Lockhart stem cell recommendation to be considered

The Prime Minister, John Howard, has announced that the recommendations of the Lockhart inquiry into stem cell research will be debated in the Spring session of Parliament (early August), and that he is happy for the issue to be discussed at the next meeting of the Council of Australian Governments.

However, Mr Howard said that his Government was "not disposed to make any changes to the existing national legislative framework for research involving human embryos, agreed in 2002".

The Lockhart review, released in December last year, supported the continued use of both adult and embryonic stem cells under existing research guidelines and recommended that the creation and use in research of experimental embryos in the very early stage of their development be allowed.

The review recommended that "research involving fertilisation of human eggs by human sperm up to, but not including, the first cell division should be permitted for research, training and improvements in clinical practice of ART (assisted reproductive therapy)."

The review also recommended that consideration be given to the establishment of a national stem cell bank to be operated by the Australian Stem Cell Centre at Monash University in Melbourne. Mr Howard said his government supported this recommendation.

The Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, has called on the Australian Government to adopt the Lockhart recommendations to allow Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer.

“Many countries already allow SCNT. If current restrictions are not eased we will also jeopardise Australia’s world-leading research and development status, which would see our brightest and best researchers leave our shores. If this matter is not satisfactorily resolved at COAG, the Victorian Government will explore further options and seek advice on whether there are aspects of stem cell related research that we can legislate at a state level,” Mr Bracks said.

The report of the Lockhart review is available at www.lockhartreview.com.au.

Back to Headlines>>

RQF scheduled to begin in 2008

In an address to the recent Knowledge Transfer and Engagement Forum in Sydney, the Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop said that she had accepted advice from the Development Advisory Group on the timeframe for implementing the Research Quality Framework (RQF), and proposed that it will come into operation in 2008, with the next RQF exercise to be undertaken six years later in 2014.

"Under this timeframe, data gathering would take place in 2008, with financial consequences to flow from 2009. 2007 will be a year for universities to refine the processes and finalise the detail of the data gathering. I agree that this time is also necessary to do more of the hard work required this year in developing and testing models for an RQF," Ms Bishop said.

The Development Advisory Group that was appointed to further develop the Research Qualith Framework (RQF) met for the first time early this month and has formed working groups in the areas of Metrics; Impact; Information Technology; and Modelling. The Advisory Group is expected to submit its advice to, by October this year.

Ms Bishop said she believed that an RQF is vital for Australia.
"We need it to lift our overall level of research quality, and to shift our focus towards research which really does have an impact on day to day life. We must use it as a tool for greater diversity in the higher education sector, focussing universities’ attention on their strengths, and moving away from the “one-size-fits-all” mould of universities into which they were collectively pushed in the 1980s. The Dawkins era is over."

Ms Bishop also released the report on knowledge transfer by PhillipsKPA, commissioned by the Department of Education, Science and Training.

The report, Knowledge Transfer and Australian Universities and Publicly Funded Research Agencies, identifies two types of knowledge transfer:

• knowledge transfer as the process of engaging, for mutual benefit, with business, government or the community to generate, acquire, apply and make accessible the knowledge needed to enhance material, human, social and environmental wellbeing; and
• knowledge transfer for commercial benefit - the process of engaging, for mutual benefit, with business or government to generate, acquire, apply and make accessible the knowledge needed to enhance the success of commercial enterprises.

Ms Bishop said she did not believe it was necessary to adopt either one or other of these definitions.

" To my mind, one is overly focussed on the commercialisation of research, which is supported elsewhere through other mechanisms; while the other is too broadly concerned with the general engagement of universities with their external stakeholders. I believe that it is preferable to consider a middle course between these two alternatives.

"In adopting a middle path, knowledge transfer would be the process of engaging with business, government or the community to generate, acquire, apply and make accessible knowledge for quantifiable economic benefit for the community.

"This economic benefit can be quite explicit and direct, for example by enhancing the success of commercial enterprises.

Ms Bishop proposed the development of "national information resources and intermediary mechanisms that enable business and community to locate sources and sites of knowledge within the university system".

She also argued that any funding for knowledge transfer for economic benefit must be competitively based rather than formula funded.
"I believe, like the RQF, and other mechanisms such as the Collaboration and Structural Reform Fund, knowledge transfer has the potential to be a powerful driver of diversity in the higher education sector."

She rejected a proposal by the AVCC that a separate funding program is needed to support universities in their engagement with external partners.

