New chairman of ANSTO Board

The former head of Telstra, Dr Zygmunt (Ziggy) Switkowski, has been appointed the new Chairman of the Board of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

Dr Switkowski chaired the Uranium Mining, Processing and Nuclear Energy Review Taskforce which reported to the Government in December last year, recommending that Australia proceed with plans for nuclear power, with a target of 25 nuclear reactors by 2050.

The appointment has been criticised by the Labor party as a "cynical politicisation of the nuclear debate".

"Once again Mr Howard has put his own political interests ahead of the nation's, appointing a cheerleader for nuclear power as chair of the board for the nation's only research organisation devoted solely to nuclear science and technology."

The Labor Party statement concluded that "with Dr Switkowski as Chairman, it is evident that ANSTO’s future now lies more in advocacy and management of nuclear power as a source of energy".

Back to Headlines>>

New advisory board for Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility

Membership of the Advisory Council for the Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF) program has been announced by the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull.

The MTSRF was established with $40 million over five years from July 2005. Of this, $2.5 million was provided to the former Reef and Rainforest Cooperative Research Centres, and $6 million was allocated in July last year under the first MTSRF Annual Research Plan. MTSRF was part of the $100 million Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities (CERF) programme. It will provide funding for multi-disciplinary research partnerships focused on marine and terrestrial tropical research.

The Advisory Council, which meets for the first time today, will advise on the development of future MTSRF Annual Research Plans, funding for emerging issues and priorities, and the overall performance of the programme.

The Chair of the Advisory Council is John McIntyre, Project Director of the Great Tropical Drive, for Tropical Tourism North Queensland, and a Board Member of the Australian Rainforest Foundation. Other members are:

• Associate Professor Bob Beeton (Deputy Chair);
• Russell Beer, Chairman of Partners at MacDonnells Law. President of AFL Cairns; Chairman of the Finance Council for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cairns; Deputy Chairman of the Far North Queensland Hospitals Foundation;
• Professor Scott Bowman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Planning International and Development), James Cook University, Cairns;
• Suzie Christensen, Chief Executive Officer, Fitzroy Basin Association;
• Dr Victoria Gordon, Managing Director of EcoBiotics Limited, Yungaburra FNQ;
• Tim Nevard, Principal Environmental Scientist GHD Consultancy; President, Wildlife Conservancy of Tropical Queensland;
• Senior Research Fellow at Charles Darwin University;
• Greg Peel, Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Townsville, specialising in taxation and business advice;
• Cr George Pitt, Councillor, Douglas Shire Council. Previous member of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Board.;
• Geoff Plante, Chairman, Planpac International Pty Ltd; Forum Member, Ministerial Regional Community Forum NQ; Fellow of Royal Australian Institute of Architects - Built Environment Issues; Chairman, Townville Enterprise;
• Alan Wallish, Managing Director, Passions of Paradise, a 25-metre sailing catamaran operating out of Cairns;
• Stewart Wood, Chief Executive, Stewart Wood and Associates - Primary Industry and Natural Resource Consultants.

More information about the MTSRF is here

Back to Headlines>>

Funding for ARC Centres extended

The 14 Centres of Excellence funded by the Australian Research Council will receive an additional $67.6 million over three years following a review of their performance over the past three years and of their future research plans.

A Review Committee chaired by consultant and former BHP Billiton Chief Scientist Dr Bob Watts recently assessed the performance of ARC Centres of Excellence and ARC Centres first funded in 2003, and made recommendations regarding further investment.

The Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop, said the Review findings had clearly demonstrated the contribution made bythe ARC Centres of Excellence to Australia’s research and development.
"The scheme is valuable because it supports collaborative approaches to challenging research problems, builds on Australian research strengths and supports the establishment of first-class training environments for the next generation of researchers.

"For example, the ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, based at The University of Newcastle with nodes at The University of Melbourne, Monash University and The University of Queensland, has identified genes involved in testicular and childhood cancer, and revealed causes of male infertility."

Minister Bishop said the ARC Centre of Excellence for Advanced Silicon Photovoltaics and Photonics at The University of New South Wales was positioned as a world leader in solar power research.

"The Centre holds the world records for the most efficient silicon solar cell and the most efficient silicon solar power module. It has successfully commercialised or is in the process of commercialising eight solar power technologies."

Similarly, the ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Technology has become a focal point for worldwide research in quantum computing.

The ARC Centres of Excellence and ARC Centres that will receive funding extensions are conducting research in the National Research Priority areas of Promoting and Maintaining Good Health ($6,420,000) and Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries ($61,169,627).

Back to Headlines>>

SME innovation pilot program

A $4 million pilot program to improve small and medium businesses' access to innovation has been launched by the Federal Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane.

The Intermediary Access Program will help businesses to adapt knowledge and technology and collaborate with industry partners. Under the pilot program, the InnovationXchange (IXC) and the Australian Institute for Commercialisation (AIC) will work with SMEs to find the experts who can solve their technology problems, facilitate collaborative research and the adoption of new technologies and commercial opportunities.

