Hallmark Editions

R&D INFO, August 28, 2003

SUMMARY

NEWS ALERTS

1. ARC CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE ANNOUNCED

2. QUEENSLAND SCIENCE INVESTMENT PROSPECTUS RELEASED

3. QUEENSLAND MUSEUM FOUNDATION LAUNCHED

4. MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY NETWORK

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

5. PREMIER'S SCIENCE AWARDS, Western Australia

FUNDING SUPPORT

6. SUPPORT FOR FRONTIERS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MISSIONS AND WORKSHOPS

7. RESEARCH FUNDING - Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC)

SHORT COURSE

8. STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLANNING FOR TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALISATION

BUSINESS SERVICES

9. SPRUSON&FERGUSON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SERVICES

CONFERENCES

10. ALUMINIUM CASTHOUSE TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE

11. 1st INTERNATIONAL LIGHT METALS TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE 2003 (LMT2003)

NEWS ALERTS

1. ARC CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE ANNOUNCED

Nine new ARC Centres of Excellence have been selected for funding totaling $47.1 million over the next five years. They are:
* the ARC Centre for Complex Dynamic Systems and Control at the University of Newcastle;
* the ARC Centre for Functional Nanomaterials at the University of Queensland;
* the ARC Centre for Nanostructured Electromaterials at the University of Wollongong;
* the ARC Centre for Perceptive and Intelligent Machines at Monash University;
* the ARC Centre for Structural and Functional Microbial Genomics at Monash University;
* the ARC Centre for Complex Systems at the University of Queensland;
* the ARC Centre for Genome-Phenome Bioinformatics at the University of Queensland;
* the ARC Centre for the Kangaroo Genome at the Australian National University; and
* the ARC Centre for Solar Energy Systems at the Australian National University.

2. QUEENSLAND SCIENCE INVESTMENT PROSPECTUS RELEASED

The Queensland Government has released a plan for investment in research, education and innovation for the next five to ten years. The document, `Queensland, the Smart State - Science: Research, Education and Innovation', covers investments by the government totalling more than $2 billion since 1998.

These include initiatives funded under the $100 million Smart State Strategy announced in this year's state budget, as well as a number of new initiatives.

New initiatives include: a new position of Queensland Chief Scientist; an action plan for science education and community awareness in Queensland; development of a precinct for knowledge industries at the old Boggo Road Gaol site; establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Applied Sport Science Research at the Queensland Academy of Sport; and strategic partnerships with other states and New Zealand in tropical science and biotechnology.

3. QUEENSLAND MUSEUM FOUNDATION LAUNCHED

A Queensland Museum Foundation has been launched which will aim to raise $10 million for research and the maintenance of collections over the next five years. The Foundation, to be chaired by the former Governor, Major General Peter Arnison, has attracted support from business leaders, scientists and philanthropists. The Premier, Peter Beattie, said the Foundation will complement the Queensland Government's support for the Museum, ensuring it continues to enhance research and development in the Smart State.

4. MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY NETWORK

An Australian Materials Technology Network (AMTN) has been established to improve industry access to materials technology, information and services that are available within Australia's research institutions. The AMTN will also foster increased investment and involvement by industry in materials science and engineering, raise the profile of materials technology across the community and assist with policy development in all levels of government.

The Commonwealth Government is providing funding of $2.6 million under its Innovation Access Program to establish the network and this will be matched by funds and in-kind support from consortium partners Angus Robinson, Chief Executive of the Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association, is AMTN's inaugural Chairman.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

5. PREMIER'S SCIENCE AWARDS, Western Australia

Nominations for the Premier's Science Awards are invited from 30 August 2003.

Following last year's successful Premier's Science Awards, The Hon Dr Geoff Gallop MLA, Premier of Western Australia is pleased to invite nominations to celebrate our State's excellence in science.

Award categories include:

* Premier's Prize for Achievement in Science honours outstanding achievement in scientific research and leadership. $10, 000

* Premier's Prize for Early Career Achievement in Science recognises excellence in scientific research achieved by a science researcher under the age of 35. $5, 000

* Premier's Prize for Excellence in Science Education. A new suite of awards to celebrate excellence in science education research and leadership in three categories: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary. Each award is $5,000

Nominations close Friday 5.00pm, 10 October 2003.

The prizes will be presented by the Premier at an awards ceremony at Scitech Discovery Centre on 21 November 2003.

Nomination guidelines and forms will be available from the Premier's Science Council website http://www.sciencecouncil.dpc.wa.gov.au on 30 August 2003 or by contacting Lita Geros at the Office of Science and Innovation on (08) 9222 8885.

This is a joint project between the Office of Science and Innovation and Scitech Discovery Centre with the support of the Premier's Science Council.

FUNDING SUPPORT

6. SUPPORT FOR FRONTIERS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MISSIONS AND WORKSHOPS

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering receives funding from the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) for the Frontiers of S&T Missions and Workshops element of the Innovation Access Programme - International S&T Networks, detailed in the Australian Government's Innovation Statement, Backing Australia's Ability.

In order to strengthen and further the objectives of the Innovation Access Program, ATSE is offering Australian researchers an opportunity to submit expressions of interest for international activities during 2004-2005.

Support will only be provided for the following activities,

(a) overseas missions by Australian scientists and technologists and missions by overseas researchers in similar disciplines into Australia;

(b) participation by Australia's scientific and technological community in workshops held outside Australia by foreign organisations;

(d) a program of site visits will be arranged in conjunction with workshops referred to in (b) and (c), but the workshops must be the predominant activity.

