News Alerts

Universities selected for second stage of strategic investment funding

Fourteen universities have been invited by the Federal Government to submit proposals with bids for government funding worth nearly $700 million in the second stage of the 2009 funding round for strategic investments in capital and research facilities.

The timeframe for the second stage of the funding round is being accelerated in line with the Prime Minister’s announcement to fast¬-track the Australian Government’s nation-building agenda.

This round focuses on capital expenditure and strengthening research facilities in Australian universities and the proposals selected highlight the diversity of the sector.
The expressions of interest that have been invited to proceed to the second stage of 2009 funding round are:

• Macquarie University - Hearing Hub
• Monash University - New Horizons Centre at Clayton Campus
• Murdoch University - Pedagopolis Education Facility
• Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology - RMIT Design Hub
• The Australian National University - ANU Giant Magellan Telescope
• University of Adelaide - Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing
• University of Ballarat - Innovation and Enterprise Centre
• University of Canberra - The International Microsimulation Centre: A Research and Professional Development Facility for the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling
• University of Melbourne - Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
• University of New South Wales - Energy Technologies Building
• University of Queensland - World-class Veterinary Science Facilities - The University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science - Gatton Campus
• University of South Australia - Materials and Minerals Science Learning and Research Hub
• University of Sydney - Centre for Obesity, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
• University of Wollongong - SMART Infrastructure Facility.

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Prime Minister’s Science Prizes awarded

The $300,000 2008 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science has been awarded to Professor Ian Frazer for his achievement in the development of vaccines to protect against the virus that causes cervical cancer. Professor Frazer is the founding head of the the Diamantina Institute for Immunology and Cancer Research at the University of Queensland.

In collaboration with the late Jian Zhou, Professor Frazer created virus-like particles using proteins from the shell of the human papilloma virus. This breakthrough led to the development of the vaccines, Gardasil and Cervarix, which are now available commercially to prevent infection from the virus responsible for most cervical cancers.

Other Science Awards for 2008, each worth $50,000, are:

• Science Minister’s Prize for Life Scientist of the Year: Dr Carola Vinuesa, John Curtin School of Medical Research, at the Australian National University for contributions to immunology and understanding of autoimmune diseases.
• Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year: Dr Tanya Monro, Centre of Expertise in Photonics at the University of Adelaide, for achievements in optical fibre technology and applications.
• Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools: Ms Bronwyn Mart, Magill Primary School, Adelaide.
• Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools: Mr Clay Reid, Clare High School, South Australia.

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ABS figures show business R&D spending up

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released its latest figures on business spending on R&D, finding it increased for the eighth consecutive year in 2006/07, to a total of $12 billion.

Businesses in the Mining and Information media and telecommunications industries reported the largest growth in R&D expenditure, increasing by $746 million and $341 million respectively. The major contributors to R&D expenditure were the Manufacturing ($4 billion or 31%), Mining ($3 billion or 21%), and Professional scientific and technical service industries ($2 billion or 17%).

Businesses with 200 or more employees accounted for more than two-thirds (70%) of total R&D expenditure, while those with less than five employees contributed 3%.

While most states and territories reported increased expenditure on R&D, growth since 2005/06 was strongest in New South Wales (up $428 million) and Western Australia ($382 million).

R&D expenditure in 2006/07 was up 16% in current prices. Between 2005/06 and 2006/07, business expenditure on R&D as a proportion of GDP increased from 1.07% to 1.15%. However, Australia remained below the OECD average of 1.56%.

Further information is in Research and Experimental Development, Businesses, Australia, 2006-07 (cat. no. 8104.0) is available at www.abs.gov.au.

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Pharmaceuticals industry draft directions paper released

The Pharmaceuticals Industry Strategy Group has released a draft directions paper outlining a ten year plan to attract investment in R&D, clinical trials and manufacturing activity in Australia.

