New Minister for Education Science and Training

The Australian Government's new Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop, is a lawyer who, before entering politics, was a Managing Partner of the law firm Clayton Utz in Western Australia.

Ms Bishop, Federal Member for Curtin, was born and educated in South Australia, and completed a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Adelaide in 1978.

Prior to the recent ministerial reshuffle, she was Minister for Ageing. Besides Education, Science and Training. Her new portfolio includes Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Women's Issues.

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ICT research study to be commissioned

The Federal Government is to commission a new study to find what the benefits are of public-sector ICT research to the nation, and how much they are worth.

The purpose of the study is to identify: what benefits can accrue to Australia from the performance of public ICT R&D; timeframes for accrual of benefits, how readily the benefits can be measured and what influences the scope of benefits realized; estimates of what benefits are accruing to Australia from the performance of public ICT R&D, and the value of those benefits.

Of particular interest will be research conducted by CSIRO and National ICT Australia (NICTA), as well as the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), and through the Australian Research Council and Co-Operative Research Centres (CRC) program and government-funded university research.

While many studies have investigated the impact of ICT on the economy over the past few years, "there has been no detailed assessment of the particular contribution made by Australian ICT R&D and Australian ICT-based innovation to the economy nor analysis of the relationship between Australia's R&D base and the evolution of industry structures," the request for tender says.

The tender for the project is open until February 27. A final report is expected to be handed to the government in August.

Further information on the study is available at here

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Review of Standards Australia and NATA

The Productivity Commission has been instructed by the Treasurer Peter Costello and the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane to undertake a research study into the Australian Government’s relationship with Standards Australia Limited and the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA).

The Commission will examine:

• the efficiency and effectiveness of standards setting and laboratory accreditation services in Australia;
• the appropriate role for the Australian Government in relation to standard setting and laboratory accreditation;
• the appropriate terms for Memoranda of Understanding between the Australian Government and its agencies and Standards Australia Limited and the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia; and
• the appropriate means of funding activities of Standards Australia Limited and the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia, which are deemed to be in the national interest.

The report will be published in November this year. More information is at http://www.pc.gov.au/

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Human Genetics Advisory Committee formed

The membership of the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Human Genetics Advisory Committee (HGAC) has been announced.

The Committee has been formed as part of the Government’s response to the Australian Law Reform Commission and Australian Health Ethics Committee’s report Essentially Yours – The Protection of Human Genetic Information. It has been allocated $7.6 million over four years to operate as a principal committee of the NHMRC.

It will be chaired by Professor Ron Trent, Professor of Molecular Genetics at the University of Sydney. Other members include

• Reverend Martin Robinson, Rector of St Martin's Anglican Church, Killara;
• Professor Jonathan Izant, Executive Director of the Queensland University of Technology's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation;
• Dr Rosanna Capolingua; Chair of the Australian Medical Association's Ethics and Medico-legal Committee;
• Dr Sandra Hacker, Chair of the Northern Health Service Board (Victoria);
• Dr Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Foundation Director of the Centre for Genetics Education of the NSW Genetics Service;
• Emeritus Professor Jack Martin, Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne, and a John Holt Fellow at St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research;
• Professor Don Chalmers, Dean of Law, University of Tasmania;
• Professor David Weisbrot, President of the Law Reform Commission;
• Professor Siaw-Teng Liaw, Chair of Rural Health at the University of Melbourne and Head of the University Department of Rural Health program;
• Associate Professor Jane Halliday, head of Public Health Genetics at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute;
• Dr Sally Goold, Executive Director of the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses.

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New WA Minister for Science and Innovation

Western Australia has a new Minister for Science and Innovation, Francis Logan, following the reshuffle by the new Premier, Alan Carpenter. Mr Logan is also Minister for Energy.

Mr Logan was born in Surrey, England and emigrated to Western Australian in 1980. He worked with Hamersley Iron and Horwood Bagshaw as a fitter on mining equipment in the Pilbara. From 1986 he worked for the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union as a research officer and as an elected organiser. He has served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Midwest, Wheatbelt and Great Southern; Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Water Resources; Minister for Housing and Works and Heritage; and Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure.

