News Alerts

Research Agency Charters released

Charters for each of the four Federal Government research agencies – CSIRO, ANSTO, AIMS and the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies – have been finalized and released, setting out the terms of research independence, the freedoms and responsibilities of each research agency, and the rights and obligations of researchers within the agencies in sharing knowledge and participating in public debate.

Under the previous Government some research was censored and many researchers did not feel free to take part in public debate.

Releasing the research charters, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, said they fulfilled his commitment to formalise the rights and obligations of researchers to engage in public research debates.

“If ideas are to be successfully applied, they must be debated in public. Robust debate on research issues is a sign of the health of Australia's innovation system,” he said.

The Charters, signed by the Minister and the chairs of the agency boards, entrench a set of General Principles as follows:

• Encouragement of open communication and dissemination of research findings
• Encouragement of debate on research issues of public interest
• Recognition of the role of researchers in such communication and debate
• The contestability of ideas 
• Independence and integrity of public research agencies in their research activities
• Government responsibility for policy formulation and implementation.

The texts of the Research Agency Charters are available at http://www.innovation.gov.au/ScienceAndResearch/Pages/ResearchAgencyCharters.aspx

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New DSTO advisory board formed

A new, independent science and technology advisory board has been formed to support the Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO).

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, said the DSTO Advisory Board will support the Chief Defence Scientist on strategic issues relating to the effective development and application of science and technology to Defence, and will play an important role in advocating DSTO with stakeholder communities.

It will advise on maintaining an appropriate balance between short term research to address immediate needs, and long range research to anticipate future requirements.

It will also provide guidance on DSTO’s national and international engagement as well as strategies to attract and retain staff.

The Board, which is being established as part of the White Paper process, will be chaired by Dr Allan Hawke, Chancellor of the Australian National University and former Secretary of the Department of Defence, and will include mix of academic, commercial, military and senior public sector experience.

Australia’s Chief Scientist Professor, Penny Sackett will sit on the Board, and Chief Defence Scientist Professor Robert Clark will be the ex-officio member.

Other members include:

• Professor Paul Greenfield, Vice Chancellor and President, University of Queensland.
• Mr Neil Edwards, Chief Executive, Chifley Business School and a former Secretary of the Victorian Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development.
• Lieutenant General David Hurley, Vice Chief of the Defence Force
• Mr Mike Pezzullo, Deputy Secretary

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New defence innovation extension program

A new Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Extension Program program has been announced for the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO).

The program is designed to fast-track successfully demonstrated projects for further capability development, building on the original CTD program which supports industry demonstration of new technology, showing Defence the potential performance and technical risk associated with its implementation.

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, said the Extension Program is the next step in the process to move successfully demonstrated CTD technologies towards operational capability for the Australian Defence Force. He said the government is investing $10 million a year over five years to progress successful CTD projects for further development.

CTD Extension Program will be managed by DSTO in consultation with the Defence Materiel Organisation and Defence’s Capability Development Group. Projects for the program are currently being short-listed from 33 successful CTD projects.

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DSTO alliance with University of Tasmania

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the University of Tasmania (UTas) have signed a new research alliance to undertake further studies in maritime engineering and hydrodynamics.

The alliance, involving DSTO and the Launceston-based Australian Maritime College (AMC), which was integrated within UTas last January, will continue to develop the research capability in hydrodynamics that has been applied over the past 20 years to projects including the Navy’s Collins Class Submarine, Landing Helicopter Dock amphibious ships (LHD), ANZAC Frigates and other Defence platforms.

The alliance between DSTO and the AMC has resulted in the design and commissioning of specialised equipment worth $5.2 million for the Australian Maritime Hydrodynamics Research Centre (AMHRC) at the College.

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Australia invests in non-lethal whale research

The Federal Government has allocated $6.15 million in 2008-09 for non-lethal whale research and conservation programs as part of its strategy to end 'scientific' whaling. The funding includes $4 million for whale research and scientific partnerships with other countries.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett said the funding will support the first phase of the Government's internationally endorsed reform program for the International Whaling Commission, directed at changing it to a conservation-focused organisation. 

