News Alerts

National framework to guide innovation initiatives

The Federal, State and Territory governments have reached agreement on the adoption of a Framework of Principles for Innovation Initiatives that will guide policy and improve consistency in the range of innovation initiatives.

The Framework was recommended in the Venturous Australia report of the 2008 Review of the National Innovation System, and the Commonwealth State and Territory Advisory Council on Innovation (CSTACI), a body set up in 2000 to advise on the enhancement of innovative activity across Australia, will be responsible for getting it adopted and implemented.

The aim will be to ensure that the current and future suite of programs that support innovative activity meet industry needs, and reduce overlap and duplication of initiatives.

Federal, State and Territory governments have also agreed to the development of a National Science Communication Strategy which will aim to increase the public profile of Australian scientific achievements through a coordinated approach to communications.

The proposal for a National Science Communication Strategy we considered and reported on by a Steering Committee of the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science and Research, comprising the Deputy Secretary, the Chief Scientist, the Chief Executive of CSIRO, the Director of Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, and a representative of The ABC, together with supporting officers.

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Synchrotron Science Advisory Committee members resign

Conflict between the board of the Australian Synchrotron and members of its Science Advisory Committee has led to the resignation of the chairman of the Committee, Professor Frank Larkins, and committee member, Protessor Peter Lay. There is speculation that another five of the nine-member committee of nine could resign in the near future.

Increasing tensions within between the board and the committee became public when the Director of the Synchrotron, Professor Robert Lamb, was dismissed by the board without explanation in October. The committee subsequently wrote to both Federal and State governments, threatening to resign if the board, chaired by Catherine Walter, was not sacked.

According to an interview last night with Professor Larkins on the ABC’s 7.30 Report , Ms Walter had refused to speak with the Committee or to resign. Professor Larkins said the rift between the board and the committee went well beyond the sacking of Professor Lamb.

“The view of the scientific community was that [there was] a lot of concentration on the corporate, but in fact the plans were not there and the science advisory committee was not listened to in terms of creating that - what I would term the science culture so that we can take our place internationally as one of the best Synchrotrons in the world. ... It is ultimately the chair that has to accept the responsibility for what is now a very unsatisfactory and quite untenable situation,” Professor Larkins said.

The full transcript of the interview with Professor Larkins is at http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2009/s2766970.htm

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Health Innovations Research Institute launched

A new Health Innovations Research Institute (HIRi) has been launched at the Bundoora campus of RMIT in Victoria.

The Institute, headed by Director, Professor David Adams, will bring together researchers from a wide range of fields, including applied physics, biotechnology, nanotechnology and exercise metabolism.

The Institute’s research programs involve more than 100 researchers and collaborators working under four themes: metabolism, exercise and disease; electromagnetism and biophysical modulators; traditional and complementary medicine; and, ion channels and transporters as therapeutic targets.

Outreach initiatives with the wider community will include public lectures, tours, “discover science” workshops as well as professional development courses for teachers and health professionals.

More information is available here.

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CSIRO launches GPU computer cluster

A new GPU (Graphics Processing Units) computer cluster has been launched by CSIRO, offering a new level of data processing capacity that has not previously been available to CSIRO researchers.

The cluster will allow CSIRO scientists to explore what may be the next generation approach to supercomputing, the use of GPU technology for parallel processing.The first of its kind in Australia, the cluster contains 61,440 computer cores and combines Central Processing Units (CPUs) like those in PCs with more powerful Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to make it more efficient.

CSIRO Computational and Simulation Science leader Dr John Taylor said that GPUs, initially designed to render 3D scenes in computer games, speed up data processing by allowing a computer to massively multi-task through parallel processing.

“They can tackle big science challenges – processing petabytes of data and more, very quickly. Speeds of 30 to 70 times faster than CPUs are common.”
Per unit of processing power, a GPU cluster is typically less expensive and more energy efficient than a CPU-based supercomputer, and their use to analyse complex research data is becoming more common worldwide.

