News Alerts

Plan for new PMSEIC takes shape

The twentieth meeting of the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC), held on 5 June at Parliament House, discussed the new model for the Council which would give it a stronger focus on strategic foresighting as outlined in the Government's innovation plan, Powering Ideas - An Innovation Agenda for the 21st Century.

Chief Scientist, Professor Penny Sackett said the new model would establish more formal structures for long-term vision on all matters associated with science, engineering and innovation.

Under the new model, Standing Committee members of PMSEIC have been focusing on four foresighting clusters or themes:

• Climate Change, Energy, Water and Environment; 
• Science as an Engine for Innovation in Commerce, Industry and the Arts; 
• National Health, Well-being and Security; and 
• Knowledge Generation, Skills and Perception in a Global World.

Professor Sackett said that, following the exchange of views at the meeting, it was expected that the Prime Minister and the Council will agree on priorities so that specialised teams of experts can be formed to research these priorities further for presentation at future PMSEIC meetings.

An Expert Working Group report on Australia’s readiness to respond to epidemics was tabled at the meeting. The Working Group, chaired by Dr Brian Kay, examined the scientific challenges facing Australia in the event of a global epidemic affecting humans or animals. Recommendations covered:

• Development and maintenance of a skilled workforce by conducting ongoing national workforce planning for expertise in human and animal epidemic diseases; and boosting higher education and research training in areas of need;
• Creation of a long-term biosecurity information collection, analysis and interpretation capability;
• Regional engagement to mitigate potential epidemics; and
• Creation of a self-sufficient national vaccine development and production capacity.

The report, Epidemics in a Changing World, is available here.

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Inaugural Laureate Fellowships announced

Fifteen inaugural Australian Laureate Fellowships, worth around $2.7 million each, have been announced by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr.

The Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme was created by the Labor Government, replacing the former Federation Fellowship scheme, to assist researchers at the peak of their careers to develop and mentor research teams. The first round of Fellowships will support the work of up to 60 postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers working as part of the Laureates’ research teams.

Senator Carr said the scheme takes the best elements of the Federation Fellowships scheme and adds a focus on team work, career paths and leadership. 

"As part of the Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme, successful fellows will lead and mentor the next generation of research leaders, helping to build Australia's international competitive research capacity," he said.

The 2009 Australian Laureate Fellows are: 

• Dr Bernard Balleine, Current Organisation: University of California, Administering Organisation: University of Sydney. Project: The neural bases of decision-making. 
• Professor Richard Bryant, University of New South Wales, Psychiatry. Project: An Emiprical Model of Aboriginal Mental Health.
• Professor Lesley Head, University of Wollongong, Project: Cultural environmental research: the missing link in multidisciplinary approaches to sustainability.
• Professor Richard Hobbs, Current organization: Murdoch University, Administering Organisation: University of Western Australia. Project: Intervention ecology: managing ecosystems in the 21st century
• Professor Peter Hodgson, Deakin University, Project: Metal Processes and Products for a Sustainable Future.
• Professor Chennupati Jagadish, Australian National University, Project: Nanowire Quantum Structures for Next Generation Optoelectronics.
• Professor Jennifer Martin, University of Queensland, Project: Towards antibacterials without resistance.
• Professor Dietmar Muller, University of Sydney, Project: The Virtual Geological Observatory: a four dimensional view into the Earth through deep-time data-mining.
• Professor Peter Mumby, Current Organisation: University of Exeter, Administering Organisation: University of Queensland, Project: Adapting the sustainable exploitation of coral reef resources to provide for climate change.
• Professor Brian Schmidt, Australian National University, Project: Mining the Southern Sky.
• Professor Stephen Simpson, University of Sydney, Project: Nutritional Dynamics: from Genes to Individuals to Ecosystems.
• Professor Scott Sloan, University of Newcastle, Project: Failure Analysis of Geotechnical Infrastructure.
• Professor Anthony Thomas, Current Organisation: Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Administering Organistion: University of Adelaide, Project: Advances at the frontiers of subatomic physics and cross-disciplinary applications of the associated techniques.
• Professor Michael Tobar, University of Western Australia, Project: Frontiers of Precision Time and Frequency.
• Professor George Williams, University of New South Wales, Project: Anti-Terror Laws and the Democratic Challenge. 

