Growth in business R&D continues

Figures released this month by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show that business spending on research and experimental development (R&D) has increased for the seventh year in a row in 2005-06, to a total of $10.1 billion.

Businesses in the mining and manufacturing industries reported the largest growth in R&D expenditure, increasing by $417.2 million (33.0%) and $416.5 million (12.0%) respectively. The major contributors to R&D expenditure were the manufacturing ($3.9 billion or 38.6%), property and business services ($1.7 billion or 17.0%), and mining industries ($1.7 billion or 16.7%).

While all states and territories reported increased expenditure on R&D, growth since 2004-05 was strongest in Victoria (up $541.7 million) and Western Australia ($392.7 million).

R&D expenditure in 2005-06 was up 11.8% on the previous year in real terms (and 16.6% in current prices). Between 2004-05 and 2005-06, business expenditure on R&D as a proportion of GDP increased from 0.97% to 1.04%. However, Australia remained below the OECD average of 1.53%.

Businesses with 200 or more employees contributed 66.8% of total R&D expenditure, while those with fewer than five employees contributed 3.5%.

Further information is in Research and Experimental Development, Businesses, Australia, 2005-06 (cat. no. 8104.0).

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Funding for RQF implementation

Funding totalling more than $23 million has been allocated to Australian universities to assist with the implementation of the Research Quality Framework (RQF).

The funding, announced in December last year, is provided through two programmes to support universities in their preparations for the RQF:

• The Australian Scheme for Higher Education Repositories (ASHER) programme which will assist with establishing university digital data storage systems so research outputs can be submitted for RQF assessment; and
• The Implementation Assistance Programme (IAP), to assist universities in meeting the costs of implementing the new requirements for data gathering.

Details of the allocations are here

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Funding for geothermal energy modeling research

The Australian government has announced a $3 million grant through the Renewable Energy Development Initiative (REDI) to assist Torrens Energy Ltd to undertake research into geothermal energy in South Australia.

Torrens Energy will use the grant to develop a modeling process that will help locate significant deep geothermal energy resources in the earth's crust. The process will identify where optimal geological conditions coincide with high temperatures in areas close to markets and infrastructure.

Environment and Water Resources Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, said the software technology will result in more efficient exploration of geothermal resources and will minimise the need for costly, deep speculative drilling.

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NSW invests in research facilities

The NSW Government has announced funding of $15 million for new or expanded university-based research facilities with strong industry .

The NSW Minister for Science and Medical Research Verity Firth said the investment would directly secure a further $100 million in contributions from the Commonwealth Government, universities and private industry.

“We are working closely with the Commonwealth Government, universities and industry to construct a network of cutting edge R&D infrastructure and expertise, building on the Government’s previous investments. This network will benefit Australian companies working in manufacturing, telecommunications, medical devices, computing, pharmaceuticals and electronics,” she said.

The grants come from the NSW Government’s Science Leveraging Fund. The facilities include:

• A research dedicated cyclotron facility at the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Research Institute – $1 million.

• The Australian Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Facility for detailed imaging of biological and industrial materials, headquartered at the University of Sydney – $4 million. This expands the Nanostructural Analysis Network Organisation, previously funded by NSW Government, and will include Australia’s only Laser Atom Probe of its type, capable of visualising in three dimensions the structure of matter down to the atomic level.

• An advanced materials research network located at Sydney’s Australian Technology Park and spanning Macquarie, Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong universities, to become a leading centre for research into the next generation of telecommunications, entertainment devices and advanced coatings – $3 million.

• The NSW node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility at the University of NSW,– $2 million.

• The Universities of NSW and Southern Cross will host genomics facilities, providing the core of the Genomics NSW Network for the study of plant and human genetics – $400,000.

• The Australian Proteome Analysis Facility, headquartered at Macquarie, providing expanded proteomics research capacity for human health, agricultural, food and environmental applications – $2.6 million.

• The Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility and Systems Biology Centre at the University of NSW to analyse the functions of proteins and cellular chemistry in the processes of life and disease, underpinned by an integrated computational laboratory to study how the thousands of genes, proteins and chemicals interact in each biological cell – $1 million.

