Minister outlines visions for science, innovation and higher education

The Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop, has outlined her visions for science and innovation and for diversity in the higher education sector in two key policy speeches.

Addressing the Sydney Institute, Ms Bishop outlined the need for a " new, forward looking vision for science, higher education and research in Australia" to strengthen the foundations for competitiveness and future prosperity.

She highlighted five areas of capability that are critical to future achievement:

• Global engagement. We need to engage globally by more aggressively identifying our strengths, and where those strengths can be built on, through partnerships with particular countries. Ms Bishop said that she would aim to build partnerships with specific countries possessing complementary interests and capabilities to Australia and, where appropriate, to establish bilateral funds to enable scientific collaboration.
" We currently have three bilateral science funds with China, India and France. What of the US, the UK, the EU, Singapore or Brazil? We could create joint international centres of excellence that could provide Australia with greater collaborative research partnerships, thus enhancing our scientific capability," she said.
A new PMSEIC working group has been set up to analyse Australia's existing international science and technology activity, addressing issues including: which countries have the most to offer Australia in terms of building our science and innovation capability; where are Australia's existing and emerging, areas of strength; can we be sure that we are getting the best value from our current international engagement; and where can government most usefully intervene?

• Quality research - to be addressed through the Research Quality Framework.
• World-class infrastructure - addressed through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy.
• Competitive skills. We need to nurture the skills base that our modern world demands through a renewed focus on improving the quality of science education in our schools and universities and by providing rewarding career paths for our best and brightest students and researchers. Ms Bishop has commissioned a study of how to improve Australia's SET capacity, and is also establishing the Australian School Science Education Framework to map the key science education initiatives that are currently in place.
• Connected industry and communities. We need to make better connections between our science, research and higher education and our communities and industries so that we can ensure that Australia remains well placed to capture the maximum benefits from its investment for our economy and society. Ms Bishop emphasized the importance of creating specialist universities with teaching and research strengths in one or two fields.

In her address to the Curtin Institute Public Policy Forum, Ms Bishop outlined her plans for "the development of a diversified higher education sector, made up of universities which differ from each other in terms of mission, discipline mix, course offerings, modes of delivery, management and in academic structure".

Ms Bishop stated that the Dawkins era is now over, and that the Australian system, which she said appeared to be `almost monochrome' in comparison with many other countries, needed to move towards diversity and specialization. She said that the Research Quality Framework will drive diversity and "there won’t be the financial incentive for any university to undertake research outside its areas of strength".

The transcripts of Ms Bishop's addresses are here

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ALP White Paper on Higher Education

An Australian Labor government would restore the independence of the Australian Research Council and fund higher education through a new system involving individual `compacts' with universities under the ALP's recently released higher education white paper.

Under the new funding arrangements, there will be four funding components:

• Education – undergraduate and postgraduate programs (except research degrees). Teaching cost relativities will be updated, reflecting clinical, laboratory/field and classroom learning. Funds will include regional loadings and loadings for students with special needs. Within its funding envelope, a university may shift places from low to high cost fields, and from undergraduate to postgraduate level, or vice versa. The Commonwealth will safeguard courses of national priority.
• Research and research education – dual funding, through national competitive grants and institutional block funds. Funding of places for research students will be provided only in those areas where the quality of research performed within the university meets high standards. Academic staff of all public universities will have opportunities to undertake research, either at their own institution or other universities;
• Community outreach – the provision of services to meet community needs, access to university facilities by community organisations, support services to schools, and actions to address community concerns;
• Innovative activities – structured activities additional to normal operations, including knowledge transfer services to businesses and other groups, collaboration with other universities and institutions, accelerated study programs, and education and/or research aligned with the northern hemisphere academic year.

Every university will be funded for the first component but need not be funded for all four. Universities will determine their priorities, and shape their activities to suit their different missions. Teaching only universities will not be an option, and all academics must have the opportunity to conduct research.

A Labor Government would create a new Australian Higher Education Quality Agency to replace the AUQA which will be responsible for assess the standards of learning outcomes across the higher education sector, including all providers public and private offering an Australian qualification. The agency would be jointly developed, owned and controlled by the Commonwealth and the States & Territories. It would have a Research Evaluation Unit with expertise for coordinating the processes of research quality performance assessments.

