Debate on therapeutic cloning heats up

Following his decision not to make changes to legislation covering research involving human embryos, the Prime Minister, John Howard, has released the commissioned report on changes in the state of play in relation to assisted reproductive technology (ART) and related research since the passage of the Prohibition of Human Cloning Act 2002 (PHC Act) and Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 (RIHE Act).

Mr Howard has stated that Coalition Members and Senators will be able to exercise a free vote should legislation on this issue be introduced into Parliament. MPs are currently hearing a series of presentations from both sides of the therapeutic cloning debate. The Chief Scientist, Jim Peacock, who has indicated his support for therpeutic cloning, will host a forum for MPs next week.

The report, undertaken by mpconsulting, found that in relation to three main issues that were considered in the Legislation Review Committee’s review of the legislation in 2005 there had been no significant change since 2002. mpconsulting worked with the NHMRC to develop the legislation which prohibits human cloning and regulates research involving embryos, and assisted in implementing the legislation and corresponding state legislation.
The three issues examined in the report were:

• the definition of human embryo (recommendation 28 of the Committee’s review);

• the creation and use of embryos for ART research (recommendations 15, 16, 17, 19 and 21); and

• the creation of embryos for stem cell research (recommendations 25 - 27).

In particular, the report found:

• concerns were raised at the time that the legislation was debated in 2002 regarding the negative impact of the legislation on ART research and on stem cell research. These concerns continue to be expressed today;

• the Committee suggested that a number of the negative impacts on ART research were unintended consequences of the legislation. A review of the second reading debate makes it clear that the majority of these limitations on ART research were known in 2002;

• the ethical debate today is very similar to the debate in 2002. Some stakeholders support the relaxing of the legislation (recognising the potential benefits for both ART and for research into diseases) while others consider that the legislation is already too permissive (or should not be made more permissive). The latter stakeholders cite ethical concerns regarding the creation of any embryos, however defined, for any research; and

• the Report of the Committee does not provide any information regarding scientific developments since 2002 that would justify, in their own right, changes to the legislation. The Committee’s recommendations appear to be based on the Committee’s assessment of the potential benefits of the suggested changes rather than the state of the science at a particular point in time.

The mpconsulting report can be accessed here

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ICT Advisory Board meets to consider priorities

The Australian government's ICT (Information and Communications Technologies) Advisory Board has met to identify and develop future ICT priorities.

The Board, chaired by by Mr Steve Vamos, Managing Director of Microsoft Australia, discussed priority areas such as:

• identifying sectors of the economy with the most potential for economic development;
• ensuring Australia’s ICT capability fully supports these sectors, particularly with regard to investment, research, skills and development of human capital; and
• ensuring Government and industry achieve and maintain the best ICT capability over the next five years.

The Board has been expanded to include peak representatives of business bodies including Peter Hendy, CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Ben Fargher, CEO of the National Farmers Federation; and Steve Vamos of the Business Council of Australia.

Other members are:

• Graeme Barty, CEO, HarvestRoad Limited;
• Ric Clarke, CTO, Alcatel Australasia;
• Dominique Fisher, MD,EC Strategies Pty Ltd;
• John Grant, MD,Data #3 Limited;
• Sheryle Moon, Director, Manpower Services Australia;
• Dan Phillips, Executive Director, Macquarie Bank Limited;
• Dr. Phil Robertson, Director, Canon Information Systems Research Australia;
• Professor John Rosenberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Deakin University;
• Gary Zamel, Managing Director Mine Site Technologies Pty Ltd; and
• Dr. Alex Zelinsky, Director, CSIRO ICT Centre

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Business spending on R&D increases

Business spending on research and experimental development (R&D) in Australia has increased for the sixth year in a row, to a total of $8.4 billion during 2004-05, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Businesses in the mining industry reported the largest growth in R&D expenditure, increasing by $227 million or 23%. The major contributors to R&D expenditure were the manufacturing ($3.5 billion or 41%) and property and business services industries ($1.6 billion or 19%).

Expenditure was highest in New South Wales ($3.2 billion) and Victoria ($2.4 billion), while growth since 2003-04 was strongest in Western Australia (up 37% to almost $1.1 billion).

R&D expenditure in 2004-05 was up 7% on the previous year in real terms (and 10% in current prices). Between 2003-04 and 2004-05, business expenditure on R&D as a proportion of GDP increased from 0.91% to 0.95%, continuing a period of growth dating back to a low of 0.64% in 1999-2000. However, Australia remained below the OECD average of 1.53%.

