News Alerts

Super Science Fellowship funding announced

Funding of $27.2 million has been allocated to 20 research organizations for the appointment of  100 research fellows under the first and second rounds of the Australian Government’s Super Science Fellowship scheme.

The scheme provides fellowship support for early-career researchers to ensure that the most promising young researchers have opportunities to work in three areas of national significance: space science and astronomy; marine and climate science; and future industries research  - biotechnology and nanotechnology.

Fifty three-year Super Science Fellowships will be funded for $72,500 a year plus 28% on costs in 2010 and another fifty fellowships in 2011. In addition to this funding, the funded institutions will provide each Super Science Fellow with a minimum of $20,000 for each year of their fellowship. The institutions funded include  15 universities, the Anglo Australian Observatory, Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), CSIRO, the Australian Antarctic Division

The scheme is administered by the Australian Research Council and is part of the Australian Government’s $1.1 billion Super Science Initiative.

Details of the funded proposals are at http://www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/ssf/SSF1011_selrpt.htm

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Australian Research Integrity Committee to monitor response to research misconduct claims

The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, has announced that an independent Australian Research Integrity Committee will be established to ensure that institutions are taking appropriate action in response to allegations of research misconduct.

 Senator Carr said that the committee will assess whether an institution has followed proper process in response to an allegation of research misconduct. However, institutions will still be responsible for assessing if misconduct has occurred.

“The committee’s considerations will be in line with the framework set out in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, which guides institutions and researchers in responsible research practices and promotes integrity,” Senator Carr said.

The Australian Research Integrity Committee will be jointly administered by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

The ARC and NHMRC are seeking expressions of interest for membership of the Australian Research Integrity Committee.

More information is at the Research Integrity page or www.nhmrc.gov.au.

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Commercialisation Australia up and running

Commercialisation Australia, the Australian Government’s new $196 million, four-year initiative to assist with the commercialisation of new products, is up and running with the appointment of a CEO and announcement of the first round of funding.

The inaugural CEO is Mr Doron Ben-Meir, the founder and CEO of Prescient Venture Capital. Mr Ben-Meir has also held the positions of Principal, Private Equity and Venture Capital at Jagen Pty Ltd; General Manager, IT&T Investments at Escor Pty Ltd; and Investment Director at Momentum Funds Management. He co-founded several companies, including EneSolve Pty Ltd (energy efficiency); Centricom Pty Ltd (on-line payments); Giesecke & Devrient Australasia Pty Ltd (smart card manufacturing), and Security Magnetics Pty Ltd (identification security).

This month has also seen the announcement of the first 21 innovation projects to be supported by Commercialisation Australia. Grants awarded range in size from $1,858,349 to $50,000. Details of successful applicants are at www.commercialisationaustralia.gov.au/

Commercialisation Australia has called for tenders to assist in the establishment of assessment, monitoring, training and recruitment processes for a Volunteer Business Mentor Program. Tender details are at www.tenders.gov.au

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Australian Innovation System Report released

The Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, has launched a new annual report on Australia’s innovation system.

The 95-page report, prepared by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, provides an overview of key features and trends in the Australian innovation system; research capacity and skill base; business innovation; links and collaboration; and public sector innovation.

Metrics and baseline indicators and based on data most of which dates back to 2007-08 or earlier. The  report identifies the need for more timely and sensitive metrics of innovation performance.

Some of the report’s findings are:

• Australia’s gross expenditure on research and development (GERD) has grown at an annual rate of 6.1 per cent over the last twenty-two years in real terms, and businesses contributed two-thirds of the absolute GERD increase over this period.
• In 2007-08 the number of innovating firms increased to 39.1 per cent, up 6.4 percentage points from 2006-07. In 2007-08, the top three innovation sectors were wholesale trade, retail trade and manufacturing, with 51.4 per cent, 50.9 per cent and 45.6 per cent of businesses in those sectors innovating.
• The Australian innovation system consistently underperforms on most measures of collaboration and networking.
• Information technology, marketing and business management were the most frequent skills used for innovation.
• Eco-innovation is an important driver of renewal in the innovation system. Low-carbon and renewable-energy innovation received 32 per cent or $1.05 billion of the grant funding allocated for science and innovation programs in the 2009-10 Commonwealth Budget, an increase of 290 per cent from the previous year.

