News Alerts

New fund to shore up venture capital investment

The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, has announced that a new Innovation Investment Follow-on Fund is to be established to make additional money available through venture capital fund managers to shore up investment in knowledge-intensive start-up companies.

Senator Carr said that the venture capital sector had warned that without additional support during the current financial crisis, companies with good prospects will fail and fund managers will have no capacity to invest in innovative new companies.

“These firms are being starved of critical capital through no fault of their own. If we lose them, we may never get them back. By supporting them, we will be supporting at least 1,000 science-based jobs,” Senator Carr said.

The Innovation Investment Follow-on Fund will be financed with around $83 million that will be sourced from funds returned to the Innovation Investment Fund when firms it supported were floated or sold.

Senator Carr said the Review of the National Innovation System had stressed the importance of a functioning venture capital market to the innovation process.

“The government will be providing a full response to the review as part of the budget process, but we are announcing this element now because the situation is so urgent,” he said.

AusIndustry will administer the Innovation Investment Follow-on Fund (IIFF), with an opening date to be advised. The Fund is described by AusIndustry as “a short term and temporary program to support existing investments made under the Innovation Investment Fund rounds 1 and 2, the Pre-Seed Fund, the Renewable Energy Equity Fund or the ICT Incubator program.”

More information is at http://www.ausindustry.gov.au/VentureCapital/InnovationInvestmentFollowonFund/Pages/InnovationInvestmentFollowonFund.aspx, or phone 132846 or email venturecapital@innovation.gov.au

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Call for submissions on IP system

The Federal Government has called for written submissions on proposed reforms to Australia’s intellectual property system.

The reforms being considered aim to reduce barriers for researchers and inventors, improve certainty about the validity of granted patents and allow patent claims to be resolved faster.

A consultation paper, entitled Getting the Balance Right: Toward a Stronger and More Efficient IP Rights System, has been released as the first of several papers setting out proposed improvements of the IP system as a vehicle to support innovation.

The paper points out that Australia’s patentability standards are currently set at a lower level than our trading partners, requiring lower standards for full description of inventions and for inventive steps. This allows the grant of broader patents and patents that may disclose less information about the inventions than is disclosed elsewhere.

“This reduces access to follow-on innovation for Australian innovators and the advantages that flow to Australian consumers from access to information about new technology and competition in the Australia marketplace.”

Furthermore, differences between the grounds that the Commissioner can consider and the gounds that may lead to revocation in the courts, and differences between the standards of proof against which patentability standards are assessed can reduce certainty in the validity of granted patents.

Proposals set out in the paper are directed at improving the balance in the patent system by:

• raising the thresholds set for grant of a patent in Australia and better aligning Australia’s key patentability standards with standards in countries which are our major trading partners; and 
•  improving the scope and stringency of examination to reduce inconsistencies and give greater certainty in the validity of granted patents.

A second paper, entitled Exemptions to Patent Infringement, sets out a proposal for a statutory exemption covering certain experimental activities.

The paper addresses concerns that growth in the number of patent applications and granted patent rights may be stifling research and development due to uncertainty among researchers and businesses as to where they have freedom to operate. The Patents Act 1990 does not contain a specific research or experimental use exception and it is unclear whether an experimental use exemption exists in Australia. Reports by the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) and the Australian Advisory Council on Intellectual Property (ACIP) have both recommended that the Patents Act be amended to include an explicit experimental use exemption.

A further issue involves use of the patented invention for the purpose of obtaining regulatory approval of a product during the term of the patent, so that the product may be used once the patent has ceased. Under Australian Law, such experimental use is only allowed on pharmaceutical patents. Currently provisions in other countries arguably provide foreign manufacturers with a competitive advantage over local industry as they are better placed to quickly enter the market once a patent has expired.

The closing date for submissions is Friday, 8 May 2009. The discussion papers are available at www.ipaustralia.gov.au

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NHMRC funding for pancreatic and ovarian cancer research

The National Health and Medical Research Council will provide $27.5 million over five years for research into pancreatic and ovarian cancer as its contribution towards the Interational Cancer Genomics Consortium (ICGC).

The ICGC, which draws together researchers in 24 countries, will help to coordinate current and future large-scale projects to understand the genomic changes involved in cancer. Countries in the ICGC will share information, allowing the comparison of different cancers. Australia will provide tissue samples and data to other countries participating in the ICGC. Participating countries include Canada, China, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States and some European nations.

Research programs funded under the NHMRC grant include a Brisbane-based team at the University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience which will partner with the Garvan Institute in Sydney and a Canadian team at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research to work on pancreatic cancer.

