March 25, 2004
NEWS
ALERTS
1. RESEARCH
REPORTS POINT TO NEW FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS
Three reports released yesterday by the Minister
for Education, Science and Training, Dr Brendan
Nelson, have proposed a new research funding system
and a number of fundamental changes. The McGauchie
report on closer collaboration between universities
and major publicly funded research agencies recommended
that a Strategic Research Council (SRC) be established
to enhance collaboration and coordination across
the research system.
The SRC would provide overarching strategic policy
assessment and advice to the Australian Government
on research and research funding mechanisms, complementing
the roles of existing advisory bodies and councils.
The SRC would also oversee a new contestable
Collaboration Fund established with $500 million
over a 10-year period to finance world-class Centres
of Excellence.
The Sargent report on research infrastructure
recommended the creation of a National Research
Infrastructure Council (NRIC) which would develop
and implement a national process to identify and
prioritise research infrastructure needs, and
would advise the government on priorities for
current research infrastructure funds and any
new research infrastructure funding programs.
Other key proposals for research funding include
retention of the current block funding arrangements
for university research, modifications to the
Research Training Scheme and replacement of triennium
funding with annual appropriations for CSIRO,
AIMS and ANSTO and a higher proportion of total
funding for these agencies, and any additional
funding, being delivered by open competitive processes.
The reports are available at http://www.dest.gov.au.
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2. ARC FUNDS WORLD-LEADING
RESEARCH The Australian Research Council
has released the latest in its series of evaluations
of Australian research performance, analysing
the citation rate of ARC-funded research in the
wider international research literature.
The report, ARC-supported Research: the impact
of journal publication output, 1996 - 2000, found
that ARC-funded research across all fields has
generated publications with significantly greater
impact than the world average.
On average, publications from ARC-funded research
recorded between 4.9 and 7.6 citations per publication
(depending on the particular program) compared
with the world average of 4.05 citations per publication.
Non-ARC funded university research had on average,
3.4 citations per publication.
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3. ANTARCTIC FUNDING UNDER
REVIEW The Commonwealth's Joint Standing
Committee on the National Capital and External
Territories has been collecting evidence on the
need for increased funding for Australia's Antarctic
Program.
The Committee's inquiry, initiated in October
last year, is investigating whether the Australian
Antarctic Division is adequately funded to meet
its goals for advancing Australia's Antarctic
interests.
More information is at http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ncet/index.htm
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4. NEW SCIENCE AND INFORMATION
ECONOMY MINISTER FOR SA South Australia
has a new Minister for Science and Information
Economy following a mid-term reshuffle of Cabinet
by the Premier, Mike Rann, to "freshen up
important areas of the Ministry and keep new ideas
flowing". Trish White, also Minister for
Transport, Urban Development and Planning, has
taken over the Science and Innovation Economy
portfolio from Jane Lomax-Smith. Dr Lomax- Smith
retains Tourism and has taken on Education and
Childrens' Services.
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CALL
FOR NOMINATIONS
5. COMMONWEALTH
HEALTH MINISTER'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH
AND MEDICAL RESEARCH
The Hon Tony Abbott MP has called for nominations
for the Commonwealth Health Minister's Award for
Excellence in Health and Medical Research for
the year 2004.
The Award is open to researchers who have completed
a PhD or MD within the last fifteen years.
The annual Award, made in recognition of outstanding
individual achievement in health and medical research
in Australia, is now in its fifth year and consists
of $50,000 and a presentation medal. The announcement
of this year's winner will be in June 2004.
Nominations for the year 2004 Award close 5pm
Wednesday 21 April 2004.
Nominations are to come from the Head of Department,
School, Division, Institute or equivalent level
and must contain:
- Name, contact details and current curriculum
vitae of nominated researcher. Applicants must
have completed a PhD or MD within the last fifteen
(15) years and be an Australian citizen or permanent
resident.
- A short paragraph (suitable for release to
the media and general public) stating the major
research achievements and why the researcher
is being nominated, and
- A separate statement of not more than two
(2) pages, concisely addressing the following
criteria:
- active in research based in Australia,
- able to demonstrate a strong record of
achievement in health and medical research,
- able to demonstrate outstanding potential
for future health and medical research (as
judged by the advisory panel),
- an inspiring figure and a role model
to young scientists and students, and
- involved in public communication/interaction.
