Hallmark Editions

R&D INFO, August 14, 2003

SUMMARY

NEWS ALERTS

1. GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS ON BERD
2. RESEARCH COLLABORATION ISSUES PAPER RELEASED
3. ISSUES PAPER FOR GENETIC IP INQUIRY
4. WA AIMS FOR MAJOR RESEARCH CENTRES
5. CHANGES TO SA HIGHER EDUCATION COUNCIL

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS/STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOPS

6. EVALUATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION RESEARCH AND RESEARCH TRAINING POLICY

GRANTS

6. INNOVATION ACCESS PROGRAM - INDUSTRY: Funding now available
7. BIOTECHNOLOGY INNOVATION FUND: Round 5 now open

CALL FOR REFERENCE GROUP MEMBERS

9. GRAINS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION: Value Chain Expertise

CONFERENCES

10. ICT OUTLOOK FORUM 2003
11. SIR MARK OLIPHANT CONFERENCES

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

12. STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLANNING FOR TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALISATION
13. APESMA MBA (Technology Management)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

14 MANAGEMENT TEAM - Business Manager, Communications Officer, Information and Administrative Officer, Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre

15. RESEARCH PROGRAM MANAGER: Soil Management and Crop Nutrition Program, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)

BUSINESS SERVICES

16. ERNST & YOUNG R&D SERVICES

NEWS ALERTS

1. GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS ON BERD

New figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that Business expenditure on research and development (BERD) in Australia reached a record level in 2001-02 of $5,546 million. However, as a percentage of GDP, Australia's BERD is still only 0.78%, well below its high of 0.87% in 1995-96 and behind the OECD average for 2001-02 of 1.11%.

2. RESEARCH COLLABORATION ISSUES PAPER RELEASED

The Federal Government's review of collaboration between universities and publicly funded research agencies (PFRAs) is under way, with the release of an issues paper outlining the need for and benefits of such collaboration, as well as the key issues to be addressed in the review.
The issues paper can be accessed at http://www.dest.gov.au/Collaboration/media.htm

3. ISSUES PAPER FOR GENETIC IP INQUIRY

The Australian Law Reform Commission has released an issues paper as the first stage in its inquiry into intellectual property rights and practices covering genetic materials and related technologies.

The inquiry, initiated by the Federal Attorney General in December 2002, is considering whether changes are required to patent laws and practices to ensure that the benefits for healthcare of genetic research and technologies are available for Australians. In particular, it is examining the impact of patent laws on research and its application and commercialisation, on the biotechnology sector and on the cost-effective provision of health care. Further information is at http://www.alrc.gov.au

4. WA AIMS FOR MAJOR RESEARCH CENTRES

The Western Australia Premier, Dr Geoff Gallop, has announced a $26 million funding package targeted at developing WA as a centre of technology and innovation. The package includes $21 million for a WA Major Research Facilities Program, $2million for two Premier's Research Fellowships and more than $3million for the creation of three new Centres of Excellence.

5. CHANGES TO SA HIGHER EDUCATION COUNCIL

The South Australian Higher Education Council is to have a stronger emphasis on the alignment of university effort to the state's economic development needs. Two business leaders and one community leader will be added to the membership of the Higher Education Council. The Higher Education Council was formed in response to recommendations of the Economic Development Board's November 2002 Pathfinder report.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS/STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOPS

6. EVALUATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION RESEARCH AND RESEARCH TRAINING POLICY

Invitation for Submissions
&
Stakeholder Workshops

The Commonwealth Government is to conduct an evaluation of the reforms to higher education research and research training policy announced in its 1999 Knowledge and Innovation policy statement.

The evaluation is intended to ensure that the policy and funding framework for Australia's block research funding schemes is both effective and efficiently managed. It will focus particularly on the operation of the Research Training Scheme, the Institutional Grants Scheme, and the Research Infrastructure Block Grants Scheme.

The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP, has released an Issues Paper inviting submissions on the key issues to be addressed in the evaluation. Copies of the Issues Paper are available online at: http://www.dest.gov.au/highered/ki_reforms/default.htm

The closing date for submission is 10 September 2003.