CSIRO scientists will use the cluster in many fields of research including advanced materials, cloud computing, data and visualisation tools and genetics.
The system requires a new approach to coding and 30 CSIRO scientists were trained earlier this year to code their experiments to run on the new GPU cluster. CSIRO will also be making the cluster available to researchers outside CSIRO and will provide training in its use.

The cluster, located in Canberra, will complement other supercomputing resources such as the recently installed NCI facility at the Australian National University. It was installed by Xenon Systems of Melbourne and will run Linux and Windows applications.

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New WA research centre to focus on geothermal applications

A new research centre dedicated to developing technologies for the provision of geothermal sources of energy to cities has been launched in Perth.

The Western Australian Geothermal Centre of Excellence (WAGCOE) is a joint venture between CSIRO and The University of Western Australia, in conjunction with Curtin University of Technology, and supported by the WA State Government.

The Centre brings together researchers, industry, investors and government agencies to investigate how geothermal energy can be used to provide modern cities with air conditioning, power and desalinated water.

Centre Director, UWA Professor and Premier’s Fellow Klaus Regenauer-Lieb, said Perth is an ideal geological setting for demonstrating and providing local geothermal energy.

“The shallow groundwater of the Perth Basin is an excellent source of low-grade heat which can be used for direct-use applications that people use every day,” Professor Regenauer-Lieb said.

“By exploring for and using low-grade heat in a permeable sedimentary environment, we are addressing a previously overlooked opportunity to broaden the applications and use of geothermal energy.

“Our aim is to make Perth the first geothermally cooled city in the coming decade and we are working closely with geothermal lease holders, city planners and other stakeholders to advance the geothermal industry and make this vision a reality”, Professor Regenauer-Lieb said.

The Centre links ‘below-ground’ research with ‘above-ground’ development, by modelling low-to-intermediate temperature geothermal systems and delivering novel technologies for low-grade heat. Modelling is also being used to identify deeper and hotter geothermal sources including hot sedimentary aquifers and ‘hot rocks‘.

The Centre will also develop geothermal energy university courses and provide advice and consulting services to industry.

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New facility for recombinant proteins

A new research facility that will focus on the creation of recombinant proteins for biopharmaceutical products and human therapies has been opened at Monash University.

The $11.2 million Victorian Recombinant Proteins Feeder Facility has been funded by the Federal and State governments (each contributing $2.8 million), CSIRO ($4.6 million) and Monash University ($1 million). It will be accessible to researchers from around Australia to support the creation of therapeutic cells, increase the capacity for the development of new drugs, and provide a centre for national collaborative bioscience research.

Scaling-up production of potentially useful recombinant proteins under non-GMP conditions will be done at the facility up to the level needed to support pre-clinical trials. Researchers will then have subsidised access to licensed contract manufacturing organisations (CMOs) for production of recombinant proteins under TGA-licensed GMP conditions in the quantities required for Phase I-III clinical trials.

Recombinant proteins are created by manipulating DNA in human, plant or bacteria cells, to create protein combinations that do not occur naturally.

More information is at http://www.chem.monash.edu.au/ncris-facility/

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New NSW program for commercialisation and export

The New South Wales Government’s agency, Industry & Investment NSW, and the Australian Technology Showcase (NSW) have developed a new Innovation Pathways Program that brings together existing and new initiatives to assist NSW organisations that are commercialising innovative technologies.

The Pathways Program was designed to complement Federal Government initiatives such as the R&D Tax Credit and Commercialisation Australia and the Australian Technology Showcase (ATS). It targets organisations with a maximum turnover of $15 million and with innovative technologies supported by intellectual property. The first stage of the Pathways Program focuses on building commercialisation and export skills and knowledge in a group learning environment, through a one-day diagnostic followed by an 8-10 week program of workshops and mentoring. Eligible organisations may include researchers, start-ups and established SMEs.