The Australian Innovation System Report 2010 is available at www.innovation.gov.au.

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Australian R&D and Intellectual Property Scoreboard resurrected

Technology consulting firm Captial Technic Group (CTG) has resurrected the R&D and Intellectual Property Scoreboard, an evaluation of innovation in Australia that was last undertaken in 2006.

CTG has released the Scoreboard for 2007 and 2008, and plans to publish data for 2009 to bring the Scoreboard up to date.

The innovation index ranks companies according to R&D expenditure and patent, trade mark and design applications, as a function of the total value of assets of the firm. Data is drawn from IP Australia and IBISWorld Pty Ltd.

The 2007 Scoreboard ranked Australian Wool Innovation Limited, Technology One Limited, ResMed Holdings Limited, GHD Pty Ltd and Cochlear Limited as the top five performers of 50 companies listed.

The top five performers in the 2008 Innovation Index were GM Holden Ltd, CSL Limited, Ford Motor Company of Australia Limited, BHP Billiton Limited and Aristocrat Leisure Limited.

Overall, the scoreboard concluded that Australian business research and development spending, at 1.3% of GDP, was still well below the OECD average of 1.6% for 2008, but was gaining ground.

The Scoreboards can be accessed at http://www.capitaltechnic.com

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Victoria invests in small technologies

The Victorian Government has launched its $10.5 million Victorian Action Plan for Small Technologies which aims to support the development of nano- and micro- technologies in the State, and assist local companies to enter international markets.

Initiatives of the Action Plan include:

• $6.5 million for a Small Technologies Industry Uptake Program to help businesses to apply small technologies to meet challenges, solve problems and improve productivity; a small technologies roadshow; and industry uptake awards;
• $2 million to investigate skills and education programs needed to support this growth industry; and
• $2 million towards international investment, export promotion, conferences and events and other projects.

More information is at www.business.vic.gov.au/nanotechnology

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Appointment to new Queensland agriculture and food research institute

Professor Robert Henry has been appointed Professor of Innovation in Agriculture and Director of the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) a new research Institute at The University of Queensland (UQ).

Professor Henry comes to QAAFI from the Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics at Southern Cross University in New South Wales.

QAFFI is a joint initiative of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) and UQ.

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Announcements

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

Nominations now open for 2010
Closing date: 21 May 2010, AEST 5.00 pm

The Australian Government awards five prizes annually for outstanding scientific achievements and excellence in science teaching.  These awards are the most prestigious and significant of their kind in Australia.  Each award comprises a solid embossed gold/silver engraved medallion, with matching lapel pins, and tax-exempt cash components totaling A$500,000.

• The Prime Minister's Prize for Science;
• The Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year;
• The Science Minister's Prize for Life Scientist of the Year;
• The Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools; and
• The Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools.

Nominations are now invited for these awards, which are offered to Australian citizens or those who hold permanent residence status in Australia.  Nominations must be made by nominators who are personally knowledgeable of the nominated achievements and who can offer expert opinions on its worth. Self nominations will not be considered.

Online Nominations: www.innovation.gov.au/scienceprizes

Expression of Interest: pmprize@innovation.gov.au

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Trade Marks for Inventions

Why

You have just sought to protect your new invention by filing an application for a patent. You therefore recognise the importance of the protection of Intellectual Property (IP).

Once your patent is granted, you may wish to commercially exploit the invention. This might be by marketing, capital raising, research and development, or business development.

A registered trade mark can be a valuable tool in this commercial process. It will identify your business as the source of the goods and/or services which are the subject of your patent and as a result distinguish them from those of other traders. This can lead to brand loyalty as the public will associate a certain quality or image with the goods and/or services bearing your trade mark, giving you a competitive edge to grow your business.

