News Alerts

ARC Centres of Excellence refunded

Australian Research Council (ARC) Chief Executive Officer, Professor Margaret Sheil, has announced that all 11 ARC Centres of Excellence funded from 2005 will receive additional funding totaling $82.25 million over three and a half years from July 2010.

In 2005, the ARC provided funding of $24.4 million, under the National Competitive Grants Program, to establish 11 ARC Centres of Excellence. In 2008, all 11 Centres were reviewed; taking into account their progress to date and their plans and strategies for the future should they receive an extension of ARC funding.

Professor Sheil said that the Centres had all shown significant progress and achievement. The eleven centres that will be refunded are:

• ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
• ARC Centre of Excellence in Structural and Functional Microbial Genomics
• ARC Centre of Excellence in Design in Light Metals
• ARC Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation
• ARC Centre of Excellence in Antimatter-Matter Studies
• ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science
• ARC Centre of Excellence in Coherent X-ray Science
• ARC Centre of Excellence for Free Radical Chemistry and Biotechnology 
• ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology
• ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits
• ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science

More information is at www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/ce/2005_coe_funding.htm

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Enterprise Connect funding for Creative Industries Innovation Centre

A $17 million Creative Industries Innovation Centre based at the University of Technology, Sydney has been announced as one of six Innovation Centres funded under the Australian Government's $271 million Enterprise Connect initiative.

The Centre will provide free assistance to small and medium businesses in the creative sector to boost their productivity and realise their potential for wealth and job creation.

Announcing the Centre, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett, said the centre will ‘bring together cultural entrepreneurs, practitioners and researchers to maximise the contribution of Australia’s creative industries to our economy and cultural life. Ongoing support will be provided through mentoring, networking opportunities and help with linking into local and global supply chains."

The centre will have a national focus on industries including design, publishing, writing, architecture, visual arts, television, radio, advertising, performing arts, music and interactive entertainment.

Services are provided Australia-wide through UTS' consortium partners, a national business adviser network and other Enterprise Connect centres.
Partners in the Creative Industries Innovation Centre consortium include:

• Business and technology: Frasers Property; Arup; Ernst & Young; Macquarie Bank; IBM Australian Development Laboratory; Ivany Investment Group; Neville Freeman Agency; DDB Worldwide Communications Group; SGS Economics and Planning; Australian Technology Park Innovations; Standards Australia; ABC Innovations and Sydney Olympic Park (SOPA).
• Partners with specific creative industries expertise: Australian Business Arts Foundation; Australian Network for Arts and Technology (ANAT); Australian Interactive Multimedia Industry Association (AIMIA); Powerhouse Museum; Object-Australian Centre for Craft and Design; and Workshop 3000.
• Universities: University of Sydney; Monash University; University of South Australia; University of Western Australia; University of Tasmania; University of Wollongong; University of Newcastle; and University of Canberra.

Each year the centre will provide up to 300 business reviews, 50 incubation services, and assist 2000 businesses through workshops, seminars and networking opportunities.

Enterprise Connect is a national network of manufacturing and innovation centres offering practical assistance to help firms become stronger by focusing on innovation, creativity and excellence. Other centres focus on sectors such as clean-energy, mining and remote enterprises. More information is at www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au.

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New SKA appointment announced

Professor Brian Boyle has been appointed Director of CSIRO Square Kilometre Array (SKA), a position that has been created within CSIRO to strengthen Australia's involvement in the international SKA radiotelescope project.

Australia is bidding to host the SKA project in Western Australia, in addition to its involvement through the $111 million Australian SKA Pathfinder project that the Government is funding through CSIRO.

Professor Boyle is currently the Director of the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF) and has played a central role in the SKA project and Australia's bid.

More information is at www.ska.gov.au.

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UWA joins the Worldwide Universities Network

The University of Western Australia has joined the Worldwide Universities Network, a group of 17 international universities which have agreed to carry out research and research training on a collaborative basis.

The acting CEO of the WUN, Louise Heery, and WUN coordinators from the universities of Bristol, Leeds and Sydney visited UWA this month to meet the Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson and other key staff.