" Surely, much of this activity is already integral to the core purpose of a university – central to its reason for being, for which it is adequately funded through the Commonwealth Grants Scheme, the Institutional Grants Scheme and block research grants.

"After all, what is the value of a university which does not work hand in hand with business to build economic growth in that university’s region? What is the value of providing professional degree courses which do not reflect contemporary practice? What is the value of a university which does not strive to strengthen regional economic and social capacities? "

Back to Headlines>>

Report on innovation calls for improved policy coordination

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Science and Innovation has tabled its report on pathways to technological innovation, calling for improved coordination of the Australian Government's innovation policy.

The committee recommended that the Department of Education, Science and Training establish a working group consider initiatives to enhance the whole-of-government understanding of innovation policy needs; and to improve cross-portfolio program coordination so as to ensure continuity of support throughout the innovation process.

It also recommended that DEST work with the Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee and publicly funded research agencies to:

• conduct a study into jurisdictional, promotion, mobility and cultural issues in publicly funded research agencies and universities which may impede an entrepreneurial culture and innovation; and
• develop options for universities and publicly funded research agencies to provide governance structures and incentives which encourage business and entrepreneurial skills and commercial outcomes within these organisations.

It called for the Business Industry Higher Education Collaboration Council to examine and develop the business case for third stream funding to universities.

The Committee also called for:

• measures to encourage development of entrepreneurial skills in the education system and the broader community;
• a review of Australia’s intellectual property system to determine the capacity for reduction in the misuse of the system; a review of IP legislation according to National Competition Policy Agreements;
• consideration of CSIRO's proposal for an Australian Growth Partnerships program to engage small to medium enterprises in demand driven collaborations with publicly funded research agencies;
• the Business Industry Higher Education Collaboration Council to examine and develop the business case for third stream funding to universities:
• introduction of a funded cluster development program to encourage the development of clusters which bring together innovation in research, business and education;
• introduction of a funded proof-of-concept scheme, based on the Group of Eight Innovation Stimulation Fund proposal which would provide matched Australian Government and university funding investment in the ratio of 3:1; a maximum funding per project of $100 000; and an initial investment from the Australian Government of up to $45 million over three years.
• assessment of extending the R&D Tax Concessions eligibility to include Australian based subsidiaries of multinational companies;
• review of the effectiveness of the Commercial Ready Progam with a view to extending eligibility to spin-off companies from publicly funded research institutions; extending eligibility to Australian-based subsidiaries of foreign owned companies; and reducing the co-contribution requirements and increasing the turnover thresholds.
The report , Pathways to Innovation is available at here.

Back to Headlines>>

Funding for defence demonstration projects

Funding of $26 million has been allocated to 14 projects in the latest round of the Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) program administered by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO).

The CTD Program assists industry to demonstrate their technology for defence applications.

Successful CTD Projects shortlisted for funding:

• Scrannel (Avalon Systems) –an enhanced missile detection system that could provide ships under threat with additional warning time.
• Directed Infrared Countermeasures (Tenix Defence Systems and Adelaide University) - aimed at improving the ADF's ability to protect its aircraft from attack by shoulder-launched, heat-seeking missiles. The proposal would develop, build and demonstrate a test system based on high-powered laser and fibre-optic technologies for evaluation purposes.
Integrated Electronic Warfare System (BAE Systems, Avalon Systems, Daronmont Technologies, SAAB Systems and Tenix Defence Pty Ltd) –develop and demonstrate a system that would fuse electronic surveillance data and video information in near-real time to detect and track moving objects; provide size and geo-location information to support targeting; and enhance detection probabilities.

