News Alerts

Minister outlines university research future

The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, has outlined plans to improve funding for university research and double the level of collaboration between Australian businesses, universities and publicly funded research agencies.

Speaking at the Australian Financial Review Higher Education Caonference in Sydney, Senator Carr said that the Government had recognized the extent of the funding gap faced by university research, and stated that the government aimed to “progressively address the gap in funding for the indirect costs of research, subject to the capacity of future budgets.”

“Our aim is to put university research on a sustainable footing and ensure that the community gets the highest possible dividend on its investment in research projects."

Senator Carr said that in return, the Government will expect universities to provide improved data on research costs through activity-based reporting, and to meet specific performance targets that will be developed in consultation with the sector.

Each university will negotiate a compact with the Government defining its particular mission, and describing how it will fulfil that mission and how it will meet the Government’s public policy objectives.

Funding mechanisms and compacts will be used to encourage ‘hubs and spokes’ arrangements that support collaboration between universities, build on research strengths, reduce research duplication and fragmentation, and concentrate resources to develop critical mass in areas of excellence and strategic importance.

Senator Carr said the ‘hubs and spokes’ arrangements would help younger universities and regional universities increase their research intensity by giving them access to facilities and experts across the country.

He said the reform would not be imposed from the top down.

“The Commonwealth will facilitate hook-ups where it can, and may actively encourage partnerships in areas of strategic importance. For the most part, however, we expect university departments and research centres to identify and negotiate their own alliances."

Senator Carr said that more needed to be done to increase collaboration between universities and industry, to meet the government’s target of a 25 percent increase in the proportion of Australian businesses engaging in innovation over the next decade. This would include significantly increasing the number of students completing higher degrees by research over the next decade, and the government will be developing a research workforce strategy for the period to 2020 to meet expected shortfalls in research-qualified university staff. He said the government also recognized that support for Australian Postgraduate Award holders needed to increase to enable students to maintain a reasonable standard of living, and would ‘act on this as budget circumstances permit’.

[ top ]

National marine research and innovation strategy released

A new strategy for marine research and innovation has been released, setting out a nationally coordinated approach to the sector for the first time.

The document, A Marine Nation: National Framework for Marine Research and Innovation, has been prepared by consultants on behalf of the Australian Government’s Oceans Policy Science Advisory Group.

The Framework paper identifies the research, development and innovation required by government, industry and the community to maximise the potential benefits from Australia’s marine resources. It advocates a renewed national effort in marine science through nationally coordinated research involving all marine science providers and users.

Key issues raised include:

• Improved engagement between industry and marine research and innovation providers;
• Shortage of skilled scientists and technologists, compounded by lack of career pathways for early career researchers;
• Better coordination, linkages and investment in education and training in marine science, technology and innovation to meet current and future demand for qualified marine scientists and technologists, and redress the massive taxonomic knowledge gap in Australia;
• The need for new investment in research and innovation infrastructure, particularly in national research vessel capability; novel technologies and remote sensing; ocean and coastal monitoring; integrated ocean observations; and improved data management and access;
• The need for a national steering committee for marine research and innovation with responsibility for further developing and implementing the National Framework for Marine Research and Innovation, and for providing a high level interface with industry, managers and policy-makers; and
• the suggestion that the Australian Government, jointly with States and Territories, consider mechanisms for providing a national, comprehensive and inclusive policy interface for interaction with the national steering committee for marine research and innovation, and to provide high-level focus and direction for its coasts and ocean domain.
  
  The strategy is available at www.opsag.org

[ top ]

Researchers in Business program announced

The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, has announced a new $10 million Researchers in Business Program that will place researchers in small and medium-sized businesses for two to twelve months.

The scheme will provide $50,000 per business to employ researchers from universities or public research agencies.

Two agencies, the Australian Institute for Commercialisation (AIC) and CSIRO, will adct as Linkage Service Suppliers will facilitate projects, working with Enterprise Connect Business advisers and eligible businesses to identify relevant expertise; facilities and technologies within research organizations; help businesses assess and select the best source of expertise to meet their needs; facilitate commercial relationships between businesses and potential research organization partners; and provide advice on accessing available funding.

Researchers in Business is one part of the Australian Government's $271 million investment in business growth through the Enterprise Connect network.

More information is at www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au

[ top ]

Institute for Innovative Materials launched

The Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, based at the University of Wollongong, has been officially launched. The Institute conducts research into advanced technologies under two research groups:

• the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, led by Professor Wallace, and
• the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials, led by Professor Dou.

It will work closely with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, which is also headquartered in the same building.

The University of Wollongong also co-hosts the Materials Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, which supports the production of nano materials and the fabrication of high-tech films and devices.

[ top ]

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

[ top ]

Grants for international travel - International Science Linkages — Science Academies Program

     

Grants for international travel
International Science Linkages – Science Academies Program

The Australian Academy of Science is inviting applications from professional scientists to visit Europe, North America (Canada, USA and Mexico) and North East Asia (China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan) between 1 January and 31 December 2010 to collaborate with researchers in those countries.