More than 50 eligible companies will be assisted through this scheme over the next nine months.

Further information can be found at www.ausindustry.gov.au or by calling the AusIndustry Hotline on 13 28 46.

Back to Headlines>>

$100 million for HRL clean coal technology demonstration

The Federal Government has announced a $100 million grant towards a $750 million clean coal technology project conducted by HRL Limited. The grant follows a $50 million commitment to the project made by the Victorian government in November last year. A further $500 million has been committed by major Chinese investors including Harbin, one of the largest power station construction companies in China.

The HRL demonstration project involves building a 400 megawatt integrated drying gasification combined-cycle (IDGCC) power generation plant at the Loy Yang coal mine in Victoria's Latrobe valley. A pilot, smaller scale demonstration of the technology at 10 megawatts has already proved successful. Work is expected to start on the new plant by mid-year and be completed by the end of 2009.

The grant is the sixth to be provided under the $500 million Low Emissions Technology Demonstration Fund (LETDF), announced in the 2004 Energy White Paper. Four of the six projects have focused on clean coal, one on carbon dioxide capture and storage and one on a large scale solar concentrator.

Back to Headlines>>

Labor to invest in clean coal technology

The Labor Party has released a policy discussion paper focusing on the future of the coal industry and clean coal technology.

The paper follows the announcement last month of Labor's National Clean Coal Fund which would invest $500 million over the period to 2015 to generate at least $1.5 billion in new investment in clean coal. Labor also announced that CSIRO would receive an extra $25 million over four years to strengthen its leadership role in the research and development of clean-coal technologies.

Under its clean energy reform agenda, Labor has also committed to:

• reducing Australia’s carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2050;
• boosting the mandatory renewable energy targets to encourage, amongst other things – greater use of solar and wind;
• setting up a national emission trading scheme; and
• immediately ratifying the Kyoto Protocol;

The Labor policy document is available http://www.alp.org.au/media/0307/msloo120.php

Back to Headlines>>

New Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme

A new Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme has been formed through a partnership between the Commonwealth Government’s cancer agency, Cancer Australia, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and the Department of Health and Ageing.

The scheme will initially provide up to $10 million in 2007 for research grants to projects focussing on collaborative research work, increased consumer involvement and on populations with poorer outcomes, such as people in rural and regional areas or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The funding, provided by the Government and non-government organisations, will be administered by Cancer Australia. Assessment and registration of research applications will be managed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

It is hoped that other cancer groups will join the scheme in 2008.

Cancer Australia was established in November last year as a component of the government's Strengthening Cancer Care initiative, which will provide $189.4 million over five years to 2008-09.

Back to Headlines>>

Queensland Climate Change Centre to study community impacts

Queensland’s new Climate Change Centre for Excellence (QCCCE) has begun a study to identify the Queensland communities that are most vulnerable to climate change.

The study will identify vulnerable communities and the economic, social and environmental risks they faced.

The Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence has been established by the Queensland Governmentto provide scientific and policy advice about climate change and its impacts.

The Vulnerable Communities study will begin with a 4 to 6 month desk assessment of current climate change science. It will then undertake a more detailed assessment of risks and vulnerabilities to work out what the adaptation priorities for affected regions should be.

The QCCCE, announced in September last year, is expected to be formally opened in the near future.

Back to Headlines>>

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  

Back to Headlines>>

2007 Cooperative Research Centre Conference to share innovation experiences

A selection of high-profile speakers will share their perspectives on the innovation process at the 2007 Cooperative Research Centres Association (CRCA) Conference on 16 -18 May in Perth, Western Australia.

In 2007, the conference looks beyond CRC-based research and invites anyone interested in research and development to attend the Conference and hear eight highly-regarded international and national speakers present their own invaluable perspectives on science and technology innovation.

2007 CRCA Conference Chairman Mark Woffenden said some of the Conference Keynote Speakers include Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Jim Peacock; Retired Lockheed Martin Corporation Chairman and CEO, Mr Norman Augustine; and Professor Anil Gupta, Executive Vice-Chairman of India’s National Innovation Foundation – the guru of grass-roots invention.

“In addition, Professor Leo Tan from Singapore’s Nayang Technological University will give his insights into how Singapore has implemented innovative solutions to deal with domestic problems such as the creation of a sustainable, high-quality water supply for the island,” Mr Woffenden said.

“ANU Professor Tim Brown will provide an insight into how the Chinese Government has planned to use science and technology as pivotal drivers for continued economic expansion.”

Other keynote speakers presenting at the conference include:
-

• Dr BI Choe: Director, Office of Strategic Planning and Policy, Samsung Medical Centre, Korea
  
• Mr David White: Director of Lifelong Learning, Education and Training Policy Education and Culture Directorate General, European Commission, Belgium
  
• Mr Anthony S. K. Wong: Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Innovation and Technology Commission, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong.
  