UWA will encourage its researchers to benefit from the association with WUN by providing funding on a competitive basis to support staff and postgraduate students to initiate, expand and maintain collaborative research projects with Network partners.

WUN currently comprises the Universities of Alberta; Bergen; Bristol; California, San Diego; Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Leeds, Nanjing, Pennsylvania State; Sheffield; Southampton; Sydney; Utrecht; Washington, Seattle; Wisconsin, Madison; York; Zhejiang and the University of Western Australia.

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MOU for study of wave energy for desalination

The Department of Defence has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Carnegie Corporation to investigate the feasibility of using wave energy to generate electricity and desalinated water for HMAS Stirling at Garden Island in Western Australia.

Carnegie holds a research licence with the West Australian Department of Planning and Infrastructure to deploy monitoring equipment at a test site west of Garden Island to assess wave energy potential and trial its ocean wave energy technology.

The Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism, Martin Ferguson, said the Australian government was committed to Australia sourcing 20 per cent of its electricity supply by 2020.

“To achieve this goal, demonstration of new, renewable technologies is required on a commercial scale to help prove the technologies and attract further private sector investment,” he said.

"The MoU between Carnegie and the Department of Defence is a step in the right direction towards proving up the potential of new, renewable energy technologies such as wave power."

The government is providing $650 million through its Renewable Energy Fund and the Energy Innovation Fund to support the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies including solar, second generation biofuels, and geothermal energy.

Mr Ferguson announced recently that funding under the $435 million Renewable Energy Demonstration Program (REDP) will be brought forward to encourage continued investment in renewable technologies. The program aims to stimulate more than $1 billion worth of investment in renewable energy technology, with the private sector contributing at least $2 for every $1 provided by the program. Funding will be subject to competitive, merit-based processes. Applications for the first funding round will open shortly.

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Queensland medical research strategy released

The Queensland Government has released a $25 million Smart State medical research strategy which aims to attract medical researchers to Queensland and enhance the state’s health and medical research capabilities.

Entitled Research for a Healthier Future: 2020 Health and Medical Research and Development Strategy, the strategy includes $20 million for Queensland’s Senior Clinical Research Fellowships. The strategy will also establish a new Office of Health and Medical Research within Queensland Health., headed by Professor Robin Mortimer.

Announcing the strategy, the Health Minister Stephen Robertson said the role of the office will be to promote Queensland’s research capability and opportunities, supporting health professionals to undertake research, and facilitating collaborations between clinicians, academia and industry.

He said the strategy coincides with Queensland’s $6 billion hospital building program which includes expansions of the Princess Alexandra, Prince Charles, Rockhampton, Townsville, Mackay, and Cairns hospitals and the creation of three new tertiary hospitals.

“From a research and development point of view, the three new tertiary hospitals – the university hospitals at the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast and the new Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane - will catapult Queensland’s health system onto a much higher plain. These facilities will play vital strategic and operational roles in health and medical research in Queensland for years to come.”

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Funding for brain and spinal injury research

Funding of $19 million has been allocated to four research team s for research in brain and spinal cord injury through the Victorian Neurotrauma Initiative (VNI).
The research teams are headed by the following Lead Chief Investigators:

• Professor John Furness, The University of Melbourne, $4.9 million
  Autonomic dysfunction in spinal cord injury: a strategy for improved treatment and understanding of bowel, blood pressure and bladder disorders;
• Associate Professor Russell Gruen, The University of Melbourne, $4.4 million
  Improving evidence-based care and the outcomes of patients with traumatic brain injury through a program to facilitate knowledge transfer and exchange;
• Professor Mary Galea, The University of Melbourne, $4.7 million
  SCIPA (Spinal Cord Injury and Physical Activity): Intensive exercise from acute care to the community;
• Professor Robert Pierce, Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Health, $4.9 million
  Optimising Sleep in quadriplegia: mechanisms and management.