Research on ovarian cancer will be undertaken by the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne working in collaboration with the Institute of Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, NSW Cancer Council, Silicon Graphics, and Applied Biosystems, a division of Life Technologies Corporation.

The total funding for this research is $40 million, of which the NHMRC grant is a part. 

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

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Mining Technology Innovation Centre launched

The $14 million Mining Technology Innovation Centre in Mackay, Queensland, has been officially launched as part of the Federal Government’s Enterprise Connect program. The Centre will provide SME’s in the Australian mining, oil and gas technology and services industries with access to a range of services to encourage innovation and improve market performance.

Services include:

• free business reviews;
• access to matching grants of up to $20,000 to address areas identified by the reviews for improvement and growth,
• identification and application of research and technology,
• access to specialist facilities and advice to assist in turning innovative ideas into new products or to test products for new markets;
• Identification of markets for new technologies;
• assistance to become export ready, including through developing management and marketing skills; and
• Assistance in identifying sources of government support for the firm’s activities.

Further information on 131 791 or at www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au.

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Solar power industry fires up at UNSW

International supplier for the solar power industry, Germany’s Roth & Rau AG, has announced it will set up a silicon solar cell production line at the University of New South Wales.

The pilot line will be the backbone of the $20m Solar Industrial Research Facility (SIRF) at UNSW, the first solar research and development facility of its kind in Australia.

Head of the UNSW School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, Dr Richard Corkish, said the establishment of the SIRF, supported by the Australian Solar Institute, will represent a significant advance in the nation’s capabilities in silicon solar photovoltaic technology.

“For the first time Australia will have a world-class facility to industrialise and demonstrate its photovoltaics technologies and train engineers to provide better tools to battle global warming.”

UNSW received $5 million in Federal Government funding through the Australian Solar Institute towards the establishment of the SIRF.

The SIRF will be an industrial-grade manufacturing facility that will enable the development of UNSW’s silicon solar cell technologies from laboratory processes to factory-ready industrial processes.

This agreement represents Roth & Rau’s first operational presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

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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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Entries now open for the 2009 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes: 20 years of rewarding science

Entries now open for the 2009 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes: 20 years of rewarding science

The Australian Museum is now calling for entries and nominations for the 2009 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes, Australia’s most comprehensive science awards program rewarding excellence in the fields of Research & Innovation, Leadership, School Science, and Science Communication & Journalism.

The 2009 Research & Innovation Eureka Prizes include:

• Australian Biological Resources Study Eureka Prize for Early Career Species Discovery
• Australian Catholic University Eureka Prize for Research in Ethics
• Australian Research Council Eureka Prize for Excellence in Research by an Interdisciplinary Team
• Defence Science and Technology Organisation Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Support of Defence or National Security
• Land & Water Australia Professor Peter Cullen Eureka Prize for Water Research and Innovation
• NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change Eureka Prize for Innovative Solutions to Climate Change
• NSW Office of Science and Medical Research Jamie Callachor Eureka Prize for Medical Research into the Health Impacts of Climate Change
• Sherman Foundation Eureka Prize for Environmental Research
• University of New South Wales Eureka Prize for Scientific Research
• Voiceless Eureka Prize for Scientific Research that Contributes to Animal Protection

Entries close midnight AEST 1 May 2009

For a full listing of prizes and further details go to australianmuseum.net.au/eureka or email eureka@austmus.gov.au

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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.

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Positions Vacant

Epidemiologist — Perinatal Research

Epidemiologist – Perinatal Research
Kolling Institute, 2 positions
Reference No. 126468

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Epidemiologist with an interest in research and Perinatal Medicine to join one of Australia’s foremost institutes in a one or two-year research position.

Based at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital you will be responsible for preparing and analysing multiple linked perinatal population health datasets for a range of maternal and infant outcomes. This will see you managing a large volume of routinely collected data, organising and preparing data in a range of potential formats, merging linked datasets, conducting multivariate analyses and writing for academic publication.

The applicant will have tertiary qualifications in epidemiology, public health, statistics, biostatistics, or a research field with a substantial component of data analysis, and experience preparing and analysing datasets.

This role offers you the opportunity to be part of an expanding and enthusiastic research team in a supportive and stimulating environment, with the opportunity to further develop analytical research skills or pursue further studies for a higher research degree.

The position is full-time fixed-term for 1 or 2 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 Level 6: $71,196 - $76,788 p.a. (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 $75,153 - $81,873 pro rata (which includes a base salary $63,505 - $69,184 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

Level of appointment and responsibility will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. These appointments may also be available as Academic roles for the right candidates.

