ALP cool on RQF

The Australian Labor Party's spokesman on Industry, Innovation, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, has indicated that a Labor government may abolish the Research Quality Framework (RQF) that was endorsed by the Government in November and is scheduled to be implemented from 1 July this year. Funding of $87 million has been allocated for the implementation of the RQF.

The aim of the RQF is to reward and encourage research activity that leads to high quality and high impact outcomes. However, the Productivity Commission, in the draft report of its research study of science and innovation, expressed concerns that the RQF would involve significant costs, such as the additional costs for peer review, and recommended that its implementation should be delayed pending the outcome of further investigations, trials and analysis.

The Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) has since submitted a response to the Productivity Commission's draft paper, arguing that the process of measuring research impact will encourage knowledge transfer activities, that trials of the system are currently under way, and that the Commission's concerns about implementation costs have been addressed by the three-year, $16.4 million RQF Implementation Assistance Programme. Further, according to DEST, the RQF program will help universities to assess and promote their own performance.

"The information gained from the RQF will provide significant benefits to the sector, including strong evidence for institution’s research managers on the level of quality and impact of their own researchers. It will characterise and give a broader perspective of areas of ‘perceived’ research strength across an institution, successful collaborations and the value of application."

In an interview with the Australian Financial Review, Senator Carr said that the RQF was "fundamentally flawed, particularly in regard to impact, and because it's so badly designed and expensive to administer."

He said it would be particularly difficult to measure research impact in the humanities and the arts. The ALP has indicated that, in government, it would base S&T research assessment on citations in peer-reviewed journals and would introduce a new system for assessment of research in the arts, social sciences and humanities.

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ALP commits to science and maths teaching

The Australian Labor Party has released its policy to encourage young Australians to study and teach maths and science.

Under the policy, New Directions for Maths and Science, the ALP will:

• reduce the HECS contribution for new maths and science students from the current annual student contribution rate of $7,118 to $3,998 from 1 January 2009 ($80.2 million over 4 years);
• pay 50 per cent of the HECS repayments of maths and science students as at 1 January 2009 who, upon graduation from university, engage in relevant maths and science occupations, particularly the teaching of maths and science;
• provide HECS remission for a period of up to five years from graduation and while the graduate continues working in a relevant maths or science occupation. ($30.8 million over four years); and
• ensure that universities are not financially worse off as a result of this reduction in student contribution to the costs of a maths or science degree. This assistance to universities will be included in Labor’s higher education funding commitments to be announced in advance of the election.

More information is http://www.alp.org.au/policy/index.php

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Report calls for greenhouse innovation in the minerals industry

A report by CSIRO Minerals and the Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing (CSRP) has found that innovation in steel and aluminium production offers the greatest potential to reduce global energy needs and greenhouse gas emissions in the minerals industry.

The report, which evaluated technological developments with the potential to reduce global energy needs and greenhouse gas emissions, found that biomass charcoal presents the greatest opportunity.

The global iron and steel industry, for example, produces 1.7 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year, most of which are generated during the smelting stage in the blast furnace.

CSIRO Minerals researcher Terry Norgate said that if biomass replaces 20 per cent of the coal/coke used by blast furnaces, then greenhouse gas emissions could potentially be reduced by about 550 million tonnes annually.

Mr Norgate says other key technologies that could reduce the iron and steel industry’s greenhouse gas emissions are heat recovery through dry granulation of slag and strip casting. Nitrogen-free smelting of iron is also being explored.

Aluminium production also makes a substantial contribution to carbon dioxide emissions globally, with the Hall-Héroult smelting stage requiring the largest energy input, and producing the most greenhouse gas emissions, of all the stages.

However, through the use of drained cathode cells (DCC), followed by waste heat recovery, Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions could be cut by about 15 per cent.

CSIRO is working with Rio Tinto Aluminium – through the Light Metals Flagship – on developing DCC technology, which works by shortening the distance between the anode and cathode in a cell, reducing the electrical resistance and, consequently, energy consumption.