Proposals in any field of natural science, basic and applied, including mathematics and engineering science, will be considered.

Applicants must propose a collaborative research project, or a specific activity, which has been developed in consultation with host scientists. Under this scheme applicants can request travel support to access international leading-edge small to medium research facilities and equipment.

Support will not be provided for costs associated with the use of these facilities or when the purpose if the visit is to attend a conference. The duration of the visits must be between 14 and 40 days.

This project is supported by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research’s International Science Linkages – Science Academies Program.

Information, deadlines and application forms are available on the web site: http://www.science.org.au/internat/programs.htm

[ top ]

Conferences & Events

LESANZ 2009 Annual Conference

Making a difference through innovation: LESANZ 2009 Annual Conference

The Licensing Executives Society of Australia and New Zealand (LESANZ) is holding its 2009 Annual Conference in Canberra this year titled “Creating and Driving Impact”. The conference will highlight the tools and skills necessary for successful innovation and demonstrate the importance of innovation in the continual improvement of business, the economy and our social landscape.

The conference program will bring together thought leaders from around the world on intellectual property (IP), entrepreneurship and commercialisation. Speakers will address a range of areas relevant to IP and innovation including: differing models of technology transfer from around the world; the impact of social entrepreneurship; indigenous commercialisation; the skills necessary for successful negotiation; how to address IP conflict and ways to attract venture capital funding.

The conference will also provide a series of practical and targeted professional development workshops on topics such as pitching your innovation, biotechnology licensing, IP intelligence and international patent enforcement.

The conference will attract management and business personnel, R&D and innovation directors and managers and government policy advisors looking to learn more about the tools and skills necessary to support change and achieve successful innovation as well as professionals such as lawyers, accountants, management consultants and would-be entrepreneurs interested in the commercialisation of innovation and IP investment.

Chief Justice Robert French of the High Court of Australia will be present his key note address to the conference and will be joined by other key note speakers including: James Malackwoski, CEO Ocean Tomo; Ramesh Mashelkar, Chairman Global Research Alliance and Adam Liberman , President LES International, General Counsel and General Manager Intellectual Property CSIRO.

To register to attend the event or for the full program and further details, visit: http://lesanz.org.au/events/annualconference.html

[ top ]

Further Education

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.

[ top ]

Innovation Leadership from UQ Business School - Two for one offer!

Course Overview

Innovation is a fundamental source of competitive advantage in business and is critical to organisations of all sizes and sectors. It changes our thinking and products, is a dynamic, complex and open process, and involves many players and parts of an organisation. Managing innovation requires a sound understanding of the nature of the innovation process, which has changed radically over recent years.

This course equips managers with the skills necessary to lead innovation for sustainable competitive advantage. The course is based on international best practice and presents an integrated framework to help managers lead innovation within their organisations. Participants will meet with leading innovation industrialists who reveal cutting–edge practice in innovation strategy, development and implementation.

Key benefits
Following the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the critical strategic importance of innovation for all organisations
• Demonstrate awareness of the strategic and operational managerial frameworks and tools necessary for innovation leadership
• Develop their innovation leadership capabilities, assess their own workplaces, analyse current problems, and identify possibilities for development
• Measure and assess the real returns of innovation leadership
• Engage with leading experts who provide rapid exposure to new ideas, perspectives and ways of thinking about innovation leadership

Who should attend
Senior professionals involved in innovation leadership, line managers with staff responsibilities and general managers who are looking to develop their innovative capabilities.

Where and when
Central Plaza 1, 345 Queen Street, Brisbane, 30th March – 3rd April 2009.

Investment
$4,400* Fee includes tuition, course materials, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea each day and a formal dinner on Thursday evening.

R&D Info readers can send two attendees for the price of one - $4,400*

*Please note, GST does not apply to Corporate Education courses.

Further information
Register online or download the Registration Form from the UQBS Corporate Education website: www.business.uq.edu.au/corporate-education

For further information contact UQBS Corporate Education, telephone (07) 3346 7111 or email corped@business.uq.edu.au

[ top ]

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 

[ top ]

Positions Vacant

Project Manager, Fisheries Research

PROJECT MANAGER, Fisheries Research

• Scientific & Administrative Skills
• Wide Ranging Functions
• Attractive Remuneration

The Fisheries Research & Development Corporation ('FRDC') is widely recognised as the leading Australian agency concerned with planning, investing in, and managing fisheries R&D. The Corporation invests strategically across Australia to benefit the three sectors of the fishing industry – commercial (wild catch and aquaculture), recreational and indigenous. Total investment in projects under FRDC management is approximately $64 million per annum in an industry ranked fourth largest in Australia's food sector.

As Project Manager, you will be responsible for actively managing successful projects to ensure that the delivery of research outcomes is aligned to priorities and is delivered on time and on budget. In addition, you will identify and communicate research priorities and ensure that applications for research meet those priorities.