A series of short stakeholder workshops will be run in the following major capital cities:

20 Aug - Brisbane; 21 Aug - Perth; 27 Aug - Canberra;

28 Aug - Adelaide; 1 Sept - Melbourne; and 2 Sept - Sydney.

If you would like to participate in one of the above workshops you will need to register your interest as soon as possible by: Phone: (02) 6240 9927 or visit the website for details: http://www.dest.gov.au/highered/ki_reforms/inv_subs.pdf

Further information on the evaluation is online at:
http://www.dest.gov.au/highered/ki_reforms/default.htm

GRANTS

7. INNOVATION ACCESS PROGRAM - Industry: Funding now available

The Innovation Access Program - Industry provides Australian Government grants for industry led projects that adopt the take-up of technologies and best practice processes to enhance the competitiveness of Australian companies. This can include grants for international specialist visits to Australia, technology access workshops, and demonstration and awareness projects.

Private sector companies, industry groups, universities, Cooperative Research Centres, training institutions, Commonwealth scientific research agencies and training institutions are all eligible for funding.

Since its launch in July 2002, the Australian Government has already provided $5.3 million to support 22 projects under the program.

The current round of funding closes on 5 September 2003.

AusIndustry provides Australian Government assistance to support Australian business innovation, investment and international competitiveness.

AusIndustry delivers about 25 products worth around $1.7 billion to some 9000 customers every year around Australia.

For more information and to obtain application forms, visit http://www.ausindustry.gov.au (under 'AusIndustry products') or call the AusIndustry Hotline on 13 28 46.

8. BIOTECHNOLOGY INNOVATION FUND: Round 5 now open

The Biotechnology Innovation Fund aims to increase the rate of commercialisation of Australian biotechnology ventures by reducing the cost of demonstrating 'proof of concept' for new biotech initiatives. Australian Government grants of up to $250,000 are available to eligible firms on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Applications for funding under the fifth round close on 4 September 2003.

AusIndustry provides Australian Government assistance to support Australian business innovation, investment and international competitiveness.

AusIndustry delivers about 25 products worth around $1.7 billion to some 9000 customers every year around Australia.

For more information and to obtain application forms, visit http://www.ausindustry.gov.au (under 'AusIndustry products') or call the AusIndustry Hotline on 13 28 46.

CALL FOR REFERENCE GROUP MEMBERS

9. GRAINS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION: Value Chain Expertise

(Consultant Role 10-15 days per year)

The Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) is a national research organisation with a mandate to plan and invest in research and development for the Australian grains industry. Investing around $120 million per annum, its primary business is the allocation and management of investment in grains R&D.

GRDC has developed a reference group that responds to the emergence of value chains as the foremost organisational arrangement in global food markets. Encompassing a wide range of investments, the Value Chain program is critical for achieving the GRDC's vision of a profitable and sustainable Australian grains industry.

The Value Chain Reference Group

The GRDC has established the Value Chain Reference Group, which has the role of:
* providing advice to the GRDC Board on R&D investment and commercialisation strategies and investment priorities within the Value Chain portfolio;
* identifying and evaluating specific value chain investment opportunities, and
* assisting in the integration of value chain factors in investment decision-making across the GRDC's portfolio.

The GRDC is seeking additional members for the Reference Group who should have strong skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:
* the acquisition and use of market intelligence, including in international markets;
* storage, handling and transport logistics;
* food or food ingredient manufacturing/processing;
* value chain management.

If you have significant expertise in any of these specific areas and can commit up to 15 days per year to the reference group we would like to talk to you.
Contact Duncan Wyse 02 9875 427 - duncan@agpeople.com.au

CONFERENCES

10. ICT OUTLOOK FORUM 2003

Sydney, 3-4 September.

Day 1 (Business) - Four Seasons Hotel

Day 2 (Science and Technology) - ANZ Conservation Theatre, Taronga Zoo

This landmark event will bring together Australian and international leaders in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to discuss global business and technology trends, and future ICT research and development.

Panels will address issues in an Australian context, such as the interaction between business and ICT R&D, and the challenges related to National Research Priorities in Health and Safeguarding Australia.

Day One will be opened by the Hon. Brendan Nelson, Minister for Education, Science and Training. Day Two will be opened by Senator The Hon. Richard Alston, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts.

