RQF Advisory Group appointed

The Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Julie Bishop, has announced the formation of a Research Quality Framework Development Advisory Group (RQFDAG), chaired by the Chief Scientist, Dr Jim Peacock, that will advise on the implementation of the RQF.

The new group will take over the RQF process from the Expert Advisory Group, chaired by Sir Gareth Roberts, which recently completed its final paper outlining a preferred mode for the RQF. This paper has now been released for consideration by the research sector.

Membership of the RQFDAG includes:

• Dr Michael Barber (representing the CSIRO Board), Executive Director, Science Planning, CSIRO;
• Mr Phil Clark (representing the Business Council of Australia (BCA)), member of the J P Morgan Advisory Council;
• Mr Terry Enright , presently the Chairman of the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) Board;
Emeritus Professor Chris Fell, representing the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering;

• Ms Leanne Harvey (representing the Department of Education, Science and Training). the Branch Manager of Research Systems Branch in the Department of Education, Science and Training;
• Dr Warren King (representing the Cooperative Research Centres’ Committee);
Professor Jane Marceau (representing the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia);

• Dr Phil McFadden (representing the Australian Academy of Science), Chief Scientist, Geoscience Australia;
• Professor Ian Davey (representing the Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee);
• Professor Deryck Schreuder (representing the Australian Academy of Humanities);
• Dr Ian O Smith, Executive Director, ANSTO.

The RQF Final Advice paper is available at: www.dest.gov.au/resqual/default.htm

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CSIRO's Wealth from Oceans Flagship program outlined

CSIRO’s Wealth from Oceans Flagship is embarking upon a major joint research program designed to retrieve currently inaccessible offshore energy reserves.

Addressing the 2006 Oceanology International Conference, the Flagship’s Director, Craig Roy, said the oil and gas research portfolio was one of four major R&D themes being pursued by the Flagship.

‘This work will develop in partnership with industry and R & D collaborators to implement step-change science and technology to unlock new industrial opportunities in the discovery and recovery of offshore hydrocarbon resources – especially those beyond the reach of our current extraction technologies,’ Mr Roy said.

Another major research theme aims to ensure that the ocean's physical, biogeochemical and seabed systems can be characterised and predicted. In partnership with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the Royal Australian Navy, the Flagship is developing an operational ocean modelling and prediction system for Australia.

The Flagship will also collaborate on R&D designed to exploit the climate information residing in the oceans to support Australia’s climate sensitive industries, as well as projects designed to develop Australia’s marine regions through multiple-use management strategies.

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New risk analysis research centre announced

A new national Centre of Excellence for Risk Analysis is to be established at the University of Melbourne to focus on the strengthening of Australia’s safeguards against the incursion of exotic diseases or pests.

The Centre, to be led by Professor Mark Burgman, was selected from 11 proposals in a process managed by the Australian Bureau of Rural Sciences.

The objective of the centre is to research and build new risk analysis methods and develop risk interpretation tools. The early focus will be on biosecurity risks.

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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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Position Vacant: Team Leader - Information and Investigations/Aviation Research

• Research & Statistical Analysis
• Executive Level 2 $82,754 - $97,746

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau, which is an operationally independent body within the Australian Government Department of Transport and Regional Services, has a Canberra-based position for a Team Leader with a proven track record in managing teams of researchers and analysts.

This is an opportunity for a highly motivated and committed person with
extensive experience in applied research, including high level strategic and analytical skills, to lead and manage the ATSB’s Aviation Research Team. Applicants must have highly developed management and leadership skills and extensive experience in applied research management. Applicants must also hold tertiary qualifi cations in a discipline relevant to research methodologies and practice. Qualifi cations and/or experience in statistical analysis are highly desirable.

Duties include: Leading and managing the activities of the ATSB’s aviation safety research and statistical analysis team, including setting objectives and priorities and ensuring achievement of resource and performance targets. Undertaking analysis, and preparing complex correspondence and reports, including provision of high level advice to the Minister and Departmental and Bureau Executive on aviation safety research, safety studies and related issues. Liaising with other government agencies, transport industry bodies, domestic and international agencies and organisations including tertiary institutions and community organisations as required.