Businesses with 200 or more employees contributed 66% of total R&D expenditure, while businesses with less than five employees contributed 4%.

Further information is in Research and Experimental Development, Businesses, Australia, 2004-05 (cat. no. 8104.0).

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Overhaul for AVCC

The Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) has announced an overhaul of its organization and objectives following a major review by consultant, David Phillips, Director of PhillipsKPA.

The AVCC has agreed that it needs to refine its focus and structure to become a peak industry body, the key role of which would be advocacy for higher education in the public interest.

It will change its name to “Universities Australia” and a full-time President will be appointed as chief executive and will be the main external advocate and spokesperson for Universities Australia. There will also be a Chair of the Plenary and Board who is a current Vice-Chancellor; and a full-time Chief Operating Officer and a Secretariat to support the CEO and President.

All universities will be eligible for membership of Universities Australia, and will be represented by the CEOs.

Implementation of the changes will be considered by the AVCC at its November meeting.

More information is at http://www.avcc.edu.au

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South Australian Premier’s Science Excellence Awards announced

Winners of this year’s South Australian Premier’s Science Excellence Awards have been announced

The five winners each received $15,000 to progress with their research and initiatives, while the 10 finalists shared $50,000 in prizemoney.

The award winners are:

• Research and Leadership - Laureate Professor John Ralston, Director, Ian Wark Research Institute. For his specialist work and knowledge in colloid and surface chemistry.


• Excellence in Research for Commercial Outcomes - Professor John J Hopwood, Head, Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit. For his work in researching and developing a screening method for Lysosomal Storage Disorders in newborn babies.


• Excellence in Research for Public Good Outcomes - Associate Professor David Cleland Paton, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide. For his team’s work in documenting changes in the distributions, abundances and performances of native flora and fauna.
• Science Education and Communication Excellence - Marine and Environmental Education, Kangaroo Island Community Education, Department of Education and Children’s Services. For providing a range of innovative marine and environmental education programs for school students which include community linkages.


• Science, Technology and Innovation Management Excellence - Dr Leanna Read, TGR BioSciences Pty Ltd founder and managing director. For her leadership in biotechnology, which involves developing high value health products from food by-products.

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News from the Universities

UWA launches Institute of Agriculture
The University of Western Australia has launched its new Institute of Agriculture, and appointed new Chair in Agriculture, Professor Kadambot Siddique, who will be Director of the Institute.
Professor Siddique was formerly director of the Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture (CLIMA). Professor Neil Turner has been appointed as the new director of CLIMA, an alliance between the Department of Agriculture and Food, The University of Western Australia (UWA), Murdoch University and CSIRO.

Building energy efficiency research facility launch at University of Tasmania
A new facility to test the relative energy efficiency of various timber, concrete and steel constructions has been launched at the University of Tasmania in Launceston.
The new facility, built with the support of the Australian Government, the University of Tasmania and local building suppliers, will play an important part in research into energy efficiency and building codes.
Currently, a number of states are either considering or implementing five star energy codes into their building codes. However, these currently do not take into account the embodied energy contained in materials such as, for example, a concrete floor as opposed to a timber floor.
The facility comprises three model houses, about the size of a garage, that are being used as test cells. Each test cell contains an extensive sensor array recording temperature, humidity, air movement and solar radiation. This information will be used to assess the accuracy of methods used to determine the ‘energy efficiency’ of Australia's housing. This includes the evaluation of the CSIRO’s AccuRate thermal performance modeling program, soon to be a key thermal calculation method for the Building Code of Australia.
The facility was built with funding from the Forest and Wood Product Research and Development Corporation, the Australian Greenhouse Office, and the University of Tasmania's University's School of Architecture and its Timber Research Unit. Industry sponsors provided materials and labour.

Adelaide Uni appoints zoo chief
Adelaide Zoo chief executive officer Chris West has been appointed to the Chair of Zoology at the University of Adelaide. A former Director of London Zoo, Professor West immigrated to Australia earlier this year to take up his position as chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia, which runs both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Zoological Park. This is the first time in the Zoo’s history that its chief executive has occupied the Chair of Zoology at the University of Adelaide. Professor West's new position will involve some teaching and collaborative research projects between the Zoo and the University.