For more information and to apply, please click HERE.

Specific enquiries about the roles can be directed to Christine Roberts on (02) 9926 6289.

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

Please indicate in your application or cover letter, which level you would like to be considered for.

Closing Date: 11 April 2009

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Project Officer/Project Manager — Health Technology Assessment

Project Officer/Project Manager – Health Technology Assessment
NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre
Faculty of Medicine
Reference No. 151951

The NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre (CTC) is a leader in clinical trials research, coordinating and conducting multi-centre and multinational clinical trials and promoting evidence-based medicine in Australia. At the CTC, research staff put into practice multi-disciplinary approaches for cancer, cardiovascular and other trials and evidence-based medicine research.

There is an opportunity available for an experienced Project Officer or Project Manager to oversee the conduct and quality control of systematic reviews and health technology assessments within the CTC. There is one position available, to be appointed at the HEO 7 or HEO 8 level. This appointment may also be available at Academic B for the right candidate.

The role will ideally attract a senior level Project Manager who possesses team leadership abilities; however, applications from Project Officers with leadership ambitions are also encouraged.

If appointed at Project Officer level, you will take the next step in your career as you design and conduct Medicare Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) reviews of new and existing health technologies. You will also be responsible for developing and applying quality control standards, and managing and implementing plans and projects within the Systematic Reviews and Health Care Assessment team.

If appointed as Project Manager, you will have the scope to manage a team as you play a lead role in the way that the Clinical Trials Centre conducts systematic reviews. This role will see you manage contractual agreements with the Department of Health and Ageing and oversee projects and activities within the Systematic Reviews and Health Care Assessment team. Furthermore, you will design, conduct and ensure the quality control of MSAC reviews and other related projects.

To succeed at the Project Officer level (HEO 7), you will possess relevant experience and a degree in health science, allied health or similar field. An equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education and training will also be considered.

To succeed at the Project Manager level (HEO 8), you will possess relevant experience and postgraduate qualifications in epidemiology, public health, economic evaluation or similar. You will also be considered if you have relevant extensive experience that is complemented by progress towards postgraduate qualifications in one of these areas, or the equivalent in relevant experience, education and training.

A position may also be available at an Academic Level B for the right candidate. If you are interested in an Academic appointment please contact Luke Marinovich on (02) 9562 5036

This position is full-time, 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 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).

Remuneration package Level 8: up to $87,514 - $98,698 p.a. pro rata (which includes a base salary $73,951 - $83,401 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

For more information and to apply, please click HERE  

Specific enquiries about the role can be directed to Luke Marinovich on (02) 9562 5036.

General enquiries can be directed to the recruitment centre on (02) 9036 7800.

Closing Date: 3 April 2009

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Clinical Trials Manager

Clinical Trials Manager
Sydney Melanoma Unit
Faculty of Medicine
Reference No. 152257

The Sydney Melanoma Unit (SMU) is a world leader in both research and provision of integrated multidisciplinary care to Melanoma patients. Located in North Sydney, it is an integral part of the Faculty of Medicine’s Central Clinical School.

The SMU is currently seeking a proactive and confident Clinical Trials Manager to steer the direction of clinical trials within the SMU. This highly rewarding senior-level position will see you join us during a time of change and evolution, applying your initiative and expertise to the motivation of staff and our goal of finding a successful treatment for melanoma.

This role will see you involved in the day-to-day conduct of clinical trials, and will also include developing and implementing policies and procedures that will improve clinical trials at all sites of operation. In addition to managing the clinical trials team, your responsibilities will also extend to financial management, the allocation of resources and the maintenance of protocols and ethics.

You will provide leadership and financial management to the Clinical Trials group and team, as well as be responsible for motivating staff and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders. As such, it is important that you possess strong people management capabilities and highly-developed communication and interpersonal skills.

To succeed, you will be a Registered Nurse who has a solid clinical trials background and familiarity with funding bodies. Your employment history will demonstrate extensive experience managing diverse groups of staff within a pressured environment, and the ability to produce comprehensive reports and grant applications. Due to the nature of this position, the ability to occasionally travel to sites around NSW by car will be required.

The position is full-time fixed term for 12 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

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

Remuneration package Level 8: up to $87,514 - $98,698 p.a. pro rata (which includes a base salary $73,951 - $83,401 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

Remuneration package Level 9: up to $101,491 - $107,090 p.a. pro rata (which includes a base salary $85,761 - $90,492 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 Ms Nicola Groves on (02) 9911 7363.

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

Closing Date: 6 April 2009

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