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IP Australia to assist with Thai IP system

Australia's intellectual property agency, IP Australia, has entered an agreement with Thailand's Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) to help develop the Thai IP system. IP Australia will deliver a range of capacity building and service initiatives to assist IP regulators, business people and students in Thailand.

The action plan will cover a range of areas such as:

• An exchange of information to assist the DIP develop an IP library;
• A program of public education targeting SMEs and universities;
• Strategies for the effective management of the DIP;
• Assistance with PCT and Madrid Protocol implementation; and
• The provision of patent search services on behalf of the DIP.

For more information on IP Australia’s international assistance program visit:
here.

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New Smart State Council reports released

The Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie, has released three reports prepared by working groups of the Smart State Council.

The first, Education and Skills for the Smart State, was produced by a working group chaired by Professor John Mattick. It addressed the teaching profession, school curriculum, science and technology education and public attitudes towards education.

The Smarter Services report, prepared by a working group chaired by Professor Arun Sharma, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Queensland University of Technology, looks at changes in the services sector and the development of new knowledge intensive or 'smart' services in Queensland. It explores opportunities to expand smart services by strengthening the skills base, developing `iconic' status for smart services and addressing industry development needs.

The third report, Engaging with the Community in the Smart State, was produced by a working group chaired by Dr Cherrell Hirst, Director of Queensland BioCapital Funds. It looks at various ways of communicating with the wider community on the benefits of the `Smart State' and encouraging participation.

The reports are available at here and comments are due by 30 March 2007.

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New CEO for CRC Association

Mr Michael Hartmann, previously Deputy Director with the Cattle Council of Australia, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Cooperative Research Centres Association (CRCA).

Chairman of the CRCA, Tony Staley, said a key focus of Mr Hartmann's role would be to represent the CRCs while providing and facilitating advocacy to Federal parliament to ensure that the CRC Programme holds its position as the premier initiative in the Australian Government's R&D portfolio.

Since its inception in 1990 the Australian Government has provided funding of more than $2.3 billion.

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Sydney University funds sustainable energy projects

The University of Sydney has announced the inaugural awards under its new Sustainable Research Grants Scheme, established to support, on a competitive basis, high-quality research projects in sustainable energy.

The four projects that have been awarded a total of $1 million over three years are:

• Pre-commercial demonstration of sustainable hydrogen technology, led by Dr Andrew Harris. The grant will fund the development of the first directly coupled gasifier/fuel cell system that incorporates carbon dioxide (CO2) capture.
• Innovative approaches for wind, waves, offshore wind farm and seabed interaction: a coupled model, led by Dr Dong-Sheng Jeng
• Sustainable Energy from Sunlight: New Nanostructured Catalysts for the Photocatalytic Production of Hydrogen from Water, led by Professor Thomas Maschmeyer
• Hydrogen Storage in Nanoporous Coordination Framework Materials, led by Professor Cameron Kepert. Professor Kepert in the School of Chemistry has recently discovered a broad family of molecular compounds that are able to store large quantities of hydrogen gas within their nanopore structures. Further investigations will lead to improved understanding of hydrogen storage and could lead to the development of entirely new hydrogen storage technologies.

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2007 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science - Closing 27th of April

Closing Date: Friday 27 April 2007, 5.00 pm AEST

We are seeking nominations for any of the following five (5) prestigious science and science teaching annual awards:

- Prime Minister's Prize for Science 
-  Science Minister's Prize for Life Scientist of the Year 
-  Malcolm Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year 
-  Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools 
-  Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools

Information about the Prizes and the online nomination process is available on website here.

Contact Information: Science Prizes Secretariat, Department of Education, Science and Training, Tel: (02) 6240 5066, Fax (02) 6123 6168, email: pmprize@dest.gov.au  

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Call for proposals: 2007 Australia-China Special Fund for Scientific and Technological Cooperation

The Australian Government and the Government of the People’s Republic of China jointly manage the Australia-China Special Fund for Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The Fund is designed to promote and support scientific and technological cooperation between Australian and Chinese researchers in both public and private sectors.