Australian Rivers Institute launched at Griffith Uni
Griffith University has launched the Australian Rivers Institute (ARI) as the largest concentration of university-based water scientists in Australia.
The ARI, headed by Director Professor Stuart Bunn, will focus on ecologically sustainable catchment, coastal and river management research.
Professor Bunn said that a key aim of the Institute's research research is to address how governments and society can meet growing demand without degrading the essential goods and services that natural river and coastal ecosystems provide.”
With more than 120 water scientists and research students, the Institute will also examine how to sustainably manage coastal zones in the face of increasing urbanisation and changes in quantity and quality of water from coastal catchments.
Griffith’s Gold Coast campus will also be the location of the $18 million Queensland Smart Water Research Facility which has been funded by the Queensland Government in conjunction with the Gold Coast City Council and Griffith. The Facility will undertake research into sustainable water supplies, safeguarding water quality and exploring alternative water sources including recycled and desalinated water.
The ARI, through Griffith, is also a lead partner in the $11 million Tropical Rivers and Coastal Knowledge (TRACK) national research hub which will focus on how rivers and coastal areas in the tropical north sustain important natural assets and ecosystems.

Brain research lab opened at Macquarie Uni
Macquarie University has opened its new Australian Research Council (ARC)-funded brain research laboratory which includes the southern hemisphere’s first whole head magnetoencephalography (MEG) system, and will soon include the world’s first child MEG system.
The brain research lab, which will provide a non-invasive and sensitive tool for investigating human cognitive processes in real time, is the product of collaborative research agreements between Macquarie University, the Kanazawa Institute of Technology (KIT), and the Yokogawa Electric Corporation.
The laboratory is funded by two ARC Linkage grants awarded to Macquarie University. One grant is in collaboration with the Kanazawa Institute of Technology, and the following partner institutions: the University of Newcastle, Swinburne University, the Australian National University, the University of Melbourne and the University of Auckland.
A second ARC Linkage Industrial Partners grant will enable Macquarie to collaborate further with KIT and with the Yokogawa Electric Corporation to develop the world’s first brain imaging system using MEG to study cognitive processing in children.

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IBM consolidates development facilities

IBM has consolidated its Australian development facilities to form the Australia Development Laboratory.

The Australia Development Laboratory, employing more than 420 development and support staff, will encompass IBM’s existing development facilities in Canberra, the Gold Coast, Perth and Sydney. It will be led by Glenn Wightwick, newly appointed Lab Director who is returning to Australia after a series of assignments in the USA and China over the last five years.

The Australia Development Laboratory combines IBM’s existing local product development and support facilities including:

• The Lotus Web Content Management Lab in Sydney, NSW, which develops and supports web content management systems for the IBM Lotus Domino and Java platforms.
• The Tivoli Security Lab in the Gold Coast, Queensland, which works on access control and identity management systems and collaborates with local universities including the Griffith University, the Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland.
• The OzLabs Linux Technology Centre in Canberra, ACT, which researches the use of open source and Linux technologies for IBM’s System i, System p and blade servers and works with the Australian National University, National ICT Australia and the University of New South Wales.
• The Australian Programming Centre in Perth, WA, which writes software and tools for IBM mainframe computers in collaboration with Edith Curtin University, Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia.
• The Tivoli Netcool Development Lab in Perth, WA, which develops core technology for the Netcool service provider and business service assurance solutions.
• WebSphere, Tivoli, Rational, DB2, Ascential and Informix product support teams in Sydney, NSW.

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Call for proposals 2007: French Australian Science and Technology (FAST) Programme

Overview
The Australian Government in conjunction with the Government of the Republic of France has established the French-Australian S&T (FAST) Programme. The Programme is jointly managed by the Department of Education Science and Training (DEST) and its French counterparts, the Ministry of National Education, Universities and Research (MENESR) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE).

The objective of FAST is to promote and support scientific and technological cooperation between Australian and French researchers in both public and private sectors.

Support Available
FAST will provide financial assistance, on a competitive basis, for small collaborative research projects (including project specific follow-up meetings) between Australian and French researchers. Activities that are eligible for funding support are only international travel and living expenses. Accordingly, funding does not extend to insurances, salaries and equipment expenses.

Under the FAST programme, Australia will contribute up to $A250,000 per round and France up to 150,000 € per round. Individual applications may request funding for up to 2 years.

Under the 2007 FAST programme round, applications will be considered for research collaboration in the areas of natural resources, energy and life sciences. The following (2008) FAST round will consider applications in the areas of materials, and information and communication technologies.

