Hallmark Editions

R&D INFO, November 20, 2003

SUMMARY

NEWS ALERTS

1. PMSEIC MEETING
2. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SPACE FORUM ESTABLISHED
3. NEW FRENCH-AUSTRALIAN S&T AGREEMENT
4. VICTORIA SIGNS BIOTECH MOU WITH JIANGSU PROVINCE
5. SA SUSTAINABILITY ROUND TABLE MEETS

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

6. PUBLIC INQUIRY - Patents and Experimental Use

CALL FOR FUNDING APPLICATIONS

7. INNOVATION ACCESS PROGRAM - INDUSTRY, Round 3 Funding
8. PHARMACEUTICALS FUNDING
9. FUNDING FOR TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALISATION

SEMINAR

10. SEMINAR FOR CRC APPLICANTS - Queensland

R&D RECRUITMENT

11. DO YOU NEED HELP WITH R&D RECRUITMENT?

SHORT COURSE

12. STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLANNING FOR TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALISATION

NEWS ALERTS

1. PMSEIC MEETING

The next meeting of the Prime Ministers Science, Engineering and Innovation Council will be held on Friday, November 28. Four presentations will be made to the meeting on topics including:
* Recycling water for our cities;
* Australia-US Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) - Opportunities for enhancing Australian research and innovation;
* Science and technology awareness and education; and
* Exciting science - Navigation of autonomous vehicles

2. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SPACE FORUM ESTABLISHED

A new Australian Government Space Forum has been established to facilitate the exchange of space-related information and to improve cooperation on whole-of-government space issues. The Forum is chaired by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources and brings together senior representatives from 20 Government agencies with space related interests. The Minister for Science, Peter McGauran and the Industry Parliamentary Secretary, Warren Entsch, have also jointly released a paper outlining the Australian Government's existing space policy and program support framework. More information is at http://www.industry.gov.au/space.

3. NEW FRENCH-AUSTRALIAN S&T AGREEMENT

A new French-Australian Science and Technology Program, which will fund joint French and Australian research initiatives, has been signed off by Science Minister Peter McGauran and the French Ambassador, His Excellency Patrick Henault. Mr McGauran said the new program would build partnerships between Australian and French researchers to the benefit of both countries. He said that of the international science and technology collaborations supported by the Australian Government in 2001-02, the relationship between Australia and France was the fifth most important.

4. VICTORIA SIGNS BIOTECH MOU WITH JIANGSU PROVINCE

The Victorian Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with its sister State of Jiangsu Province in China covering biotechnology strategic alliances and joint ventures. The MOU was signed during a recent meeting of the Victoria Jiangsu Joint Economic Committee (VJJEC) which focused on biotechnology. The Victorian Minister for Innovation, John Brumby, said a potential area for biotechnology co-operation was the global Chinese medicine industry. He said that Victoria had the biomedical infrastructure, the biotech and agricultural expertise and the clinical trial capabilities to help China develop this industry. Melbourne is hosting the First World Congress on Chinese Medicine this week.

5. SA SUSTAINABILITY ROUND TABLE MEETS

The South Australian Premier's Round Table on Sustainability has met for the first time to identify the priority issues it will be focusing on. These include biodiversity, energy, sustainable settlements and sustainable primary production.

The Roundtable is chaired by Professor Tim Flannery, Director of the South Australian Museum and comprises 12 other members drawn from research agencies, universities, government, community groups and the private sector.
The Round Table will draw on input from its members to advise the SA government on economic, environmental and social issues.

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

6. PUBLIC INQUIRY - Patents and Experimental Use

Advisory Council on Intellectual Property (ACIP)

ACIP seeks expressions of interest from individuals and groups to take part in a review of patents and experimental use.

Please contact the ACIP Secretariat by 15 December 2003 to register your interest.

Terms of Reference:

To examine whether some types of patents are inhibiting research and development in Australia and determine whether both Australian researchers and business would benefit from introducing an experimental use exception provision (or some other provision) into the Australian patent legislation. In examining this question, ACIP should consider whether an experimental use exemption would help researchers more effectively use the patent system to commercialise their research and development.

Background to the Review:

ACIP is an independent body appointed to advise the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, on matters relating to intellectual property policy and the strategic administration of IP Australia which is the commonwealth body that administers patent, trade mark and design rights.

ACIP expect to circulate a Questionnaire in November- December 2003 and an Issues Paper in February 2004 with a request for written submissions by 30 April 2004.
ACIP plans to hold consultations during May 2004. Interested parties may wish to be involved in some, or all, of these activities.

CONTACT DETAILS:
email: rod.crawford@ipaustralia.gov.au
telephone: (02) 6283 2157
facsimile: (02) 6285 1048
writing: Secretary ACIP, PO Box 200, WODEN ACT 2606.

The Questionnaire and Review updates are available at http://www.acip.gov.au

CALL FOR FUNDING APPLICATIONS

7. INNOVATION ACCESS PROGRAM- INDUSTRY, Round 3 Funding

The Innovation Access Program - Industry is a competitive grant program that provides funding for technology access and diffusion activities, particularly where there are significant benefits for Australian small to medium business enterprises (SMEs).

Applications will be accepted from: private sector companies; industry groups; universities; Cooperative Research Centres; training institutions; Commonwealth scientific agencies (eg CSIRO); and consortia of these.