The Australian led Southern Ocean Research Partnership is a ground-breaking new model for coordinated regional non-lethal whale research. This will be the first truly international, multidisciplinary research collaboration that will focus on improving the conservation of whales,” he said.

An invitation to join the partnership was extended to all IWC member nations at the June meeting and would be made again at the next meeting of the IWC Small Working Group in early December 2008.

Other elements of the anti-whaling funding package include:

• investments in the latest non-lethal research technology;
• the identification and development of whale-watching opportunities as an alternative to lethal uses of whales in regions such as the Pacific; and
• a comprehensive, independent assessment of the scientific credibility of Japan's so-called 'scientific' whaling program.

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CSIRO bushfire research facility launched

A new facility for research into bushfire has been launched at CSIRO.

The CSIRO Pyrotron is a 25-metre-long aluminium wind tunnel with a five-metre-long fuel bed and a viewing section for burning bushfire fuel such as grasses, forest litter and small logs. It will enable controlled experiments to investigate the behaviour of fire under a range of conditions.

CSIRO has conducted research into bushfires for more than 40 years, producing the fire danger rating system and, under Project Vesta, investigating the behaviour of high-intensity bushfires in dry eucalypt forests.

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Victorian regional industry development strategy released

The Victorian Government has released its $245 million new regional industry development strategy, Building Our Industries for the Future, which targets regional and rural Victoria manufacturing, service industries and exports, a plan to ensure benefits from major national programs and an increased commitment by the Victorian Government to buy local content.

The strategy is the latest stage of the Victorian Government’s economic development plan that has included Innovation: Victoria’s Future and Securing Jobs for Your Future, both released in August this year.

Major elements of the strategy include:

• A $122.7 million Manufacturing Action Plan to support Victoria’s manufacturing sector including a $50 million Industry Transition Fund to assist firms to move into emerging markets by investing in new technologies, developing skills and creating sustainability;
• A $97.2 million Services Action Plan to position the services sector to develop new global opportunities and keep adding value to the industry and manufacturing sectors; and
• A $24.8 million Global Markets Action Plan to assist Victorian firms develop and expand export markets and integrate into global supply chains through information and market intelligence, overseas project opportunities and export clusters.

The strategy also focuses on the creation of regional industry clusters, including:

• The Geelong ICT Cluster, which will leverage the presence of the Satyam Technology and Learning Centre, a partnership with Deakin University, to help grow innovative ICT businesses;
• The Latrobe Valley clean coal cluster backed by the $110 million ETIS II Carbon Capture and Storage initiative; and
• An energy cluster in south-west Victoria which will include gas and renewable energy sources such as wind and geothermal.

Other elements include:

• a $3.2 million expansion of the Industry Capability Network across regional Victoria to encourage participation by local businesses in major regional infrastructure projects; and
• a $15.9 million regional planning initiative to develop long-term regional and sub-regional plans.

Building Our Industries for the Future is available online at: www.business.vic.gov.au

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Queensland Clinical Research Fellowships launched

The Queensland Government has launched a $20 million clinical research fellowship scheme aimed at attracting elite clinical researchers to Queensland.

Six fellowships will be awarded each year, each worth up to $850,000 a year over five years. Fellowship recipients will be required to deliver clinical care as well as undertake research.

The fellowship scheme will be funded through the Smart State Health and Medical Research Program.

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New program to support South Australian cardiovascular research

The Heart Foundation and the South Australian government, through SA Health, are funding a $5 million, seven-year South Australian Cardiovascular Research Development Program (SACVRDP) to support research into the causes and treatment of strokes and heart and blood vessel diseases.

The SACVRDP will fund two categories of cardiovascular research awards - Development Grants and Research Fellowships.

Two Development Grants will be awarded for tenures of up to four years starting in 2010. These grants will help emerging research leaders to build a track record in research and collaboration.

Four Research Fellowships will also be awarded for tenure of up to three years, with the first two starting next year. The Fellowships will support outstanding early career researchers.