The Strategy Group is made up of industry and union leaders and co-chaired by Dr Brian McNamee, CEO and MS of CSL Ltd and Craig Pennifold, Head of the Innovation Division of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. It was given terms of reference in May this year to examine the drivers and barriers to attracting new internationally competitive and sustainable manufacturing, R&D and clinical trials investment in the pharmaceuticals sector.

The group is due to submit the final report at the end of the year.

The Draft Directions Paper can be viewed at http://www.innovation.gov.au/Industry/Pharmaceuticals/Pages/PharmaceuticalsIndustryStrategyGroup.aspx.

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NSW Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer appointed

The New South Wales Government has appointed Professor Mary O’Kane as its inaugural Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer.

The NSW Premier Nathan Rees said he had asked Professor O’Kane to focus on four priorities:

• Lift the NSW research effort, especially in existing areas of strength in smart technologies, energy and clinical research;
• Lead a discussion about how to get more maths and science (particularly physics) teachers into schools;
• Develop a stronger relationship between government, universities and business; and
• Advise the government on major public policy issues such as climate change, genetically modified foods and nanotechnology.

Professor O’Kane is the former Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide and a former member of the Australian Research Council, the CRC Committee and the board of the CSIRO. She is currently a company director and Executive Chairman of Mary O’Kane & Associates Pty Ltd, a company that advises governments, universities and the private sector on innovation, research, education and development.

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Victorian science investment fund launched

The Victorian Government has launched its $41 million Science Agenda Investment Fund , inviting Victoria’s science and technology community and industry to apply for funds to assist them to collaborate and pursue market opportunities.

The Science Agenda is a central component of the $300 million Victorian Innovation Statement, announced in August 2008. It builds on the achievements of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Initiative delivered by the Victorian Government since 1999.

Research by Deloitte on the outcomes of the STI Initiative found it had improved the quality and quantity of research infrastructure, led to a significant ‘brain gain’ for Victoria and created a culture of collaboration in the state’s science and technology sectors.

Previous investments funded through the STI initiative include water treatment systems, a facility to test new healthcare technologies, a process to cut hazardous waste going to landfill, pre-clincial testing of new drugs, new lightweight materials for the automotive industry and new water-heating technology.

VSA Investment Fund applications are now open, with Expressions of Interest closing 13 February 2009. For more information see www.business.vic.gov.au/vsa

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South Australian biotechnology incubator opened

South Australia’s $12.9 million ‘BioSA Incubator’, located in the high-technology hub at Thebarton has been officially opened by the Premier, Mike Rann.

The BioSA Incubator will help to fast-track the growth of South Australian companies from research through to commercialization. It combines laboratories, office space and conference facilities. It is currently fully occupied by six tenants: the Centre for Pharmaceutical Research Pty Ltd, Jurlique Research Pty Ltd, Pharmaceutical Packaging Products Pty Ltd, Reproductive Health Sciences Pty Ltd, Signostics Pty Ltd and vivoPharm Pty Ltd.

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New agriculture RD&E centre for Mareeba

The Queensland Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin, has announced a new $8 million plan to create an agricultural research, training and services hub at Mareeba. A new facility will be constructed beside existing refurbished facilities to create a regional research, development and extension, education and training centre.

Mr Mulherin said that all current research programs and future research projects in the region will be met by this new centre and by retaining Walkamin Research Station along with 24.6 hectares at Kairi Research Station.

“This includes important research for existing industries including horticulture, field crops, forestry, pasture and seed production, cattle and dairy industries and future industries such as biocrops"

“In total we will be investing up to $8 million in the Tablelands and we will fund this by divesting some assets,” Mr Mulherin said.

The new plan for the Tablelands is part of DPI&F’s Fresh Approach program, which will see a number of research hubs developed in key primary production locations.

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New climate science group formed

A new Australian Climate Science Coalition has been formed with the aim of bringing together scientific climate research, and with a specific focus on understanding the implications for people and the environment of measures that could be taken to adapt to climate change.