Following a panel review, the subsequent stage of the program will provide grant assistance up to $25,000, (up to $35,000 for ATS members) to individual organisations, and will be available on a merit basis, where the organisation is able to identify a clear growth pathway with achievable outcomes within 12 months. Assistance may include capital raising, export market planning or development of a technology demonstration site.

Outcomes to be considered will include growth in jobs and export sales, and accessing investment or competitive government grants. In exceptional circumstances, or when more than one organisation is collaborating to generate outcomes, up to $50,000 may be available.

The program will be managed by the ATS unit in Industry & Investment NSW. Organisations interested in accessing the program should initially submit a completed expression of interest (EOI) .

Further information is available here.

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Victoria boosts investment in carbon storage research

The Victorian Government has boosted its investment in carbon capture and storage with an additional $2 million for the second stage of the CRC for Greenhouse Technologies’ carbon storage project in the Otway Basin.

The government has already provided $4 million provided for stage one of the project, the first trial geological storage of CO2 in Australia. The Minister for Energy and Resources, Mr Batchelor said the Otway project is a step towards finding a way to ensure the Latrobe Valley’s vast brown coal resource can continue to be used in a carbon-constrained future.

During the first stage of the CO2CRC’s Otway Project, more than 60,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) has been injected and stored in a depleted gas field two kilometres underground.

The CRC is now ready to proceed with Stage 2 which involves the injection of carbon dioxide into saline geological formations via a second well. These saline formations are considered to be technically promising locations for CO2 storage, with the potential to store hundreds of years worth of emissions.

The Victorian Government has invested in other carbon capture and storage research including:

• $110 million through the Energy Technology Innovation Strategy (ETIS) for large-scale carbon capture and storage demonstration;
• $2.5 million from the ETIS brown coal R&D program for the Latrobe Valley Post Combustion Capture Project, which last year was the first project to capture CO2 from coal-fired electricity generation in Australia;
• $2.06 million from the ETIS brown coal R&D program to the CO2CRC for the Pre Combustion Capture Project; and
• $5.2 million to undertake 3D modelling to help identify areas, such as the Gippsland Basin, which may be suitable for carbon storage. Preliminary results have already identified offshore areas with excellent potential.

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New tropical research institute for JCU

A $44 million research institute for tropical science is to be built at the James Cook University in Cairns. The Federal Government will provide $19.5 million in capital costs to develop the Cairns Institute – Tropical Innovation Hub and will contribute a further $8.75 million for research infrastructure.  JCU will contribute a further $15.8 million.

The institute will support 125 research staff in areas including marine and climate science, public health, social and community welfare, tourism and indigenous development. 

The Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr said the Tropical Innovation Hub provide the anchor point for the emerging cluster of research activities in north Queensland.

“The institute will address a number of big questions facing the tropics, including economic and social development, environmental sustainability, and health and disease. It will also help to identify and develop commercial opportunities arising from this research”, he said.

The institute will bring tropical social science and humanities researchers from James Cook University into one facility, as well as housing the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre. It will enhance links between the university and research agencies such as the Australian Institute for Marine Science and CSIRO.
It will also ensure that maximum value is gained from new collaborative research infrastructure being built in north Queensland, as part of the Super Science Initiative announced by the Australian Government in the 2009 Budget.

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Research Funding

Australia’s Farming Future Climate Change Research Program

Expressions of Interest for research demonstration sites.

The Climate Change Research Program currently funds research into soil carbon, methane and nitrous oxide emissions and climate change adaptation technologies that improve productivity and increase farm sustainability over the long term. The program is part of Australia’s Farming Future.

The demonstration of research on farms or by food processors is important in encouraging the adoption of new practices. Clear reliable information, supported by the latest developments in technology, is needed to reduce emissions and increase productivity.

Project sites should demonstrate practical application of research into farm management or food processing practices and technologies that improve productivity and reduce emissions at an enterprise level.

Collaborative projects involving farmers, food processors, agribusinesses, regional groups and scientists and with multiple activities are strongly encouraged.