The White paper commits to reinvigorating the Cooperative Research Centres program, and a new initiative under which a number of top quality research capabilities that are of a competitive international scale will be selected for major scaling up investment. This program will be complemented by a funding program to enable Australian researchers to access major research facilities in other countries, such as for astrophysics and astronomy, and geosciences, and to undertake collaborative research internationally.

Another program will focus on retention and renewal of researchers in the Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics fields. The initiative will be designed to enable a commencing undergraduate student to progress along a continuing research career path, and for researchers (including those recruited from overseas) to join at different career points. In addition, there will be specially designed technical programs for Doctoral graduates delivered in collaboration with TAFE institutes.

The White Paper is available here

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SET Skills Audit report released

The final report of the Australian government's Audit of Science, Engineering and Technology skills has been released, raising key issues including skills shortages in many engineering and some science disciplines; a static or declining proportion of participation in the enabling sciences and advanced mathematics in schools and in post-school settings; concerns about the quality of science education; and the increasing need for SET graduates to have enabling and cross-disciplinary skills.

The audit was initiated by the (then) Minister for Education, Science and Training, Dr Brendan Nelson, in October, 2004 to investigate the adequacy of supply of SET skills by examining trends in demand from industry and the scientific research community, and in supply from all education and training sectors. The audit also considered the impacts of migration on the supply and demand of these skills and the factors influencing trends in migration. It did not address health or ICT skills issues which have been examined in other studies.

As a follow-up to the report, the Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop, has commissioned research into how Australia’s Science Engineering and Technology capacity can be improved, addressing issues such as how the community engages with SET, what triggers the engagement of pre-school aged children and primary school students with SET and what career paths are available.

The report is available here

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Thinking Systems projects funded

Three research projects have been $10 million over the next five years under the Australian Government’s Thinking Systems initiative.

The projects, to be funded jointly by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), will be located at the University of New South Wales, the University of Queensland and the University of Western Sydney.

They are:

• Optimizing autonomous system control with brain-like hierarchical control systems, $3.3 million, Chief Investigator: Dr Michael Breakspear, University of New South Wales;
• From Talking Heads to Thinking Heads: A Research Platform for Human Communication Science, $3.4 million, Chief Investigator: Professor Dennis Burnham, University of Western Sydney;
• Thinking Systems: Navigating Through Real and Conceptual Spaces, $3.3 million, Chief Investigator: Professor Janet Wiles, University of Queensland.

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Environmental research hubs announced

The first three recipients of funding under the Australian Government’s $100 million Commonwealth Environmental Research Facilities (CERF) Program have been announced, and will receive a total of $23 million to establish hubs or networks of scientists, universities, government agencies and community partners.

The new hubs are:

• Research hub for Applied Environmental Decision Analysis
University of Queensland’s Professor Hugh Possingham will receive $6.9 million to establish a research hub addressing Australia’s environmental planning, decision making and policy approaches. For the next four years, Prof Possingham will lead 12 principal researchers and up to 60 research fellows and PhD students from Victoria, Queensland and Canberra institutions in the development of a range of tools and techniques to help environment managers overcome management and policy challenges.
Prof Possingham’s team will develop tools that take account of social as well as environmental implications of management and policy decisions. Researchers will test their methods on a range of persistent environmental challenges including feral animal control, managing invasive species in the Australian alps, fire management in urban/rural overlap areas and environmental river flows to improve the management of these challenges.
• Research hub for Tropical Rivers and Coastal Knowledge (TRACK)
A group of seven researchers from Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland will receive $8 million to improve management information for northern Australia’s catchments. TRACK will bring together tropical river and coastal scientists and managers to address environmental issues facing Australia’s northern river catchments. The hub will generate and disseminate the knowledge needed by regional NRM bodies, governments, Indigenous communities and industry to support the sustainable management of tropical rivers and costal environments.
• Research hub for Landscape Logic: Linking Land and Water Management to Resource Condition Targets
University of Tasmania’s Professor Ted Lefroy will receive $7.9 million to establish a research hub that will develop tools to improve the sustainability of natural resource management practices. He will lead a partnership of 24 researchers across seven institutions and six regional catchment management organisations including the North East, Northern Central and Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Agencies in Victoria, and the NRM North, South and Cradle Coast in Tasmania. This hub will develop a practical approach to natural resource management by identifying the links between land management at paddock, farm and forest block level, and landscape health at catchment and regional levels, improving returns from existing and proposed public investments in natural resource management.

