1. Senate Inquiry Into Chief Scientist Position

The Senate Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations and Education is to undertake an inquiry into the functioning of the Office of the Chief Scientist and, in particular, potential conflicts of interest which may arise when appointees to the position of Chief Scientist act in a part-time capacity.

The inquiry was initiated by a motion from Greens Senator Bob Brown, and amended by Democrat Senator Stott Despoja to include the development of criteria for the appointment of the Chief Scientist through legislation.

The Committee will report to Parliament by June 24. More information is at
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/eet_ctte/chiefscientist/index.htm

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2. Growth in Higher Education R&D

The latest report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has shown that Higher Education Expenditure on Research and Development (HERD) increased by 23% over the two years to 2002. An estimated $3,430 million was spent on R&D in the higher education sector in 2002.

HERD has steadily increased since 1994 with an average annual rate of growth over this period of 8% in current price terms. As a percentage of Gross Domestic Product, HERD has increased in current dollar terms from 0.42% in 2000 to 0.45% in 2002.

Further information is in Research and Experimental Development, Higher Education Organisations, Australia, 2002 (cat. no. 8111.0).

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3. WA Innovation Initiative Launched

The Western Australian Government has released a new Innovation Initiative which comprises a series of activities and programs to be coordinated by the Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR) aimed at encouraging the development of knowledge-based industries and improving the skills and capabilities needed by innovative businesses to compete in the global market.

Elements of the initiative, to be developed and implemented in consultation with industry, include:

• awareness promotion, including facilitating the WA component of the Australian Innovation Festival, maintaining the DoIR innovation website and industry database and sponsorship of innovation seminars and expos;
• establishment of an Innovation Centre at Technology Park, Bentley;
• development of an innovation guide, training courses, professional development for educators and facilitation and sponsorship of mentoring programs;
• promotion and sponsorship of training courses and technical and networking events;
• development of an Innovation Commercialisation Assistance Scheme, enhancing WA company access to Federal funding programs, and investigation of seed funding; and
• commercialisation of State Government Intellectual Property (IP).

Funding of $500,000 has been allocated to a Innovation Capability Development Scheme which will assist local companies to prepare submissions for private sector and Federal funding programs. The scheme will provide 50% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $25,000 per application.

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4. Biodiscovery Legislation For Queensland

The Queensland Government has introduced a Biodiscovery Bill to regulate the collection of land and marine plants, animals and other organisms for research. The legislation will establish a Biodiscovery Collection Authority to govern the sustainable collection of native biological resources from State land and Queensland waters, and will provide for Benefit Sharing Agreements designed to ensure that the state benefits from any discoveries through royalties, investment, jobs and training and knowledge. The legislation includes stiff penalties for non-compliance.

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5. Biotech Reporting Code of Practice

The Australian Stock Exchange and AusBiotech have jointly launched a draft code of practice for reporting by biotechnology, medical device and other life science companies.

The aim of the voluntary code is to promote improved communication and understanding between biotechnology companies and the capital market.

The code covers reporting on patents, licensing collaborations and partnerships, clinical trials and other regulatory considerations, key staff appointments , periodic reporting of activities and cash flow, terminology and conficentiality.

More details are at http://www.asx.com.au/pdf/ASX_AusBiotech.pdf.

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6. NICTA Sets Research Agenda

National ICT Australia (NICTA), which has been awarded an additional $251 million over seven years in this year's budget, has released its research agenda, setting out two `Priority Challenges' which are aimed at improving the acceptance of wireless communications and generating knowledge from the gathering and use of data available through the electronic information system.

Wireless communications research will include protocols for seamless roaming on dynamic networks; signal processing technologies; improved localisation technologies; formal methods to ensure trustworthiness of embedded hardware; wireless security, privacy and trust management; and reasoningbased network management.

The second priority challenge aims to extend and improve the gathering of information and using this data to derive valuable knowledge that will produce social, economic and environmental benefits. Research areas include intelligent sensors; database technologies for stream and sensor data; design of sensor networks; multimodal interactions with machines; intelligent video imaging; and visualisation of abstract data.