Australian beneficiaries:
Support to and all grants for successful Australian applicants will be provided by DEST to the coordinating Australian organisation. A suitably audited financial report will be required to acquit DEST funding.

French beneficiaries:
Support to French beneficiaries is provided by the French Government in France. Scientific and financial reports will be required at the end of each of the 2 years to acquit French funding.

How to Apply
Applications must be for funding for collaboration between Australian and French partners. Each partner must submit an application to their respective Government (DEST for the Australian applicants, EGIDE for the French). The 2007 call-for-proposals round will to open on Monday 4 September 2006 and close on Friday 13 October 2006.

Australian applicants should refer to the FAST guidelines, available at
http://www.dest.gov.au/science/isl/, before commencing their application.

French applicants should refer to the EGIDE website:
http://www.egide.asso.fr/fr/programmes/pai/  

Information about the FAST programme is also available on the Embassy of France website:
http://www.ambafrance-au.org/science/

Information
If you require more information please direct all specific questions by email to:
Australia – email here
France –  email here

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Position vacant: Senior Research Associate

Molecular Discovery Systems Pty Ltd (MDSystems) is a wholly owned subsidiary of BioPharmica Limited. The company is involved in drug discovery, combining research and development techniques to produce a high content imaging environment in which to discover and validate therapy and diagnostic areas linked to biomarkers of disease.

Applications are invited for a Research Associate/Senior Research Associate position in the area of drug discovery and high content imaging.

The company laboratories are based in Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia. MDSystems is involved in high content imaging and drug discovery and is seeking a highly motivated individual to lead new projects and bring enthusiasm and expertise to the company.

The position is for a researcher with a relevant scientific degree with particular expertise in molecular & cell biology and immunohistochemistry. Further skills in some or all of: cell culture, tissue sample handling, frozen, paraffin embedded, sections and whole samples, digital imaging, statistical analyses, high content biology would be desirable.

The applicant must have a degree in biological sciences and proven research ability. Excellent oral and written skills are a criteria for this position. The applicants should be able to demonstrate creativity and team spirit. The individual will be expected to work well in a team. Innovative, dynamic individuals would best suit this post.

Remuneration will be consummate with experience. The position is available immediately full-time, fixed term for 9 months initially.

For further information: contact Dr Gallagher directly on +61 8 9218 9422.

To apply: Send a cover letter addressing the above criteria, CV and contact details of three referees to:

MDSystems Administration
PO Box 6876
East Perth Western Australia 6892

Fax: +61 8 9218 9433
Email here
http://www.mdsystems.com.au  

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Application called for Round 3 of the Pharmaceuticals Partnerships Program

Applications are being called for Round 3 of the Australian Government's Pharmaceuticals Partnerships Program and close at 4pm AEDST on 20 November 2006

The Pharmaceuticals Partnerships Program is a $150 million program offering a maximum $10 million grant per company through a competitive merit-based process. This round is the third and final under the program. Several changes have been made to the third round of P3. These look to build on the successes of the first two rounds of the program.

In round 3, grants have increased to 50 per cent of the additional expenditure above a base on an agreed portfolio of eligible pharmaceuticals R&D activities in Australia. Round 3 will also double the allowable expenditure cap for intellectual property protection.

Additionally, round three will place greater emphasis on applicants’ existing and proposed partnerships and collaborations, and the subsequent benefits to the industry and Australia.

It is also now open to pharmaceuticals companies with a three year track record in undertaking pharmaceuticals research and development activities either in Australia or overseas or a combination of both.

The Pharmaceuticals Partnerships Program is delivered by the Australian Government’s business program delivery division, AusIndustry, and is one of more than 30 business products AusIndustry delivers to about 10,000 businesses every year – others include innovation grants, small business services, tax and duty concessions, industry support, and venture capital products.

The Pharmaceuticals Partnerships Program guidelines and additional information on changes to the merit criteria is available on the AusIndustry website.

Potential applicants can contact an AusIndustry customer service manager via the AusIndustry hotline 13 28 46 to discuss their eligibility for the program, requirements and the application process.

For more information about the Pharmaceuticals Partnerships Program or to subscribe to the AusIndustry e-bulletin or to ‘email updates’ about specific AusIndustry products, visit the website here or call the AusIndustry hotline on 13 28 46 for more information.

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Fifth International Conference on CFD in the Process Industries

The Fifth International Conference on CFD in the Process Industries is the premier event in CFD for the minerals and processing industries. It attracts professionals from industry and research organisations throughout the world.

