informed Consent documents
• Meaning of “Informed” in the context of blinding and randomisation to allocated treatments.
• Basic human rights in experimental settings
• The human being as an experimental subject and unit of analysis
• Data monitoring and safety committees
• Exercises in complex ethical situations
• Ethics committees – structure; membership; terms of reference
• Assessment of ethics applications (mock exercise)
• Cultural differences in ethical viewpoints
• Ethics under adverse conditions or under duress
• Ethical responses to unlawful collection of data or specimens
• Ethical issues of individual or volunteered experiments on the dying

Cost: $2,100 + GST

When: September, 15, 16, 18 & 19 2008

Where: The University of Melbourne
Level 3, 442 Auburn Road
Hawthorn, Victoria Australia 3122

www.mccp.unimelb.edu.au/clinicalresearch

Express your interest in this course or related courses by contacting;
Mary Georges on (03) 9810 3185 or email m.georges@mccp.unimelb.edu.au

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Biomedical Research Management - 4 day short course

Biomedical Research Management

The Melbourne Consulting and Custom Programs, University of Melbourne, is pleased to announce that we will be holding a 4 day short course on Biomedical Research Management, Part 1 - Sep 8, 9, 10 & 11 Part 2 – Oct 13, 14, 15 & 17 2008.

NUMBERS ARE LIMITED, so be quick!

A good Biomedical Research Manager is like the Conductor of an orchestra: bringing together all of the individual contributions at the right time, with the right contribution and the right intensity. The Biomedical Research Manager needs to be able to lead, coordinate and manage the activities of the experts from all technical, commercial and clinical disciplines, along with the stakeholders in a project – without losing their focus on the operational activities and strategic objectives. One of the most important roles of the Biomedical Research Manager is to avoid surprises and the consequences that occur because something was forgotten or ignored in the planning and delivery of their project.

NEED TO KNOW MORE? CHECK OUT INFORMATION AT:

www.mccp.unimelb.edu.au

Cost: $2,100 + GST

When: Part 1 - Sep 8, 9, 10 & 11 Part 2 – Oct 13, 14, 15 & 17 2008

Where: The University of Melbourne
Level 3, 442 Auburn Road
Hawthorn, Victoria Australia 3122

Express your interest in this course and related courses by contacting:

• Elise Strande on (03) 9810 3186 or email e.strande@mccp.unimelb.edu.au

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PricewaterhouseCoopers R&D School

PricewaterhouseCoopers R&D School

On 28 January 2008, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, announced a review of Australia's national innovation system to be conducted by an expert panel chaired by Dr Terry Cutler. The review will consider, amongst other things, the role of the R&D Tax Concession in Australia's innovation policy going forward and is expected to be released 3 September 2008.

While the value of reforming the current system is under debate, there is room for improvement in the existing incentive delivery mechanisms, which could include:
- extending the R&D Tax Offset expenditure and turnover thresholds to more realistic levels, tapering the benefits when these levels are exceeded and providing better assistance to those companies moving from the R&D to commercialisation phase of their life-cycle;
- a more targeted approach to innovation, including support of specific industries outside the existing grants structure through additional industry-specific expenditure incentives; and
- further easing of the regulatory burden to allow companies to concentrate more of their efforts on what they do best - innovation.

"Innovation policy is a difficult juggling act, and we shouldn't be too quick to discount the system that has worked well for some 20 years," Garry Waugh, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers said. "It is not beneficial to implement a more complicated system which is more onerous, as this may stifle good ideas, especially from smaller companies, and may even see us lose our best technologies to other countries. Our focus needs to be on supporting innovative companies which in turn promotes an innovative Australia."

PricewaterhouseCoopers' provides technical and financial staff involved in the R&D planning and claim preparation process with practical knowledge and tools necessary to effectively manage their company's R&D planning, documentation, and claiming processes.

PricewaterhouseCoopers conducts "R&D School" to assist financial and technical staff involved in the R&D claims process to increase their awareness of compliance with the R&D rules and how to maximise the benefits available.