More details about the Fellowships are at www.arc.gov.au.

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Clean Energy Innovation Centre board and director appointed

An Interim Advisory Board and Centre Director have been announced for the $20 million Enterprise Connect Clean Energy Innovation Centre, based in Newcastle.

The Clean Energy Innovation Centre is part of the Government's Enterprise Connect network, which provides advice and assistance to small to medium sized enterprises in various sectors. 

The Centre director is Dr Gillian Sparkes who has had a 28-year career in the manufacturing industry and has held senior management roles with private and public groups including BHP Steel, Brambles and EPA Victoria.

Dr Sparkes chaired the Victorian Water Industry, Sustainable Energy Use Working Group, which developed a framework for greenhouse gas reductions and was a member of the Reference Group for the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability in Victoria. 

Members of the Interim Advisory Board include:

• Mr Philip Pledge, Board Chair, SA Water Board (Chair) 
• Mr Terry Kallis, Managing Director,Petratherm Ltd
• Mr Michael Fielden,Managing Director, Acquasol Infrastructure Ltd
• Dr Tom Denniss, Chief Technology Officer, Oceanlinx Limited
• Mr Vincent Hawksworth,Chief Executive Officer, Hydro Tasmania
• Mr Leighton White, Technical Director, Hofmann Engineering Pty Ltd
• Ms Janine Ricketts, Executive Director – Policy and Resources, Department of State and Regional Development
• Ms Peta Ashworth, Team Leader – Social Research Projects, CSIRO
• Prof Rod Hill, Pro Vice-Chancellor – Industry Engagement and Commercialisation, Monash University
• Mr Nixon Apple, Industry and Economic Adviser, Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union
• Mr Jan Dekker, Principal, Cleantech Ventures Pty Ltd

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Climate adaptation research project for south-east Queensland

A three-year, $A14 million South East Queensland Climate Adaptation Research Initiative (SEQ-CARI) has been established to examine south-east Queensland's vulnerability to climate change, and to develop practical, cost-effective strategies to help the region adapt.

It is the first comprehensive, regional study of climate change adaptation in Australia, and one of just a few worldwide.

The initiative will develop new, more detailed climate change projections for south-east Queensland, and assess the comparative vulnerability of each sub-region.

Research will focus on the implications for agriculture, infrastructure, the environment, public health and emergency services.
Members of the initiative include: 

• CSIRO Climate Adaptation National Research Flagship
• Griffith University 
•  The University of the Sunshine Coast and
•  The University of Queensland.

State and local governments, industries and community groups will be key participants in the research program.

The initiative is supported by funding from the Queensland Government Smart State Innovation Fund, and the Australian Department of Climate Change.

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Whale expedition to counter scientific whaling

Australia and New Zealand have announced the first Antarctic whale research expedition as part of the Southern Ocean Research Partnership.

The Antarctic Whale Expedition will involve six weeks of research in early 2010 aboard the New Zealand vessel R/V Tangaroa in the Antarctic waters to the south of Australia and New Zealand.

The Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett, said the expedition supports the two countries’ joint position that non-lethal whale research can provide all the information needed to understand and conserve whales and that 'scientific whaling' is unnecessary.

The research jointly undertaken by Australia and New Zealand scientists will improve the understanding of the population structure, abundance, trends, distribution, and ecological role of whales in the Southern Ocean. Australia’s involvement in the Southern Ocean Research Partnership is led by the Australian Marine Mammal Centre based at the Australian Antarctic Division in Hobart.

The expedition will use non-lethal research techniques such as biopsy sampling, satellite tracking and acoustic and hydrographic surveys.