This year’s program will present papers on a wide range of applications including: flotation, aluminium reduction cells, casting, fluidised beds, smelting, furnaces, slurries, steelmaking, crystallisation, stirred tanks, biomedical, granular flow and many more.

Industries include:
• Mineral processing
• Metal production
• Bioengineering
• Chemicals
• Food
• Oil and gas
• Power generation

Keynote speakers:
• Professor Suhas Patankar
Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota
• Professor Mark Kendall
Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland
• Professor Li Jinghai
Institute of Process Engineering, and Vice-President, Chinese Academy of Sciences
• Professor Jan Cilliers
Minerals Processing, Imperial College London
• Professor Harrie van den Akker
Director, Dept of Multi-Scale Physics, Delft University of Technology
• Dr Andrew Shook
Global Technology Manager, Process Automation and Pyrometallurgy, BHP Billiton

Mini symposia on:
• Light metals applications
• Gas particle flows
• Gravity separation
• Electro-magnetic applications (MHD)
• Bio-engineering

Who should attend?
• CFD practitioners
• R&D and plant managers
• Post-graduate students
• Process engineers, metallurgists, and engineering specialists involved in the process industries

Major sponsors:
• BHP Billiton
• Rio Tinto
• Light Metals Flagship

The Fifth International Conference on CFD in the Process Industries is proudly organised by CSIRO.

Registration information, programs and past proceedings can be viewed at: www.cfd.com.au/cfdconf  

For further information, contact:
Dr Phil Schwarz
CSIRO Minerals
Ph: +61 3 9545 8500
Fax: +61 3 9562 8919
email: here

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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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Commercialisation Bootcamp

Knowledge and Research…. Is it time to commercialise?

How much is your organisation’s know-how and IP worth to others?

Do you have the skills to develop and sell your knowledge and research to industry?

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


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

Numbers are limited, so be quick!

Cost: $850 + GST
When: 16th & 17th October 2006
Where: The University of Melbourne,
Hawthorn Campus
442 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn

NEED TO KNOW MORE?
Click 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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Responsibilities and Ethics of Clinical Research!

Thinking of Further Education?

Enrol now for the October intake in to the Graduate Programs in Clinical Research.

Objectives:
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the basic concepts in human ethics, including the principles of:
- Autonomy
- Justice
- Beneficence
- Malfeasance
• Understand the need for integrity in both research and researchers
• Understand the need to protect human rights in research
• Appreciate the requirement for informed consent
• Appreciate both sides of the risk-benefit tension
• Understand the impact of different cultural perspectives on ethical issues

Description:
• Structure of Informed Consent documents
• Meaning of “Informed” in the context of blinding and randomisation to allocated treatments.
• Basic human rights in experimental settings
• The human being as an experimental subject and unit of analysis
• Data monitoring and safety committees
• Exercises in complex ethical situations
• Ethics committees – structure; membership; terms of reference
• Assessment of ethics applications (mock exercise)
• Cultural differences in ethical viewpoints
• Ethics under adverse conditions or under duress
• Ethical responses to unlawful collection of data or specimens
• Ethical issues of individual or volunteered experiments on the dying

Cost: $1975
When: November 10th, 11th and December 8th, 9th
Where: The University of Melbourne
Level 3, 442 Auburn Road
Hawthorn, Victoria Australia 3122

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 here 

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Spruson&Ferguson: patent and trade mark attorneys

With over 115 years experience, Spruson&Ferguson is a leading intellectual property firm in Australia which provides a fully integrated service for the protection, commercialisation and enforcement of your intellectual property.

Spruson&Ferguson is one of the largest intellectual property firms in Australia, with a team of over 220. Our 60 plus patent and trade mark attorneys and lawyers work in specialised practice areas; Chemical/Life Sciences, Mechanical, Electrical/Information & Communications Technologies (ICT) and Trade Marks, together with Spruson&Ferguson Lawyers which provides intellectual property commercialisation, enforcement and dispute resolution services.

Spruson&Ferguson’s patent and trade mark attorneys and lawyers have extensive intellectual property and industry experience in science and engineering including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, electronics, phototonics, transport, telecommunications, mining, publishing, consumer products, ceramics, chemistry and mechanical/medical technologies.

The depth of our industry experience is an attribute that many of our clients hold in high regard. Spruson&Ferguson is a recognised as a market leader with multinationals and many of Australia’s foremost research institutions entrusting to us to protect and assisting with the maximisation of returns on their intellectual property assets.