Please note overseas missions or workshops must comprise at least five members who are Australian scientists and technologists; inward missions and domestic workshops must comprise at least five members from the overseas S&T community.

All EOI Proposals will be assessed by the International Relations Committee of ATSE against the goals and priorities of the Innovation Access Program. Administrative and financial support for selected activities will be provided by ATSE.

An EOI form is available on the ATSE website: http://www.atse.org.au
or Email: elizabethm@atse.org.au

Closing date of EOI Proposal - FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER 2003, 5.00 PM EST.

7. RESEARCH FUNDING - Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC)

Do you have a good idea for innovation in rural industries but need some assistance to develop that idea?

If the answer is yes, now is the time to apply for support from the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC).

RIRDC is currently inviting researchers, industry organisations and interested individuals to apply for funding support in 2004-2005. The closing date for applications is September 26, 2003.

A new streamlined program structure has been designed together with three new categories of support for research and development. The new research programs give an enhanced profile to Food Integrity & Biosecurity; Environmental & Farm Management; and Rangeland & Wildlife Systems.

RIRDC Managing Director Simon Hearn said RIRDC is a centre for new industries which we hope will develop into commercial enterprises, some that will become large-scale farm industries and others that will remain small but offer viable niche alternatives to Australian farmers.

"Rural Australia has significant additional potential and we look forward to funding an array of projects that will facilitate a more profitable, dynamic and sustainable sector."

Prospective applicants for research funding can view the RIRDC Research

Priorities at http://www.rirdc.gov.au/researchpriorities or by calling 02 6272 4819 to request a free printed copy.

SHORT COURSE

8. 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

BUSINESS SERVICES

9. SPRUSON&FERGUSON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SERVICES

Spruson&Ferguson is a leading Australian patent and trade mark attorney firm with more than 110 years' experience in intellectual property protection and enforcement worldwide.

We understand how to advance your intellectual property assets. With over 60 professional staff in our Sydney office, our depth and breadth of industry and academic experience covers all technologies and IP legal issues.

We offer the full scope of IP services including patent drafting, litigation, franchising, licensing, and IP management.

If you need guidance in protecting your IP assets or advice on how to capitalise on these assets, call one of the below Principals on (02) 9207 0777 and arrange a free initial consultation.

Electrical technologies: Robert Miller, robert.miller@sprusons.com.au
Biotechnology: Dr Andrew Blattman, andrew.blattman@sprusons.com.au
Chemical technologies: John McCann, john.mccann@sprusons.com.au
Mechanical technologies: Greg Turner, greg.turner@sprusons.com.au
Medical technologies: Ryan Curnick, ryan.curnick@sprusons.com.au
Trade marks: Annette Freeman, annette.freeman@sprusons.com.au

CONFERENCES

10. ALUMINIUM CASTHOUSE TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE
8th Australasian Conference
14-17 September 2003
Sheraton Hotel Brisbane

This conference concentrates mainly on primary metal production and covers topics including furnace performance, in line metal treatment, DC casting, product quality, safety, automation, recycling, new technologies and related material. Invited world recognised experts will be key speakers at the conference.

As well as the very comprehensive technical presentations, the Conference will include a large trade exhibition, with major suppliers to the industry having booths to showcase their products and services.

The Conference includes a plant tour of Comalco's Boyne Smelters Ltd, at Boyne Island, Central Queensland

Conference Objectives

* To present material on the latest development in casthouse equipment, processes, technology, safety, markets and management,

* To broaden the training of engineers and scientists involved in melting and casting technologies,

* To provide ample opportunity for discussion on topics of common concern to cast houses and foundries so that ideas can be generated and solutions canvassed,

* To provide a common meeting ground for cast house supervisors, managers, materials and technology suppliers and international experts for discussions on various aspects of aluminium melt treatment and casting.

For more Information: http://www.aluminiumcasthouse.com
Or Email the Conference Secretariat: carynmorgan@cmassoc.com.au

Please Note: The late registration fee will be waived if you mention this R&D Info advertisement when registering.

11. 1st INTERNATIONAL LIGHT METALS TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE 2003 (LMT2003)

18 - 20 September, 2003,
Sheraton Hotel, Brisbane

LMT2003 is the first conference of its kind, involving collaboration between four of world's key international light metals research centres: CAST, LKR, CANMET and MPI (WPI).

The program covers light metals research focused on industry outcomes. Many of the papers are co-authored by industry partners. Also, the work presented covers activities being undertaken at a number of places around the world emphasising the global nature of light metals research and development.

Presentations will address major initiatives in both aluminium and magnesium technology. For example, Andrew Sherman, FORD USA, will talk on Automotive Needs and Potential for Aluminium; Joe Carpenter, USDOE, will report on progress in the FreedomCAR program; and Prof Gordon Dunlop will update us on Market Trends for Magnesium Alloys from a European perspective. There will be an overview of the Light Metals Research Programs in Canada, Austria, USA, Norway and Australia.

38 poster sessions, a static display of Jaguar parts and a Jaguar car compliment the program.

Purpose: To provide an opportunity for researchers and industry to learn of new developments and research that has been undertaken in a cooperative manner with industry and to create an environment for further cooperative opportunities to be initiated.

For more information: http://www.lightmetals.org