New CEO appointed to NHMRC

Professor Warwick Anderson AM has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The appointment will commence on 7 June 2006, and is for a five-year term until 2011.

Announcing the appointment, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Tony Abbott, said that Professor Anderson would be leading the agency "into a new era with a greater focus on improving investment in both the social and commercial application of health and medical research".

From 1 July, the NHMRC will be a fully independent agency overseeing the Government's investment of $490 million this year in health and medical research.

Mr Bill Lawrence has been acting in the Chief Executive Officer position since January this year.

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CSIRO to sell SA metals facility

The CSIRO Manufacturing and Infrastructure Technology (CMIT) Division has announced plans to close down and sell its facility at Woodville, South Australia, in around 12 months time, and consolidate its metals manufacturing research activities in Victoria.

The 2.4ha site at Woodville has been occupied by CSIRO since the late 1970s.

The Acting Chief of CMIT, Ms Vicki Tutungi, said the 28 research staff at Woodville will be offered relocation to the consolidated Melbourne site at Clayton but current projects and joint ventures will be either completed or the work would continue from Victoria.

Ms Tutungi said CSIRO would still have a considerable presence in South Australia with about 380 people employed by CSIRO and investment of about $53 million in SA.

‘We will be creating a central location for metals manufacturing research to increase the work with Monash University’s new Research Centre in Light Metals Design and make better use of the local facilities. ‘The central location will provide critical mass for the metals manufacturing industry in Australia in key areas and add to our competitiveness against similar laboratories internationally. The research capabilities, currently located at Woodville, are another component of that consolidation."

Ms Tutungi said that much of CSIRO’s activities in the Light Metals Flagship were located in Victoria and further consolidation increase the organisation's capability to undertake research and development at industry scale

‘CSIRO will be able to take development of new light alloys and the development of manufacturing processes for metals from bench scale to industrial scale.

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Funding boosted for Australian-Chinese S&T cooperation

The Australian Government will boost funding for collaborative research projects with China by $1.5 million per annum under this year's budget.
The Chinese Government will match the funding, increasing the Australia-China Special Fund for Scientific and Technological Cooperation to $4 million per annum.

The Australia-China Special Fund for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, established by an MOU in 2000, aims to strengthen bilateral science and technology collaboration between the two countries. Australia and China provide funding, with each country contributing to the costs of its own nationals.

More information on the fund can be found at: here

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International Science Linkages grants awarded

Nine projects have been awarded funding totalling $2.9 million under the latest round of the International Science Linkages (ISL) Competitive Grants program, part of the Backing Australia’s Ability initiative.

The successful projects and their grants include:

• Qubit Applications, University of Queensland, $268,165, the Australian component of the EU Sixth Framework project "Qubit Applications" which seeks to develop small scale qubit applications based on photonic, atomic and solid-state systems. The project will develop qubit applications by focusing on Quantum Memories and Interfaces; Quantum networks; Quantum repeaters; Quantum Simulations and Control and Quantum Theory. The Australian component is directed towards schemes to protect quantum memories using feedback, simulations of physical systems and quantum phase transitions in ion traps and circuit quantum electrodynamics, and testing for decoherence sources and quantum process estimation.

• Completing the Sheep Genome Project, University of Sydney, $857,250, applying technologies and knowledge from the Human Genome Project to sheep, to facilitate the search for the genetic basis of important traits in sheep, and to provide DNA markers enhanced sustainable productivity.

• Participation of the Australian Food Safety Centre of Excellence (AFSCoE) in the EU FP6 PathogenCombat project, University of Tasmania, $125,579. The project will model microbial population behaviour throughout the food chain to estimate microbial food safety risk. This will assist in developing cost effective control and prevention strategies for emerging and future foodborne bacteria.

• Charged particle nanotechnology, Monash University, $764,363. This project is the Australian component of a large EU FP6 funded project which aims to develop advanced equipment for rapid nanolithography on large areas using charged particles; associated technologies for advanced nanofabrication targeting semiconductor nanoelectronics; and associated technologies and products beyond electronics, particularly for biomedical, advanced materials and energy applications.

• Critical Components for Ultra-Secure Communication Systems. University of Melbourne, $479,811. A new paradigm for secure data transfer, Quantum Communications, is being explored worldwide due to the promise of absolute security, guaranteed by the fundamental laws of nature. For absolute security based on well verified laws of quantum mechanics, a special light source is required capable of delivering one single particle of light at a time. The aim of this project is the development of such a source in a robust, economical and reliable package compatible with existing optical fibre networks.