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New science vision for South Australia

A report by Baroness Professor Susan Greenfield, former Adelaide Thinker in Residence, outlining a vision for science in South Australia, has been released and a team of `leaders' has been appointed to progress of each of the ten key initiatives outlined in the report.

The ‘Working Implementation Group’, chaired by Robert Champion de Crespigny, will meet three times a year.

The ten initiatives and their `champions' are:

• Bragg Initiative - Robert Champion de Crespigny
• Oxford Centre for Science of the Mind - Professor Marcello Costa, Chair, SA Neuroscience Institute
• James Martin 21st Century School - Premier Mike Rann
• Science Outside the Square - Melvin Mansell, Editor of The Advertiser
• Twinning Scientists & Teacher Program - Professor Richard Head, Director CSIRO Preventative Health
• Women in Science, Engineering and Technology - Prof Caroline McMillen, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, University of South Australia
• Health and Community Services - Monsignor David Cappo, Chair Social Inclusion Board
• Continuing Training for Teachers - Jane Lomax-Smith, Minister for Education & Children’s Services
• Australian Science Media Centre - Mr Peter Yates, Managing Director, Allco Equity Partners Ltd
• Science Infrastructure and Research - Professor Max Brennan, Chief Scientist, South Australia

Key elements of Baroness Greenfield’s report include:

• Identification of significant opportunities to leverage corporate support nationally and internationally through the work of the initiatives’ Champions;
• Opportunities identified for scientists to get involved in media, education and health; assisting SA to become a national centre for public promotion of science and helping attract scientists to SA;
• Suggestions for smoothing the path between academic research, intellectual property issues and commercialisation as a way of creating wealth for the State and scientists themselves;
• A vision for future infrastructure investment that can help SA attract funding and talent;
• Opportunities to link with Baroness Greenfield’s activities in the UK including: SA becoming an international partner in the James Martin 21st Century school (which has a budget of US$100 million); SA neuroscience ethics and philosophy researchers working with the Oxford Centre for the Science of the Mind; and incorporating the activities of the Royal Institution into future science infrastructure investments creating a ‘Ri Down Under’.

The report, Getting to the Future First, is available at www.thinkers.sa.gov.au

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$35 m Venture Capital Fund for SA biotech companies

The South Australian Government has signed an agreement with the Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund (MTAA Super) to create a new venture capital fund that will invest up to $35 million dollars over 10 years into South Australia’s emerging biotechnology companies.

Under the arrangement, Bio Innovation SA has set up an independent fund management company, to be known as Terra Rossa Capital, and brought together a team of industry professionals from across Australia and overseas to manage the fund.

MTAA Super’s Adelaide-based Chairman John Rickus said the fund had been finalized following a due diligence process on the State’s biotechnology industry, its research capabilities and Bio Innovation SA.

The fund is expected to make the first investment sometime this year.

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Report advocates council cooperation in biotech industry

The BioCouncils Alliance, a group of six Victorian councils including Hume, Knox, Melbourne, Monash, Whittlesea and Wyndham, has released a report identifying potential job and investment opportunities to boost biotechnology industries in local government areas.

The study, supported by a $50,000 Victorian Government grant, identified council areas already containing specialised biotechnology expertise, industries, research institutes and infrastructure as well as future possible development areas.

It recommended that councils should play an active role in biotechnology precinct and industry hub developments and provide developers with advice and assistance.

The report, Mapping the Life Cycle of Biotechnology Companies, is a follow-up to the 2004 BioCouncils Alliance Bioscience to Bioindustry study that looked at how to build on already established biotechnology industries while contributing as part of a network to develop the industry as a whole.

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The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science – Nominations close Friday 19th of May.

Closing Date: Friday 19 May 2006, AEST 5.00 pm.

We are seeking nominations for any of the following five (5) prestigious science and science teaching annual awards:

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

Information about the Prizes and the online nomination process is available here

Contact Information: Science Prizes Secretariat, Department of Education, Science and Training, Tel: (02) 6240 5066, Fax (02) 6123 6168, email: pmprize@dest.gov.au

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Australia-China Special Fund for Scientific and Technological Cooperation Call for Proposals 2006

The Australian Government in conjunction with the Government of the People’s Republic of China has established the Australia-China Special Fund for Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The Fund is designed to promote and support scientific and technological cooperation between Australian and Chinese researchers in both public and private sectors.