A competitive proposal for funding should demonstrate how the project will address industry needs, particularly those of SMEs. Desired outcomes include:

* improved competitiveness;

* increased take-up of best practice processes, new processes and new technologies;

* improved productivity; and

* increased awareness of new technologies

Visit http://www.ausindustry.gov.au (under 'AusIndustry products') or call 13 28 46 for more information.

Applications close on 7 January 2004.
Commonwealth Government Backing Australia's Ability Initiative

8. PHARMACEUTICALS FUNDING

Closes 15 December 2003

The Pharmaceuticals Partnerships Program (P3) was launched in September as part of the Australian Government's commitment to the innovation, investment and international competitiveness of Australian businesses.

P3 is a competitive grant program which provides funding of $150 million over five years. Successful applicants will be companies with a verifiable track record of pharmaceuticals research and development (R&D) in Australia, and will receive thirty cents for each additional dollar they spend on eligible R&D in Australia above a base level of activity.

Applications for funding under the first round close on 15 December 2003.

For further information, visit http://www.ausindustry.gov.au (under "AusIndustry products") or call the AusIndustry Hotline on 13 28 46.

9. FUNDING FOR TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALISATION

ASRIC are looking to select the next round of technologies for commercialisation. Technologies must:

* Expect to commence revenue generation within 18 months.

* Have a credible scientific team.

* Have a unique and protectable technology with global opportunities.

If you would like to work with a successful team of entrepreneurs to create value commercialising your technology, email duncan@asric.com.au with a two page outline of your technology. Expressions of Interest close 30th of November 2003. http://www.asric.com.au

SEMINAR

10. SEMINAR FOR CRC APPLICANTS - Queensland

Cooperative Research Centres - 2004 Selection Round

Queensland Government Department of Innovation and Information Economy

The Department of Innovation and Information Economy invites you to attend the Seminar for CRC Applicants, Collaboration: the way of the Future.

The Seminar will include:

* Introduction to the CRC Program by Dr Geoffrey Vaughan, Chair CRC Committee, Department of Education, Science and Training

* New CRC Guidelines including Application Preparation

* Seeking and Approaching Partners - perspectives from research organisations, universities, businesses and government

* Previous CRC Applicants' Experiences

The full day seminar is free - registration is essential and lunch is provided.
When: Thursday 11 December 2003
Where: St Lucia Golf Links, Brisbane

To attend the seminar or obtain further information please contact:
Karen Day
Department of Innovation and Information Economy
E-mail: karen.day@iie.qld.gov.au
Telephone: (07) 3224 7630
Fax: (07) 3225 8754

R&D RECRUITMENT

11. DO YOU NEED HELP WITH R&D RECRUITMENT?

* Industry leader
* Solution assured
* Competitive fees

R&D can be a complex affair. Not just in the science but also in the way in which it has to be managed. Whether in the private sector, academe, government or, increasingly, at their interfaces, the challenges to discover, commercialise and deliver societal and financial benefits have never been greater.

Recruiting senior R&D talent to deliver these is not always straight-forward. We know because, over the years, we have worked for a plethora of research organisations across many fields and industry sectors. As a result, we have earned a reputation as one of the pre-eminent R&D recruiters today in Australasia.

We have recruited Chief Executives for CRCs, Research Professors, Commercialisation Managers and Directors of other research centres. Our clients operate in fields as varied as genetic engineering, metallurgy, nanotechnology, eye research, transport engineering and plant breeding. They come from sectors such as minerals processing, dairy, academe, poultry, and manufacturing, as examples.

We don't profess to be experts in every field. Who can be? But we understand the present R&D scene in Australasia, are comfortable with complexity and uncertainty, listen carefully to understand our clients' requirements, and we learn fast. We employ tried and proven approaches to search and advertised recruitment, can exploit our current, extensive network of R&D contacts in Australia and New Zealand, and continue until the appointment is secured for our client. Along the way, we treat our candidates with courtesy and respect, and provide value for money for our clients.

If you need help with recruitment why not call Philip Stevens on (03) 9696 4522 for an initial discussion?
We can be found also at:
Level 19, 60 Albert Road, South Melbourne 3205
Fax: (03) 9696 4710
Website: http://www.strathmoremurphy.com.au
Email: strathmore@primus.com.au

SHORT COURSE

12. STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLANNING FOR TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALISATION

YOU HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY......
BUT CAN YOU TAKE IT TO MARKET SUCCESSFULLY?

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

* Learn how to commercialise new products and services
* Find out how to secure finance
* Polish your business planning and strategic skills

If you apply your skill to the completion of a commercialisation plan for your business, you can gain an accredited award at the same time.

It's an intensive experience that will challenge your knowledge of the technology commercialisation process, involve you in some hands-on learning and teamwork and give you skills and self-awareness that will apply immediately to your work situation.

Here's what some of the participants have said:
"I liked being able to see a bigger picture and how things link together"
"It puts business frameworks into the technology commercialisation space"
"I would recommend this course absolutely... the content is superb and of immediate relevance"

Next delivery dates are:
* Brisbane December 8th to 12th 2003
* Melbourne February 16th to 20th 2004

The cost for the intensive program is $3200 + GST
For more information go to http://www.muprivate.edu.au/commercialise or contact Gemma Lane, 03 9810 3174 g.lane@muprivate.edu.au.