The Fund will provide financial assistance, on a competitive basis, for participation in international collaborative scientific and research projects.

The 2007 call-for-proposals opened on Wednesday 7 February 2007 and will close on Tuesday 20 March 2007.

How to Apply

Applications must be for funding for collaboration between Australian and Chinese partners. Each partner must submit an application to their respective Government (Department of Education Science and Training for the Australian applicants, Ministry of Science and Technology or the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) for the Chinese applicants).

Australian applicants should refer to the Australia-China Special Fund guidelines, available at www.dest.gov.au/science/ISL/, before commencing their application.

Further Information
Australian applicants requiring more information can direct questions by email to isl@dest.gov.au  

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Position Vacant: Scientists and Engineers Wanted

Canberra based positions

View the latest advances in technology and play an integral role in innovation — all in a stimulating, friendly environment. Become a patent examiner.

Scientists and Engineers
Become a Patent Examiner — help shape the future

Not everyone can claim to have a job where they are amongst the first to see the details of new and exciting inventions and technology, let alone play a lead role in the innovation process. But as a Patent Examiner, that’s exactly your role.

IP Australia, the government agency responsible for administering Australia’s patents, trade marks, designs and plant breeder’s rights systems is looking for graduates and experienced professionals who are decisive, can work independently and can apply technical knowledge to new and challenging ideas to commence as Patent Examiners in August 2007.

We are currently seeking people with qualifications and experience in:
• Mechanical Engineering;
• Biomedical Engineering;
• Physics;
• Pure or Applied Chemistry;
• Industrial Chemistry;
• Biotechnology; Pharmacology;
• Electronics;
• Telecommunications;
• Electrical Engineering;
• Computer Science;
• Computer Engineering; or
• Chemical Engineering.

All Patent Examiner positions are based in Canberra.

Your starting salary will be in the range of $44,350–$56,320 (plus superannuation), depending on your qualifications and work experience. Please note successful applicants may be offered an Australian Workplace Agreement, to be negotiated based on skills and experience.

To apply or obtain the job documentation and further information, please visit www.ipaustralia.gov.au/about/jobspatexam.shtml or phone (02) 6283 2100. If you’re interested in learning more about the role of a Patent Examiner, phone Leigh Tristram on (02) 6283 2075.

To be eligible for employment you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or have an appropriate work visa and are close to attaining permanent residency.

Applications close: Friday 9 March 2007

Join IP Australia and help shape the future

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2007 Fenner Conference on the Environment: Water, population and Australia’s urban future

The Australian Academy of Science is hosting the 2007 Fenner Conference on the Environment: Water, population and Australia’s urban future (Shine Dome, Canberra, March 15 –16). This Conference will explore the water-population nexus, focusing on Australia’s urban and peri-urban areas. It will bring together speakers from government, business, academia and research organisations, with panel discussions and break-out discussion groups an integral part of the proceedings. Conference sessions include:
• Australia’s population movements, water, climate and climate change
• National water policy, knowledge needs and institutional reform
• Science-based planning for water and population in high-growth areas
• Innovative technical solutions for water management
All those interested in the critical relationship between population and water, and how it may shape Australia’s urban future should attend.

REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Two-day Conference Registration (includes lunches and refreshments):$150.00 per person
Conference Dinner: $66.00 per person

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION VISIT:
http://www.science.org.au/events/fenner2007/  

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Climate Law in Australia Conference

12 & 13 April 2007

National Museum of Australia, Canberra

Jointly organised by The Australian National University and the University of Melbourne, Climate Law in Australia is the first Australian conference to focus exclusively on the emerging legal dimensions of global warming.

