News Alerts

Funding boosted for green car innovation

The $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, better targeted, greener assistance program, the Automotive Transformation Scheme (ATS), running from 2011 to 2020 and providing $3.4 billion to the industry;
• changes to the Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme in 2010 to smooth the transition to the ATS ($79.6 million);
• $116.3 million to promote structural adjustment through mergers and consolidation in the components sector (from 1 January 2009) and facilitate labour market adjustment (from 1 November 2008);
• $20 million from 2009–10 to help suppliers improve their capacity to integrate into complex national and global supply chains;
• $6.3 million from 2009–10 for an enhanced market access program;
• a $10.5 million expansion of the LPG vehicle scheme, to start immediately, that doubles payments to purchasers of new private use vehicles that are factory-fitted with LPG technology.

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

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Comments sought for draft National Framework for Climate Change Science

The 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:

• focusing Australia’s climate science expertise on an agreed set of national priorities;
• identifying the scientific capabilities required to address these priorities;
• identifying where there are capacity limitations in supply of those capabilities;
• fostering greater collaboration between scientific institutions across the country as the first essential step to addressing these capacity limitations;
• supporting global policy analysis by developing a new Australian Integrate Assessment Modelling capability that will couple climate simulations to economic and social models;
• driving international partnerships to leverage on national action; and 
• ensuring that the science delivers what decision makers need. 

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  

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Research networks to investigate effects of climate change

The 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:

• Terrestrial Biodiversity - James Cook University - $400,000 per year
• Water Resources and Freshwater Biodiversity - Griffith University - $400,000 per year
• Marine Biodiversity and Resources - University of Tasmania - $400,000 per year
• Settlements and Infrastructure - University of NSW - $447,000 per year 
• Disaster Management and Emergency Services - RMIT University - $205,000 per year
• Social, Economic and Institutional Dimensions - University of Melbourne - $376,000 per year
• Health - Australian National University - $240,000 per year

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NHMRC Program Grants and Fellowships awarded

Funding 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:

• Pathways to Diabetes Prevention, administered by Garvan Institute of Medical Research, $10,596,960;
• Molecular Markers of Phenotype, Therapeutic Responsiveness and Prognosis in Human Cancers, administered by Garvan Institute of Medical Research, $11,128,320;
• Patient Safety: Enabling and Supporting Change for a Safer and More Effective Health System, administered by the University of New South Wales, $8,400,000; 
• Generating the Evidence for New Strategies to Combat Cardiovascular Diseases, administered by University of Sydney, $12,119,660;
• Gynaecological, Oesophageal and Skin Cancer in Australia: Developing the Evidence-base for Prevention and Control, administered by Queensland Institute of Medical Research, $5,752,320;
• Development and Refinement of Neural Connections in the Adult Brain in Health and Disease, administered by University of Queensland, $7,627,200;
• Emerging Mental Disorders in Young People: Using Clinical Staging for Prediction, Prevention and Early Intervention, administered by University of Melbourne, $10,027,500; and
• The Regulation of Antibody: A Systems Approach, administered by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, $7,674,240.
  
  More information about the grants and fellowships is at www.nhmrc.gov.au
  

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Tropical Health Alliance funded

A 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

• $12 million, matched by JCY, for new facilities and equipment in Townsville and Cairns JCU campuses. These include a research facility in Cairns dedicated to biosecurity and infectious diseases; PC3 laboratory facilities in Townsville and mosquito facilities in Cairns; and equipment worth $4 million to increase research capability in both Townsville and Cairns.
• $5 million fit-out of a new floor in the new QIMR Building in Brisbane for a high through-put molecular diagnosis and genotyping facility at its Vaccine Research Development Unit.
• $2.3 million for a new laboratory and equipment at Griffith University towards a $3.8 million upgrade to research laboratory facilities at the university's Institute for Glycomics and Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies.This will include a new robotic screening facility for infectious organisms, and additional storage capacity for Griffith's  library of potential drug compounds derived from Queensland's flora and fauna..
• $150,000 for new molecular diagnosis equipment at QUT

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Final round of Intelligent Island MAPP funding awarded

Funding 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:

• peak body TasICT has been funded to support the delivery of a Tasmanian ICT Industry Annual Conference, improve and maintain an ICT Directory and provide skill-matching services;
• In-tellinc has been funded to help deliver a series of sales workshops for Tasmanian ICT companies; and
• the Knowledge to Business Program was given additional funding to place marketing graduates in ICT companies.