The workshop includes active learning, case studies and take-away information. Topics include: what is meant by "Tax R&D", clarity around the R&D planning rules, what expenditure can be claimed and an understanding of other R&D eligibility issues. Further information on R&D School and to register your attendance please go to http://www.pwc.com/au/rdschool.
Scheduled dates for R&D school are as follows:

Sydney - 5th September 2008

Melbourne - 8th October 2008

Brisbane - 1st October 2008

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Positions Vacant

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians
NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre
Faculty of Medicine
Reference No. 138234

The NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre (CTC) is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and is a research centre of the University of Sydney.

Positions, located at, and working with the Biostatistics Group at the CTC, are now open for a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer. These positions require a sound understanding of and the ability to develop methodological concepts, as well as being able to conduct optimal analyses on a variety of research projects. It is envisaged that one of the positions will also add support to the research projects undertaken at the Sydney Cancer Centre (SCC).

The research projects at the SCC will involve leading and overseeing statistical analysis and methodological research in aspects of cancer genetic epidemiology and other oncological projects. Additionally, the position will require involvement in aspects of the statistical activities in the oncology (and other) projects at the CTC as part of a senior statistical team. Other areas of research within the CTC include other areas of medicine including neonatal intensive care, complementary medicine and systematic reviews.

The Clinical Trials Centre has a team of twelve biostatisticians who provide academic and research support to the research effort of the CTC, SCC and also provide a statistical clinic to medical researchers at Nepean Hospital. The successful applicant would be expected to contribute to these research activities.

These positions require extensive experience in clinical trials principles, methods and analyses.

Further, opportunities w ill exist for supervising post graduate students (PhD, Masters) in biostatistics and controlled trials, as well as contributing to the teaching of postgraduate master’s courses in biostatistics and public health and external short courses conducted by the Clinical Trials Centre.

The successful applicant will be expected to have a thorough understanding of the methodological and statistical issues which arise in epidemiological research especially those relating to individual patient data. For involvement with the SCC they will be expected to contribute to the broader interests of the group including design of Phase I and II studies. Experience in clinical trials methodology, and in biostatistical analysis/research in a number of clinical areas is highly desirable.

Remuneration package Level B: up to $86,731 - $102,993 p.a. pro rata (which includes a base salary $73,289 - $87,030 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

Remuneration package Level C: up to $106,243 - $122,395 p.a. pro rata (which includes a base salary $89,777 - $103,519 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

Level of appointment and responsibility will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A market loading of up to 30% is also available and will be negotiated with the preferred candidate depending on qualifications and experience.

For more information or to apply online, please visit http://positions.usyd.edu.au/researchjobs4

Specific enquiries about the role.

Closing Date: 30 September 2008

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Research Fellow — Ageing, Health and Services

Research Fellow – Ageing, Health and Services
Faculty of Health Sciences
Reference No. 138969

The Ageing, Health and Services Research Team at the Faculty of Health Sciences uses innovative, multi-disciplinary research approaches to understand individuals across their lifespan and the networks of social and human services that support them.

The team is currently seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and self-motivated Research Fellow to collaborate on a research program in Ageing and Health. Well suited to this role is an experienced and active researcher with a background in health and/or social science research.

The appointee will collaborate in analyses of longitudinal data on healthy aging and health services use; related literature reviews and pilot studies; development of research proposals, writing publications and liaison with research collaborators and service providers.

To succeed, the appointee will have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant health or social science discipline, and preferably, research experience focussed on ageing. Applied research experience, including a strong research publication profile in refereed journals in health or social science, will be essential. Equally important will be academic writing skills and the ability to communicate with the research team, consumer organisations and older people. A high level of computer literacy, database manipulation skills and the ability to conduct quantitative analyses using multivariate statistics will also be required.

The position will provide excellent opportunities for collaborating in innovative research yielding internationally significant publications that inform Australian policy developments.

The position is full-time fixed term until 30 June 2010, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees, and may continue subject to need and funding. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for new appointees.

Remuneration package Level A: $76,754 - $82,389 (which includes a base salary $64,858 - $69,620 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

Remuneration package Level B: $86,731 - $102,993 p.a. (which includes a base salary $73,289 - $87,030 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

Level of appointment and responsibility will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

For more information or to apply online, please visit http://positions.usyd.edu.au/researchjobs5

Specific enquiries about the role can be directed to Professor Hal Kendig on (02) 9767 8338. Enquiries about the recruitment process can be directed to Taya Solodin on (02) 9036 6525.

