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R&D Info - November 12th, 2008 |
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News AlertsAnnouncements
Conferences & Events
Further Education
Business Services
Positions Vacant
News AlertsFunding boosted for green car innovationThe $6.2 billion car plan announced by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, will include an expanded $1.3 billion Green Car Innovation Fund which will match industry investment in the design and development of environmentally friendly cars on a $1 to $3 basis over a ten year period from 2009. Under the Green Car Plan, a new new Automotive Industry Innovation Council will be established to drive innovation and reform in the industry. Other elements of the plan include:
A New Car Plan for a Greener Future, including the full government response to the Review of Australia’s Automotive Industry, visit www.innovation.gov.au/automotivereview Comments sought for draft National Framework for Climate Change ScienceThe Department of Climate Change is seeking feedback on the draft National Framework for Climate Change Science. The document aims to outline the climate change science agenda for Australia over the next decade. The consultation draft was developed with key members of the climate change scientific community, including the Australian Academy of Science. The National Framework will build on the past achievements of Australia’s climate change science community and enhance future efforts by:
The Department expects the National Framework will be an important mechanism to assist and support all spheres of government, business and the community in understanding the nature, magnitude and timing of climate change. Comments are required by Friday 28th November. For further information, go to http://www.climatechange.gov.au/science/publications/draft-framework.html Research networks to investigate effects of climate changeThe Federal Government will provide $10 million over four years to establish research networks investigating the effects of climate change on areas such as water resources, human health, emergency services, infrastructure and biodiversity. The seven new 'adaptation research networks' are designed foster critical research into the effects of climate change. The networks will be part of the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, hosted by Griffith University, which is leading Australia's climate change adaptation research effort. These institutions will host each of the networks below and will be awarded the amounts indicated for four years:
NHMRC Program Grants and Fellowships awardedFunding totalling $132 million through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has been awarded for Program Grants, Fellowships and the NHMRC European Union Collaborative Health Research Grants. Eight Program Grants have been awarded a total of $73 million. These are:
Tropical Health Alliance fundedA new Queensland Tropical Health Alliance has been established at James Cook University in Townsville, with an additional laboratory in Brisbane, with Queensland government funding of $19.45 million. The key partners of the Alliance, JCU, the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Griffith University and Queensland University of Technology, will contribute both cash and in kind support to fund the project bringing the total cost to more than $50 million. The Alliance is part of the Queensland government’s Tropical Expertise Strategy, ‘Q-Tropics’, which aims to make north Queensland a global hub for tropical economic, social and environmental expertise. Other measures under the Q-Tropics plan include the establishment of a Q-Tropics Regional Hub to link institutions doing research on tropical expertise and a new tropical science committee led by Chief Scientist, Peter Andrew. The Alliance funding will include
Final round of Intelligent Island MAPP funding awardedFunding of $6.7 million has been awarded to 14 organisations under the fourth and final round of the Intelligent Island Market Access and Partnership Program (MAPP). MAPP is targeted at assisting the Tasmanian ICT sector to develop its innovative capabilitys and products for the Australian an global market. The fourth round includes three special grants:
Companies that have been awarded grants include The Learning Edge International, Autech Research, Jadeliquid Software, Nunatak Systems, Prologic, Zaptz, Intelitec Pacific, Medscope, Roar Film, Assistive Technologies,and Education Programs and Services. Award for remote cardio monitoring technologyA research collaboration between the Queensland University of Technology Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and Gold Coast-based Alive Technology has won the Australian section of the European Satellite Navigation Competition for its innovation, CardioMobile, a system that allows recovering cardiac patients who are unable to attend conventional hospital programs to participate in supervised exercise from home. CardioMobile works by linking global positioning with heart function monitoring via mobile phone. Before exercising, patients attach a small heart and activity monitor to their chest and wear a cap with a lightweight global positioning system receiver, both connected to a mobile phone via Bluetooth. The patient’s position, speed and heart function data are transmitted via mobile to QUT’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation labs. An exercise physiologist at QUT’s lab can monitor the heart response to exercise and adjust the program based on the person’s progress. Paramedics can be rapidly notified about the patient’s location and status in an emergency. Queensland is the first location outside of Europe to host the European Satellite Navigation Competition, which is aimed at finding new uses for satellite technologies AnnouncementsCall for Proposals: Victoria’s Science Agenda Investment Fund, Competitive Grants ProgramHarnessing Victorian science, technology and innovation capabilities through partnerships
Victoria’s Science Agenda Investment Fund Victoria’s Science Agenda (VSA) Investment Fund is a major program under the Victorian Government’s new innovation statement. It aims to develop solutions to make Victoria more productive, sustainable and healthy. The $41 million VSA Investment Fund will provide competitive grants to business and research organisations for partnerships that strengthen Victoria’s science and technology capabilities and translate these to market outcomes. Applications are invited from technology-based companies, universities, research institutes, Co-operative Research Centres, industry associations and government agencies. Proposals will be considered on merit against selection criteria published in the guidelines and ranked against other proposals. Information sessions on the program will be conducted, see website for details and times. Guidelines and application forms are available at www.business.vic.gov.au/vsa or contact (03) 9651 9820 for further information. Applications close 13 February 2009. PublicationsIs there any hope for a renewable hydrogen economy? What are the latest developments in alternative fuels? Subscribe to New Scientist for the answersIs there any hope for a renewable hydrogen economy? What are the latest developments in alternative fuels? Subscribe to New Scientist for the answers An upcoming issue of New Scientist asks what is preventing us from pursuing a hydrogen economy? We discuss the latest research and development, the problems and the possible solutions. New Scientist is the world’s leading science and technology news weekly. Objective, independent and award winning, it examines our world in a global context and reports the implications that affect us all. For over 50 years it has been the current affairs weekly that is brave enough to report the facts on climate change. Be the first to find out what is going on each week. Subscribe for just $220 per year + receive a FREE 2009 New Scientist wall calendar.