Brand loyalty is important as, unlike a patent, a trade mark remains valid as long as you actively use, defend and maintain it. Therefore you can continue to rely on the brand loyalty you build up during the life of your patent after its expiry.

The right IP strategy can ensure the continuing success of your invention.

How

Selecting a good name is vital to the success of your trade mark. You should ask, for example:

• does the trade mark translate well into other languages (if you intend to use and register it in other countries)?
• will the trade mark be a master brand or a sub brand to compliment existing brand?
• is the trade mark you are considering available for use and registration for your goods and/or services in the countries in which you intend to use it?
• is the corresponding domain name available for the trade mark you have chosen, in each of the relevant domain levels?

A trade mark can be a word, phrase, letter, number, sound, smell, shape, logo, picture, aspect of packaging or a combination of these.

Only trade marks which are capable of distinguishing your goods and/or services from other traders are registrable. As a result, it can be difficult to register a trade mark that is descriptive or that denotes the kind, quality, intended purpose or value of the goods and/or services, or if it conflicts with an earlier mark. You should therefore choose a distinctive mark, or combine a distinctive word with a more descriptive one, and then consider instructing a professional to carry out a clearance search to determine the availability of your trade mark.

Next

Once you have obtained registration of your trade mark, and you begin to build up consumer awareness and loyalty in it, it is important to ensure that your rights are not diminished or lost.

To protect your trade mark:

• Distinguish your trade mark from surrounding text such as putting it in capital letters or in a different font.
• Use the trade mark in the form in which it is registered.
• The mark should be followed by a generic term (ie. the common descriptive name of the product/service).
• Use your trade mark with the ® symbol to show that it is registered.

Allowing other traders to use the same or a similar trade mark to yours for the same or similar goods/services can also result in the strength of your brand being diminished. Therefore you should watch the marketplace and also the Trade Marks Register for similar marks, and take prompt action to stop those marks from being used or from becoming registered.

Now

Griffith Hack Trade Mark Attorneys would be happy to discuss a protection strategy for your IP.  For more information, visit the Griffith Hack website: http://www.griffithhack.com.au 

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Conferences & Events

GreenTech 2010 - Where innovators and investors meet!

Regardless of whether Australia ends up with a carbon tax or a cap and trade emissions trading scheme, ultimately Australia is committed to reducing emissions and building a sustainable ‘green’ economy.

GreenTech 2010 offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the most promising high-growth cleantech sectors; gauge industry experts, innovators and investors’ views; gain clarity on the direction of our CPRS legislation and better understand the direction of carbon markets, taxes and the greentech trade and investment opportunities.

Featuring a faculty of top local and international speakers, GreenTech 2010 brings together policymakers, economists, investors, financiers and industry stakeholders to discuss and debate the key socio-political implications and business and investment opportunities in cleantech and carbon markets.

By registering, delegates will be able to connect with the key stakeholders shaping Australia’s rapidly growing green business and technology sector... all together, under one roof.

By attending, delegates will:

• meet and learn from clean technology innovators, solution providers, investors and expert advisers
• receive detailed information about forthcoming legislative changes and new programmes to expand our cleantech industry, promote efficiency in our energy, transport and infrastructure grids
• get expert advice, support and assistance in evaluating the trade and investment opportunities in clean technologies
  

Key issues addressed include:

• Government initiatives
• Debt markets
• Equity investment
• Investment opportunities
• Institutional investors
• Venture capital
  

Full programme and speaker details are available at: www.acevents.com.au/greentech2010

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Pathfinders 2010: The Innovators Conference

Challenge and Change: Sourcing Evidence to Tackle the Real Issues

26^th – 28^th May

Alice Springs Convention Centre

Why Attend?