Leading academics, policy analysts and climate change lawyers will examine the international framework of Kyoto and the Asia-Pacific Partnership, the operation of Commonwealth and State laws and key climate cases which have already been before Australia’s courts and tribunals. Carbon trading, nuclear decision-making, alternative energy technologies and legal challenges to the coal industry will be major themes of the conference.

For more information, please contact The Australian Centre for Environmental Law (ACEL):
Telephone 02 6125 3487 or E-mail acel.law@anu.edu.au  

Information and registration forms are also available on the web at http://law.anu.edu.au/acel/Events.asp  

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A Practical Guide to Managing Intellectual Property in the Public Sector

Friday, 30 March 2007, Novotel, Canberra

Spruson&Ferguson, together with Learning Network Solutions will be holding a practical one day seminar on Managing Intellectual Property in the Public Sector. The seminar, which is designed to be highly interactive, will look at key issues specific to IP management in the public sector including identifying, recording, managing and commercialising IP.

For more information or to request a seminar brochure, please contact Learning Network Solutions on (02) 9585 2304 or email info@learningnetworks.com.au  

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Are you a health care professional involved in IMMUNISATION?

The School of Enterprise, University of Melbourne, is pleased to announce that we will be holding a 4 day short course on Clinical Immunisation Research on March 26, 27, 29, 30 2007

NUMBERS ARE LIMITED, so be quick!

This course has been designed to equip healthcare professionals involved in immunisation with a practical understanding of how different research designs best answer clinical research questions in immunisation. The curriculum is designed for practising nursing, medical and related professions with an interest in child and adult immunisation.

Specialist Certificate in Clinical Research (Immunisation and Infectious Diseases)
The 25 points specialist certificate is a Masters level award and is achieved by completion of the two four day subjects, Clinical Immunisation Research and Infectious Diseases, with associated assessment. It provides full credit into the Masters program in Clinical Research.

NEED TO KNOW MORE? CHECK OUT INFORMATION AT:

http://www.soe.unimelb.edu.au/iid  


Cost: $2000 + GST

When: March 26, 27, 29, 30 2007

Where: The University of Melbourne
University House, Parkville. 3010

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

Brad Atkins on (03) 9810 3185 or email b.atkins@soe.unimelb.edu.au

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Pathways to Commercialisation

The School of Enterprise, University of Melbourne are pleased to announce the upcoming 5 day course Pathways to Commercialisation.

Who is this course for?
This program is for anyone working in the technology commercialisation and new product development area that is required to put together effective business cases for investment projects for both internal and external funding. Designed to enhance practical experience gained in the workplace, the principles learned on the program are applied immediately into a team project that runs throughout the week, culminating in each team giving a presentation to an independent panel in a “pitch” for fund.

What will I get out of this course?
- Enhanced ability to commercialise new technologies, products and services 
- Business case development skills and capabilities 
- Enhanced capacity to build a business case to attract investment finance

Numbers are limited, so be quick!

Cost: $2,995 + GST per person
10% discount for 3 registrations from the same organisation when registered and paid for together.
When: 26th to 30th March 2007.
Where: Graduate House, Carlton

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 e.strande@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 NHMRC - 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 1, at the Austin Repatriation Centre on March 19, 20, 22, 23. 2007

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? CHECK OUT INFORMATION AT:

www.soe.unimelb.edu.au/neuroscience  

Cost: $2,000 + GST

When: March 19, 20, 22, 23

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 lefevere@unimelb.edu.au  
• Brad Atkins on (03) 9810 3185 or email b.atkins@soe.unimelb.edu.au  

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Assessing the Status of Your Organisation’s Asset Management

The CRC for Integrated Engineering Asset Management (CIEAM) is conducting a public workshop entitled Assessing the Status of Your Organisation’s Asset Management around Australia from 20-29 March this year.
Feedback from CIEAM’s first public workshops held around the country last November identified a significant need for a preliminary workshop on how to assess and benchmark an organisation’s asset management effort against the application and integration of the critical functions of an Integrated Asset Management Programme.