One original and five (5) copies, plus an electronic
copy, are to be submitted to:
Elizabeth Hoole, Secretary to Advisory Panel
Centre for Research Management and Policy
NHMRC
Mail Drop Point 33
GPO Box 9848
CANBERRA ACT 2601
elizabeth.hoole@nhmrc.gov.au
Please note that incomplete nominations will
not proceed to the advisory panel for short listing
and recommendation to the Minister
Late nominations will not be accepted.
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6. VICTORIA PRIZE
Each year the Victorian Government awards the
prestigious Victoria Prize of $50,000 to celebrate
the excellence of Victoria's science, technology
and engineering achievements.
Nominations are now open for the 2004 Victoria
Prize which will be awarded to an individual whose
cutting-edge discovery or innovation has significantly
advanced knowledge or has the clear potential
to produce a commercial outcome or other benefit
to the community.
In association with the Victoria Prize, the Jack
& Robert Smorgon Families Foundation will
award the $100,000 Anne & Eric Smorgon Memorial
Award to a research institute supporting the work
of the 2004 Victoria Prize winner.
For nomination forms and more information go
to
http://www.innovation.vic.gov.au
or call (03) 9651 9038.
Nominations close 15 April 2004.
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7. THE VICTORIA FELLOWSHIPS
FOR INNOVATION IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING
In 2004 the Victorian Government will award up
to six Victoria Fellowships to encourage innovation
and the commercial application of research among
scientists and engineers in the early stages of
their careers.
The $18,000 Fellowships enable 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.
2004 Victoria Fellows planning a study mission
in France will also be eligible for a supplementary
$5,000 AFAS FEAST-France Fellowship from the Australian
French Association for Science and Technology
and the Embassy of France.
For application forms and more information go
to
http://www.innovation.vic.gov.au
or call (03) 9651 9038.
Applications close 15 April 2004.
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CALL FOR RESEARCH
PROPOSALS
8. ATTENTION RESEARCHERS
- CALL FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS
Murray Irrigation Limited and the Murray Land
and Water Management Plans (LWMPs) are calling
for research proposals from suitably qualified
individuals and research organisations to be funded
where relevant to the goals of the Murray LWMPs.
The Murray LWMP Research and Development program
underpins implementation of the Murray LWMPs,
and is aimed at providing innovative solutions
to the environmental and economic sustainability
issues within the region.
Proposal proformas and a research priority list
are available on the Murray Irrigation website
http://www.murrayirrigation.com.au
Project descriptions are to be submitted by no
later than Friday 9th April 2004 to:
Ms Demelza Brand
Environment Officer
Murray Irrigation Limited
PO Box 528
DENILIQUIN NSW 2710
Fax (03) 5881 9317
e-mail: demelzab@murrayirrigation.com.au
Proponents of projects which are accepted by the
Murray LWMP Research and Development Committee
will be asked to produce more detailed project
submissions, and may also be requested to prepare
a presentation for consideration by the Committee.
For further information, please contact Demelza
Brand (03) 5881 9300.
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CONFERENCE
9.
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE AND BIOPROSPECTING
We would like to invite you to an important international
conference on "Indigenous Knowledge and Bioprospecting"
being held at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia,
April 21-24.
"Approximately 25% of the worlds pharmaceutical
products find a significant degree of origin in
Indigenous communities. It is hoped that the dialogue
established at this conference will stimulate
focus on important roles that Indigenous Peoples
have in contributing to the formulation of our
civilization and the relationships that underpin
sustainable use of technological capacities.
This conference, Indigenous Knowledge and Bioprospecting,
will provide a forum where Indigenous peoples,
scientists, and lawmakers will consult about this
situation. The consultation will focus on three
key areas related to Indigenous Knowledge and
Bioprospecting.
1. Respond to Indigenous Needs
2. Value Indigenous Knowledge
3. Enhance Biocultural Diversity
The conference website is:
http://laurel.ocs.mq.edu.au/~cjone005/index_conference.htm
There are Professors and Indigenous keynotes
from every continent addressing the issues from
the perspective's of Law, Biology, Anthropology,
Economics, Education, Philosophy and others.
Registration deadline is April 10.
If you have any further need for information
please feel free to contact me:
chris.jones@law.mq.edu.au
or on my mobile 0419 780 820
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10.