The Forum will feature international experts in ICT, including:

* Bob Bishop - Chairperson and CEO, SGI

* Rodney Brooks - Director, New Lab for Computer Science and AI, MIT

* Dr Kazuo Murano - Senior Vice President, Fujitsu

* Narayana Murthy - Chairman, InfoSys

* Richard Newton - Dean, College of Engineering, UC Berkeley

* Professor Raj Reddy - CMU, former co-chair of the US President's IT Advisory Committee

Details and registration: http://ictoutlookforum.com.au

Organisers: NICTA, DSTO, CSIRO, Council of ICT CRCs

11. SIR MARK OLIPHANT CONFERENCES

International Frontiers of Science and Technology

The "Sir Mark Oliphant Conferences: International Frontiers of Science and Technology" is an Australian Government initiative of the Innovation Access Program to promote and develop Australian science, technology, engineering and international linkages.

Funding is available through the scheme to assist with the staging of high profile, strategically significant Australian conferences of international standing.

Initial applications (one page summary) are sought from individuals, organisations or consortia, with an outstanding track record in science, technology or engineering, wishing to convene and organise a Sir Mark Oliphant Conference during 2004-2005. Applications close 26 September 2003.

For more information and application forms visit: http://www.oliphant.org.au

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

12. STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLANNING FOR TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALISATION

Melbourne University and The Australian Institute for Institute for Commercialisation offer a five day intensive course in Strategic Business Planning for Technology Commercialisation.

* Learn how to commercialise new technologies, products and services

* Find out how to secure finance

* Polish your business planning and strategic skills

And if you apply your skills to the completion of a technology commercialisation plan for your business, you can get an accredited award at the same time.

If your role is to commercialise technology we want to hear from you.

Dates: Mon 29th September - Fri 3rd October 2003
Cost: $3,200 (+ GST) of $4,000 for the award course (GST does not apply)
Location: University of Melbourne, Parkville
Contact: Gemma Lane
(03) 9810 3174 or g.lane@muprivate.edu.au
http://www.muprivate.edu.au/commercialise

13. APESMA MBA (Technology Management)

BE AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION WITH THE SCIENTIST'S MBA

APESMA Management Education is one of Australia's leading management education providers for managers and corporations in the technology sector.

Owned by the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia (APESMA), we offer Australia's premier MBA for technology professionals, in partnership with La Trobe University.

We stay ahead of the competition by providing the best educational and career outcomes for technology professionals.

Subjects are chosen based on market need, through regular consultation with corporate leaders.

Faculty is not limited to one university, but includes academics and industry professionals from throughout Australia.

Course materials are purpose-built to meet the needs of working technology professionals, and to maximise the application of learning to the workplace.

The student body comprises working managers from all over the world, learning together as part of a global e-community.

The APESMA MBA (Technology Management)* is known and respected in technology-based organisations in Australia and throughout the world.

For more information visit http://www.mba-distance-learning.com or contact our Client Care Centre on 1300 853 377, or Email inquiry@apesma-ed.com

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

14 MANAGEMENT TEAM - Business Manager, Communications Officer, Information and Administrative Officer

Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre

The Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre for Emerging Infectious Disease is a new joint venture being established under the Federal Government's Cooperative Research Centres Programme. The Centre will commence operations in August 2003 with total resources of $63 million over 7 years. The Centre, under the direction of a Governing Board and the CEO, will develop new capabilities for responding to infectious disease threats which impact on national and regional biosecurity. This will be achieved through the Centre's core programs - research, education and training, and technology transfer.

Joint venture partners include research organisations, livestock industry groups, and Commonwealth and State Government agencies with policy and regulatory responsibility for biosecurity. The Centre has major research nodes in Brisbane, Geelong, Sydney and Perth and partners in Bangkok, New York and Winnipeg.

We are now seeking to appoint a dynamic management team, which will operate within a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment, to drive this important national initiative.

* Business Manager

The Centre is looking to appoint a dynamic and experienced individual to assume responsibility for managing the financial, human resource, and administrative operations of the Centre. The Business Manager will work with the CEO and Centre partners to develop business opportunities in research, education and training. The successful applicant will have extensive experience in business administration and project management involving multi-site and technically diverse programs, and ideally will have experience in reporting to a Board. The applicant will have excellent communication and negotiation skills. Experience should be complimented by tertiary or professional qualifications in business, commerce or accounting.