You’ll be amazed by the collection of stunning images in the 2009 New Scientist calendar. Plus engaging explanations ensure you are inspired month after month. For a limited time only you can buy the 2009 New Scientist calendar separately for only $21.95 Subscribe to New Scientist for what’s new in science, what’s new in technology and what’s new each week. Conferences & Events3rd Annual Intellectual Property Management in Practice Conference3rd ANNUAL
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT IN PRACTICE CONFERENCE 2008 THE GRACE HOTEL, SYDNEY, 16th – 18th MARCH 2009 Harnessing the power of IP to establish and sustain your organisation’s competitiveness 21 sessions on key IP issues and emerging trends * 2 Workshops * 9 Case Studies Are you looking to accelerate commercialisation of IP? Would you like to discover how to fund and value IP in changing economic times? Tonkin Corporation will be holding the 3rd Annual IP Management in practice conference on 16th-18st March 2009 at the Grace Hotel in Sydney. Leading IP management specialists and leading law firms in IP have been assembled to identify and draw together all key aspects of IP management. Who should come: Case studies include:
Endorsed by: Contact Tonkin Corporation at registrations@TonkinCorporation.com or telephone 02 9224 6000 to save up to $550 per booking. The Ethos Research Leaders ForumA unique, peer-based leadership development program is providing an avenue for professional growth for many of Australia’s top researchers. Mark Douglas, an organisational psychologist devised the Ethos Research Leaders’ Forum. “After more than 15 years working with Australian universities, I saw the need for a non-threatening, collaborative learning environment that would help research leaders discuss organisational problems in a confidential way with like-minded people,” he said. “We want to use the Forum as an opportunity for research leaders to step back from the day-to-day and look at their research concentration from a distance,” Mr Douglas said. Forum participant Associate Professor Michael Kimlin from the Queensland University of Technology’s said “I really appreciate the opportunity to get together with others from a variety of backgrounds… “ “The group has become a great resource for finding solutions to common problems and provides an opportunity to refocus and to really think strategically about what you are doing and how that fits in with the bigger picture.” Attendees who benefit most: Existing leaders of research concentrations i.e. Heads of Groups, Centres and Institutes. When: (attendees come to all four meetings) Guest Presenters 2009: Benefits: The Investment: During 2008, ten universities and 27 participants are involved in this program and have met, or will meet, combinations of Professor Ian Frazer, Laureate Professor John Ralston, Dr Leanna Read, Dr Matthew Cuthbertson, Professor Edwina Cornish, Professor Vicki Sara, Professor Max Brennan and Dr Deborah Rathjen. These meetings are rich exchanges of leadership views and career steps that inspire and teach through open, interactive exchanges. Contact: Further EducationGraduate Diploma in Drug Evaluation & Pharmaceutical Sciences: 2009Graduate Diploma in Drug Evaluation & Pharmaceutical Sciences: 2009 Today’s potent drugs, combined with the complex issues of their production and use has created a growing need for evaluation of their safety and efficacy. For such evaluation, wide ranging expertise is required in the areas of Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Legal and Ethical Considerations. This diploma course gives a systematic overview of these areas and how they affect the very practical issues of drug evaluation and is aimed at Pharmacists, Research Nurses, Scientists, Medical Practitioners and others involved in regulatory affairs. For more information please contact Ms Genevieve Mead Ph: +61 3 9496 3420, Fax: +61 3 9459 3510 or Email: glmead@unimelb.edu.au Business ServicesSpruson&Ferguson: patent and trade mark attorneysWith 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
Telephone: (02) 9393 0100
Positions VacantResearch Assistant (Organic Chemistry)Research Assistant (Organic Chemistry) The Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group is a division of The Faculty of Pharmacy located in the University’s Medical Foundation Building. The Group is currently focused on researching the role of human enzymes in the biotransformation of novel fatty acid substrates to signalling molecules which regulate apoptosis and cell survival. The project may lead to the development of original therapies to prevent cancer and improve cardiovascular function. An opportunity has arisen for a motivated Research Assistant to assume a NHMRC-funded position within the Group. The successful appointee will synthesise the novel fatty acids for testing in our cell-based systems (refer Blood (2008) 111: 3514). There will also be an opportunity to participate in the development of analytical assays of fatty acid and drug biotransformation. The Group consists of a team of scientists and students