R&D INFO FEBRUARY 13, 2003


SUMMARY

NEWS ALERTS

1. NATIONAL SCIENCE STOCKTAKE
2. CRC PROGRAM TO BE EVALUATED
3. COMMONWEALTH FUNDING FOR UNI BROADBAND ACCESS

CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS

4. THE 2003 SCIENCE PRIZES
5. THE 2003 VICTORIA PRIZE AND FELLOWSHIPS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

6. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information
7. BUSINESS COMMERCIAL MANAGER
8. GROUP LEADER: RANGELAND SYSTEMS - CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems

EVENTS

9. COMMERCIALISATION FORUM & FAIR OF IDEAS
10. 3rd ANNUAL BIOTECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE

BUSINESS SERVICES

11. ERNST & YOUNG R&D SERVICES

PUBLICATION

12. THE SCITECH TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORY 2002 - Clearance Sale

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NEWS ALERTS
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1. NATIONAL SCIENCE STOCKTAKE

Terms of reference have been announced for the national science stocktake that will be undertaken by a taskforce within the Department of Education, Science and Technology (DEST). The taskforce will be advised by a Reference Group chaired by the Chief Scientist, Dr Robin Batterham, and including representatives from stakeholder groups including industry and the research community.
The stocktake, announced by the Primer Minister, John Howard, in November last year, will examine the main features of Australia's science, engineering, technology and innovation system and map how the elements of that system interact. In addition it will identify the key issues in Australia's science and innovation system including strengths which should be maintained and developed; weaknesses and gaps in science and innovation performance which need to be addressed; complementarities and areas of possible greater cooperation on Commonwealth and State/Territory government activities.
A Working Group will advise on and facilitate information gathering. This Group will be chaired by DEST and will include representation from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources and other Commonwealth government agencies and State/Territory governments. An interim report will be completed by May and the final report will be handed to the Prime Minister by the end of the year.

2. CRC PROGRAM TO BE EVALUATED

The Department of Education, Science and Training has called for tenders for assistance in conducting an evaluation of the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program.
There will be two elements to the evaluation. The first will assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the CRC Program in meeting its objectives and make recommendations for any improvements required.
The second element will assess the clarity and appropriateness of the objectives for the CRC Program and make recommendations about possible future strategic directions for the Program including in relation to changes to key program design features and any associated change management strategies required.
A steering group chaired by a senior executive of the DEST Science Group will oversee the evaluation.

3. COMMONWEALTH FUNDING FOR UNI BROADBAND ACCESS

The Commonwealth Government has announced it will invest $42.5 million over the next two years to improve bandwidth infrastructure for Australian universities. The funding will be provided through the Systemic Infrastructure Initiative of Backing Australia's Ability.
An Australian Research and Education Network (AREN) will be established in line with the recommendations of the Higher Education Bandwidth Advisory Committee's report: A Framework for an Australian Research and Education Network. This report identifies regional Queensland, the Northern Territory, north eastern NSW and Tasmania as high priority areas needing improved bandwidth.
Immediate funding of $2.5 million will be provided for the AREN and a further $3 million this year will bring a 2.5 Gbps backbone connection from Brisbane to Townsville via Rockhampton. This will give James Cook University and Central Queensland University over 100 times their current bandwidth capacity.

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CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS
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4. THE 2003 SCIENCE PRIZES - Call for Nominations

Prime Minister's Prize for Science
Science Minister's Prize for Life
Scientist of the Year
Malcolm McIntosh 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

Nominations are invited for the above Science Prizes which are open only to Australian citizens or those who hold permanent residence status in Australia.

The Prime Minister's Prize for Science is a prestigious award given annually to an Australian citizen for outstanding specific achievement in any area of science advancing human welfare or benefiting society. In this context, science encompasses the natural, applied and technological sciences, engineering and mathematics. The Prize is worth 300,000.

Nominations are invited for two prizes for young scientists; the Science Minister's Prize for Life Scientist of the Year and the Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year. These Prizes are awarded annually for outstanding achievement that promotes, or has the potential to promote, human welfare. Nominees must be Australian citizens or hold permanent residence status in Australia and whose date of birth falls on or after 1 January 1968. Each Prize is worth $50,000.

Nominations are also called for two additional Prizes for science teachers; the Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools and the Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools.
Candidates for these Prizes must be Australian citizens or hold permanent residence status in Australia and should be active in science education at the time of their nomination. The science teaching Prizes are valued at $50,000 each.

Nominations for the 2003 Science Prizes are sought from appropriate learned and professional bodies and from individuals. Self nominations will not be considered.

Closing date for receipt of nominations is 5.00 PM AEST, Wednesday 26 March 2003.