• A biofuels research pipeline for the production of alternative vehicle fuel from plant and crop waste at the universities of NSW, Sydney and Macquarie – $600,000.

• Protein production facilities at the University of NSW, helping our researchers invent future therapies for diseases – $500 000.

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South Australian science prizes awarded

Laureate Professor John Ralston has been awarded the inaugural $25,000 South Australia Scientist of the Year prize.

Professor Ralston, from the University of South Australia, is the creator and Foundation Director of the Ian Wark Research Institute, which has become the national headquarters for the Australian Mineral Science Research Institute.

Research conducted by Professor Ralston and his team has led to advances for industries in the mining, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and speciality chemicals sectors. The most significant achievement has been the development of a flotation model to increase recovery and quality during minerals processing.

This new category of Scientist of the Year recognises an individual for their outstanding achievement in any area of scientific research that significantly advances knowledge and has the potential to produce a commercial outcome or benefit to the community, with the $25,000 prize to be used towards the winners’ research.

Other winners of the State Government’s 2007 South Australian Science Excellence Awards are:

• Award for Science Education and Communication Excellence - Professor Christopher Daniels, Professor of Urban Ecology from the University of South Australia’s School of Natural and Built Environments.
• Award for Science Leadership and Management Excellence - Professor Jerzy Filar from the University of South Australia’s School of Mathematics and Statistics and the Institute of Sustainable Systems and Technologies. A leading mathematician, Professor Filar’s work is applied to areas including environmental modelling, the enhanced greenhouse effect, efficiency of operations, conflict resolution and managing uncertainty due to randomness.
• Award for Excellence in Research for Public Good Outcomes - Professor Timothy Hughes, Deputy Head of the Division of Haematology at the Institute of Medical And Veterinary Science & Hanson Institute. Dr Hughes’ work has focused on the treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) patients, and the paradigms developed by Dr Hughes and his collaborators are now being more widely applied to other targeted therapies used in oncology.

The three winners will each receive $15,000 to progress with their research and initiatives, while the other six finalists in these categories will share $30,000 in prize money.

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Victoria Prize and Fellowships awarded

Laureate Professor Colin Masters has been awarded the $50,000 2007 Victoria Prize for his major achievements in isolating and characterising elements of the primary pathway causing Alzheimer's disease.

Professor Masters is the leading proponent of the amyloid theory of Alzheimer’s which holds that the accumulation of toxic amyloid protein impairs memory.

The amyloid protein is now one of the most highly studied proteins in cell biology, with more than 800 international papers produced annually.

Professor Masters has developed therapeutic treatments which are currently undergoing clinical trials in Melbourne and Sweden. He has also has instigated the Australian Imaging Biomarker and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing which is studying 1000 Australians in Melbourne and Perth to identify reliable early warning detection and prevention tools for dementia.

Winners of the six Victoria Fellowships have also been announced. They are:

• Dr Bryony Coleman – for her world-first research into improving cochlear implant function by rescuing auditory nerve cells from dying through stem cell therapy;
• Luke Connal – for his work using plastic technology that will improve medical procedures, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);
• Simon Craig – for his work into the use of liquid fertilisers in agriculture in order to improve crop production;
• Hussein Jama – for his work with steel tubular structures to create blast resistant buildings;
• Erinna Lee – for her development of a new molecular toolbox to target specific steps in cell death in order to fight cancer; and
• Andrew Walters – for his investigations into how to make electronic devices smaller and faster to meet consumer demand.

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Cell death mechanism observed by WEHI researchers

Scientists at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) have used facilities at the Australian Synchrotron to observe for the first time how the molecular mechanism that controls apoptosis (cell death) operates, providing an avenue for research into a possible treatment cancer.

The visualised molecular switch regulates the normal and healthy process of cell death, whereby cells that are damaged or no longer needed are induced to self-destruct. The cell-death switch can be disrupted in a virus-affected cell or a cancer cell, preventing the cell from dying on cue and leading to diseases such as cancer.

For the first time, researchers have seen how this key protein involved in cancer is inactivated by its molecular switch.

The WEHI team participating in the synchrotron investigation and subsequent visualisation includes, from the WEHI Structural Biology Division, Professor Peter Colman, Dr Marc Kvansakul, Dr Brian Smith and Dr Mike Lawrence.