Closing Date: 24 September 2008

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Drug Metabolism and Toxicity)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Drug Metabolism and Toxicity)
Faculty of Pharmacy
Reference No. 138657

The Faculty of Pharmacy has an international reputation as a centre for innovative research into the Pharmaceutical Sciences. The Faculty wishes to enhance its strong research programs with the appointment of a Postdoctoral Research Fellow within the Drug Metabolism and Toxicity area.

A major focus of the research is to elucidate the metabolism of herbal products especially kava and to elucidate the mechanisms of its hepatotoxicity including interactions of Western medicines with such herbal products. The appointee will be required to conduct experiments to examine the metabolism of kava and related herbs and to examine liver toxicity of such agents. A highly motivated, enthusiastic, well-organised Science, Medical Science, or Pharmacy graduate with a PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physiology, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline, is sought to provide research support.

The successful applicant must hold a PhD in Science, Medical Science or Pharmacy and/or equivalent experience with a proven research ability; a willingness to take on challenging avenues of enquiry; excellent oral and written communication skills and data collection, analysis, and presentation skills; a high degree of computer literacy; ability to exercise initiative and to work both independently and as an effective team member; good organisational skills, including the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines; evidence of potential for future research career development and grant funding.

Highly desirable requirements for this role are, experience of in vitro and in vivo drug metabolism techniques including isolated perfusion of rodent liver for drug metabolism and assessment of liver toxicity via biochemical and electron microscopic techniques.

The position is initially full-time fixed term for 12 months, with possible extension subject to availability of funding and satisfactory completion of a probation period for new appointees. Successful applicants will be asked to provide proof of Australian citizenship or a valid work visa appropriate to the term of the position. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for new appointees.

Remuneration package: up to $76,754 - $82,389 (which includes a base salary Level A $64,858 - $69,620 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

For more information or to apply online, please visit http://positions.usyd.edu.au/researchjobs6

Specific enquiries about the role can be directed to Prof Iqbal Ramzan on (02) 9351 2831. Enquiries about the recruitment process can be directed to Julie Small on (02) 9036 7870.

Closing Date: 26 September 2008

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Business Services

Spruson&Ferguson: patent and trade mark attorneys

With over 120 years experience, Spruson & Ferguson is a leading intellectual property firm in Australia which provides a fully integrated service for the protection, commercialisation and enforcement of your intellectual property.

Spruson & Ferguson is one of the largest intellectual property firms in Australia, with a team of over 220. Our 60 plus patent and trade mark attorneys and lawyers work in specialised practice areas; Chemical/Life Sciences, Mechanical, Electrical/Information & Communications Technologies (ICT) and Trade Marks, together with Spruson & Ferguson Lawyers which provides intellectual property commercialisation, enforcement and dispute resolution services.

Spruson & Ferguson’s patent and trade mark attorneys and lawyers have extensive intellectual property and industry experience in science and engineering including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, electronics, phototonics, transport, telecommunications, mining, publishing, consumer products, ceramics, chemistry and mechanical/medical technologies.

The depth of our industry experience is an attribute that many of our clients hold in high regard. Spruson & Ferguson is a recognised as a market leader with multinationals and many of Australia’s foremost research institutions entrusting to us to protect and assisting with the maximisation of returns on their intellectual property assets.

Our comprehensive range of services includes patents, trademarks, designs, domain names, IP audits, due diligence, dispute resolution and litigation and intellectual property commercialisation services including licensing, joint ventures and research and development collaborations.

For more information about our comprehensive range of intellectual property services, please contact one of the following relationship principals:

Chemical: Dr John McCann BSc (Hons) PhD FIPTA
Life Sciences: Dr Andrew Blattman BScAgr (Hons) PhD GDipIP FIPTA
Electrical: Robert Miller BE BLegS FIPTA
ICT: Scott Berggren BSEE MSEE LLB FIPTA
Mechanical: Greg Turner BE FIPTA
Trade Marks: Annette Freeman BA LLB (ANU) LLM (UTS)
IP Commercialisation: Rob McInnes BSc (Hons) LLB (Syd)
IP Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Simon Williams BA LLB (Syd) LLM (Lond)
Managing Principal: David Griffith BE (Hons) FIPTA

Telephone: (02) 9393 0100
Fax: (02) 9261 5486
Email mail@sprusons.com.au
Website here 

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