  

To find out more, or to register for the 2007 CRCA Conference, please visit: www.crca.asn.au/conference  

Back to Headlines>>

Using Patented Inventions for Research

Tech IP Professional Development Pty Ltd is holding a seminar on "Using Patented Inventions for Research" which is scheduled for the morning of Monday 26 March 2007 at Sofitel Melbourne, 25 Collins St Melbourne.

Speakers and Topics

Dr John Emmerson QC - and from Davies Collison Cave - Des Ryan AM (Chairperson), John Slattery, Michael Caine and Rodney De Boos will address:

• does use of a patented invention for research constitute patent infringement? Current law in Australia.
  
  
• proposed changes to the law - changing liabilities and opportunities
  
  
• law in Europe, United States and New Zealand
  
  
• structuring licence clauses to protect ongoing research
  
  

Additionally, Professor Adrienne Clarke AC will address "What Drives Research In Public Sector Research Organisations?"

Seminar Context

Many researchers, commercialisation executives and advisers in Australia are operating on the assumption that the law permits use of patented inventions for research. Consequently, some organisations are exposed to litigation risk. Conversely, there are patentees who are unaware that they may have patent rights in respect of third parties' research use of their patented inventions.

The October 2005 ACIP report, "Patents and Experimental Use" recommended the introduction of a statutory research exemption. ACIP's report also considered the appropriate parameters of such an exemption.
There is a need for research organisations and commercial companies engaged in research to be aware of the current legal position and how it is likely to change. Such organisations and companies may now wish to consider developing related strategies and internal policies.

For the Program Brochure and Registration Form please click here
(please allow up to 30 seconds for the page to load)

For further information:
Ph: 03 9523 7207
Email: information@techip.com.au  

Back to Headlines>>

Intellectual Property (IP) Management and Commercialisation for Hospitals

BioMed North Limited, Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service and Sydney West Area Health Service are pleased to announce their Inaugural Conference focusing exclusively on ‘Intellectual Property (IP) Management and Commercialisation for Hospitals’.

When: Wednesday 23rd May 2007

Where: Centenary Lecture Theatre,
Royal North Shore Hospital,
Reserve Road,
St Leonards, Sydney, NSW

The program is an exciting one with a number of case studies including Commercialisation of PAPP-A; From Clinical Need to Medical Device – The Laryngoscope Story; and Commercialisation of Stem Cells – the Journey so far, as well as presentations on the importance of IP, insights into the process of establishing an Office of Commercialisation within a hospital environment and other vital elements of commercialisation.

Importantly, staff from Northern Sydney Central Coast Health, Sydney West Area Health Service and South East Sydney Illawarra Area Health Services in NSW, and staff from their Offices of Commercialisation will share experiences from their IP commercialization efforts with conference attendees.

Who Should Attend:
Hospital-based executives, medical researchers, clinicians, support staff and policy makers. From industry: IP investors and advisers, lawyers, patent attorneys, and health commercialisation professionals. 

REGISTRATION DETAILS: One day Conference Registration
(includes lunch and refreshments) is $185.00 per person

FOR PROGRAM & REGISTRATION DETAILS, and SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES VISIT:
http://www.officeofcommercialisation.com

For Further Information Contact:
Lindy Ferris on Ph: (02) 9926 8348

Back to Headlines>>

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  

Back to Headlines>>

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

Back to Headlines>>

In this week’s issue of New Scientist - HOW TO MAKE BETTER CHOICES

Our lives are full of choices – what to wear, what to eat, who to partner with, what job to take and how to raise children. We jealously guard our right to choose yet sometimes we make bad decisions that leave us unhappy or full of regret. Can science help us make better choices? The mental processes behind decision-making are a hot topic of investigation and thankfully, scientists are discovering things that may help us choose more wisely. Pages 35-43

Subscribe for just $220 per year + receive a FREE New Scientist Bag.

The prices (in Australian dollars) are as follows:
2 year subscription: Aus $398 + New Scientist Bag
1 year subscription: Aus $220 + New Scientist Bag
6 month: Aus $130

Subscribe to New Scientist for what’s new in science, what’s new in technology and what’s new each week.

Click here to subscribe.

Back to Headlines>>

Looking for news about environmental management?

Do you and your organisation need to stay abreast of environmental news and issues?

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

One subscription allows 5 people within your organisation to receive Environment Business directly.

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

For subscription information, please go https://www.halledit.com.au/ssl_subscription/order.php

For further information, call 03 8534 5000.

Back to Headlines>>

Transforming innovation into opportunity

Robert Weller & Associates has developed an international reputation for strategic business support that helps companies commercialise innovations. There’s no magic, just a scientific approach, solid strategy and a highly tested and proven delivery model.

Robert Weller & Associates can assist companies with:

• development strategies for innovation and growth, including strategic business plans and Board advisory services; 


• grant applications and information memoranda; and 
  
• commercialising innovation.
  
  

Good results rarely happen by accident, great results only by a rigorous approach. Contact us to discover how innovation can become opportunity.

For more information contact:
Robert Weller – Director
wellerrt@bigpond.net.au  
Phone: + 61 3 408 352 494

Back to Headlines>>