• Haptically Operated Counter-Explosive Robot (Deakin University) - demonstrate how a radio-controlled robot working on an explosive device is able to provide a remote operator with tactile feedback during its manipulations of the device. This would increase the chances that bombs can be made safe without damage to people or property.
• Removable Armour for Land Vehicles (SEAL Solutions Pty Ltd) –demonstrate removable armour that could be applied to the outside of lightly armoured vehicles without requiring any permanent modifications.
• Rassputin Sonobuoy (Thales Underwater Systems Pty Ltd and Acoustic Technologies Pty Ltd) –demonstrate how using a directional receiver could increase the detection range of submarines relative to sonobuoys currently used by the RAN and RAAF.
• Segmented Rubber Track (Mackay Consolidates Industries Pty Ltd) – design and manufacture a track system for tanks and M113s which uses rubber segments instead of discrete steel links. The system has the potential to deliver improved operational performance with reduced maintenance and support costs.
• Personnel Location Device (Compucat Research Pty Ltd) –demonstrate a position reporting system for troops and a monitoring system that could inject this information into the ADF networked reporting system. This system could reduce the likelihood of friendly forces engaging each other in battle.
• Automated Personnel Tracking (Blue Glue Pty Ltd) –demonstrate how smart card and radio-frequency identification technologies could be applied to monitoring and controlling personnel in constrained environments such as amphibious ships and headquarters.
• Airborne Bathymetry (Geosolution Pty Ltd and Kayar Pty Ltd) –demonstrate mining exploration technology for charting water depths down to 100 metres to allow a more accurate and complete coverage of shallow water areas than ship-based methods.
• Smart Power Management System (Tectonica Australia Pty Ltd) – This proposal will demonstrate a smart power management network and incorporate it into the in-service soldier load carrying equipment. The system will power devices being introduced as part of the Soldier Combat System. It will reduce overall equipment mass by distributing power from one central battery or alternative power source and eliminating the need to carry several types of batteries as spares.
• Machine Translation & Terminology Manager System (Toggle Text Pty Ltd) – design, develop and demonstrate a computer-based application that can provide a database of specialised words and phrases in different languages. Such a system could be used to support intelligence work, overseas deployments and contracting.
• Sentient Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Sentient Vision Pty Ltd) –demonstrate a high-definition, real-time vision system for a UAV to acquire and track small moving targets on the ground.
• Demountable Combat Armour (Combat Armour International Pty Ltd) –demonstrate a portable armoured shelter to better protect personnel from small arms fire while manning temporary check points and gun positions.

Back to Headlines>>

Smart State Innovation Funding announced

The Queensland government has announced 11 grants totalling $20.2 million under the Smart State Innovation Funding Program (SSIFP). The projects are funded through different elements of the SSIFP as follows:

Innovation Building Fund

• $6.5 million – Bionano Product Development Facility, University of Queensland with partners CRC for Sugar Industry Innovation through Biotechnology, Mater Medical Research Institute, PanBio. The facility will focus on developing new bioproducts using bio- and nanotechnologies, including antibodies, vaccines, plastics and tissue regenerative products.
• $6.1 million – Mineral Characterisation Research Facility, University of Queensland with partners, Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Anglo Platinum, Xstrata Technology, JKTech, Cytec Industries, Metso Corporation. The facility will focus on more efficient extraction of minerals from rocks, conducting research aimed at reliable identification of material characteristics during exploration and processing, novel physical and chemical ways to break rocks, and new flotation reagents to separate minerals and coal from waste. The funding will be used to build a new facility, including chemical analysis labs, clean rooms, a water treatment plant and an electronics workshop
• $1.83 million – MedTeQ – Facility for Medical Diagnostic Technologies in Queensland, University of Queensland with partners Mater Hospital, Wesley Research Institute, PrinceCharlesHospital, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. MedTeQ will focus on creating the next generation of medical imaging and monitoring systems. The facility will enable new diagnostic technologies to be development and trialled in Queensland hospitals.
• $3.1 million – Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant, Queensland University of Technology with partners Mackay Sugar Cooperative Association, Sugar Research Institute, Orica, CRC for Sugar Industry Innovation through Biotechnology. The pilot plant will be used to determine the viability of commercialising products derived from the by-products of sugar cane mills.

Innovation Projects Fund – Research-Industry Partnerships

• $1 million – SPUD, Food Spectrum, partnering with Nutricia Australia, University of Queensland and National Centre of Excellence in Functional Foods. The project will research and develop a range of highly nutritious functional foods for babies packaged in convenient, shelf stable multi-packs that conform to infant food safety regulations

• $200,000 –Intelligent Train Monitor System, CentralQueenslandUniversity, partnering with the rail industry. The project will develop an in-cabin, intelligent train monitoring system for coal trains, providing driver with predictive information about the train’s stability

Innovation Projects Fund – National & International Research Alliances

• $598,500 – High performance MRI Superconducting Magnets, Magnetica Limited. The project will develop a high-performance superconducting Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) magnet capable of becoming the heart of a new generation of low-cost, high- performance specialty MRI scanners.

SmartState Health and Medical Research Fund – QLD Clinical Research Fellowships

• $300,000 over 3 years – Treating drug-resistant tropical infectious diseases, Associate Professor James McCarthy, Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital.
• $300,000 over 3 years – the role of obesity in human liver disease, Dr Elizabeth Powell, Princess Alexandra Hospital .
• $150,000 over 3 years – Inflammatory bowel disease in south-east Queensland, Dr Graham Radford-Smith, Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital.
• $150,000 over 3 years – the role of low leptin levels in early life on later obesity, Dr Mark Harris, Mater Children's Hospital.