Our comprehensive range of services includes patents, trademarks, designs, domain names, IP audits, due diligence, dispute resolution and litigation and intellectual property commercialisation services including licensing, joint ventures and research and development collaborations.

For more information about our comprehensive range of intellectual property services, please contact one of the following relationship principals:

Chemical: Dr John McCann BSc (Hons) PhD FIPTA
Life Sciences: Dr Andrew Blattman BScAgr (Hons) PhD GDipIP FIPTA
Electrical: Robert Miller BE BLegS FIPTA
ICT: Scott Berggren BSEE MSEE LLB FIPTA
Mechanical: Greg Turner BE FIPTA
Trade Marks: Annette Freeman BA LLB (ANU) LLM (UTS)
IP Commercialisation: Rob McInnes BSc (Hons) LLB (Syd)
IP Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Simon Williams BA LLB (Syd) LLM (Lond)
Managing Principal: David Griffith BE (Hons) FIPTA

Telephone: (02) 9207 0777
Fax: (02) 9261 5486
Email mail@sprusons.com.au

www.sprusons.com.au

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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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Achieve world class results with business critical information

Thomson Scientific is the world’s leading provider of scientific and patent information. We help drive innovation by equipping the research and business communities with the latest information in all technologies from patents, scientific journals, and conferences.
We take you beyond access to information by helping you enhance the way your organization competes, discovers, innovates, creates and licenses - so you can market your products more successfully.

Stay ahead of the competition

• Keep up-to-date with new trends and developments
• Track the activities of your business rivals
• Get an early warning of new product launches
• Obtain new ideas for capturing market share
• Avoid costly infringement lawsuits
• Uncover profitable licensing opportunities
• Locate and headhunt experts to enhance your R&D

Let Thomson Scientific help your organization’s ability to innovate, work faster and smarter, and attain outstanding research and business results.

• Patents
• Scientific Literature
• Standards
• Trademarks
• Analytic Tools
• File Histories
• Professional Services
• Search Services

To find out more, go here

You can contact us at: ts.asia.info@thomson.com or +61 2 8587 7948

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Looking for environmental news?

Want more information about what’s happening in the environment sector? The publishers of R&DInfo also provide an in-depth fortnightly newsletter about environmental news and policy.

Each issue of Environment Business (22 editions per year) comprehensively reports on Federal and State government legislation and programs, and their impact on local government, business and the community. The newsletter also examines innovative environmental research and technology deriving from research agencies, universities and the private sector.

Regular columns discuss:

• Federal and State government policies and initiatives
• Greenhouse and climate change
• Natural Resource Management
• State news
• Business news
• Local government responsibilities and initiatives
• Renewable energy technologies
• Research and development within the environmental field
• Water technologies
• Waste.
  

To view a sample issue of Environment Business, please go to http://news.envirocentre.com.au/eb/sample.php

For subscription information, please go here

Further information is available from the Editor, Emma Stirling, at emma.stirling@halledit.com.au

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Help is only a click of the mouse or a phone call away with AusIndustry

AusIndustry is the Australian Government’s business program delivery division and provides a range of programs that support business innovation.

AusIndustry delivers a range of more than 30 business products, including innovation grants, tax and duty concessions, small business services, and support for industry competitiveness worth nearly $2 billion each year to about 10,000 small and large businesses.

Developing a cutting-edge product, process or service? AusIndustry’s innovation grants program Commercial Ready offers project funding of $50,000 to $5 million for research, development and pre-commercialisation.

The Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) program has a strong focus on mentoring, business management, advice and support and offers grants in the range of $5000 to $120,000.

To help customers with product and eligibility information, AusIndustry has customer service managers located in 26 offices across Australia, a national hotline and website, plus almost 60 Small Business Field Officers in regional areas.

Small businesses play an integral part in the Australian economy. About 95 per cent of all Australian businesses are small business, providing a vital source of jobs, economic growth and innovation.

AusIndustry offers both entitlement and competitive based products. For an entitlement based product, such as a tax concession, a customer qualifies to receive the assistance. For a competitive or merit-based product, such as an innovation grant, applicants compete on merit for limited funds, based on their application.

To subscribe to the AusIndustry e-bulletin or to ‘email updates’ about specific AusIndustry products, visit the AusIndustry website or call the AusIndustry hotline on 13 28 46 for more information

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