Further information and selection documentation: Deputy Director Information and Investigations, Alan Stray on 02 6274 6464 or
alan.stray@atsb.gov.au.

Applications for this position close Friday, 28 April 2006.

Applicants must address all the selection criteria and state relevant qualifications and experience. Applications quoting the reference number V06/071 should be forwarded by close of business Friday 28 April 2006 to: recruitment@dotars.gov.au

Selection documentation and further information about ATSB is available on the web site www.atsb.gov.au.

The Department of Transport and Regional Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and encourages applications from Indigenous Australians. This is a security assessed position and the successful applicant will need to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the appropriate level. Conditions of service are covered by the DOTARS Certified Agreement 2004-2006. Australian citizenship is a requirement of employment in DOTARS. Applicants who have permanent resident status may be considered, but an offer of employment would be conditional on achieving Australian citizenship.

www.dotars.gov.au

seeking the best people

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Position Vacant: Senior Research Officer / Research Officer

THERAPEUTICS RESEARCH UNIT, SCHOOL OF MEDICINE – SOUTHERN CLINICAL DIVISION, THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND, BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

The Therapeutics Research Unit (TRU) is committed to internationally competitive and productive therapeutic research outcomes with a focus on research in drug design, drug delivery, pharmacokinetics and quality use of medicines that may lead to improved patient outcomes. The Unit is staffed from scientists from a range of disciplines (medicine, pharmacy, pharmacology, chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics) and uses facilities such as organ perfusion equipment and related facilities, LCMSMS, multiphoton in vivo microscopy, radiochemical counting, LC, experimental intensive care unit facilities and various molecular biology modules.

The Role: Work on an NHMRC Project on Pharmacokinetics in Liver Disease; lead experimental drug metabolism, drug disposition and pharmacokinetic research in the Unit; responsible for the day-to-day design, execution and maximal productivity for a NHMRC Research Grant on altered pharmacokinetics as a consequence of liver and cardiovascular disease.

The Person: An experienced researcher with a PhD with proven expertise in animal experimentation techniques and pharmacology; able to work interactively with clinical colleagues in translating results in patients outcomes.

Remuneration: This is a full-time, fixed term appointment at Level A or B, to 31 December 2006 in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal for a further two years. The remuneration package will be in the range of $51,429 – $69,759 p.a. (Level A) or $73,431 – $87,200 p.a. (Level B), which includes employer superannuation contributions of 17%. Level of appointment will be commensurate with qualifications, experience and research achievements.

Contact: Obtain the position description and selection criteria online at http://www.jobsatUQ.net/ or contact Bernie Cook, telephone (07) 3240-5318 or email bcook@soms.uq.edu.au. Contact Dr Sheree Cross, telephone (07) 3240 5364, to discuss the role.

Applications close: 20 April 2006.

Reference No: 3013666.

How to Apply:
1. Visit http://www.jobsatUQ.net/ to obtain a copy of the position descriptions and selection criteria.
2. Include a covering letter, curriculum vitae and statement addressing the selection criteria.
3. Quote the vacancy reference number on your covering letter.

The University is an equal opportunity employer.

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Position Vacant: Senior Research Technician

THERAPEUTICS RESEARCH UNIT, SCHOOL OF MEDICINE – SOUTHERN CLINICAL DIVISION, THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND, BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

The Therapeutics Research Unit (TRU) is committed to internationally competitive and productive therapeutic research outcomes with a focus on research in drug design, drug delivery, pharmacokinetics and quality use of medicines that may lead to improved patient outcomes. The Unit is staffed from scientists from a range of disciplines (medicine, pharmacy, pharmacology, chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics) and uses facilities such as organ perfusion equipment and related facilities, LCMSMS, multiphoton in vivo microscopy, radiochemical counting, LC, experimental intensive care unit facilities and various molecular biology modules.