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7. Antarctic Science Strategy Released

Australia's Antarctic science effort, led by the Australian Antarctic Division, will focus on four priority themes under a strategy launched to cover the four years from 2004 - 08.

The priority themes are: Ice, Ocean, Atmosphere and Climate; Southern Ocean Ecosystems; Adaptation to Environmental Change; and Impact of Human Activities in Antarctica.

More information about the Antarctic Science Strategy is at http://www.aad.gov.au

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8. Ausindustry Biotechnology Innovation Fund - Round 6 Funding

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

AusIndustry provides Australian Government assistance to support Australian business innovation, investment and international competitiveness. AusIndustry delivers nearly $2 billion to more than 10,000 customers throughout Australia every year.

Applications are now being sought for Round 6 funding.
Applications close on 15 July 2004.

For more information visit http://www.ausindustry.com.au or call the AusIndustry Hotline on 13 28 46.

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9. 2004 Premier's Science Awards - Western Australia

Applications are now open for the 2004 Premier's Science Awards.

These Awards recognise and reward outstanding scientists and science educators in Western Australia. There is a wealth of talent in WA and the State Government is encouraging you to nominate leading and emerging scientists and science educators for this year's awards.

The Award categories for 2004 are:

• Premier's Prize for Achievement in Science - $10, 000
• Premier's Prize for Early Career Achievement in Science - $5, 000
• Premier's Prize for Excellence in Science Education: Tertiary - $5,000
• Premier's Prize for Excellence in Science Education: Secondary - $5,000
• Premier's Prize for Excellence in Science Education: Primary - $5,000

Nominations close Friday 5.00pm on 20 August 2004.

Information about the Awards is available on the Premier's Science Council website http://www.sciencecouncil.dpc.wa.gov.au or by contacting the Office of Science and Innovation on (08) 9222 8880.

The prizes will be presented by the Premier at Scitech Discovery Centre on 22 October 2004.

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.

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10. More Gardiner Foundation Funding For Major Industry Research and Development

The Geoffrey Gardiner Dairy Foundation is inviting applications for a new round of Major Research and Development Projects Funding.

Foundation Chairman, Chris Nixon, said that substantial amounts of money, in excess of $200,000 per annum for up to five years, were being offered for successful projects. This is the third time that the Foundation has offered support for Major R&D projects. The new funding will add to existing commitments of over $5.5 million made by Gardiner over the past two years.

Mr Nixon said that the 2004 funding round would accept applications from the full breadth of science disciplines.

“Until now we have accepted applications for funding from across the full gambit of areas of science that are relevant to the dairy industry, including projects dealing with on-farm productivity, milk processing and waste disposal as well as other subjects,”

However, the Foundation's Board is giving careful consideration to whether to continue with its broad approach or to narrow its focus to a few areas that offer the greatest potential.

"There are arguments both ways and I think we need to let our stakeholders join the discussion. So, we have invited a panel of industry representatives to consider the issue at a workshop that the Foundation is convening in early June."

Mr Nixon also said that he had commissioned a survey of key stakeholders' views about the Foundation and its programs and that a summary of the findings will be presented at the workshop.

Preliminary applications for the 2004 round of Major R&D Funding close on Friday 18 June. Full details and guidelines for applicants are available from the Foundation's website -
http://www.gardinerfoundation.com.au.

For further information contact:

Carol Bate
CEO, Gardiner Foundation
Tel: 03 9606 1900
Email: info@gardinerfoundation.com.au

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11. 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 the financial year 2005-2006.

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;

c. workshops held in Australia in which a significant number of the lead participants are from outside Australia; and

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.

The objectives of Frontiers of S&T Missions and Workshops are to :

(a) increase the uptake of leading-edge science and technology through

(b) i) increased participation by Australian researchers and industry in strategically focussed, leading-edge, international science, engineering and technology
ii) increase strategic alliances between Australian and overseas researchers and industry; and

(c) contribute to the Federal government's industry development and economic growth objectives by increased researcher participation in global science and technology.