The Fund will provide financial assistance, on a competitive basis, for participation in international collaborative scientific and research projects. Priority will be given to projects in the fields of advanced materials, agriculture, biotechnology, the environment, information and communications technology and mining and energy.

Funding does not extend to insurances or equipment expenses.

Applicants can seek support for projects spanning up to 3 years.

How to Apply: Applications must be for funding for collaboration between Australian and Chinese partners. Each partner must submit an application to their respective Government (Department of Education Science and Training for the Australian applicants, the Ministry of Science and Technology or the National Natural Science Foundation of China for Chinese applicants).

The 2006 call-for-proposals will open on Monday 13 February 2006 and close on Friday 24 March 2006.

Australian applicants should refer to the Australia-China Special Fund guidelines, available at https://sciencegrants.dest.gov.au/ISL/, before commencing their application.

Further Information: Australian applicants requiring more information can direct questions by email to isl@dest.gov.au

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AIRG Conference 2006: Australian R&D in the Global Business Environment

The AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH GROUP (AIRG) will be holding its Conference 2006 in Melbourne from 26-28 February 2006. The venue will be Rydges Riverwalk Hotel, 649 Bridge Road, Richmond, Victoria.

On this occasion, the theme of the conference will be,

“AUSTRALIAN R&D IN THE GLOBAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT”

We have entered a new era characterised by removal of trade barriers, an explosion in international travel and communication and the rapid development and translation of knowledge across the globe. To this must be added the phenomenal growth in the new economies represented primarily by China, India, Russia and Brazil. The situation in the developed countries is further complicated by the pending retirement of the baby-boomers and the challenge to replace the knowledge and skills that they take with them. This changing world order represents a significant challenge for Australia and our ability to respond and use our R&D expertise across all sectors to remain competitive and prosperous in this new environment. The conference focuses on these issues with an impressive array of speakers from industry and Public Sector R&D. In addition, workshop sessions will provide the opportunity for delegates to contribute to the development of a conference view on the role of Australian R&D in this environment and the opportunities that it presents.

We invite those people interested in the role that Australian R&D can play in providing Australian industry with a competitive advantage to attend this important conference.

For further information please contact Dr. Errol McGarry, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Industrial Research Group ( Ph. 61 3 9439 0075 or e-mail airg@bigpond.net.au)

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PICALO 2006

Invitation from the General Conference Chair, Prof Milan Brand, IRIS, Swinburne University of Technology:

PICALO 2006 to be held at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne from 3-5 April, 2006 is the second in a series of conferences focusing on the growth of industrial lasers and applications in the Pacific region. The general aim of PICALO is to bring together researchers, engineers, equipment suppliers and industry personnel to hear the latest developments and progress in lasers and applications and to share knowledge, experiences and visions. PICALO 2006 will offer an exciting technical and social program in Melbourne, one of the most livable cities in the world! For those who have not visited Australia before, I would encourage you to take this opportunity to spend additional time here and enjoy this great country and its people.

Program Includes:
Laser Materials Processing Sessions
Micro, Nano and Ultrafast Fabrication Sessions
Plenary Session on New Lasers and Applications

Register today - The early bird deadline if Feb. 17.

To view the Advance Program in pdf format,
http://www.laserinstitute.org/conferences/picalo
To download a registration form,
http://www.laserinstitute.org/conferences/picalo

Vendor and Sponsorship Opportunities are still available!

Please email mbrandt@swin.edu.au for more information!

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Are you a Clinician interested in Neuroscience?

The School of Enterprise, University of Melbourne, in association with the NHRMC - funded Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Neurosciences and the Brain Research Institute, are pleased to announce that they will be holding a 4 day short course on Clinical Neuroscience Research: Methodology and Disease Applicants Part 1, at the Austin Repatriation Centre on March 27th, 28th, 29th and 31st.

NUMBERS ARE LIMITED, so be quick!

This course has been specifically designed for people already in clinical practise, who want to understand and interpret the existing research, or to think about the research questions before embarking on clinical research studies. Experienced clinicians who are in their first years of conducting clinical research will also benefit by consolidating their research methods and skills. In addition, this course will provide basic orientation in various clinical research methodologies applied to neuroscience for other professionals who are unfamiliar with the field of neuroscience or clinical research.