The Role: Work on an NHMRC project on pharmacokinetics in liver disease; provide research assistance in experimental drug metabolism, drug disposition and pharmacokinetic research in the Unit; research will focus on altered pharmacokinetics as a consequence of liver and cardiovascular disease.

The Person: A researcher with a BSc or BSc (Hons) or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training. Skills and experience in animal experimentation techniques and pharmacology would be highly regarded.

Remuneration: This is a full-time, fixed term appointment at HEW Level 5, to 31 December 2006 in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal for a further two years. The remuneration package will be in the range of $51,480 – $57,657 p.a., which includes employer superannuation contributions of 17%.

Contact: Obtain the position description and selection criteria online at http://www.jobsatUQ.net/ or contact Bernie Cook, telephone (07) 3240-5318 or email bcook@soms.uq.edu.au. Contact Dr Sheree Cross, telephone (07) 3240-5364, to discuss the role.

Applications Close: 20 April 2006.

Reference No: 3013667.

How to Apply:
1. Visit http://www.jobsatUQ.net/ to obtain a copy of the position descriptions and selection criteria.
2. Include a covering letter, curriculum vitae and statement addressing the selection criteria.
3. Quote the vacancy reference number on your covering letter.

The University is an equal opportunity employer.

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Position Vacant: Facility Manager - Genetics Repositories Australia

The Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute has an established record of national and international research leadership in the neurosciences. Over 120 scientists, clinicians, students and allied staff support its mission to advance the knowledge, treatment and cure of neuroscience related disorders through excellence in research.

Genetic Repositories Australia (GRA) is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated individual to manage the Repositories which have been funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council under its Enabling Grants Scheme. GRA will provide a central national facility for establishing, distributing and maintaining the long-term secure storage of human genetic samples (cell lines and DNA) from a variety of sources to support genetic, population and epidemiological health and medical research.

The successful candidate will be an excellent manager who is able to develop the GRA from the ground up, interfacing with scientists and medical researchers and operating partners, Coriell Cell Repositories. To achieve significant growth in both academic and commercial income, and to derive ongoing funding for the GRA, the Facility Manager should possess:-

Essential skills: passion, influence and drive; business acumen; a critical understanding of biobanking and genetic repositories; a relevant, successful track record in a similar position.

Highly desirable skills: a science degree with a combination of finance and management.

To obtain an information pack please contact Lee Hilton on (02) 9399 1001 or l.hilton@unsw.edu.au. Closing: Friday, April 21, 2006

www.powmri.edu.au

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Commercialisation Expo 2006 – Today’s Knowledge is Tomorrow’s Innovation

Commercialisation Expo 2006 connects research organisations with industry to exchange ideas to create tomorrow’s future commercial successes. The expo will build on the 2003 inaugural event where the exhibited technologies attracted over $40 million of investment and led to numerous contract R&D and service agreements.

The event will be held from the 18th-20th June 2006 at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Registrations for the Expo are now open for delegates, exhibitors and sponsors.

In addition research organisations can submit Posters and Business Opportunity Summaries that highlight their technologies and become eligible for a range of prizes including the prestigious Peter Doherty Prize, worth $100,000. .

The Poster submissions are due on the 21st April for prize submissions, or 4th May for just Poster submissions.

Commercialisation Expo 2006 boasts the following activities:

• Commercialisation Conference: The conference aims to identify and assess the challenges facing research organisations and business when they connect and commercialise. A diverse array of speakers from around the world will draw on both local and global knowledge and provide assessment and forecasts for future commercialisation trends.
• Exhibition: A feature of the Expo is the general exhibition booths that will showcase your technology to your peers and potential partners.
• Poster Displays: 300 posters will showcase the best innovation and technology Australia has to offer. Posters will also be featured in the Big Book of Ideas and these posters are the entry gateway for the Peter Doherty Prize for Innovation.
• Peter Doherty Prize for Innovation: The most outstanding eligible opportunity will be awarded the Peter Doherty Prize which is valued at $100,000 of cash and in-kind services. Other prizes available included $10,000 sector-specific and state-based prizes.

Contact The Meeting Planners expo2006@meetingplanners.com.au or 03 9417 0888 or more information and bookings can be made on line now at www.expo2006.com.au.