Back to Headlines>>

AIC to take innovation program to Tasmania

The Australian Institute for Commercialisation (AIC) has been awarded $185,000 funding from the Commonwealth Government to run its Ideas2Market program in Tasmania next year.

The AIC has run the Ideas2Market program for more than 500 participants in Queensland in the past year. The program provides innovators and entrepreneurs with advice, ideas and contacts to help them take their ideas or products to market. It also provides advice on strategic growth and the importance of commercialising intellectual property.

The AIC was established in 2002 with funding from the Queensland Government‘s Smart State initiative to assist business, research organisations and governments convert their ideas into successful outcomes. More information is at www.ausicom.com

Back to Headlines>>

Call for Applications: In-Market Experience Scholarships

Applications are now being accepted for the In-Market Experience Scholarships. An In-Market Experience Scholarship is a grant from the New Industries Development Program (NIDP). Each scholarship of $12,500 will help managers or emerging managers of a new product, service or technology from a small-to-medium sized agribusiness work for 3 months to 1 year to:

• define opportunities for their product, service or technology


• fully participate in alliances


• build relationships with potential customers 


• undertake business- or sector-specific courses 


• gain experience in new areas of business and markets, and 


• seek expert advice.

Recipients develop their own program of in-market visits and research and select courses suited to their needs. Activities may include formal education, general business and sector-specific training, attendance at trade shows and conferences, as well as other in-market research and consultancies relating to commercialising new opportunities. Note: For the purposes of NIDP, new means no significant capacity exists in Australia (that is, less than $1 million total sales per annum from Australian sources). Applications Close 5pm EST on Wednesday 19 July 2006. Information can be obtained on the NIDP website at http://www.daff.gov.au/nidpscholarships or by contacting the NIDP Hotline: 1300 884 588.

Back to Headlines>>

Announcing the GlaxoSmithKline Australia Post Graduate Support Grant

Our global quest is to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. To achieve our quest, GlaxoSmithKline invests up to $35 million each year in Australian research and development - ranking us in Australia’s top 10 R&D companies(1).

Support grants for postgraduate research students

GSK Australia is pleased to offer six grant awards of up to $15,000 per annum for two years to PhD or Post Doctorate students in the field of human health.

These awards will provide additional financial support to PhD or Post Doctorate research students who are currently in receipt of a research grant from a non-commercial body.

How to apply

For further information and application forms, please visit http://www.gsk.com.au/research

Closing date for applications and supporting documentation is 5.00pm (AEST) 21 July 2006.

(1) Source: Australia’s 2005 R & D and Intellectual Property Scoreboard
GlaxoSmithKline is a registered trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.
GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd. 1061 Mountain Highway Boronia VIC 3155. ABN 47 100 162 481

Back to Headlines>>

Victoria Israel Science and Technology R&D Fund (VISTECH) - Information Session for Second Round Funding

The Victoria Israel Science and Technology R&D Fund (VISTECH) invites potential applicants to a Second Round Funding Information Session on 6 July 2006 at 10.30am in the Gippsland Room, Level 46, Collins Street, Melbourne.
RSVP: vistech.manager@iird.vic.gov.au

VISTECH promotes, facilitates and funds joint market-oriented science and technology R&D projects between Victorian and Israeli entities. VISTECH will award funding of up to 50% of eligible R&D costs, to a maximum of US$500,000.

Applications are invited from Victorian and Israeli companies undertaking joint commercially-focussed science and technology R&D projects in the following categories:

Biotechnology; Water; Medical Devices; Nanotechnology; Microtechnology; Environmental Technologies; (Cleantech); Agricultural Biotechnology; Advanced Manufacturing and Information and Communications Technology.

For more information on VISTECH and the funding process:
Web: http://www.business.vic.gov.au/VISTECH
Email: vistech.manager@iird.vic.gov.au
Phone: (613) 9651 8170

Back to Headlines>>

Maximising shareholder Value

21-22 September, Rydges Hotel, Sydney.

An annual forum for executives responsible for delivering value to shareholders. Leading practitioners will present on the drivers of shareholder value including the latest developments of capital management, capitals markets communications, corporate risk management and corporate governance aspects of executive remuneration.