Specialist Certificate in Clinical Research (Neuroscience)

The 25 points Specialist certificate is a Masters level award and is achieved by completion of the two four day subjects, Methodology and Disease Applicants Part 1 & 2, with associated assessment. it provides full credit into the Masters program in Clinical Research.

Cost:$1975 + GST

More information is available from http://www.soe.unimelb.edu.au/iid

Brad Atkins on (03) 9810 3185 or email b.atkins@soe.unimelb.edu.au

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Strategic Business Planning

A 5 day intensive program for researchers, scientists and engineers who need to develop commercialisation skills, where you will:

• Learn strategies to commercialise new products and services
• Find out how to attract finance
• Polish your business planning and strategic skills

If you apply your skill to the completion of a commercialisation plan for your business, you can gain an accredited award at the same time.

Don’t take our word for it – hear what one of our participants employers had to say:

“Just thought I'd let you know that I've recently reviewed a business plan developed … in relation to the dysphagia device - and it is easily the best piece of work I've seen in my 3 years at CSIRO.” Dr Kathy Kociuba, General Manager, Commercialisation, CSIRO Business Development & Commercialisation.

Melbourne, February 20th to 24th 2006

Cost $2,700 + GST short course only. Award program $4,200.

Places are strictly limited so contact Gemma Rohan, 03 9810 3174 g.rohan@soe.unimelb.edu.au to register.

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Looking to advertise a new R&D position, scholarship or call?

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

See here

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

ResearchJobs:

• weekly electronic advertising medium for R&D and scientific positions vacant and scholarships
• email document that is sent to over 11,000 subscribers
• website that has been averaging over 1000 visits per day for April 2006
• ad length 200 words, $1 plus GST extra for ads over 200 words
• cost for both website and email document is $180 plus GST per ad for one week, $300 plus GST for two weeks, $400 plus GST for three weeks.

For further information see here, email scott@halledit.com.au or call Scott McKinnon on 03 8534 5000

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Ernst & Young R&D Services

Would you like to receive a tax break or grant from the government to help your R&D investment stretch further? Do you need government R&D assistance but you are too busy to pursue it? We can help you. Ernst & Young helps hundreds of Australian companies to access substantial R&D benefits each year. We have extensive experience helping companies to access:

• R&D Tax Concession and R&D Tax Offset (cash rebate),


• R&D grants, 


•  Export incentives, and


• other State and Commonwealth grants.

Ernst & Young Australia boasts one of the most experienced and multi-disciplined Innovation & Incentives practices in Australia. Comprising specialists with hands-on expertise in developing technology and leveraging government assistance, Ernst & Young’s team is dedicated to helping clients gain maximum value from their R&D investments. Ernst & Young can help you to select the type of R&D assistance that best suits your company, considering your circumstances, your industry and your R&D projects.

For more information on how Ernst & Young can help, please contact an office near you or visit our website at http://www.ey.com.au

Perth: Robin Parsons (08) 9429 2251
Melbourne: Steven Batrouney (03) 8650 7571
Melbourne: Alun Needham (03) 9288 8099
Sydney: Mark Tafft (02) 8295 6987
Brisbane: Murray Graham (07) 3011 3264
Adelaide: Chris Sharpley (08) 8233 1685

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i d + e - taking a product idea or opportunity and making it a reality.

i d + e is an industrial design and mechanical engineering group that can take a product idea or opportunity and make it a reality. Collectively, i d + e has over 35 years of experience gained in a wide variety of industries developing consumer, medical, industrial and technical products.

i d + e’s business is providing successful commercial outcomes for our clients. i d + e is unique among its peers as our skills and experience span all stages of the product development process from conceptualisation to mass manufacture.

i d + e is flexible and adaptable believing that design is all encompassing, not just aesthetics or technology but the integration of both, design is for the user. This allows i d + e to deliver creative design solutions that are also practical as our engineering expertise means that our designs are developed for real world manufacturing situations.

i d + e prides itself on effective project management on all aspects of product development. A sound development process is the corner stone in creating a truly successful product. However, flexibility to adapt ones processes to real world challenges, is what governs the speed at which that product hits the market and it's ultimate value to the business.

For further information please visit our website here or contact Richard on (02) 9517 4911, or by email here

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