19th WORLD ENERGY CONGRESS & EXHIBITION
5-9 September 2004
Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre
Delivering Sustainability - Opportunities and
Challenges for the Energy Industry
The World Energy Congress is the leading international
forum for the entire energy sector.
Register as a delegate and join thousands of
delegates from the more than ninety member countries
of the World Energy Council and others to discuss
issues in the delivery of a sustainable energy
future.
As a delegate at the Congress, you will have
the opportunity
* to hear the views of industry leaders and commentators
and Government Ministers on the issues facing
the energy sector and their ideas for meeting
the challenges
* to contribute to the discussion and to put
forward your ideas for promoting the sustainable
supply and use of energy
* to discuss your energy products and services
with other delegates and your requirements with
exhibitors at the Exhibition
Check the Congress website for details - http://www.tourhosts.com.au/energy2004
Write or call for further information
Email: energy2004@tourhosts.com.au
Fax: 61 2 9248 0894
Ph: 61 2 9248 0800
WORKSHOP
11. REGISTRATIONS
STILL OPEN FOR NSW ENTERPRISE WORKSHOP
2004 management development and business planning
programs started on the 24 March and go to the
7 July - part-time over several months primarily
outside business hours. Registrations are still
open, with no disadvantage to participants.
Learn how to commercialise opportunities and
develop a realistic business plan under the guidance
of volunteer senior business practitioners who
act as speakers, mentors, review panellists and
judges.
Learn from senior business people about: the
strategic planning process; the impact of the
economic and competitive environments; and how
to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a commercial
opportunity.
You will cover market research; marketing and
sales; product or service positioning; and communication
strategies to let the marketplace know who and
where you are.
The key area of finance addresses budgeting
and accounting concepts; business valuation and
due diligence; risk analysis and venture capital.
Other sessions provide practical information
on intellectual property protection; e-commerce;
personnel strategies and how to build successful
teams.
A specialist biotechnology stream is available,
with the possibility of government funding.
The Workshop is a team-based program - small
groups and individuals may join.
Cost for a team of 3 $9,500, or individual $3,950
for an individual. Government subsidies are available
for biotech and technology based endeavours.
A second program will also be available later
in the year.
For further information call Allison Richardson,
Workshop Secretariat Manager, ATPi, on 02 9209
4796 or see http://www.enterpriseworkshop.com.au
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MEETING
12. DINNER MEETING
- AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY RESEARCH GROUP
AIRG (http://www.airg.org.au)
is holding a dinner meeting in Sydney and invites
people with an interest in innovation and R&D
to attend.
The meeting will be held at Rydges Jamison Hotel,
11 Jamison Street, Sydney (UBD ref map1 G14) on
Tuesday, 6 April 2004 at 6.30pm for 7.00pm.
The topic of the meeting is globalisation and,
on this occasion, Professor Goran Roos will speak
about,
`Globalising R&D and the Global R&D Organisation'
Goran has a distinguished career in performance
management, intellectual capital and strategic
issues spanning work in 45 countries. He is the
author or co-author of 13 books and more than
60 papers or reports and has received a number
of distinctions and awards in peer reviews.
Goran is the founder of Intellectual Capital
Services in London, which is a leading think tank
on methodologies for the identification, management
and measurement of intangibles, and the co-founder
of both Asset Economics Inc. in New York, London,
and Melbourne which is an organisation focused
on measuring and managing intangibles for shareholder
value and Hands and Minds Ltd in Melbourne, a
joint venture with the De Bono Institute on Real
Time Strategy Identification and Implementation
Processes. Goran is one of the founders of modern
intellectual capital science and is a recognised
world expert in this field, having developed theories
and implemented practical solutions in this field.
Interested persons should contact:
Dr Allan Clark
AIRG
Ph: 61 7 3378 0248
Fx: 61 7 3378 0238
Email: airg@zip.com.au
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BUSINESS SERVICES
13. 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 grants specific to the Biotechnology sector
(BIF) and the Food Industry (FIG). 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
| Perth: |
Robin Parsons |
(08) 9429 2251 |
| Melbourne: |
Steven Batrouney |
(03) 8650 7571 |
| Melbourne: |
Alun Needham |
(03) 9288 8099 |
| Sydney: |
Alesandra Sainty |
(02) 9248 5289 |
| Brisbane: |
Lindsay Somerville |
(07) 3011 3236 |
| Adelaide: |
Chris Sharpley |
(08) 8233 1685 |
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