New Chief Scientist appointed

Dr Jim Peacock AC, President of the Australian Academy of Science and former head of CSIRO Plant Industry, has been appointed as Australia’s new Chief Scientist.

The appointment is part-time and Dr Peacock will continue his part-time role as a senior science leader within CSIRO.

Dr Peacock founded the GeneShears Biotechnology Company for CSIRO and set up the GrainGene initiative and the HRZ Wheat Company linking research with the production of new wheat varieties for Australia.

He replaces Dr Robin Batterham whose term of office as Chief Scientist ended in May last year.

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NCRIS Roadmap released

The National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) Roadmap has been released, setting out priority areas of the Australian Government’s major research infrastructure investment through the NCRIS over the next five years. The Roadmap will guide the investment of $524 million allocated for research infrastructure through Backing Australia's Ability 2.

The Roadmap identifies capabilities that are considered to provide the most strategic impact in terms of delivering national benefit, producing world-class excellence in both discovery and application driven research, and/or enhancing the overall capacity of the research and innovation system by providing enabling research platforms and promoting accessibility and collaboration.

Funding for individual areas of capability is limited to $60 million, and capabilities likely to require funding above that level are considered ‘landmark infrastructure’ and outside the scope of the Strategic Roadmap and the NCRIS funding process.

The nine priority investment areas identified for 2006 are:

• Evolving biomolecular platforms and informatics
• Integrated biological systems - animal models of disease, plant phenomics, biological collections
• Characterisation - neutron scattering, X-ray techniques, Optical and electron microscopy/microanalysis
• Fabrication - Fabrication of advanced materials (including nano-materials), Bio- and chemo- pre-commercial synthesis, fabrication and rapid prototyping, Micro/nanofabrication enabling microelectronics, photonics, optoelectronics, integrated optics
• Biotechnology products
• Networked biosecurity framework
• Optical and radio astronomy
• Integrated marine observing system
• Structure and evolution of the Australian continent

Two further high priority capabilities - Population health and clinical data linkage, and Terrestrial ecosystem research network - have been identified for development of a full investment proposal following scoping and analysis by the research community.

Capabilities which will be reviewed for possible implementation in 2007 are:

• Translating health discovery into clinical application
• Heavy ion accelerators
• Low-emission, large-scale energy processes
• Next generation solutions to counter terrorism and crime

A single national, collaborative proposal (incorporating a business plan) will be developed to address each area of capability. Development of each proposal will be undertaken through a designated facilitator or coordinating body, external to DEST, reporting to the NCRIS Committee. Facilitators will be relevant organisations to ensure broad support and acceptance. In some cases an appropriate coordinating organisation has already been identified in the Roadmap.

The NCRIS Committee, chaired by Dr Mike Sargent, was responsible for the development of the Strategic Roadmap.

The Roadmap and the complete list of priority areas for investment are available through the NCRIS website: here

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Funding for Walter & Eliza Hall Institute

The Australian Government is contributing $50 million towards the building of a seven-storey extension of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. The extension will double the floor space available for medical research.

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute is one of two research institutes that will form part of the Parkville health and medical research precinct that also includes the Howard Florey Institute, the University of Melbourne, major hospitals, including the Royal Melbourne, Women's and Children's hospitals. The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre will also be moved to the precinct from its current premises in East Melbourne.

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International Science Linkages COMPETITIVE GRANTS

An initiative of the Australian Government’s Innovation Statement Backing Australia’s Ability

The International Science Linkages (ISL) programme offers assistance through Competitive Grants for international science and technology cooperation and related activities. Competitive Grants provides support for Australian researchers who are undertaking strategically focussed, leading-edge, collaborative research projects with international partners including participation in European Union Framework projects and also with APEC economies. Support may be provided to participate in international strategic planning activities for major international scientific projects and for showcasing Australia’s scientific research and technology capabilities. The Competitive Grants component also offers support of up to $50,000 per major international conference to be held in Australia.

Applications will be accepted from Australian private companies and organisations such as tertiary education institutions, Cooperative Research Centres, Australian registered business or industry groups, Australian public sector research agencies and Australian private, not for profit, research organisations.

Funding under ISL Competitive Grants is made on a competitive basis against specific criteria. Applications are considered in assessment rounds. The next call for applications will open on 1 March 2006 and close on 31 March 2006. Access to the online application form will be available on the ISL website www.dest.gov.au/science/isl/ from 1 March 2006.

Information and guidelines are also available on the website or by contacting the International S&T Policy and Programmes Section, Science Group, at DEST by email: isl@dest.gov.au or by phone: (02) 6240 5465.

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Special offer from New Scientist

This week in New Scientist: Is space-time actually a superfluid?, trials for drug that leaves HIV defenceless, tests to show if dark energy interacts with dark matter,and much much more...

Eaxch week New Scientist distils the key developments in science and technology and analyses their impact on the economy, society, the environment, politics and individuals.

EnviroInfo readers can save up to 30% off the standard subscription price + for a limited time receive a FREE Copy of the full length last word book 'Does anything eat wasps?'

Subscribe on-line here or call 1300 360 126 and quote the code NS06WB10.

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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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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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Turn your Bio/Medical Technology into a Successful Business

If you are a research scientist or employed in a biotechnology or medical device company, and are motivated to succeed, this is the right program for you.

For more than 20 years the NSW Enterprise Workshop program has provided a structured analytical process for identifying and evaluating commercial opportunities.

Programs start 28 April and 28 July 2006

• 4 month part-time program primarily outside business hours.
• includes 10 hours of face-to-face sessions with specialist biotech speakers.
• mentoring support is provided by volunteer successful business people.

Significant government subsidies are available for eligible businesses and researchers.