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.

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Award for remote cardio monitoring technology

A 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

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Announcements

Call for Proposals: Victoria’s Science Agenda Investment Fund, Competitive Grants Program

Harnessing Victorian science, technology and innovation capabilities through partnerships

Victoria’s Science Agenda Investment Fund
Call for Proposals
Competitive Grants Program

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.

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Publications

Is there any hope for a renewable hydrogen economy? What are the latest developments in alternative fuels? Subscribe to New Scientist for the answers

Is 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
The prices (in Australian dollars) are as follows:
2 year subscription: Aus $398 + Free calendar
1 year subscription: Aus $220 + Free calendar
6 month: Aus $130
Calendar only – Aus $21.95

Subscribe to New Scientist for what’s new in science, what’s new in technology and what’s new each week.

Click here to subscribe.

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Conferences & Events

3rd Annual Intellectual Property Management in Practice Conference

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:
IP Managers, R&D Managers, Commercialisation Managers, Innovation Managers and Technology Managers

Case studies include:
Telstra; IBM; CSIRO; Cell Sense; Innovation Dynamics; Sun Microsystems.

• Adapting IP management to local conditions
• Avoiding pitfalls in international deal-making
• Exploiting global IP to enhance the bottom line
• Generating new revenue streams through IP
• Creating and fostering an innovative IP culture
• Facilitating collaboration and enhancing innovation
• Eliminating the myths of IP in your organisation through targeted educational campaigns
• Raising the profile of IP in M&A transactions to avoid 11th hr IP due diligence
• Controlling and protecting your digital IP
• Manage impact of changes to IP management under the Personal Property Security Reform

Endorsed by:
Australian Institute for Commercialisation
Australian Interactive Media Industry Association (AIMIA)
Product Development Management Association (PDMA)

Download Programme

Contact Tonkin Corporation at registrations@TonkinCorporation.com or telephone 02 9224 6000 to save up to $550 per booking.

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The Ethos Research Leaders Forum

A 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)
• 11th & 10th February 2009, Adelaide
• 6th & 7th May 2009, Brisbane
• 8th July 2009, Melbourne
• 14th October 2009, Sydney

Guest Presenters 2009:
1. Professor Calum Drummond
2. Professor Robin Batterham
3. Professor Neil Furlong
4. Dr Ray Shaw

Benefits:
1. Become part of a network of peers in research leadership.
2. Meet some of Australia’s most eminent research leaders and discuss their successes and failures in a group of not more than 15 of your peers.
3. Discuss leadership issues specific to the research environment.
4. Have your leadership profile assessed in a relaxed, comfortable environment.
5. Case study your research concentration with other research leaders from across various disciplines and learn from the experience of others.
6. Be both mentor and learner in a group involving multiple universities.

The Investment:
$8,550 plus GST per person.

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:
Mark Douglas
Ethos Australia Pty Ltd 
Business Strategists
www.ethos.com.au
ph: 08 8373 6433
fax: 08 8272 4503
mob: 0418 846 343

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Further Education

Graduate Diploma in Drug Evaluation & Pharmaceutical Sciences: 2009

Graduate Diploma in Drug Evaluation & Pharmaceutical Sciences: 2009
University of Melbourne, Australia

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

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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 

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Positions Vacant

Research Assistant (Organic Chemistry)

Research Assistant (Organic Chemistry)
Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group
Faculty of Pharmacy
Reference No. 144035

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
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: 27 November 2008

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Postdoctoral Molecular Biologist

Postdoctoral Molecular Biologist
Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group
Faculty of Pharmacy
Reference No. 144110

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

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Expression of Interest - Research Scientist/Engineer (up to 5 positions available)

Expression of Interest - Research Scientist/Engineer (up to 5 positions available)
Rio Tinto Centre for Mine Automation
Australian Centre for Field Robotics
Reference No. 108766

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:

• Data fusion, including spatial data fusion methods, geographical information systems, Gaussian process models and Bayesian methods.
• Sensor technologies, particularly applied electro-optics, hyperspectral imaging, 3D laser-scanning and computer vision.
• Machine learning, including kernel methods, data compression and automated recognition.
• Geostatistics, including Krieging methods and use of tools such as Vulcan.
• Control, including machine control, estimation methods and cooperative control.
• Systems engineering with a particular emphasis on architecture design, middleware development and communications.

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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