• Optical quantum computing, University of Queensland, $311,835. This project, in collaboration with partners in the USA and Austria, will develop Optical Quantum Computing (OQC), where the logical operations of the computer are performed by manipulating single photons, and determine its suitability for scale-up. Encoding quantum information this way is one of the most promising approaches since optical qubits (quantum bits of information) have the lowest intrinsic noise of any physical system, single qubit operations are straightforward and can be performed nearly perfectly, and key-qubit gates have been demonstrated.

• ETOPIM7: Conference on the Science of Composite Materials, University of Sydney, $27,000. ETOPIM7 is the premier international conference on the science of composite materials, in particular their transport properties which govern the way composites interact with light, electricity, magnetic fields and other related properties.

• Maximising benefits to Australia of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor: Strategic planning for participation in one of the century's major collaborative scientific projects, Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering, $32,580. Construction of the world's largest science project, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) will commence in 2006 and is the final experimental step en-route to generating tomorrow's electricity - fusion powered plants. Fusion offers a solution to the world's long-term energy needs by providing large scale energy production with zero greenhouse gas emissions and a virtually limitless supply of fuel. This workshop will bring together scientific, industrial and government communities with the ITER partners, and seeks to develop an Australian fusion energy program via participation in ITER.

• Analytica 2006 International Showcasing and Research Partnering, Science Industry Australia Incorporated, $67,500. The aims of the project are to showcase at Analytica 2006 in Germany the best of Australia's scientific research and technology capabilities in the lab technology space.

More information is at here

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Primary Industries Ministerial Council focuses on R&D outcomes

A meeting of the Primary Industries MinisterialCouncil last month agreed to a set of principles to guide collaboration or consolidation of research, development and extension (RD&E efforts) nationally. The Council noted that continuing investment in RD&E is essential to provide Australia’s primary industries with the necessary capability (people, infrastructure and information) to improve productivity and sustainability. It decided that the Corish Report’s recommendations will be used as an “audit tool” as part of Standing Committee’s ongoing work on RD&E, and requested a further report on developments on RD&E at its next meeting.

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Funding for agricultural biotechnology studies

Federal funding of $851,890 has been provided for eight biotechnology studies to be undertaken by by the Bureau of Rural Sciences, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and the private sector.
The eight studies will cover:

• the value of biotechnology for insect pest and weed control in the cropping sector, including experiences with GM cotton;
• the potential for GM crops to serve as factories for pharmaceutical and industrial compounds, including a review of recent developments world-wide;
• examining the implications of using gene technology in the oilseeds industry;
• developing an overview of the value of using biotechnology tools (excluding those GM organisms that are final products) in Australia’s primary industries;
• developing an up-to-date information package on GM canola that covers the particular concerns of government, industry and the wider community;
• reviewing international market access for GM canola, including regulatory arrangements in countries important to the world canola trade;
• a pathway to market for GM canola, including identifying the measures needed to address concerns about its commercial introduction; and
• the economic impact on the organic farming industry of introducing GM crops into Australia, including the treatment of GM organisms in organic certification systems.
The funding is provided through the the $3.8 million Biotechnology Strategy for Agriculture, Food and Fibre, part of the Government’s National Biotechnology Strategy.
Reports from the studies will be made publicly available, either later in the year or early next year.

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Queensland funds fibre composites projects

The Queensland Government has announced a Fibre Composites Action Plan and funding of more than $2.3 million for industry and research institute engaged in fibre composite research.

The Action Plan funding announcements included:

• Australian Aerospace which receives $1.13 million for two projects under the Innovation Projects Fund. The company will work with the CRC for Advanced Composite Structures, which is looking to establish a new presence in Queensland and the University of Queensland and Buchanan Advances Composites in Toowoomba to undertake high-tech research and development into cost-effective composite materials for the aerospace industry.

• The University of Southern Queensland which receives $900,000 for its Centre of Excellence in Engineered Fibre Composites. The grant will be used to undertake research and development aimed at producing commercially viable fibre composite bridge beams to replace old timber beams in bridges throughout Queensland and a state-of-the art fibre optic bridge beam health monitoring system.

• The CSIRO at the Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies which receives $335,000 to work with specialist pipe manufacturer AC Whalan to develop a new pipe jointing system using advanced composite material for fibreglass pipes used in the mining industry.

The Action Plan proposes over 50 new initiatives to help firms build on existing strengths and take advantage of the widespread manufacturing opportunities currently available.

The Minister for State Development, Trade and Innovation, Anna Bligh, said the Plan would complement and leverage existing Beattie Government investment in the fibre composites industry included $7.5 million to the University of Southern Queensland for construction and outfitting of the Centre of Excellence in Engineered Fibre Composites and support to Wagners Fibre Composite Technologies to support establishment of a manufacturing facility in Toowoomba.