You will be challenged by the need to effectively work across an array of programs and projects within a diverse industry and maintain a current awareness of issues and close network of contacts on a national basis.

THE ROLE

• Engage with stakeholders in establishing R&D priorities, consider R&D proposals and asses final project applications against FRDC’s strategic priorities
• Manage projects (development, evaluation, budgets, milestones, revisions, progress, slippage and final reports) to ensure that R&D activities return the desired benefits
• Progress and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, research agencies and other interested parties
• Contribute to the development and establishment of the corporation’s Strategic Plan and Annual Operational Plan
• Engage with the FRDC Communication Team, as well as external media, to identify opportunities to disseminate relevant information arising from research projects

THE REQUIREMENTS

• Experience in the planning, development and management of projects in an R&D environment or research administration
• Excellent administrative, analytical and problem solving capabilities coupled with computer skills (Microsoft suite of programs and database management)
• Very good organisational skills and flexibility with regards to duties being performed
• An understanding of Total Quality Management systems and processes would be highly regarded
• Strong team player who can facilitate interaction and cooperation and build lasting relationships both internally and externally to the organisation
• Tertiary qualifications in science or natural resource management with good knowledge of Australia’s fishing industry and/or marine environment

This position is well suited to a creative and innovative individual who has the ability to generate novel and valuable ideas.

Contact Stephen Penhall in confidence or fax, mail or email your application, quoting Reference No PF09S11 to:

Stelle International Pty Ltd
PO Box 3871 Manuka, ACT Australia
Phone: (02) 6299 9221 / Fax: (02) 6299 9224
Email: Stephen@stelleinternational.com.au

[ top ]

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Medicinal Chemistry

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Medicinal Chemistry
Faculty of Pharmacy
The University of Sydney
Reference No. 151722

The Faculty of Pharmacy is the leading pharmacy research centre in Australia. It covers a broad spectrum of pharmaceutical and clinical sciences, and boasts an international reputation for excellence in pharmaceutical research and education.

A vacancy exists in the Faculty of Pharmacy for a synthetic organic/medicinal chemist to work on a project involving the design and synthesis of novel agents for the treatment of cancer — through the use of molecular modeling to design specific inhibitors of a range of enzymes/receptors involved in cancer metastasis, and the synthesis and characterisation of hit compounds.

The successful applicant will have completed their PhD in synthetic organic/medicinal chemistry. They will also have expertise in the characterisation of organic compounds by elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques, and will preferably be familiar with computer-aided drug design.

The position is full-time fixed term for two years, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees. Visa sponsorship will be provided.

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/researchjobs30

Specific enquiries about the role can be directed to Dai Hibbs via email, at davidh@pharm.usyd.edu.au

General enquiries and be directed to Julie Small on (02) 9036 7870.

Closing Date: 1 April 2009

[ top ]

Postdoctoral Research Associate — Leukaemia

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Leukaemia
Leukaemia Cell Biology Group
Westmead Millennium Institute
Faculty of Medicine
The University of Sydney
Reference No. 152083

A core component of the Faculty of Medicine, the Westmead Millenium Institute boasts modern, cutting edge technology, and is the largest and second-most well-funded medical institute in Australia. The Institute's Cancer Research group aims to conduct research into molecular and cellular basis of human cancer and leukaemia to improve the prevention, treatment and cure of these devastating diseases.

The Leukaemia Cell Biology group is investigating acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) the most common childhood cancer. There is an opportunity currently available for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Level A) to assist in research activities in the Leukaemia Cell Biology Laboratory including assistance with animal models of leukaemia and stem cell biology.

Highly organised and able to work well independently, you will manage the breeding of transgenic mouse strains, design and perform animal-based experiments, maintain laboratory notebooks and help to maintain a safe working environment. Calling on your strong verbal and written communication skills, you will present laboratory research data and journal articles in meetings and journal clubs and assist in the preparation of manuscripts for publication and grant applications.

To succeed, you will have a BSc (Hons) with a PhD in medicine or biological sciences, coupled with small animal handling skills and a working knowledge of molecular biology, tissue culture and protein chemistry techniques. Experience with small animal models, including handling immunodeficient animals and techniques such as tail vein injections and minor surgery will be required. You will also need a proven record of presenting research results at conferences and refereed journals, and a proven capacity to work well within a team. A background in haematology or cancer research, including experience with leukaemia models using NOD/SCID mice or murine haematopoietic stem cell transplantation will be highly advantageous.

The position is full-time fixed term for 18 months, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees. There is the possibility of further offers of employment, subject to funding and need.

Remuneration package: up to $78,289 - $84,037 pro rata (which includes a base salary Academic Level A $66,155 - $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/researchjobs31

Enquiries about the recruitment process can be directed to Taya Solodin on (02) 9036 6525.

Closing Date: 29 March 2009

[ top ]