Further information on 'Conditions of Awards' and 'Nomination Requirements' are available from the Science Prizes Secretariat, Department of Education, Science and Training, GPO Box 880, CANBERRA ACT 2601.

Phone (02) 6240 5066. Email: pmprize@dest.gov.au

Web: http://sciencegrants.dest.gov.au/scienceprize


5. 2003 VICTORIA PRIZE AND FELLOWSHIPS

Each year the Victorian Government awards the prestigious $50,000 Victoria Prize to celebrate excellence in Victorian science, technology and engineering.

Nominations are now open for an individual or group whose cutting-edge discovery or innovation has significantly advanced Victoria's knowledge base or has the potential to lead to a commercial outcome.

In association with the Victoria Prize, the Jack & Robert Smorgon Families Foundation will award the $100,000 Anne & Eric Smorgon Memorial Award. This award will be made to a research institute supporting the work of the 2003 Victoria Prize winner.

Up to six $15,000 Victoria Fellowships will also be awarded to enable young researchers and innovators to undertake a short-term international study mission to further their research, pursue specialist training or develop a commercial idea.

Applications are open to scientists, engineers and innovators working in industry as well as researchers and students.

For nomination and application forms and more information go to http://www.innovation.vic.gov.au or call (03) 9651 9228.

Closing 3 April 2003.

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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6. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information

Department of Geomatics

The Position: The CRC for Spatial Information (CRC-SI) will provide a leadership role in research and development in order to create new opportunities for Australian business and society. The CEO is the focal point for management of the CRC-SI. Reporting to and receiving instruction from the CRC-SI Board, the CEO has responsibility for the management of the CRC-SI and key personnel, including the Research Director and programme leaders, the demonstrator programme leaders, the commercialisation of intellectual property generated by the CRC-SI and administrative support.
The Benefits: An attractive remuneration package to be negotiated
Employment Type: This is a fixed term position available for 7 years.
Contact: Professor Ian Williamson tel.+61 3 8344 4431, email ianpw@unimelb.edu.au
Applications: by14 March 2003
Quote position no: Y0012373

For a Position Description and application details, please see The University of Melbourne Human Resources

website: http://www.hr.unimelb.edu.au/pds/Y0012373.pdf

Further information on the Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information can be obtained from the Centre's website: http://www.geom.unimelb.edu.au/crc_si


7. BUSINESS COMMERCIAL MANAGER

Can you Spin IP into gold?
R&D with global reach
Report to CEO
$80 - $120k package
Our client is a leader in agricultural biotechnology R&D, has assured long term funding, enjoys global repute and boasts the network that goes with this. Researchers continue to generate IP and now a Business Commercial Manager is needed to manage the IP and commercialise the research outcomes. Working in a stimulating intellectual and commercial environment, you will support the CEO to identify oppportunities, develop networks, structure commercial ventures, and negotiate deals. Challenge and opportunity abound.
Location: Melbourne with significant interstate and overseas travel. Package: A salary package in the range $80 - $120,000 p.a. will be negotiated with the preferred candidate.
You have tertiary qualifications in science, agriculture or business management, and understand the industry/academic interface and IP management. Your experience in R&D, business management, IP management or product development extends to commercialisation. You can certainly cut a deal. At ease in academe, laboratory or boardroom, you can also demonstrate a record of achievement and the drive to conclude projects successfully.

Talk to us in confidence. See http://www.strathmoremurphy.com.au or make an initial expression of interest to Philip Stevens on (03) 9696 4522 quoting No. T859 or
in writing to: Level 19, 60 Albert Road, South Melbourne 3205
Fax: (03) 9696 4710 Email: strathmore@primus.com.au (or via website)

Strathmore Murphy Pty Ltd, Management Consultants


8. GROUP LEADER: RANGELAND SYSTEMS

CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Townsville, Queensland

$68K - $93K + Superannuation

PG:03/11

We are seeking an energetic professional, committed to leading research into the management and use of rangelands in northern Australia. The successful candidate will lead our Rangeland Systems Group in Townsville in delivering on key objectives in the areas of research excellence, science impact and business growth.

The Rangeland Systems group seeks options to improve the balance between profitability and conservation of natural resources in Australia's rangelands. The approach is a whole-of-system one, dealing with rangeland ecology from patch to landscape scales linked with socio-economic factors underpinning sustainable land use. The team works predominantly in partnership with producers and land users on their own lands to develop sustainable management practices and raise understanding of economic and environmental tradeoffs.