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Eureka Prizes for Leadership & Innovation - Close May 5

The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes have been profiling and rewarding outstanding Australian science since 1990. The Prizes have become Australia's premier and most widely publicised science awards. Among the 20 prizes on offer covering many areas of science are three focussed on leadership and innovation.

• $10 000 ATSE Clunies Ross Eureka Prize for Leadership in Business Innovation - a new cash prize that acknowledges outstanding leadership by an Australian in business innovation. See here
• NEW! $10 000 British Council Eureka Prize for Innovation and Leadership in Environmental Science – a new cash prize that acknowledges the innovation and leadership of a young Australian who has raised, or has the potential to raise the public profile of environmental science. See here
• $10,000 CSIRO Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science – a prize that acknowledges an Australian who has demonstrated an outstanding role and impact in science leadership. See here

These are important prizes that highlight issues of critical importance for Australia. We urge you to consider nominating yourself or a colleague, business associate or client for these prestigious leadership and innovation awards.

Further information and entry details are available on the Australian Museum website www.amonline.net.au/eureka or email eureka@austmus.gov.au.

Entries close Friday 5 May 2006.

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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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Graduate Programs in Clinical Research

Thinking of Further Education?

Enrol now for the June intake in Graduate Programs in Clinical Research.

The Graduate Programs in Clinical research have been established to address the critical need for formal training. Ranked as the top Australian University in biomedicine by the Times Higher Education Supplement and 14th Internationally in 2005, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and affiliated organisations provide academic coordination, teaching and quality assurance for all the Clinical Research programs.

All Graduate programs follow and intensive format of 4 days per subject. This provides and excellent forum for postgraduate learning and the opportunity for interaction with peers that is often not possible in traditional delivery formats.

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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CRCA2006 Conference

The Annual Conference of the Cooperative Research Centres Association from 17th to 19th May at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre explores the theme:

CRCs: MAKING AN IMPACT

Sessions include:

• Impact of CRCs – an End-user perspective
• Industrial Growth – Impact of Research
• Maximising Impact through Communication
• Economic Growth: Impact of Education, Training & Technology
• Commercial Growth: Impact of Adoption Strategies as well as
• Showcasing CRC PhDs and the Impact of CRC PhDs

The Conference will be opened by Hon Anna Bligh, MP, Deputy Premier of Queensland

Guest speakers include:

• Dr Robin Batterham, AO Chief Technologist RioTinto Ltd
• Professor Sir Guy Green, Patron, CRC for Antarctic Climate & Ecosystems
• Mr Don McKay, CEO Australian Agriculture Company Ltd
• Mr Gus Taddeo, CEO, William A. Cook Australia Pty Ltd
• Mr Duncan Buckeridge, Managing Director, Insight Economics
• Mr Campbell Davidson, Manager, Research BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance
• Dr Gordon Dunlop, General Manager Technology Development, Advanced Magnesium Technologies

Key Events:
HYPOTHETICAL – NOT A DROP TO DRINK – facilitated by Bernie Hobbs (ABC New Inventors)

with a great line up of panelists

• Hon Malcolm Turnbull, MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the PM with special responsibility for Water Policy
• Mr Wayne Cameron, Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordination Committee
• Professor Peter Cullen, Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists
• Mr David Fahl, p&e Law
• Ms Ticky Fullerton, ABC Four Corners
• Mr Ted Gardner, Government Water Researcher
• Professor Ian Lowe, Australian Conservation Foundation
• Ms Fiona Wain, Environment Business Australia

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION - Gala Presentation Dinner

We are grateful to the Queensland Department for State Development, Trade & Innovation for their support as Principal Sponsor.

For more information and registration visit www.crca.asn.au/conference or phone Caroline, Professional Corporate Conferences on 02 8850 6796

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Law & Finance’s Financing IP Commercialisation

Why that “once in 20 years” commercialisation deal beckons but ultimately eludes the following people … (read further to find out who and why!)

YES, it’s true … if you are any one of these people ….

• Commercial Manager
• Business Development
• Research Scientist
• Chief Executive Officer
• Chief IP Advisor
• Finance Director
• Portfolio Manager
• Project Manager
• R&D Director
• Technology Manager
• Innovation Manager
• Partner/Patent Attorney

…in biotech, software, IT&T, mining, energy, manufacturing, medical devices, industry associations, CRCs, law firms, patent attorney firms, government departments, universities and scientific organisations then your organisation is entrusting you to actually make commercialisation deals happen. Basically, you need finance and smart legal structures!

You don’t need a double degree in finance and law…learn how to truly attract structured capital and 17 other practical commercialisation tips in just two days!