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Announcements

The General Sir John Monash Foundation Awards

General Sir John Monash Awards
MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
BE ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S FUTURE LEADERS

• Up to $150,000 over three years
• Postgraduate study commencing 2010
• Applications close 31 August 2009

More information www.monashawards.org

“These are prestigious, national scholarships for our brightest and our best… supporting the leaders of tomorrow.”
“The General Sir John Monash Awards and the extraordinary young Australians who have won them in the past are helping to keep the name and legacy of Monash and his men (the Anzacs) alive.”
The Hon Kevin Rudd MP, Prime Minister of Australia

“We offer to Australia’s future leaders the General Sir John Monash Awards for international postgraduate study in any field, at the world’s best universities.”
General Peter Cosgrove AC MC (Retd),
Chairman, General Sir John Monash Foundation

Awards Supporters: Federal Government (DEEWR), Victorian Government, Australian Capital Equity, Macquarie Group Foundation, Commonwealth Bank Ltd, the Pratt Foundation, Tenix, WorleyParsons Ltd, South Australian Government, Mr Bruce and Mrs Lana Moran

Leader’s making a difference to Australia’s Future

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Funding to develop sustainable energy and water technologies

Funding to develop sustainable energy and water technologies

Project proposals are invited from Queensland organisations seeking to develop innovative technologies that reduce environmental impacts resulting from energy and water consumption.

Funding will be provided through the Queensland Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund (QSEIF), operated by the Department of Environment and Resource Management (formerly EPA). Funding proposals will be evaluated on a competitive basis against the program guidelines.

Draft applications for QSEIF Round 14 must be received by 24th July 2009, with projects expected to be announced by the end of the year.

To be eligible for QSEIF funding:

• Applicants must be Queensland-based organisations.
• The main activities of the project must be undertaken within Queensland.
• Intellectual property developed in the project must belong to a Queensland-based organisation.

QSEIF funding offsets external project costs, of which a minimum 20% must be contributed by the applicant. The amount of QSEIF funding for any one project will generally be limited to $200,000. Funding is not available for internal staff and overhead costs.

Payment of QSEIF funding will be contingent upon achievement of agreed milestones.

Funding is NOT available to State or Federal government departments or to government-owned corporations.

Guidelines and further information can be obtained from the Department of Environment and Resource Management website at www.epa.qld.gov.au/qseif, or by contacting Dr Martin Gellender (07 3224 8606) or Glenn Tipman (07 3225 1965).

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Positions Vacant

Position Vacant - Scanning Electron Microscopist

The Australian Key Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis (AKCMM) is the headquarters of the Australian Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Facility (AMMRF), a major collaboration between government and universities. The Centre recognises the substantial role that microscopy, imaging and microanalysis are set to play in the next decade, as biotechnology and nanoscience have increasing impact on science and society. The Centre provides leadership, innovation and ingenuity in Australian science and engineering research. For more information, please visit www.emu.usyd.edu.au

The AKCMM is seeking a Scanning Electron Microscopist to provide instruction, training and support to users of the Centre’s analytical scanning electron microscope facilities. Your main focus will be supporting the users needs in specimen preparation, microscopy, microanalysis, image/data analysis and intepretation.

The successful applicant will have demonstrated expertise in specimen preparation techniques and scanning electron microscopy as well as SEM imaging to a broad range of biological and engineered materials in different modes. Experience in running and working in a multi-user laboratory is required.

This position requires a self motivated individual with exceptional scientific communication skills and a demonstrated ability to relate to students, users, academic and researchers at all levels. The individual will have a honours degree in science or engineering, whereas a doctoral degree with a high SEM component will be highly advantageous.

Offering something new every day, in this appointment ‘world-first’ research projects and cutting edge technology are the norm. You will be faced with challenges unique to this field.

The position is full-time fixed-term for three years, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for new appointees.

Level of Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Remuneration package Level 5: $63,109.96 - $70,715.80 (which includes a base salary Level 5 $53,329-59,756, p.a., leave loading and 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

Remuneration package Level 6: Up to $72,620.57-$78,324.05 (which includes a base salary Level 6 $61,365 - $66,185, p.a., leave loading and 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

All applications must be completed online at the University of Sydney careers website. Specific enquiries about the role can be directed to Ellie Kable on (02) 9351 7566. Enquiries related to recruitment can be directed to Melanie Leshetz on (02) 9036 7107.

Closing date: 29th June 2009

To respond to the selection criteria, please complete your responses in a word document and attach them to your application with your resume by clicking attach files.

The University is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups and women are encouraged. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment for financial or other reasons.