• Now in its 12^th year recognised as the pre-eminent conference influencing innovation policy in Australia
• Mentoring Program for new CRC bids
• Discuss critical issues impacting the future direction of collaborative innovation
• Annually attracts 400-450 delegates comprising senior management
  from Cooperative Research Centres, Universities, CSIRO, Federal & State Governments

Pathfinders will explore:

• Which has the most influence on policy development – Evidence or Anecdote?
• How can policy makers find a balance within scientific opinion?
• National Intervention – based on Evidence or Anecdote
• Can policy makers see the world through a different lens?
• How can we maintain our own peak professional performance?
• Working together – is that where the answer lies?

Alice Springs offers a unique conference experience

• Incredible networking opportunities
• The ability to see cooperative research working at its best, and demonstrating that collaboration can occur anywhere!
• Partners of the Desert Knowledge CRC have been incorporated into the programme – experience how they collaborate and how the partnerships bring funds back into the local community
• Fantastic international speakers
• Experience unique cultural and social landscapes
• And touch base with others that cross your world in a location that lends itself to networking

Register Now!   www.crca.asn.au/conference

• Book early for cheaper flights as rates change weekly
• Students are encouraged to attend – feedback from 2009 – “It was a really valuable experience and will have a real and positive impact on my future career in research”.

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3rd Victorian Sustainable Development Conference

The 3rd Victorian Sustainable Development Conference is to be held on May 25-26, 2010, at Zinc, Federation Square, Melbourne.

The Conference will be solution-oriented, bringing together key decision-makers from the private and public sectors, industry leaders, local government, scientists, conservationists and others to discuss ways in which to achieve real and lasting change in areas such as:

• Water
• Waste and resource recovery
• Energy efficiency
• Climate change response
• Planning and urban design
• Land remediation
• Air quality
• Human health
• Sustainable workplaces

Speakers include:

• Dr Kate Auty, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability
• Anita Roper, Chief Executive Officer, Sustainability Victoria 
• Rob Freeman, Chief Executive, Murray-Darling Basin Authority
• Professor Chris Davis, Commissioner, National Water Commission
• Dr Deborah Peterson, Deputy Secretary, Policy & Strategy, Department of Primary Industries
• Kevin Love, Deputy Secretary, Department of Sustainability and Environment
• Clare McArdle, Executive Director, Melbourne @ 5 Million Integration Unit, Department of Planning and Community Development
• Fiona Calvert, Director, Sustainable and Active Transport Policy, Department of Transport
• Professor John Thwaites, Chairman, Monash Sustainability Institute
• Stuart McConnell, Director, Future Focus, EPA Victoria
• Brendan Sydes, Principal Solicitor, Environmental Defenders' Office
• Peter Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte Digital 
• Carl McCamish, Executive General Manager, Origin Energy
• John Hunt, Technical Manager, Thiess Services
• Louise Hicks, Partner, DLA Phillips Fox
• Dave Appels, Economist, Frontier Economics
• Erin Simpson, Sustainability Services Manager, Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Professor John Wilson, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Swinburne University/Spokesperson, Engineers Australia
• Professor John Fien, Innovation in Leadership Programme, RMIT
• Professor Ralph Horne, Director, Centre for Design, RMIT
• Dan Atkins, Managing Director, Shaper Group
• Chris Newman, Manager, Councils Reforming Business, Local Government, Department of Planning and Community Development
• Phil Hughes, Principal Consultant: Sustainability and Water Management, Halcrow
• Jennifer Williams, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Corporate Express 
• Mike Lloyd, IP Management Consultant, Griffith Hack Patent and Trademark Attorneys
• Donavan Marley, Research Scientist, CSIRO Land and Water

The Conference will also feature best practice case studies in the above areas, as well as addressing challenges of sustainability, and provide advice on how state and local government and business can truly achieve social, environmental and economic sustainability.

The price for registering to attend the two-day Conference is just $695.

To view the Agenda or to register, go to www.halledit.com.au/vsd2010 or contact Denise McQueen on (03) 8534 5021 or denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au

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