For more information on Australia’s Farming Future—including details about the research priorities, application process, eligible providers and an Expression of Interest form—visit www.daff.gov.au/farmingfuture, email farmingfuture@daff.gov.au or call 1800 638 746. 

Deadline for Expressions of Interest 5.00pm, 5 February 2010.

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Conferences & Events

AIRG 2010 National Meeting

Craigieburn Resort, Bowral, New South Wales

February 21 – 23, 2010

“How can R&D Managers influence & improve the future of Australasian Research and Innovation?”

The international knowledge base regarding the optimal organization and management of industrial R&D and innovation for maximum high-level impact, productivity and outcomes continues to develop and grow. Therefore, at the 2010 AIRG National Conference, the meeting will outline the currently recognized range of best practices, issues and opportunities. Additionally attendees will examine how Australasian industry’s future actions might result in improvements related to the influence of R&D and/or to innovation management’s role in the evolution of certain industry segments, or in the economy as a whole.

Program Summary -

Sunday PM:

Closed panel session related to planned changes to the R&D tax concession program.

Monday:

“Current Situation and Leaders’ Views of the Future”
Six well-recognized Australian and New Zealand R&D policy and process thought leaders discuss their views regarding the present and future roles of technology and R&D management relative to the future development of Australasian research and innovation.

“The Evolving Face of Australasian Technology Management”
From a “within company” orientation, in this session three senior industry speakers and a well-know academic review how industry in our region is seeking to “Do R&D Better”, including the role of ICT in R&D, and the impacts of scale of activity, etc.

Tuesday:

“Stakeholder Influence -- Influencing Stakeholders”
Four speakers working in strategic positions in industry and/or at the industry/government interface discuss how they are working to influence government and corporate stakeholders, including describing best practices in receiving support for industrial R&D.

“Cross-Industry Sharing and Comparisons”
Given that Australia and New Zealand are far from other nations with well-recognised capabilities in high performance R&D and innovation management, speakers in this session will consider how can we, as a group, as nations, or as a region, best support continuing research and technology; either across any one industry in Australasia and/or between industries and sectors.

Please note that the AIRG’s 2010 national meeting is jointly sponsored by the Australasian Industry Research Group, the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, AusBiotech, the Australian Institute for Commercialisation, the CRC Association, the CSIRO, Invetech, the Pearcey Foundation, and the Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering.

Please see www.airg.org.au for additional conference details & to register for the 2010 AIRG National Conference.

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Tertiary & Higher Education Conference 2010

16-17 March, 2010

Dockside, Cockle Bay,Sydney

The Government is committed to making Australia one of the most educated and highly skilled workforces in the world in order to secure national long term economic prosperity.

In March 2008, the Government initiated a Review of Higher Education to examine the future direction of the higher education sector, its fitness for purpose in meeting the needs of the Australian community and economy, and the options for ongoing reform. The Review was conducted by an independent expert panel, led by Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley AC

As part of the 2009 Budget, on 12 May the Government announced it would provide an additional $5.4 billion to support higher education and research over the next 4 years in a comprehensive response to the Bradley Review, Transforming Australia’s Higher Education System. The quantum leap in resourcing is designed to support high quality teaching and learning, improve access and outcomes for students from low socio economic backgrounds, build new links between universities and disadvantaged schools, reward institutions for meeting agreed quality and equity outcomes, improve resourcing for research and invest in world class tertiary education infrastructure.

This two day conference will cover the key areas outlined in the Government’s funding system with an additional day (bookable separately) devoted to University marketing strategies.