* Communications Officer

This position will be responsible for developing and implementing the Centre's Corporate Communications Plan. The successful applicant will possess tertiary qualifications in science and or communication, and will have well-developed interpersonal skills appropriate for productive interaction with a range of professionals in research organisations, government, the media and the public. Experience in translating technical or scientific information for use by non-scientific audiences, and in the use of electronic and web-based publishing tools, is essential.

* Information and Administrative Officer

This position will provide central executive information management and administrative support to the CEO, Board and Standing Committees to ensure the efficient operation of the Centre. The role requires close liaison with academic, industry and government partners and as such, will require high-level organisational and interpersonal skills. Excellent IT skills including management of a range of information and records systems, is essential. Previous experience in office management in a research or university environment is desirable.

These positions will report to the CEO and be based at the Centre's national headquarters at The University of Queensland, Brisbane. Employment is for a period of three years with the opportunity for extension beyond the contract period. A competitive salary package will be offered to suitably qualified and experienced candidates. All roles will require occasional travel.

For enquiries or receipt of an application package, please contact Maree Collins on 08 9266 4819 or M.Collins@exchange.curtin.edu.au. The application package is also available at http://research.curtin.edu.au/abcrc.html.

Applications should be received by Monday 8 September 2003 and be forwarded by email to: Dr Stephen Prowse, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Biosecurity CRC, Stephen.Prowse@csiro.au

15. RESEARCH PROGRAM MANAGER: Soil Management and Crop Nutrition Program

Salary range $93 -117 k plus superannuation (Expected vacancy)

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is a small statutory authority within the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio. Its activities form part of Australia's official aid program. While the majority of ACIAR's projects are bilateral with partner countries, we also support projects involving International Agricultural Research Centres (IARCs).

ACIAR's main responsibility is to identify agricultural and natural resource management problems of developing countries, commission collaborative research projects between Australian and developing country research institutions and publish and communicate the results of that research. There are currently 11 research and development programs in ACIAR, including four programs in the Land and Water Resources and Crop Sciences areas, in which a position for a senior research manager is expected to become available upon the retirement of Dr Tony Fischer in early 2004. This program, which emphasises on-farm natural resource management, will interact especially closely with programs on broader-scale management of land and water resources, crop improvement and farming systems economics.

ACIAR aims to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of farming systems in developing countries and Australia, and the Soil Management and Crop Nutrition Program will have a critical role. Further information can be found on ACIAR's website. ACIAR invites applications for the positions, which could be undertaken either through engagement to the Australian Public Service, as a non-ongoing employee for a specified task (for a period of about 5 years) or through a secondment to ACIAR for a similar period. Applicants should have a PhD degree or equivalent and research experience in relevant fields (soil science, plant nutrition, agricultural engineering, agronomy or natural resource sciences) and strong research management skills and experience. Developing country experience and an understanding of principles of international development would be highly regarded.

The positions will be filled at the EL2 level (as either a Principal or Senior Principal Research Scientist) with salary dependent on qualifications and experience. Australian Public Service and ACIAR Certified Agreement conditions apply. Applicants must either be Australian citizens or have permanent residency status with a view to applying for Australian citizenship to be eligible to apply.

Selection documentation is available on ACIAR's website: http://www.aciar.gov.au/recruitment or can be obtained by phoning (02) 6217 0500. If you wish to discuss the position further, please contact Dr John Skerritt on (02) 6217 0510 or 0419 427 278 or skerritt@aciar.gov.au. Applications nominating three professional referees, with attachments in Microsoft Word (or compatible formats) may be submitted by email to the Recruitment Officer at: Recruitment@aciar.gov.au or post, before COB Friday September 5 to:

The Recruitment Officer
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
GPO Box 1571
Canberra ACT 2601

Posted applications will not be formally acknowledged.
http://www.aciar.gov.au
ACIAR is committed to Workplace Diversity and provides a smoke-free work environment.

BUSINESS SERVICES

16. ERNST & YOUNG R&D SERVICES

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 has extensive experience with the R&D Tax Concession, R&D Tax Offset (cash rebate), R&D Start grants and loans, and Biotechnology Innovation Fund. We can also assist companies to access Export Market Development Grants and other State and Commonwealth grants. We help hundreds of Australian companies to access substantial R&D benefits each year.

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