The projects will involve collaboration with research teams from universities and hospitals across Australia and in the United Kingdom and Canada.
The VNI is a $63 million research fund that was established as an incorporated company in 2005 with funding from the Transport Accident Commission and the Victorian Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development. More information is at www.vni.com.au

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Announcements

10th Anniversary of the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science: Call for Nominations CLOSING SOON

We are seeking nominations for Australia's most prestigious science and science teaching awards:

• The Prime Minister's Prize for Science ($300,000 + gold medallion)
• The Science Minister's Prize for Life Scientist of the Year ($50,000 + silver medallion)
• The Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year ($50,000 + silver medallion)
• The Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools ($50,000 + silver medallion)
• The Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools ($50,000 + silver medallion)

Nominations are open until 5.00 pm AEST, Friday 8 May 2009

Nomination Guidelines and online nominations are available HERE.

Contact: Science Prizes Secretariat, Department of Innovation, Industry, Science & Research on (02) 6276 1264 or email pmprize@innovation.gov.au

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Call for Applications: World Metrology Day Awards

World Metrology Day Awards

In recognition of World Metrology Day, which occurs on 20 May each year, the National Measurement Institute (NMI) is launching two awards for outstanding achievement in measurement. The Barry Inglis Medal will be awarded for major contributions to measurement science and technology through leadership or outstanding innovation. The NMI Prize will be awarded to young Australians who have shown originality or excellence in the application of measurement techniques.

NMI is responsible for Australia's national infrastructure in physical, chemical, biological and legal measurements. NMI establishes, maintains and realises Australia’s units and standards of measurement, thereby allowing Australian industry to operate competitively in a global environment.

The recipients of the awards will be announced on World Metrology Day 2009, with the awards ceremony held in mid-2009.

Closing date for applications: 31 March 2009.

For further information, contact yen.heng@measurement.gov.au.

Intending applicants should refer to the information package available from NMI’s website at www.measurement.gov.au/worldmetrologyday.

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Call for Proposals: Australia-China Special Fund for Scientific and Technological Cooperation

Australia-China Special Fund for Scientific and Technological Cooperation
Call for proposals 2009

The Australian Government and the Government of the People’s Republic of China jointly manage the Australia-China Special Fund for Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The Fund is designed to promote and support scientific and technological cooperation between Australian and Chinese researchers in both public and private sectors.
The Fund will provide financial assistance, on a competitive basis, for participation in international collaborative scientific and research projects.

The 2009 Australian call for proposals will open on Monday 2 March 2009 and will close on Friday 15 April 2009.

How to Apply
Applications must be for funding for collaboration between Australian and Chinese partners.

Each partner must submit an application to their respective Government (Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research for the Australian applicants, Ministry of Science and Technology or the National Natural Science Foundation of China for the Chinese applicants).

Australian applicants should refer to the Australia-China Special Fund Guidelines and other program information available at https://grants.innovation.gov.au/ISL/Pages/Home.aspx, before commencing their application.

Further Information
Australian applicants requiring more information can direct questions by email to: isl@innovation.gov.au

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Further Education

NICTA short courses for Scientists and Engineers

SHORT COURSES FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS

NICTA Short Courses program www.nicta.com.au/short_courses provides high end training for researchers, scientists and engineers.

Fundamentals of RF System Design and Simulation by Dr Rowan Gilmore, University of Queensland.
Date:        March 19-20
Venue:     Technology Park Adelaide, South Australia

Topics include:

• Introduction to radio systems and digital communications
• Characterisation and measurement of receivers
• Characterisation and measurement of transmitters
• Simulation of a dual-band Superhet radio receiver
• System considerations for amplifiers, mixers and oscillators.

See website here

Synchronisation and Interconnect in Multi-Clock Domain Systems-on-Chips by Professor Ran Ginosar, Technion, Israel
Date:        27-29 July 2009
Venue:     Holiday Inn, Potts Point, NSW

Topics include:

• Clocking in digital chips
• Required theoretical basics
• Synchronisation problems
• SoC/ASIC and FPGA
• Review of voltage domains, power gating, voltage scaling and their effect on clock domains and synchronisation.