Early Bird registration ends on the 21st April, and exhibition booths are selling out fast, with over 50% sold already.

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Software Commercialisation

The School of Enterprise, University of Melbourne, in association with the Australian Institute for Commercialisation (AIC), are pleased to announce our program in Software Commercialisation.

This subject is designed to provide individuals from primarily technical backgrounds with a theoretical grounding in the foundations of software commercialisation and to provide specific training that will enable the development of software commercialisation plans.

Specific strategic issues relating to the product or service decision, the role of software metrics, channels to market, protecting IP, finance, project and risk assessment are all covered.

Assessment

The program is available as a short course only, or as a short course plus a supervised project in the period following short course attendance. The latter leads to an accredited award from The University of Melbourne and the AIC.

Numbers are limited, so be quick!

Cost:
$2700 + GST (Short Course)
$4200 (award course)

When:
May 15th – 19th

Where:
The University of Melbourne,
University House
Parkville

NEED TO KNOW MORE? Check out more information at;

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

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Are you involved in research? An Introduction to Project Management!

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 An Introduction to Project Management.

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.

Project Management

• Standard steps for any clinical project
• Defining, planning and implementing a project
• Exercise: How to schedule

Risk Assessment

• Exercise: Feasibility assessment

Site Selection

• How to apply risk-minimising strategies in an actual site selection visit
• What documentaion to expect
• What to ask and how to ask it
• Early warning signs to note

Recruiting Strategies

• Common issues, tried solutions

Supporting your Centres

• Applying management strategies that work

Common Audit Issues

Cost: $1100 + GST ($800 + GST for ARCS members)

When: 28th 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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Turn your Bio / Medical Technology into a Successful Business

Are you a research scientist? Employed in a biotechnology or a medical device company? Are motivated to succeed in your career, or in a business of your own? Then the Workshop is for you.

Join us in the Sydney CBD on 11 April to hear John Morrison’s ‘Tips on Product Testing’. John has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for more than 15 years and has extensive experience in the design and management of clinical trials.

John was a research scientist at the University of Queensland and CSIRO, and was Clinical Program Manager with QRx Pharma Pty Ltd, a start-up biotechnology company.

For more than 20 years the Workshop has provided a structured analytical process that enables participants to identify and evaluate commercial opportunities.

The Workshop covers a wide range of business topics such as marketing (research, positioning and communication); intellectual property; and finance (budgeting and accounting, risk analysis and venture capital).

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.

Programs start 28 April and 28 July 2006

• Four months part-time primarily outside business hours
• Includes 10 hours of face-to-face sessions with specialist biotech speakers
• Government subsidies are available for eligible biotechnology businesses and researchers for the April program.

To register for an information session or for more information about the program, contact the NSW Enterprise Workshop on 02 9209 4796 or email succeed@enterpriseworkshop.com.au. http://www.enterpriseworkshop.com.au

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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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Measuring the Success of Messaging: What Do Clinicians Value Most?

To learn new ways to improve the value of publication planning and medical writing, Astrolabe Analytica, Inc., a Thomson business, and the University of Alabama School of Medicine performed a study of the reading habits of physicians. The study confirmed that clinicians still rely on scientific literature to learn about new drugs, advances in therapies, etc.

Factors influencing interpretation of medical literature comprised (in rank order):

• Quality of information
• How well key concepts are supported by data
• Journal quality
• Presentation format
• Reputation of sponsor
• Reputation of investigators
• Commercial sponsorship

Evaluating knowledge: The Brand Management Module from Thomson PharmaSM

The Brand Management Module evaluates knowledge in publicly available resources, from a prescribing clinician’s point of view. The system identifies, categorizes and quantitatively scores key ideas and messages published about a product from the point of view of the practicing clinician. The results can then be used to assess the impact these messages will have on the attitudes and treatment habits of clinicians.

To find out more, visit: here

E-mail: ts.info.asia@thomson.com
Tel: +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 for a new R&D position?

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, scientificand 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 August 2005
• 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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