The specialist biotechnology stream includes topics such as:

• commercialising and product development;
• clinical trials and regulatory issues;
• reimbursement in the medical industry; and
• business development in the pharma market.

The program covers a wide range of business topics such as marketing ( research, positioning and communication); finance (budgeting and accounting, business valuation and due diligence; and risk analysis and venture capital.

Last year the top Award for each program was won by biotechnology companies:

Dynamic Axtion specialises in the design and manufacture of artificial legs. They have developed and patented lower limb pro0sthesis and unique manufacturing methods for products of composite material.

SpineCell has developed a biologic gene therapy to improve the treatment of spinal disc disorders. SpineCell has developed a bioilogic gene therapy that will improve the treatment of spinal disc disorders.

For information about the program, Dynamic Axtion and SpineCell - 02 9209 4796 or succeed@enterpriseworkshop.com.au - Sydney CBD information sessions on 15 or 30 March or 11 April - Parramatta on 28 March. http://www.enterpriseworkshop.com.au

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Are you involved in research? Then you need to be able to work effectively with research project teams!

The School of Enterprise, University of Melbourne, in association with the Association of Regulatory and Clinical Scientists (ARCS), are pleased to announce that they will be holding a 1 day short course on Working Effectively with Research Project Teams.

This course is suitable for anyone working in research project teams in medical and scientific areas, to develop research management capabilities both in general and also specifically in the clinical research context.

The best research often emerges out of the creative interaction of talented team members. This interaction at times can be stressful and sometimes unproductive. This one-day workshop has been designed to introduce participants to a range of tools and techniques to help them understand:

• The strengths and weaknesses of different work preferences and styles
• How to work to their own work-style strengths and those of others
• How to develop effective communication strategies for research projects
• How to deal with creative tension and manage conflict
• How to develop high performance teams of knowledge workers
• How to manage dysfunctional work climates and team members

Numbers are limited, so be quick!

Cost: $540 + GST

When: 8th April, 2006. (8.30am to 5.30pm)

Where: The University of Melbourne, Hawthorn Campus, 442 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn

NEED TO KNOW MORE? Check out more information at;
http://www.soe.unimelb.edu.au/clinicalresearch

Express your interest in this course or related courses by contacting;
Brad Atkins on (03) 9810 3185 or email b.atkins@soe.unimelb.edu.au

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Are you involved in research? Then you need to know how to define research projects and deliverables

The School of Enterprise, University of Melbourne, in association with the Association of Regulatory and Clinical Scientists (ARCS), are pleased to announce that they will be holding a 1 day short course on Defining Research Projects and Deliverables.

This course is suitable for anyone working in research project administration and management in medical and scientific areas, to develop research management capabilities both in general and also specifically in the clinical research context.
Traditional project management approaches often don’t work for many research projects. By their nature, research projects involve novel tasks with uncertain resource requirements. This practical one-day workshop has been designed to introduce participants to a range of tools and techniques to help them:

• Understand the different types of research projects
• Define project scopes
• Understand the impact of “scope creep” on project success
• Define deliverables and success from the perspective of different stakeholders
• Define research milestones and performance indicators
• Understand how to identify resources to successfully complete a project and the impact of resource constraints
• How to selectively use common project management tools available

Numbers are limited, so be quick!

Cost: $540 + GST

When: 7th April, 2006. (8.30am to 5.30pm)

Where: The University of Melbourne, Hawthorn Campus, 442 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn

NEED TO KNOW MORE? Check out more information at;
http://www.soe.unimelb.edu.au/clinicalresearch

Express your interest in this course or related courses by contacting;
Brad Atkins on (03) 9810 3185 or email b.atkins@soe.unimelb.edu.au

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Knowledge and Research....Is it time commercialise?

The School of Enterprise, University of Melbourne, in association with the Australian Institute for Commercialisation (AIC), are pleased to announce that they will be holding a 2 day short course; Commercialisation Bootcamp.

• How much is your organisation’s know-how and IP worth to others?
• Do you have the skills to develop and sell your knowledge and research to industry?

TAKE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND RESEARCH TO NEW HEIGHTS

This course has been specifically designed for people in research organisations involved or likely to be involved in commercialisation activities. The Bootcamp introduces participants to various stages of the commercialisation process, from structuring a research program through realising the potential of commercial outcomes in the market.

Numbers are limited, so be quick!

Cost: $850 + GST

When: 3rd & 4th April, 2006
Time: 8.30am for 9am start, Finish at 5.00pm

Where: The University of Melbourne, University House, Parkville

NEED TO KNOW MORE? Check out more information at;

http://www.soe.unimelb.edu.au/commercialise

Express your interest in this course or related courses by contacting;

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

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Integration enhances communication

Current trends indicate that key departments and teams within organizations have overlapping data requirements, but need to process that data in a variety of different ways. This data is much easier to access and share if it’s available through one integrated solution.

Thomson PharmaSM integrates the best of the drug, intellectual property, literature and news, company, target, chemistry, and sequencing content owned by Thomson in a single solution. It enables professionals working at all stages of the drug development pipeline, from clinical researchers and chemists to competitive intelligence and licensing and business development professionals, to annotate and share a common source of integrated information.

By combining powerful annotation and file sharing features with premium content, Thomson Pharma encourages collaboration, enhances communication, and expedites decision-making across departments and enhances an organization’s ability to innovate, work faster and smarter, and attain outstanding research and business results.

Thomson Pharma can help your organization to:

• Conduct world-class research
• Break new ground
• Be the first to market
• Make better decisions faster

To find out more, go to: here

You can e-mail us at: ts.info.asia@thomson.com
Or call us at: +61 2 8587 7948 or 1 800 007 214 (from Australia)

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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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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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