See website here

For enquiries about customised in-house courses contact:

NICTA Industry Education
Phone: +618 8 302 3928
Email: industryeducation@nicta.com.au

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Specialist Certificate in Clinical Research (Biomedical Research Management)

Specialist Certificate in Clinical Research (Biomedical Research Management)

Success in biomedical research depends on outstanding research management capabilities. And that's something you can learn!

The Biomedical Research Manager needs to be able to lead, coordinate and manage the activities of experts from all the relevant technical, commercial and clinical disciplines, along with the stakeholders in a project – without losing their focus on the operational activities and strategic objectives. Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• Understand and be conversant with the major activities involved in planning biomedical research projects from start to finish
• Understand and be able to develop strategies to manage biomedical research projects
• Understand the nuances, rationales, politics, risks and benefits of dealing with a variety of project stakeholders
• Understand the need to comply with regulatory requirements, the processes to fulfil this and be able to identify potential regulatory and legal pitfalls
• Be able to prepare and operate a budget for biomedical research projects and adapt the budget to changing circumstances
• Understand what is required to develop a project plan for the commercial development of the outcomes of clinical research

Who Should Attend
Designed for professionals involved in biomedical research, this course provides development opportunities for those who wish to advance their career or move into a career in biomedical research management. For organisations it provides the opportunity to provide training that will help meet regulatory requirements, improve investment and risk management and develop staff to increase success rates and maximise economic return. For individuals it provides the opportunity for career development, to acquire the skills and tools to improve personal effectiveness and performance and to increase job satisfaction and success.

Dates
Part 1 - September 7, 8, 9 & 10 2009
Part 2 - October 12, 13, 14 & 16 2009

Cost
$4,200 per person
(GST is added for non award course attendants)

To register contact Elise Strande on (03) 9810 3136 or email e.strande@mccp.unimelb.edu.au.

Further information can also be found on our website.

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KCA (Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia) Masterclass 2009

KNOWLEDGE COMMERCIALISATION AUSTRALASIA

THE UNIVERSITY CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA, PERTH, 16-17 MARCH 2009

Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia (KCA) invites you to attend the 2009 KCA Masterclass “Regional Economic Development through effective University knowledge Transfer” on 16th & 17th March, 2009 at The University Club of Western Australia in Perth.

Universities have a pivotal role to play in the nation’s innovation cycle through the effective transfer of knowledge and technology to the private sector and the provision of high quality graduates.

This KCA Masterclass will explore how regional and federal government strategies working in concert with universities can make an impact on local economic development.

US, UK, and local speakers will address various aspects of this theme which is a crucial one for Australia’s national competitiveness in today’s global knowledge economy.

The international speakers include:

• Mr Richard Seline, CEO and Principal, New Economy Strategies, LLC, USA
• Mr Lawrence Gilbert, Senior Director, Technology Licensing Office California Institute of Technology, USA
• Dr Phil Clare, Associate Director Research Services, University of Oxford, UK

Download the program and registration form or visit www.kca.asn.au for more information.

All enquiries should be directed to Sarah Stephens, KCA Executive Secretary on 08 6488 7172 or sarah.stephens@uwa.edu.au

The 2009 KCA Masterclass is sponsored by:
Department of Commerce – Gold Sponsor
Griffith Hack – Silver Sponsor
Curtin University of Technology – Bronze Sponsor
Edith Cowan University – Bronze Sponsor
Murdoch University – Bronze Sponsor
The University of Western Australia – Bronze Sponsor

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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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Positions Vacant

Research Officer - Psycho-Oncology

Research Officer - Psycho-Oncology
Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making
Central Clinical School
Reference No. 149612

A motivated, enthusiastic Research Officer is required to coordinate the Australasian participation in a multi-national clinical trial investigating the impact of physical activity on cancer. This project is part of the Cancer Survivorship Research Programme of Dr Janette Vardy, who will oversee the conduct and progress of the research program. The Research Officer will also provide assistance with other studies and administrative support as required.