A Scientific Advisory Committee has been formed to help achieve the objectives of the SACVRDP and oversee the research work carried out.

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Positions Vacant

Research Analyst - Workplace Research Centre

Research Analyst
Workplace Research Centre
Faculty of Education and Business
Reference No. 144743

The Workplace Research Centre (WRC) is one of Australia's leading multi-disciplinary research and training organisations, and an authority on the changing nature of work. The WRC employs over 20 research and training staff who provide high-quality research and training and conduct conferences in all aspects of work and working life.

The WRC currently seeks a proactive quantitative Research Analyst whose primary responsibility will to work on an ARC project entitled ‘Australia at Work’ that is funded until the end of 2011. This project is a longitudinal survey that examines people's working lives in a continually changing industrial relations environment. More information about the project can be found at www.australiaatwork.org.au

As a professional who can work well autonomously and assimilate change, you will act as an understudy to the current project manager and build the skills and expertise necessary to manage the project from the end of 2009. You will have demonstrated experience in managing people, coordinating projects, statistical analysis and report writing. You will also be able to develop a wide range of research methods, techniques and solutions to be applied to specific research problems.

To succeed, you will have postgraduate qualifications or equivalent and research experience within the fields of Labour Studies, Industrial Relations or similar. Your ability to exercise judgment and initiative under broad direction will be essential, as will your high-level communication skills and proven capacity to write reports, conduct briefings and prepare presentations. Well developed computer skills and a proficiency in standard software applications and SPSS or other statistical software will be important.

This is an unparalleled opportunity to join a self-financed Centre engaged in commercially commissioned and grant-funded activities that actively raise the standard of public debate on issues such as working time, labour standards and skills policy in Australia.

This position is full-time fixed term for three years, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for new appointees.

Remuneration package: $88,465 - $105,052 p.a. (which includes a base salary Lecturer Level B $74,755 - $88,771 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/researchjobs15 Specific enquiries about the role can be directed to Nadine Caisley on (02) 9351 7866. General enquiries can be directed to Rebecca Astar on (02) 9036 7802.

Closing Date: 27 November 2008

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Executive Manager — Farming Practices

EXECUTIVE MANAGER – FARMING PRACTICES

• Grains Industry
• Senior Executive Appointment
• Career Opportunity

The Grains Research & Development Corporation (‘GRDC’) is one of the world’s leading grains research investment organisations. Its primary objective is to support effective competition by Australian grain growers in global grain markets, through enhanced profitability and sustainability. Its research directions and investment programs operate along four lines of business with a strong emphasis on commercial return.

We have been retained to identify a highly motivated executive to lead the Practices Business Group in the management of all aspects of GRDC’s investment in the “better practices, adopted faster” pathway, including developing new practices, validation & integration, and delivery.

THE ROLE

• Set the strategic direction, policy framework and business objectives of the group and recommend an investment strategy and annual R&D expenditure budget with clearly defined ‘pathways’ and ‘gateways’ for projects
• Manage, monitor and communicate performance of investments to ensure ‘buy in’ from research partners and national industry
• Ensure the delivery of research outcomes including their validation and adoption
• Build and manage strong relationships with stakeholders, customers and the broader agribusiness chain

THE REQUIREMENTS

• Proven experience in communication/extension activities and delivery channels together with sound knowledge of agricultural production systems – agronomy, IPM, soil and climatic issues
• Strong strategic thinking, ability to manage in a rapidly changing business environment and a clear customer focus
• Outstanding people relationship skills with the ability to influence, motivate and develop others
• Tertiary qualifications in science, agricultural science or equivalent – post-graduate credentials highly regarded

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

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Publications

Generating your own green energy supply — is it a viable solution? How feasible is going completely off grid for your household energy consumption? Find out in New Scientist.

Generating your own green energy supply – is it a viable solution? How feasible is going completely off grid for your household energy consumption? Find out in New Scientist.

An upcoming issue of New Scientist provides information on reducing your household energy consumption and explores the implications plus the benefits of generating home grown energy.
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