Key speakers include:
David Pitman, The Boston Consulting Group,
Christine Hollyoak, Macquarie Bank,
Bob Officer, Founding Director, Acorn Capital,
Russell Brennan, GE Commercial Finance,
Geof Stapledon, ISS Australia.

Points of focus include optimal balance sheet structure, efficient working capital management, accessing offshore markets, best practice governance of IT & EHS.

For further information and on-line registration visit http://www.capconnect.com.au or call +3 8534-5011

Back to Headlines>>

IP Commercialisation Ventures & Taxation

DO YOU KNOW THE RIGHT TIME TO MOVE TO A COMPANY STRUCTURE?
DO YOU KNOW HOW TO USE EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTIONS AS PART OF YOUR TOOLKIT?
DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE TAXATION ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRANSFER OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY?

The School of Enterprise, University of Melbourne are pleased to announce the upcoming 1 day course on IP Commercialisation Ventures & Taxation.

Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for professionals who need to gain an up to date knowledge of the taxation issues surrounding intellectual property and the options available for different circumstances. This includes entrepreneurs, IP portfolio managers, research and development project and program managers, commercialisation and business managers, IP professionals interested in broadening their ability to advise clients strategically, SMEs and other organisations in both the public and private sectors.

What will I get out of this course?
This one day practical workshop will cover how the current tax regime works in relation to intellectual property, focusing on key impediments to commercialisation and some of the measures available to counter them. This will include preferred structures for the different “development phases” of commercialisation, providing a framework to evaluate your current position.
• Key taxation issues to be considered in commercialisation
• Why they must be addressed in order to achieve a sustainable business
• The pros and cons of various structures for commercialisation with regard to taxation and the tradeoffs (such as tax versus liability)
• How to recognise when specialist assistance is required and how be prepared to engage most effectively with a specialist

Numbers are limited, so be quick!

Cost: $850 + GST per person
$795 + GST per person (School of Enterprise Alumni only)
When: Tuesday July 18th 2006
Where: Seminar Room 0223,
Melbourne Law School
The University of Melbourne
Law School Building185 Pelham St,
Melbourne

NEED TO KNOW MORE?
Click here for more information.

Express your interest in this course or related courses by contacting;
Elise Strande on (03) 9810 3136 or email commercialisation@soe.unimelb.edu.au

Back to Headlines>>

Risk and Decision Analysis

ARE YOU MAKING THE RIGHT DECISIONS?

The School of Enterprise, University of Melbourne are pleased to announce the upcoming 1 day short course on Risk and Decision Analysis.

Who is this course for?
This course is for Managers involved in making all forms of decisions, such as strategy and board decisions, operational management, marketing, finance, managing people, legal decisions and project portfolio decisions. The concepts and procedures that will be learned during this seminar can be applied to all decisions in all industries.

What will I get out of this course?
The decisions facing executives in all sectors of the economy are becoming increasingly complex. Risk factors and multiple conflicting objectives are key aspects of this complexity, making it difficult to get by on ‘gut feel’ or intuition. This 1 day seminar will equip participants with the knowledge, thinking algorithms and practical skills in:
• How to think clearly and make sound decisions using a systematic procedure that supports your judgement
• Decision trees for making decisions under uncertainty
• Being able to decompose complex decision problems into elements and make well informed, rational decisions
• Considering and properly measuring and understanding risk as well as return in business plans, proposals and business cases
• How to evaluate decisions when multiple objectives involve tradeoffs between the choices in a decision
• How to correctly account for the organisational approach to risk in decision making

Numbers are limited, so be quick!

Cost: $850 + GST
When: Wednesday, 2nd August, 2006
Where: RACV City Club
501 Bourke Street, Melbourne

NEED TO KNOW MORE?
Click here for more information.

Express your interest in this course or related courses by contacting;
Elise Strande on (03) 9810 3136 or email commercialisation@soe.unimelb.edu.au

Back to Headlines>>

Specialist Certificate in Physiotherapy (Exercise for Women)

The School of Enterprise in partnership with the School of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne are pleased to announce the Specialist Certificate in Physiotherapy (Exercise for Women).

Who is this course for?

In addition to qualified physiotherapists, components of the Exercise for Women subject are also suitable for allied health professionals, exercise physiologists, physical education teachers and accredited fitness instructors. Attendance is possible on a short course basis, in topics relating to specific areas of interest.

Components of the Applied Physiology subject are also suitable for allied health professionals on a short course basis.

What will I get out of this course?