The position will be based in the Central Clinical School as a component of the Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making (CeMPED). CeMPED is a newly established, cross-Faculty/disciplinary University of Sydney Research Centre, currently employing over 40 staff. CeMPED’s mission is to support excellent research across the interface of Psychology, Medicine and Public Health to answer questions about: the behavioural factors which promote good health and prevent disease; ways to enhance the psychosocial adjustment of patients and carers; ways to increase use of evidence in health care decision making; and ways to support patients to be more involved in their own health care. CeMPED’s research strengths lie in three themes: doctor-patient communication; evidence-based, shared decision making; and Psycho-Oncology. With particular expertise in cancer care, CeMPED’s members have over 20 years of experience in this field.

This challenging and rewarding role will involve coordination and administrative support to the project leader, direct patient contact, recruitment, follow-up, and assistance with: the development of study materials, submission of ethics applications and maintenance of project files, records and databases. Due to the nature of this work, attention to detail and high-level organisational skills are essential.

This role requires a confident communicator with exceptional interpersonal skills, who will liaise with researchers, health professionals, collaborating stakeholders as well as cancer patients. The successful candidate will need to be able to interact with a diverse range of people, and work well both autonomously and as part of a team.

A degree in Psychology, Nursing, Health Sciences, Exercise Physiology, Physiotherapy or equivalent, and experience in conducting clinical research projects is essential. Knowledge of, or experience in, psycho-oncology or behavioural change research or facilitating support groups or rehabilitation groups will be highly advantageous.

The position is full-time or part-time for a fixed term of 12 months, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees.

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

Remuneration package Level 6: up to $71,196 - $76,788 p.a. pro rata (which includes a base salary $60,161 - $64,887 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

Remuneration package Level 7: up to $78,188 - $85,181 p.a. pro rata (which includes a base salary $66,070 - $71,979 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

For more information and to apply, please visit HERE.

Specific enquiries about the role can be directed to Haryana Dhillon on (02) 9036 5392. General enquiries can be directed to Cherie Goodwin on (02) 9036 7107.

Closing Date: 18 February 2009

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Project Manager - Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia Brain Bank

Project Manager
Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia Brain Bank
Central Clinical School
Faculty of Medicine
The University of Sydney
Reference No. 125193

The Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia Brain Bank (MSRABB) has been established by Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia (MSRA) with funding from MSRA and the NSW State Government’s Office of Science and Medical Research in partnership with the Australian Brain Bank Network. This organisation aims to provide high quality post-mortem tissue for scientists seeking to better understand the causes of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

The MSRABB currently seeks to appoint a passionate and dynamic Project Manager to facilitate the recruitment of donors, retrieval of post-mortem brain tissue and to undertake the characterisation of post-mortem MS brain tissue. Suited to a research scientist at graduate or postdoctoral level who desires a high level of interaction with the community, this role offers collaboration with world renowned researchers and the chance to develop combined skills in research, presentation and management.

The appointee will be accountable to the Director of the MSRA Brain Bank, Professor Simon Hawke and will undergo training in lesion classification from Professor John Prineas and Dr Michael Barnett, acknowledged world experts in the Neuropathology of Multiple Sclerosis. The appointee will be responsible for ensuring a steady stream of post-mortem tissue from MS donors, presenting at meetings, interfacing with people with MS, and liaising with a broad range of stakeholders. As such, the successful applicant must possess a high degree of sensitivity relating to the needs of people with MS and their families, exceptional communication skills and the ability to work after hours and on call. The appointee will have secretarial and technical support.

To succeed, the appointee will possess a completed or nearly completed PhD in Neuroscience, Neuropathology, Immunology or a related discipline, experience in managing budgets, and the ability to write reports and work towards performance targets. Experience with tissue processing and immunohistochemistry will be highly regarded.

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

Remuneration package: $75,249 - $80,774 (which includes a base salary Level A $63,586 - $68,255 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

For more information and to apply, please visit HERE

Specific enquiries about the role can be directed to Professor Simon Hawke on (02) 9351 0846.

General enquiries can be directed to Nichol Hildebrand on (02) 9036 7293.

Closing Date: 8 March 2009

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