Attend Law & Finance’s Financing IP Commercialisation conference led by Australia’s hand-picked commercialisation experts including:

• David Landers, Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Technologies Fund,
Allen & Buckeridge

• Simon Uzcilas, Investment Manager, Nanyang Ventures
• Andy Jane, Partner, CM Capital Investments
• Alison Coutts, Executive Director, Emerging Growth Capital
• Francine Ryan, Customer Services Manager, AusIndustry
• Nicola Leaney, Research Alliance Manager, Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals Australia
• Dr Edward Kachab, R&D Manager, Advanced Technologies Division, Panbio Limited
• Dr Kath Nielsen, Director of Intellectual Property, Xenome Limited
• Matt Lohmeyer, Commercialisation Manager, Transactions Group, CSIRO Corporate
• Warren Bradey, General Manager, Access ANSTO, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
• Dr Peter Devine, Investment Director, Uniseed Management
• Malcolm Donnell, Commercialisation Manager, Licensing, University of Sydney
• Jim Arthur, Chief Operations Manager, CAST CRC Limited
• Rob McInnes, Principal, Spruson and Ferguson
• Kim O’Connell, Partner, Mallesons Stephen Jaques
• John Kapeleris, Director, Commercialisation, Australian Institute of Commercialisation

Visit www.LawFinance.com.au to see the full conference agenda.

ACT TODAY!
Register by calling Law & Finance on (02) 9224 6000, fax the registration form to (02) 9224 6099 or email registrations@LawFinance.com.au

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

ACT NOW – Final Call for Non-Competition Posters! The April 21st deadline saw a number of excellent competition poster submissions – the gateway to the prestigious Peter Doherty Prize. Non-competition submissions are still welcome, and due in on Thursday 4th May. Online submissions are simple to execute – just click http://www.expo2006.com.au/postersubmission.php

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, and this is the last call for non-competition posters to be submitted.

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 http://www.expo2006.com.au

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“It’s all about creating wealth... for you, your organisation, your community.”

Information Evenings

1… Sydney CBD – on 4 May.
2… Adelaide – on 16 May

Registration is essential. Call our office on (02) 92094111 (08) 8303 7491 or 1 300 664 543 or email ecic@adelaide.edu.au.

you’re a budding entrepreneur, if you’re interested in technology commercialisation, or if you’re driven to manage projects profitably, our uniquely tailored programs could be for you.

Intensive courses to Masters level will give you the skills, knowledge - even the network - to create wealth, social and financial - for you, and your community. Make a difference. Become master of your universe, your destiny.

With participants from across Australia, the ecic is an important national hub of knowledge sharing, creation and dissemination - part of the essential infrastructure driving innovation and wealth creation. You will share experiences with like-minded people, from different academic, industry and professional backgrounds.

Enjoy the flexible, applied nature of our programs. Create and exploit synergies across your work, learning and innovating activities.

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Basic Clinical Research Tools

The School of Enterprise, University of Melbourne, is pleased to announce our program in Basic Clinical Research Tools.

As scary to some people as they are hard to spell correctly! Yet, biostatistics and epidemiology are essential to how clinical data is analysed. Not simply after-the-event add ons, but determining the design and analysis of all the data that is collected. These fields have experts able to assist researches, but without a good understanding of the basic principles of biostatistics and epidemiology, dialogue about the processes involved is difficult. A good grounding in this area facilitates group dynamics in research and provides a critical foundation for quality research.

Topics covered will include; Basic descriptive data, probability and inference, analysis of two-way tables, differences of means, simple correlation, case-series, cross-sectional, cohort, case-control studies and RCTs, measurement of exposure, measurement of response, bias, random error and individual variation (including response variation), sample size and power.

Basic Clinical Research Tools is also a 12.5 point award subject in our Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research and can be taken for credit into this award.

Numbers are limited, so be quick!

Cost: $1975 + GST (Short Course)
$1975 (award course)

When: June 2nd, 3rd, 30th and July 1st

Where:The University of Melbourne, Hawthorn, 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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Get Your Free Copy of IP Value 2006

Looking for strategic insights? Go here for your free copy of IAM Magazine’s IP Value 2006, worth over $200 US. IP Value 2006 gives you strategic insight from thought leaders on generating and safeguarding intellectual property.

Then look to Thomson Scientific Search Services for strategic insight into your research challenges. Our Search Services team is skilled in patent searching, translations, and all related aspects of intellectual property research. Our attention to detail, technical resources, and industry knowledge make us the experts of choice for researchers, scientists, and R&D executives from leading global organizations and Fortune 500 companies.

Get your copy of IP Value 2006 here today. Get the answer to your research challenges here.

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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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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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