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Queensland remote sensing research project launched

The Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water will collaborate with the University of Queensland in a new satellite imaging program to help researchers observe, map and understand changes to Queensland’s environment, including water quality and the spread of weeds.

Scientists from NRW and UQ, as well as students from UQ’s Centre for Remote Sensing and Spatial Science, will take part in the program, to be based at UQ’s St Lucia campus.

High-resolution satellite imagery will be used to assess and monitor wildlife habitats and vegetation that filters and improves water quality, and satellite sensors will be used to map the extent and spread of weeds such as prickly acacia, rubber vine and lantana. This research will be linked with the government’s Blueprint for the Bush program.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said the Department of Natural Resources and Water has used remote sensing for years to assist in monitoring land clearing.

“Under this program, NRW will join its resources with UQ, which is recognised as a national and international leader in remote-sensing education and research.”

Mr Wallace said the agreement would bring together skilled researchers, major computing capacity and data covering most of the Australian east coast.

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University of Adelaide establishes climate change centre

A new University of Adelaide research institute has been established to study ways in which to reduce carbon emissions and develop adaptation responses.

The Research Institute for Climate Change and Sustainability (RIsCCs) will bring together researchers from across each of the University's five faculties to undertake research on reducing carbon emissions and developing adaptive strategies to respond to the anticipated impacts of climate change.

"The challenge ahead to meet the State target for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions is substantial and will require the application of latest understanding and development of new technologies," says Professor Barry Brook, RIsCCs Director and the Sir Hubert Wilkins Chair of Climate Change.

"There is a lot of research across Australia on climate change but it is fragmented. The great strength and value of this new Research Institute will be in integrating research expertise from a range of different disciplines into a cohesive unit."

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2007/08 DuPont Innovation Awards - Enter Now

The 2007/08 DuPont Australia & New Zealand Innovation Awards are now open for entry.

Launched in 2004, the biennial awards program is an independently judged competition that recognizes and rewards the introduction of a new and innovative technology, application, product or service.

The Awards are free to enter, and are open to individuals, companies or tertiary students.

The program is an official event of the National Innovation Festival, with each of the seven categories supported by leaders in the fields of science, industry and environmental sustainability.

Winners of these prestigious awards will be announced at the DuPont Innovation Awards presentation in Sydney in May 2008 and gain opportunities to further develop designs and ideas through access to industry and government networks.

2007/08 AWARD CATEGORIES
1. Building Innovation - sponsored by Fletcher Building Limited
2. Medical & Healthcare - sponsored by Invetech
3. Sustainable Energy - sponsored by BHP Billiton
4. Sustainable Services - sponsored by Worley Parsons
5. Agriculture & Food Production - sponsored by Cargill Australia Limited
6. Performance Materials - sponsored by Plantic
7. Tertiary Student Award - sponsored by ABB

KEY DATES
May 1, 2007 - Call for Entry Opens
November 30, 2007 - Call for Entry Closes
March 2008 - Finalists Announced
May 2008 - Award Presentation in Sydney

Find out more and download an entry form here.  

Or contact:

DuPont Innovation Awards, c/- Two de Force, Suite 5 / 50 Reservoir St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Awards Hotline - Tel: +61 2 9923 6144
Email - innovation@aus.dupont.com  

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Water and Environmental Research Scholarships

The Centre for Groundwater Studies (CGS) is an international leader in water and environmental research and education.

Excellent research projects are currently being offered at Honours, Masters and PhD levels by four CGS partners, Flinders University, University of Western Australia, University of New South Wales and Curtin University of Technology. They are carried out in collaboration with CGS industry partners and other research agencies both within Australia and internationally.

Research projects are offered in areas including hydrogeology, eophysics, soils, water chemistry, plant ecology, microbiology, and catchment hydrology. CGS projects are supported by outstanding field and laboratory facilities.

CGS Postgraduate Top-Up Scholarships are valued at $5,000 pa, and include an additional $3,500 Travel Award for presentation of research at an international conference. CGS Scholarships are a supplement to the Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) which is currently valued at $19,616 for full-time students. There is the potential for very qualified applicants to receive full scholarships, (up to the equivalent of an APA), for PhD and Masters studies by research.