CIEAM’s Assessing the Status of Your Organisation’s Asset Management workshop is designed to directly address this need, giving an in-depth insight to management staff in all levels of government and industry organisations on a range of topics, including:
▪ Analysing asset management functions and frameworks
▪ Applying assessment criteria for asset management
▪ Application of integrated asset management functions
▪ Benchmarking strategic planning and risk management
▪ Benchmarking data management and information systems
▪ Benchmarking condition monitoring and performance measure
▪ Benchmarking tactical planning and condition modelling
▪ Benchmarking usage life-cycle and maintenance optimisation
▪ Benchmarking financial management, costing and budgeting.

The 1-day workshop will be led by CIEAM’s Education & Training Manager, Dr Fred Stapelberg in the following cities:
Sydney Tuesday, 20 March 2007
Melbourne Wednesday, 21 March 2007
Hobart Thursday, 22 March 2007
Adelaide Friday, 23 March 2007
Perth Tuesday, 27 March 2007
Brisbane Thursday, 29 March 2007

Registration of $495 incl. GST per delegate includes comprehensive training materials, lunch and refreshments. To register, send your completed registration form with payment by Tuesday, 6 March 2007.

For more information on this and other courses, visit  website here or call CIEAM on 07 3138 1471.

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Writing Clear Science Workshops (WA, ACT, VIC & SA)

www.writingclearscience.com.au

Writing Clear Science teaches writing and research skills to science students and science professionals.

Writing Clear Science workshops include short lectures followed by one-hour interactive writing exercises. These workshops help you overcome your writing obstacles, improve your writing productivity and enhance your research skills. We teach the skills necessary to produce high quality science projects, reports, articles and theses.

Three-day workshops are now open for bookings in NT, VIC, QLD & NSW. Enrolments are available for Day 1 only; Day 1-2 only, or for Day 1-3.

Day 1: The Nuts & Bolts of Writing
Day 2: Writing Reports, Articles & Manuscripts
Day 3: Writing Your Thesis

We also offer in-house, 1-3 day tailored workshops. In addition to the standard topics, recent in-house workshops have covered Writing an Oral Presentation, Publishing Your Science, Preparing a Poster Presentation.

Workshop Dates & Locations

Perth: Tuesday 27th Feb - Thursday 1st March; Venue: The Innovation Centre, Enterprise Unit 3, 11 Brodie Hall Drive, Technology Park, Bentley, WA.

Canberra: Monday 2nd - Wednesday 4th April; Venue: University House, Drawing Room, Australian National University, Cnr Balmain Cr & Liversidge St, Acton

Melbourne: Monday 23rd, Tuesday 24th & Thursday 26th April OR Wednesday 16th - Friday 18th May; Venue: Richmond Library Meeting Room (upstairs), 415 Church Street (cnr. Church St. & Swan St.), Richmond.

Adelaide: Wednesday 6th - Friday 8th June, Venue: The Seminar Room 1.27, Plant Genomics Centre, Hartley Grove, Urrbrae, Building 22, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus

Course Outlines
Day 1: The Nuts & Bolts of Writing
• Lectures: Your Audience & Your Purpose; Accurate Science Writing; Sentence and Paragraph Structure.
• Writing Exercises: Summarising Skills; Writing in Plain English; Title, Sentence and Paragraph Construction.
Day 2: Writing Reports & Manuscripts
• Lectures: Writing Techniques; Clear Structure for Excellent Writing; Writing Style & Word Choice; Different Report Styles.
• Writing Exercises: Assessment of Writing Examples, Report Construction and Continuity; Improvement of Writing Style.
Day 3: Writing Your Thesis
• Lectures: Designing & Writing Your Thesis; Researching Your Topic; Thesis Structure.
• Writing Review & Group Discussions: Research Design Overview; Thesis Construction and Continuity of Chapters; Assessment of Writing Examples.

For further information or to download course outlines, venue details & registration forms, go to www.writingclearscience.com.au  Email info@writingclearscience.com.au  Phone 0416-097979

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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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