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Position Vacant - Biomolecular Imaging Specialist

Biomolecular Imaging Specialist
Australian Key Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis
Reference No. 109/0609

The Australian Key Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis (AKCMM) is the headquarters of the Australian Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Facility (AMMRF), a major collaboration between government and universities. The Centre recognises the substantial role that microscopy, imaging and microanalysis are set to play in the next decade, as biotechnology and nanoscience have increasing impact on science and society. The Centre provides leadership, innovation and ingenuity in Australian science and engineering research. For more information, please visit www.emu.usyd.edu.au

To help meet our goals, the Key Centre is seeking to recruit a self motivated Biomolecular Imaging Specialist.

This position will provide instruction, training and support to users of the molecular preparation and cell culture laboratories of the Centre, and enable quality user experiments through the use of various light and electron microscopy and microanalysis techniques.

The position offers great opportunities to get involved in a range of research projects across disciplines and faculty boundaries, and to join a team that has an international reputation for excellence at the cutting edge of research and user experience.

To succeed you will possess molecular biology preparatory, cell culture, immunolabelling, and fluorescence microscopy techniques. Electron microscopy techniques will also be advantageous. The successful applicant will also possess strong problem solving skills and the ability to run and maintain sophisticated scientific instrumentation.

The position is full-time fixed-term for three years, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for new appointees.

Level of Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Remuneration package Level 5: $63,109.96 - $70,715.80 (which includes a base salary Level 5 $53,329-$59,756, p.a., leave loading and 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

Remuneration package Level 6: Up to $72,620.57-$78,324.05, p.a (which includes a base salary Level 6 $61,365 - $66,185., leave loading and 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

All applications must be completed online at the University of Sydney careers website.

Specific enquiries about the role can be directed to Ellie Kable on (02) 9351 7566 and enquiries related to recruitment can be directed to Melanie Leshetz on (02) 9036 7107.

To respond to the selection criteria, please download the duty statement and address the selection criteria in a separate word document and attach them to your application with your resume by clicking attach files.

Closing date: 29th June 2009

The University is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups and women are encouraged. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment for financial or other reasons.

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Position Vacant - General Manager, National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR GROUNDWATER RESEARCH AND TRAINING
Reference No: 9165

• Location: Flinders University Main Campus, Bedford Park
• Available: Full-time for an initial term of 5 years, with the possibility of renewal
• Salary Package: In excess of $100 000 including 17% employer superannuation
• Applications close: 5pm, Monday 6 July 2009

The National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training is a new centre, headquartered at Flinders University, which will make a major contribution towards understanding Australia's groundwater systems, developing the new groundwater tools, techniques, methodologies and understandings that are urgently required to manage groundwater - both in Australia and internationally - and training the next generation of groundwater professionals for vital roles in universities, and in public and private organisations involved in groundwater management.

The position of General Manager is new, exciting and critical to the success of the Centre. For more information about the Manager’s role and the Centre, including how to apply on-line, please visit our Jobs@Flinders website.

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Training Opportunities

Writing Clear Science Workshops

Writing Clear Science Workshops

We help science professionals and students improve their writing skills. Our writing workshops are relevant to individuals from all science backgrounds and with different levels of academic achievement. People who attend our workshops greatly improve their ability to write high-quality science documents: - research reports, peer-reviewed papers, industry reports, fact sheets, media releases and theses.

Writing Clear Science workshops are regularly held throughout Australia as:

• Open Workshops: We visit most capital cities. Individual and group bookings are welcome.
• In-House Workshops: 1-to-3 day workshops tailored to your needs and held at your institution.

Open Workshop Course

• Day 1: The Nuts & Bolts: Writing Clearly & Succinctly
• Day 2: Writing Reports, Articles & Papers
• Day 3: Writing Your Thesis

Enrolments are available for Day 1, Day 1-2 or Day 1-3.

Open Workshop Calendar

MELBOURNE: Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Victoria. Tue. 21st – Thurs. 23rd July.
BRISBANE: DFI&F Conference Centre, 80 Anne Street Brisbane. Mon. 7th – Wed. 9th September.
SYDNEY: UNILINC Meeting Room, Level 9, 210 Clarence Street, Sydney. Tue. 6th – Thurs. 8th October.
ADELAIDE: Venue to be confirmed. Wed. 4th – Fri. 6th November.

To download registration form and for further information on both Open and In-House Workshops go to www.writingclearscience.com.au, or please contact Dr Marina Hurley on 0416-097979 or info@writingclearscience.com.au.

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