If you have a background in science, maths or engineering and would like to be part of a leading research team working on land, water and environmental issues you are encouraged to submit an expression of interest and your CV by Friday 21st September 2007 to:
Ms Karen Schilling
Centre for Groundwater Studies
C/- Flinders University
GPO Box 2100
ADELAIDE SA 5001
Phone: 08 8201 5633 Fax: 08 8201 5635
E-mail: karen.schilling@flinders.edu.au

Only Australian Citizens & Permanent Residents are eligible.

For more information on the Centre’s research program see CGS Web page: http://www.groundwater.com.au  

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Rural Research and Development – call for applications

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) works in partnership with industry and government to invest in innovation across three key areas:
• New Rural Industries
• Established Rural Industries
• National Rural Issues.

RIRDC invites preliminary research proposals for R&D projects that address our strategic priorities for the industries and interests in our portfolio.

Individuals and consortia of research providers are invited to use the application process to express interest to meet part, or all, of the research priorities detailed in our sector 5-year R&D plans.

Doing Business with RIRDC

Details on the application process are on the RIRDC website at
www.rirdc.gov.au/business  

This website includes links to a guide to the application process – Doing business with RIRDC – as well as the detailed goals, strategies and research priorities for RIRDC and each R&D program.

This guide is also available in print – call 02 6271 4100 or email publications@rirdc.gov.au  

The deadline for submission of preliminary proposals is 25 September 2007.

RIRDC also provides postgraduate scholarships and travel funding in areas relevant to our research priorities.

For further information, including details of RIRDC’s individual R&D programs, visit the RIRDC website: www.rirdc.gov.au/business  

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Mergers & Acquisitions 2007 - Delivering the Deal Workshops

The Delivering the Deal workshops are intensive one-day events focusing on the critical due diligence and integration aspects of Merger & Acquisitions transactions.

A range of experts from KPMG, PKF, Colliers International, Investec, Mercer HR and DLA Phillips Fox will share insights on streamlining the legal functions of M&A deals, recent developments in financial due diligence and tangible asset valuation, pre and post the deal.

There will be a number of case studies to illustrate aspects of M&A deal making.

The one-day workshops will be held in Melbourne on October 11 at Colliers International Offices, Level 32, 367 Collins St, and in Sydney on October 30 at KPMG Offices, Level 15, 10 Shelley St (main entrance 7-11 Sussex St).

The Workshops will run from 8.45am to 5.00pm. For registration details please visit www.capconnect.com.au or contact Simon Davis on (03) 8534 5000 or email simon.davis@capconnect.com.au.

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A Practical Guide to Managing Intellectual Property Effectively

Friday, 5 October 2007, Rydges South Park, Adelaide

Spruson&Ferguson, together with Learning Network Solutions will be holding a one day seminar on managing and understanding the dynamics of IP within an organisation. The seminar is highly interactive and will look at key issues including developing strategies to create an IP framework within your organisation to manage IP effectively, the practical considerations in identifying, recording and managing IP, and the issues arising in IP commercialisation. This is another in the successful series of seminars already conducted by Spruson&Ferguson in Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne. The seminar is based on Spruson&Ferguson's work with the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department to develop an Australian Government 'IP Better Practice Manual' for use by all Commonwealth departments and agencies.

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

For more information about Spruson&Ferguson please see website here.

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Specialist Certificate in Clinical Research (Biomedical Research Management)

Thinking of Further Education?

Enrol now for the September 2007 intake in Biomedical Research Management (But hurry as places are restricted to 20 places)

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

This course covers all the important areas that effective biomedical research managers need to be conversant with, and make decisions about, to develop sound biomedical research project plans and budgets. The focus is then on developing skills for the proactive management and communication projects where uncertainty is the norm. Finally, assessment is built around demonstrating the ability to apply skills learned to a real work based project.

Part 1: September 17, 18, 20 & 21 2007
Part 2: October 29, 30, 31 & November 1 2007

NEED TO KNOW MORE? Check out more information at;

http://www.soe.unimelb.edu.au/biomedicalresearchmanagement  

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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