The coalition’s Chairman, Dr John Nicol, Professor Emeritus of Physics, James Cook University, Australia, says the group does not believe that past and present climates are sufficiently well understood, and even the best computer models are not yet adequate to enable accurate predictions of future climate.

The group’s Scientific Advisory Panel, chaired by Dr Nicol, includes David Archibald; Professor Bob Carter, Research Professor at James Cook University, Queensland and the University of Adelaide; Emeritus Professor Lance Endersbee AO, former dean of Engineering and Pro-Vice Chancellor of Monash University; Dr David Evans, former consultant to the Australian Greenhouse Office; Viv Forbes, chairman of the Carbon Sense Coalition; William Kininmonth, former head of the National Climate Centre, Bureau of Meteorology; John McLean, climate data analyst, Melbourne; Professor Cliff Ollier, School of Earth and Geographical Sciences, The University of Western Australia; Professor Ian Plimer, Professor of Mining Geology, University of Adelaide; Dr Walter Starck, marine biologist; and Dr Tom Quirk, principal of Quirk Partners and former chairman of Virax Holdings.

The Australian Climate Science Coalition (ACSC) was launched this month at the third annual conference of the Australian Environment Foundation in Canberra. It will work closely with the International Climate Science Coaltion and is an affiliate of the Australian Environment Foundation (AEF), an organization chaired by former television personality, Don Burke. Mr Max Rheese is Executive Director of both the ACSC and the AEF.

More information about the Australian Climate Science Coalition, is at www.auscsc.org

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Further Education

Graduate Diploma in Drug Evaluation & Pharmaceutical Sciences: 2009

Graduate Diploma in Drug Evaluation & Pharmaceutical Sciences: 2009
University of Melbourne, Australia

Today’s potent drugs, combined with the complex issues of their production and use has created a growing need for evaluation of their safety and efficacy. For such evaluation, wide ranging expertise is required in the areas of Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Legal and Ethical Considerations. This diploma course gives a systematic overview of these areas and how they affect the very practical issues of drug evaluation and is aimed at Pharmacists, Research Nurses, Scientists, Medical Practitioners and others involved in regulatory affairs.

For more information please contact Ms Genevieve Mead Ph: +61 3 9496 3420, Fax: +61 3 9459 3510 or Email: glmead@unimelb.edu.au

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Positions Vacant

Manager, New Grain Products

MANAGER, NEW GRAIN PRODUCTS

• Creative & Innovative Role

• Deliver Commercial Benefits

Our client, positioned as part of the broader agrifood industry, is a global leader in linking science, technology and its adoption/commercialisation, with industry and community needs. Its research directions and investment programs operate along four lines of business with a strong emphasis on commercial return.

An exciting and challenging opportunity has now arisen in the New Products business unit. Identifying features of this group include a market-driven approach to managing investments and the attraction of international collaborators and co-investment by third parties.

As Manager, New Grain Products you will work at both the strategic and operational level with a focus on identifying and managing investment opportunities in Grain Quality Management; Food Safety; and New Food/Feed/Industrial Grain Products.

THE ROLE

• Scope and design investments, negotiate their implementation and prepare robust business cases to facilitate the commercialisation of new products

• Develop and implement strategies and structures to secure the involvement and co-investment of value-adding third parties

• Manage the development of new products from R&D, partner with other sectors of the value chain and establish the channels to deliver new products to stakeholders

• Maintain strong and ongoing relationships with Research Providers and key players in the commercial sector

THE REQUIREMENTS

• Experience in the food, agribusiness and/or science sector with the ability to work across a broad cross-section of industry players

• Creative and entrepreneurial attitude with a good understanding of commercial processes - finance, marketing, licensing and deal development

• Excellent negotiation and relationship building skills, ability to facilitate interaction and cooperation and proven project management experience

• Relevant tertiary qualifications, preferably in molecular biology – post-graduate training in business would be highly desirable

Our client aims to attract top talent who can take initiative and deliver results. Accordingly, an attractive remuneration package plus incentives are on offer. Like to know more?