For more information visit www.deh.gov.au/cerf

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CSIRO to boost postdoc fellowships and Science Leader scheme

The Minister for Education Science and Training, Julie Bishop, has announced that CSIRO will increase its investment in its early to mid career researchers with an additional 40 new postdoctoral fellows and an additional 10 new CSIRO Science Leaders.

The CSIRO Science Leader Scheme is directed to high performing scientists with between 5 and 10 years post-doctoral experience. Ms Bishop said the increased investment will amount to $18.3 million over three years.

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New media policy for CSIRO

A review of CSIRO's media policy, headed by Tony Haymet of the CSIRO Science and Policy group, has resulted in the announcement by the Chief Executive, Dr Geoff Garrett, of a new policy which gives more freedom to scientists to discuss their work with media.

The organization's previous policy, developed by the former Executive Director of Communications, Donna Staunton and approved by the CSIRO Board, had required scientists to seek permission from her before speaking with the media. Ms Staunton recently resigned from the position. Announcing the new policy, Dr Garrett said it was inappropriate, unhelpful and "overshot the mark".

"It has been totally rewritten, We respect the role of scientists as our frontline communicators. We trust them to discuss their science, even in potentially controversial areas," Dr Garret said.

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Green light for OPAL reactor

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has granted the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) a licence to operate its new OPAL nuclear research reactor.

The licence was granted following an assessment including cold commissioning tests.
The granting of the licence allows ANSTO to load nuclear fuel and begin its second commissioning phase, when performance further testing will take place. When this is complete the current ANSTO reactor, HIFAR, will shut down, probably early in 2007

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Public Inquiry : Review of Post-grant Patent Enforcement Strategies

The Advisory Council on Intellectual Property (ACIP) seeks expressions of interest from individuals and organisations to take part in a review of post-grant patent enforcement strategies.

Please contact the ACIP Secretariat as soon as possible to register your interest.

Terms of Reference:
To inquire and report on issues relating to post-grant patent enforcement strategies to benefit the Australian economy by assisting patentees to effectively enforce their patent rights.

Background to the Review:
ACIP is an independent body appointed to advise the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, on matters relating to intellectual property policy and the strategic administration of IP Australia which is the Commonwealth body that administers patent, trade mark, design and plant breeder’s rights.

ACIP expects to circulate an Issues Paper in late September 2006 with a request for written submissions in early December 2006.

ACIP expects to hold consultations in early 2007. Interested parties may wish to be involved in some, or all, of these activities. This is an important opportunity for patent holders to contribute to the discussion and review of enforcement strategies that may assist to enforce their patents in a cost effective way.

CONTACT DETAILS FOR ACIP SECRETARIAT:
email: here
telephone: (02) 6283 2044 facsimile: (02) 6285 1048
writing: Secretary ACIP, PO Box 200, WODEN ACT 2606.

The Review updates are available at website here

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Call for Applications: The International Science Linkages (ISL) programme COMPETITIVE GRANTS

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

COMPETITIVE GRANTS

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. Support may also 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 7 August 2006 and close on 1 September 2006. Access to the online application form will be available on the ISL website here from 7 August 2006.

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

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Call for applications Round 3 of REDI program

The closing date for Round 3 applications under the Australian Government's Renewable Energy Development Initiative (REDI) program is 13 September.

REDI is a competitive merit-based grant program supporting renewable energy innovation and its commercialisation. It provides grant funding up to $100 million in competitive grants to allocate to Australian businesses over seven years.

Grant offers range between $50,000 and $5 million for research and development (R&D), proof-of-concept, and early-stage commercialisation projects with high commercial and greenhouse gas abatement potential

Under the first two rounds, the REDI program has delivered grants in excess of $33 million to 16 renewable energy Australian companies nationwide.

The grants have been for projects to develop future energy technologies from alternate transport fuels through to wind farms, solar energy, geothermal and biomass technologies, all of which will help reduce Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.

Further information on REDI and other AusIndustry products can be found at the website here or by calling the hotline 13 28 46.

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Positions Vacant: Minerals Separation/Hydrometallurgy (2 positions)

• Minerals Processing Careers – Global Team
• Cutting edge technology development projects
• Positions in Newcastle NSW and Melbourne VIC

Our client has a substantial research and development program that focuses on developing and implementing innovative technology. They have a strong track record of working in partnership with internal customers on innovative solutions to technical problems.