Major themes include:

• Ministerial address on transformation in the Australian Higher Education system
• Challenges of applying the Bradley Review recommendations
• Revising academic standards in line with the new funding (“compacts”)
• How research intensive universities should be organised in the 21st Century
• Defusing the Indian student’s fear on security 
• Recruiting overseas students from China & India vs USA
• Regulating off-short educational agents
• Effect of proposed Government funding on TAFE institutes

Who will be attending:

• Federal Government
• State Government
• Universities
• Higher Education Institutions
• Finance Companies
• Education Companies
• Education Suppliers
• Banking Institutions
• Management Schools
• IT Companies
• Business Schools
• Trainers
• Corporate Business Schools

For further information go to www.highered.com.au or contact Helen on 02 8923 8003 or events@hallmarkevents.com.au

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Marketing & Funding Universities Today 2010

March 17, 2010

Dockside, Cockle Bay Sydney

The Rudd government has committed to full university research funding, adopting Bradley’s recommendation that Research Infrastructure Block Grant (RIBG) amounts should be raised from 20 to 50 cents for every dollar won through competitive grants.

The new Reform, billed as ‘Sustainable research excellence in universities’, will be phased in over five years with the initial outlay being – $30.5 million next financial year, rising to $120.5 million in 2010-11 and progressively increased until it reaches $301 million in 2013-14.

Universities’ relative success in attracting research income – the current means of allocating RIBG funds – will be given only 20 per cent weighting in allocating the extra money. The remaining 80 per cent of the additional funding will be conditional on universities undertaking activity-based costing of the indirect costs of research, and meeting performance targets to be negotiated over the next financial year.

The Institutional Grants Scheme (IGS), will be replaced by the Joint Research Engagement Scheme in a cost-neutral reform designed “to get university researchers working more effectively with industry – and with each other” and the government will establish another new program, the Collaborative Research Networks Scheme, to help “smaller, regional and less research-intensive universities” increase their research capacity.

This one day Summit will deliver answers to many of those questions concerning marketing and funding of universities today and how to obtain the maximum funding dollar for research projects and diversify their funding sources. 

Who attends?

• Vice Chancellors
• Deans
• Heads of Departments
• University Marketing Staff (Marketing Officer/ Manager/ Administrator/ Coordinator/ Assistant)
• Associate Deans (Marketing and Admissions)
• Faculty Marketing Officers
• Managers of International Marketing
• Directors of International Strategy, Marketing and Communications
• CIOs and Senior IT Managers
• Managers of Development and External Relations
• Senior Administrators
• Financial Managers

Further information about registering for the Conference is available at www.unifund.com.au/

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Further Education

PhD Scholarship Opportunity at The Wark™

Environmentally Benign Flotation Chemicals

The Ian Wark Research Institute (The Wark™) is the ARC Special Research Centre for Particle and Material Interfaces, and home to world-class research in the areas of colloid science and mineral processing.

The Wark has two Australian Postgraduate Award (Industry) scholarships available for an exciting new research project titled Environmentally Benign Flotation Chemicals. This project links academic researchers in physical chemistry and chemical engineering with polymer manufacturers and mining companies, working together to make mineral processing a more environmentally sustainable industry.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:

• join a multidisciplinary institute internationally recognised for its research achievements and education excellence.
• work with some of the world’s best researchers in chemistry, chemical engineering, mineral processing, and the science of polymers, colloids and surfaces.
• enhance their research career with interstate or overseas travel, through conference attendance and industry placements at sponsor organisations.

The APA(I) scholarships have a generous annual tax-free stipend of $27,222 (2010 rate), for 3 years.

For further information on this scholarship opportunity, visit unisa.edu.au/flotationchemicals

Applications close Friday, 15 January 2010.

For further information please visit Ian Wark Research Institute

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Products & Services

ResearchJobs

ResearchJobs is an email and website based service that lists advertisements for vacant research-related positions, scholarships, and fellowships, within the research and development, scientific and academic industries.

It is distributed straight to the desk top of over 11,000 researchers and management professionals within universities, CSIRO, research agencies and institutes, government departments and the private sector.

It is free to receive, with only a small cost to advertise.

For further information about advertising a position, contact Blake Duggin on 03 8534 5012 or blake.duggin@halledit.com.au

To subscribe or to view current positions go to www.researchjobs.net.au

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Publications

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