The Group Leader will guide, stimulate and manage the team, contribute to science leadership, undertake research and apply its outcomes and develop new business opportunities. The successful candidate will have strong credentials in systems approaches to rangeland research which may have evolved from a disciplinary background in ecology, economics, agriculture, quantitative modelling or systems analysis. The successful candidate will also have good interpersonal skills, business and entrepreneurial acumen, and be willing to work with a range of stakeholders.

An information package including the selection criteria and duty statement for the position is available from http://www.csiro.au/careers.

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EVENTS
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9. COMMERCIALISATION FORUM & FAIR OF IDEAS - Showcasing Australia's Genius

Australia's first-ever Commercialisation Forum & Fair of Ideas will take place in Sydney from 26-28 March 2003.

A feast of brilliant ideas and technologies from the cream of the nation's universities and public research agencies will be on view to industry and potential investors for the first time.

The event will bring together scientists, technologists, business and investors to build Australia's knowledge economy through commercial partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Fair of Ideas

* showcasing exceptional commercial and investment opportunities from the cream of Australia's public research sector.

* poster and presentation of exciting new technologies.

* trade booths promoting commercialisation service providers.

* stimulating commercial partnerships and new technology venture opportunities.

Commercialisation Forum

* challenging Australia to back its unique talents and the R&D abilities and to enhance commercialisation performance.

* featuring presentations by pre-eminent practitoners involved in the commercialisation value chain.

Sponsorship

* unique opportunity for sponsors to form business alliances and offer services to emerging companies and new technology ventures

* unrivalled opportunity to interact with high-level experts and professionals from across the entire Australian commercialisation sector.

Register Now
Please register your intent to participate directly via the web site http://www.kca.asn.au

10. 3rd ANNUAL BIOTECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE

IIR Conferences Australia presents the 3rd Annual Biotechnology Conference BioGlobalisation - "Internationalising the Australian biomarket as a gateway to global opportunities" to be held at the Stamford Plaza on the 7-9th May 2003.

The conference through seven case studies, practical examples and interactive workshops will explore in detail the challenges, threats and opportunities inherent in negotiating accessing and operating in the global space.

The conference will cover critical topics such as where are the emerging markets for biotech, choosing the right business model, access and timing issues with going global, company structuring, global IP, operational environment considerations, global partnering, global negotiation, global positioning and core strategies for building sustainable growth.

Hear from recognised senior industry experts representing BresaGen, Proteome Systems, Sirtex Medical, CSL Limited, Ambri Limited, Gradipore Limited, Biota Holdings Limited, Alchemia Pty Limited, Stem Cell Sciences, Macquarie Bank, BioComm, & Bio21 Institute.

The BioGlobalisation conference is endorsed by AMPICTA, BLS, LES and supported by leading publications such as R&D Info, Australian R&D Review & bionetwork.

For more information on this dynamic event, please contact Tracy Hart at IIR Conferences on 02 9923 5081 or email thart@iir.com.au and quote "L1078INFO"

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BUSINESS SERVICES
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11. Ernst & Young R&D Services

R&D Start grants and loans are available once again. Ernst & Young's national team has extensive experience assisting R&D companies to gain funding through the R&D Start program. We can prepare your application for funding or help you strengthen an application you have drafted.

The opportunity to seek R&D Start assistance should also be assessed against other R&D assistance, including the R&D Tax Offset. This cash rebate is available to qualifying companies that have an annual turnover up to $5 million and spend up to $1 million on R&D a year. For most eligible companies, this cash rebate will return 37.5 cents in the dollar. For some companies, it can be even more.

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. Our team is dedicated to helping clients gain maximum value from their R&D investments. 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
Adelaide: Chris Sharpley (08) 8233 1685
Melbourne: Alun Needham (03) 9288 8099
Sydney: Craig Fowler (02) 9248 5308
Brisbane: Lindsay Somerville (07) 3011 3236

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PUBLICATION
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12. THE SCITECH TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORY 2002 -

The last few copies of the 2002 Edition of The Scitech Technology Directory are now being cleared at less than half-price.
The Directory provides comprehensive information about science, technology and innovation policies and programs at national and state levels. It includes details of the new R&D tax incentive; industry R&D, trade and investment programs; university research programs and grants; information technology, communications and multimedia initiatives; and medical, biotechnology, energy, resources, agriculture and environmental research programs and grants.
It also provides a guide to sources of venture capital and other business assistance resources.
The 2002 Edition of The Scitech Technology Directory is now available for $90 including GST and postage, less than half the RRP.
To obtain your copy, contact Fiona or Emma on Tel: (03) 9530 8900, Fax your credit card details to (03) 9530 8911, or send an Email to hallmark@halledit.com.au. Cheques may be made out to Hallmark Editions and posted to PO Box 84, Hampton, 3188.