who contribute to a collaborative environment. A Masters or Honours degree (H1 or 2A) in Synthetic Chemistry is essential while a background in Organic Chemistry is ideal. Excellent recording, organisational and communication skills will be required to successfully become part of the team. Expertise in lipid synthesis would be advantageous. The position is full-time, fixed term until December 2009 and is 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: up to $,61,872 - $69,328 p.a. pro rata (which includes a base salary Level 5 $52,283 - $58,583 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation). Level of appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. For more information and to apply, please visit HERE Postdoctoral Molecular Biologist
The Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group is located in newly refurbished laboratories in the University of Sydney’s Medical Foundation Building and undertakes research into the molecular regulation and function of human CYP genes and their allelic variants. In cells CYP2J2 utilises fatty acid substrates to generate signalling molecules that regulate apoptosis and cell survival. The project may lead to the development of combined drug and nutritional therapies to prevent cancer and improve cardiovascular function. We are seeking to appoint a motivated postdoctoral scientist to an NHMRC-funded position within the group. The successful appointee will participate in studies of the transcriptional regulation of the human CYP2J2 gene and the regulatory effects of CYP2J2-derived fatty acid metabolites in cells. Relevant publications include Biochem J (2003) 373: 669; Biochem J (2005) 391: 631 and Blood (2008) 111: 3514. The Group consists of a team of scientists and students who contribute to a collaborative environment. The position is suitable for scientists with a background in molecular or cell biology. Expertise in cloning, gene regulation, mammalian cell culture and signalling would be advantageous while a PhD in one or more of the indicated research areas is essential. Excellent recording, organisational and communication skills are a bonus. The position is full-time, fixed term until December 2009 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: up to $76,754 - $82,389 pro rata (which includes a base salary Level A $64,858 - $69,620 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/researchjobs14 Specific enquiries about the role can be directed to Professor Michael Murray on (02) 9351 2326. General enquiries can be directed to Julie Small on (02) 9036 7870. Closing Date: 28 November 2008 Expression of Interest - Research Scientist/Engineer (up to 5 positions available)Expression of Interest - Research Scientist/Engineer (up to 5 positions available) The Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR) at the University of Sydney has established a major new Centre for Mine Automation. Rio Tinto, a global mining company, has committed $21m of funding for an initial period of five years for this new Centre. The aim of the Rio Tinto Centre for Mine Automation (RTCMA) is to develop and implement the vision of a fully autonomous, remotely operated mine. For more information please visit: http://www.usyd.edu.au/CMA The RTCMA was commissioned in August 2007. Since its launch, a world-class research and technical team of more than 20 talented Engineers have joined. These individuals, from locations spanning 6 continents, are involved in the research, development and deployment of technology for a fully autonomous, remotely operated mine. We are seeking highly-qualified and motivated post-doctoral Research Scientist/Engineers to develop major research areas and engage in the development and fielding of key technologies for automated and remote mining. The Research Scientist/Engineers will be expected to build research areas, engage in academic publication of research and teach at postgraduate and industry levels. Areas of specific research interest include:
Experience in the broad area of field robotics will be an advantage. Research appointments will be made at levels A and B. Level A appointments are appropriate for recent PhD graduates. Level B appointments are appropriate for candidates with postdoctoral research experience and an established track record. In exceptional circumstances, an appointment at level C will be considered. Level C candidates will have at least five years’ postdoctoral research experience and bring unique new skills to the RTCMA. Remuneration package: a competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience will be negotiated with the successful candidates. This is a long-term recruitment drive, and the expression of interest will remain open until all positions have been filled. Visa sponsorship will be available for the successful appointee if required. For more information and to apply, please visit http://www.usyd.edu.au/CMA/researchjobs12 Specific enquiries about the role can be directed to Fabrice Noël on (+61 2) 9036 7295 or by email: f.noel@usyd.edu.au |
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