Contact Stephen Penhall for an initial discussion or fax, mail or email your application, quoting Reference No MG09N06 to:

Stelle International Pty Ltd
PO Box 3871, Manuka ACT 2603

Telephone: (02) 6299 9221 / Fax: (02) 6299 9224
Email: Stephen@stelleinternational.com.au

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Postdoctoral Scientist/Associate Lecturer

Westmead Millennium Institute
Faculty of Medicine
Reference No. 140905

The Westmead Millennium Institute is one of the largest medical research institutes in Australia; pioneering innovative research into a wide range of important human disorders affecting both adults and children. A core component of the University’s Faculty of Medicine, the Institute boasts modern, cutting-edge technology and equipment, and is the second-most well-funded medical institute in Australia.

The Institute’s Centre for Heart Research is seeking an articulate and highly analytical Postdoctoral Scientist/Associate Lecturer. The appointee will plan and conduct research activities related to the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease, with a focus on arrhythmias in in vitro and animal models.

The appointee will be well-versed in molecular biology techniques, including DNA, RNA and protein based methods. Essential to this appointment is an expert understanding of tissue culture, including primary cell isolation. To enrich the knowledge bank of the Centre, the appointee will present research findings and journal articles as well as assist in the preparation of manuscripts and grant applications. Assisting with the supervision of graduate and honours students will also be key to this appointment.

To succeed, the successful candidate will possess a BSc (Hons) and a PhD in Biomedical Science. An understanding of OH&S, PC2 guidelines and the ability to ensure the care of animals will also be essential. Constantly adopting new and proven research techniques, the appointee will be prepared to stand as a respected figure in the field of cardiovascular disease research.

The position is full-time fixed term for 3 years, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees.

Remuneration package: $61,925 - $84,037 p.a. (which includes a base salary Associate Lecturer Level A $52,328 - $71,012 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

For more information and to apply, please visit http://positions.usyd.edu.au/researchjobs11  

Specific enquiries about the role can be directed to Eddy Kizana on (02) 9845 9602. General enquiries can be directed to Nichol Hildebrand on (02) 9036 7293.

Closing Date: 24 November 2008

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Executive Officer (Acting)

Executive Officer (Acting) 
12 month maternity leave contract
$72,000 - $82,000 + super

• Highly successful, binational, independent Intensive Care research group.
• Varied and challenging executive role with a strong research focus.
• Great location in Carlton with parking.

The Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group (CTG) is a world-class network of specialised researchers, clinicians and Intensive Care Units throughout Aust & NZ who collaborate to conduct multi-centre, investigator-initiated research. To date the CTG has attracted close to $30 million in competitive grant funding to support over 30 different studies, including the largest clinical trial ever conducted in Intensive Care.

We are currently seeking a highly motivated, dynamic and experienced Executive Officer (Acting) to fill a full time 12 month maternity leave contract to commence in December 2008.

The position provides high-level executive support to the CTG Executive Committee and is responsible for the operational management of the CTG including communications, membership, finance, policies and planning, research database and records maintenance, reporting, stakeholder liaison, scientific meetings and staff supervision.

If you have experience working at an executive or senior management level within an academic, health or research environment we'd love to hear from you!

Please note that while not guaranteed, continuation in role after 12 months at reduced hours may be offered.

* To be considered for the position applicants will need to provide a cover letter addressing each of the key selection criteria outlined in the position description available at www.anzics.com.au/ctg  

Applications close at 5pm, Friday 7th November.

For further information about the role please don't hesitate to contact:

Ms Rhiannon Elliott
Executive Officer
ANZICS Clinical Trials Group
+61 3 9340 3455
0407 941 260

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