Principal Scientist/Engineer - Hydrometallurgy
• Enjoy the lifestyle benefits of a full time career opportunity in Newcastle NSW
We are seeking a mature and experienced individual to lead technology development projects for operations in the areas of mineral separation and hydrometallurgy. The role will provide strategic leadership to research teams working on projects to optimise the development and commercialisation of innovative technology. Your strong customer focus, technical expertise and communications skills will enable you to work effectively across the business and to establish a constructive internal and external international network. You will be an accomplished manager of people, able to influence and leverage the skills of others to achieve objectives

Your key accountabilities will include:
• Partnering with internal customers to identify and develop revolutionary and evolutionary technology solutions for their operations;
• Managing teams developing emerging technologies from concept stage to adoption by operations;
• Managing resources to ensure delivery of high quality outcomes on time and on budget;
Well connected to University and Government research groups, you will have a track record of achievement in collaboration with scientists and engineers. A higher degree in the Physical Sciences or Engineering is essential.

(Snr) Scientist/Engineer – Hydrometallurgy
• Focus on uranium recovery, Melbourne based
An opportunity for an experienced hydrometallurgist to take a leading role in the provision of expertise, and knowledge of emerging technologies, in uranium ore recovery and processing. Expertise in ion exchange, resin and carbon-in-pulp/leach experience would advantageous. Projects will both laboratory and pilot plant based. An Honours or higher degree in the Physical Sciences or Engineering is essential.

Remuneration packages will be negotiated to reflect the experience and achievements of the successful applicant. Overseas applicants are encouraged to apply.

To register your interest send a resume via e-mail here, fax on 08 9481 7040 or mail to exec.search pty ltd, PO Box 787, West Perth, WA 6872. Telephone queries can be directed to Richard Hazlewood 61 8 9481 7033.

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Position Vacant: Research Director – QLD

 Representing AMIRA in Queensland
 Sustainability in the minerals industry
 Global partners in research

AMIRA International, with offices in Australia, South Africa, South America and North America is a non-profit association dedicated to brokering collaborative research projects on behalf of its 68 members, leading companies in the global mineral resources industry. By taking a partnership approach to research and development, members enhance their competitive position through access to leading edge technology.

AMIRA International is funded by its members, and has a 45-year history of delivering successful research projects. The current research portfolio totals more than $50Million in industry funding.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Research Director QLD will join a worldwide team to develop relationships with member companies and research providers, and will manage a portfolio of AMIRA’s strategic relationships in Queensland and overseas.

This is a significant opportunity play a key role in an organisation making a global difference to an industry at the heart of the world’s economic future. The Research Director QLD will provide strong leadership in a challenging research environment. Applicants must be able to work independently and should have a distinguished record in the minerals industry, either in operations, technical development or research, and have an established network among its key players.

The position will require frequent short-duration travel within Australia, and some overseas travel, and a remuneration package will be negotiated to reflect the experience and achievements of the successful applicant.

Register your interest by sending a resume via e-mail here (preferred), or fax on 08 9481 7040 or mail to exec.search pty ltd at P O Box 787, West Perth, WA 6872. Telephone queries, in strict confidence, can be directed to Richard Hazlewood on 08 9481 7033.

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3rd Annual Legal Mechanics of Commercialising Technology

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 ….

R&D Director, Chief IP Advisor, Commercial Manager, Business Development, Research Scientist, Technology Manager, Project Manager, Innovation Manager, Portfolio Manager, Chief Executive Officer, Manager of IP,  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 legal knowledge!

You don’t need a double degree in law …
learn the legal mechanics of commercialising technology
in just two days!

Attend Law & Finance’s 3rd Annual Legal Mechanics of Commercialising Technology conference led by Australia’s hand-picked commercialisation experts including:

Udo Buecher, Intellectual Property Manager, BlueScope Steel

Warren Bradey, General Manager, Access ANSTO

Ken Preshaw, Licensing Executive, Intellectual Property & Asset Commercialisation, IBM Australia

Dr Gautam Tendulkar, General Manager Commercialisation, CSIRO ICT Centre

Kyle Meetze, Senior Commercialisation Associate, Uniquest Pty Ltd, University of Queensland

Dr Steven Stern, University General Counsel, Victoria University

Anthony Alder, Intellectual Property Manager, Ventracor

Malcolm Donnell, Commercialisation Manager, Licensing, University of Sydney Business Liaison Office

John Walker, Managing Director, Intellectual Property Management

Richard Plummer, Patent Attorney, The GCC Group

Steven Telburn, General Manager, Offspring Ventures

Mark Vincent, Partner, Truman Hoyle

Brendan Coady, Partner, Intellectual Property Group Leader, Gilbert & Tobin

Campbell Thompson, Partner, Freehills

Robert Miller, Patent Attorney, Principal, Spruson & Ferguson

Joern Schimmelfeder, Special Counsel, Minter Ellison

Gino Malacco, Partner, Tax, Hall Chadwick

Visit website here or download the conference brochure here

ACT TODAY!