The course provides the opportunity to develop specific skills in the planning and delivery of exercise programs for specific women’s groups, understand the impact of exercise on the altered physiology, pathophysiology and psychology of the female population and to become familiar with the legal and safety issues associated with leading exercise classes for women with specific physical needs.

Numbers are limited, so be quick!

VENUE
The University of Melbourne Hawthorn Campus,
442 Auburn Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3122.

COST
The costs to attend this program are as follows:

Award Course Students
• $5,200 for both subjects leading to the Specialist Certificate in Physiotherapy (Exercise for Women).

Short Course Students
• Applied Physiology - $2,600 +GST for all three parts or $950 +GST for each two day part.
• Exercise for Women - $2,600 +GST for all 5 days or $570 + GST for each day.

The costs include delivery by fully qualified presenters, course materials and morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for each day of the course attended.

NEED TO KNOW MORE?
Click here for more information.

Express your interest in this course by contacting Elise Strande on (03) 9810 3136 or email e.strande@soe.unimelb.edu.au

Back to Headlines>>

Are you a professional involved in running Biomedical Research Projects?

The School of Enterprise, University of Melbourne, is pleased to announce our Specialist Certificate in Biomedical Research Management.

Numbers are limited, so be quick!

With the longer term of creating clinical outcomes for projects in human and animal health, including medical devices and dentistry, this course has been designed for professionals who are involved with running biomedical research projects, those seeking a more senior project management role on such projects and research managers who would like to transfer their project management skills to biomedical projects. This may include staff working in CCRE’s, research organisations, universities, start-up companies, as well as research fellows and postgraduate students.

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 Applications Part 1 & 2, with associated assessment. It provides full credit into the Masters program in Clinical Research.

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

When: July 24th, 25th, 27th & 28th & August 28th, 29th, 30th & Sept 1st

Where: The University of Melbourne, University House, Parkville

NEED TO KNOW MORE? Check out more information here

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

Back to Headlines>>

ISI Web of Knowledge(SM): Getting the right answers, quicker

ISI Web of Knowledge is a single, integrated research environment that helps you easily search a broad variety of evaluated, high quality content in the sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities. In one search – through one interface -- you can access data from journals, conference proceedings, patents, books, and Web sites. And tools such as CrossSearch(SM), cited reference searching, and the Analyze Tool help you search, sort, and analyze the data the way that works best for you.

If you research –You’ll be able to easily explore multidisciplinary information and follow links to additional data; gaining speed with no compromise in the quality or accuracy of results.

If you publish – You’ll easily find high impact articles upon which to base your articles – increasing the quality and credibility of your published work, resulting in more publication in more prestigious sources.

If you teach – Your students will be assured of using the highest quality resources – finding valuable information in sources they may not have the knowledge and experience to seek on their own. They can begin with basic methods of searching, and move on to more precise methods as their experience grows.

For more information see website here, or contact Thomson Scientific directly via email or +61 2 8587 7948 or 1 800 007 214 (from Australia)

Back to Headlines>>

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

Back to Headlines>>

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

Back to Headlines>>

Innovative glass recycler a smashing success

BottleCycler is a glass recycling device that crushes bottles to the size of a 50 cent coin. The remains are deposited into a modified wheeled bin which is compact and small enough to be positioned behind a bar or other convenient places.

It is much safer way of disposing glass because hospitality staff no longer have to carry, sort and dispose of the bottles, reducing injuries from broken glass and lifting heavy weights.

Two small propeller-like blades inside the unit break up the glass. It's impossible to come in contact with the blades, making the whole process completely safe for people using it, and an inbuilt sensor alerts staff when the unit is full.

During the past two years the BottleCycler has been sold to more than 160 restaurants, bars and clubs in Sydney and Melbourne.

The project was supported by the Australian Government with a $52,000 COMET grant. A COMET business adviser helped with a business plan, market Research, intellectual property, and finalising a working prototype.

In 2003-04, BottleCycler won the best new hospitality product award at the Sydney Fine Food Hotel Show, and was also featured on the ABC television program, The New Inventors.

The innovative product was developed by Hans Van Schoonhoven and Hendrik van Rhijn who have offices in Sydney and Melbourne.

The company also provides a collection service to venues using the BottleCycler, and arranges for the glass to be transported to glass recycling plants.

Part of the ongoing service is maintenance and cleaning of the equipment and bins, all under the slogan: you drop in a bottle, we do the rest.

For further information about AusIndustry, the COMET grants and other grants programs see here.

Back to Headlines>>