Register by calling Law & Finance on (02) 9224 6000, fax the registration form to (02) 9224 6099 or email here  

Plus register and pay between 3rd and 13th October 2006 and you attend the conference for only $1999+gst. That’s a saving of $440! But you must quote the VIP CODE “R&D Info”.

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Brisbane to host international INORMS research congress

Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Peter Andrews and the 2006 Australian of the Year Professor Ian Frazer will be the opening speakers at the International Network of Research Management Societies’ (INORMS) inaugural Congress, to be held at Sofitel Brisbane from August 22-25.

The INORMS congress, hosted by the Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS), features speakers of international repute who will share their experience and perspectives of best practice in research management, policy and leadership. At least 400 delegates from Australia and overseas are expected to attend the congress which has the theme “Internationalisation of Research: The Big Issues and Opportunities of the Decade for Research Leaders and Managers”.

Queensland’s Department of State Development Trade and Innovation is the major congress sponsor, and the Queensland Government is supporting business matching meetings during the week.

The organisers are offering participants site visits to major Brisbane research facilities on Monday 21 August. Sponsorship and trade opportunities are also available.

Full congress details, including the program and registration information, is at website here

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

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

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

“AUSTRALIAN R&D IN THE GLOBAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT”

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

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

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

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Maximising Shareholder Value the focus of upcoming conference

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 of Acorn Capital;
Russell Brennan, GE Commercial Finance;
and 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 online registration visit http://www.capconnect.com.au or call (03) 8534 5011.

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Turning Technology into Profit

ARE YOU MAKING THE RIGHT DECISIONS?

The School of Enterprise, University of Melbourne are pleased to announce the upcoming 1 day short course on Turning Technology into Profit.

Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone who wants to better understand how to turn technology into a successful business: either inside a large company; as a start-up venture; or starting from academia.
This includes researchers, research project managers, research project administrators, new business and commercialisation
managers, working for publicly or privately funded CRC’s, CCRE’s, research institutes, universities, hospitals, new technology start-ups and spin-out companies, biotech companies and technology incubators.

What will I get out of this course?
Focusing on a systematic, milestone-focused approach to turning a technology into a profitable business, this interactive 1-day seminar will provide participants with a set of tools, and a conceptual framework that can help answer questions such as:
• Where is a project (or venture) on the path between idea and sustainable business?
• How much further (in time and money) do we have to go?
• How much is my idea worth now and what do I need to do to take it to the next level in value?
• What type of financing source will be most suitable for my venture now?
• What do I still need to accomplish if I want to attract venture capital / angel financing?
• What if I want to bootstrap the idea?
• What skill sets do I need in the team, and when do I need them?
• Is it realistic to attract interest from a big company, and how far along do I need to be?
• What aspects of the successful Silicon Valley model for creating new businesses can be exported to Australia, and what prevents us adopting the model in its entirety?

Numbers are limited, so be quick!

Cost: $570 + GST
When: Thursday, 17th August, 2006
Where: University House, The University of Melbourne

NEED TO KNOW MORE?
Download our brochure here.

Express your interest in this course or related courses by contacting;
Elise Strande on (03) 9810 3136 or email here

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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

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Are you a clinician involved in NEUROSCIENCE?

The School of Enterprise, University of Melbourne, in association with the NHRMC - funded Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Neurosciences and the Brain Research Institute, are pleased to announce that they will be holding a 4 day short course on Clinical Neuroscience Research: Methodology and Disease Applications Part 2, at the Austin Repatriation Centre on August 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th.

NUMBERS ARE LIMITED, so be quick!

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

Specialist Certificate in Clinical Research (Neuroscience)

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

NEED TO KNOW MORE?  Please see website here

Cost: $1975 + GST

When: August 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th

Where: Neurosciences Building
Austin Repatriation Campus
Banksia Street Gate10)
West Heidelberg

Express your interest in this course and related courses by contacting:

• Kathy Lefevere on (03) 9496 2290 or email here
• Brad Atkins on (03) 9810 3185 or email here

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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)

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