ATSE through its international program of workshops and missions, is committed to enhancing the Innovation Access Program, thereby maximising the benefits of Australia's science base and its global S&T linkages.

Strategic Priority Countries:
DEST Country priorities at this time include China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, UK, USA, and also the European Union.

National Research Priorities
The four National Research Priorities selected by the Government focus investment on research in key areas that can deliver significant economic, social and environmental benefits to Australia. The National Research Priorities are:

1. An Environmentally Sustainable Australia
Water - a critical resource
Transforming existing industries
Overcoming soil loss, salinity and acidity
Reducing and capturing emissions in transport and energy generation
Sustainable use of Australia's biodiversity
Developing deep earth resources
Responding to climate change and variability

2. Promoting and Maintaining Good Health
A healthy start to life
Ageing well, ageing productively
Preventive healthcare
Strengthening Australia's social and economic fabric

3. Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries
Breakthrough science
Frontier technologies
Advanced materials
Smart information use
Promoting an innovation culture and economy

4. Safeguarding Australia.
Critical infrastructure
Understanding our region and the world
Protecting Australia from invasive diseases and pests
Protecting Australia from terrorism and crime
Transformational defence technologies

These priorities are designed to build on Australia's research strengths while seeking new opportunities in emerging areas. Further information is available at http://www.dest.gov.au/priorities/.

Support is focussed on countries and sectors where there is considered to be the greatest potential for Australian industry innovation and commercial benefit. Missions or Workshops which fall outside these priority areas but perform strongly against the Assessment Criteria may be supported.

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 2 JULY 2004, 5.00 PM EST.

ATSE will not fund the following activities:

• conference sponsorship
• attendance or participation in conferences
• collaborative research projects,
• Postdoctoral or Fellowship exchanges

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12. Master of Biotechnology & Business - RMIT

Information Session Thursday 27 May, 2004, 5.30 pm -7.00 pm, Storey Hall,Seminar Room 1 RMIT Building 16, 342 Swanston St, Melbourne

RMIT - LINKING THE SECTORS - Research/Industry/Business
The Master of Biotechnology & Business is an initiative of RMIT Science Engineering & Technology, RMIT Business and Industry.

The MBB is a unique program supporting the biotechnology industry which links advanced scientific expertise with business skills relevant to biotechnology management and the commercialisation of research product.

At the information evening you will:
* learn about the program and courses
* meet course presenters
* be advised about application and admission procedures

Confirmation of attendance would be appreciated
For further information contact: Assoc. Prof. Gina Nicoletti Tel: 03 9925 7143 or 9925 2133
Email: gina.nicoletti@rmit.edu.au
http://www.rmit.edu.au/biotechnology

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13. Turn Ideas Into Money Making Ventures: Swinburne Master Of Entrepreneurship And Innovation

INFORMATION EVENING, Tuesday June 1, 6.15-715pm, AGSE, Cr Wakedfield & William Streets, Hawthorn

Learn how to commercialise your research product and/or how to set up a successful new enterprise. Applications accepted now.

The Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship (AGSE), Swinburne University, covers all the skills you need to successfully commercialise an innovative product or new business venture. Our program provides practical tools to explore potential opportunities, gain finance, and to grow and harvest your business.

Not that we are limited to start-ups. Our five-star Master of Business Administration not only offers the opportunity to acquire contemporary management knowledge and skills, it also provides you with the ability to apply that knowledge in an innovative, creative and entrepreneurial way.

To advance your business research skills consider our Doctor of Business Administration and PhD.

Applications accepted now for the July 2004 intake (classes begin 21 July). Single subjects available. The Postgraduate Education Loans Scheme (PELS) applies to our Masters programs. To learn more contact us on 03 9214 5241 /8512, agse@swin.edu.au or visit http://www.swin.edu.au/agse.

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14. Value Chain Mapping - Melbourne University Private

Recognising value and where it is created or destroyed in your organisation or industry is a core competence for any successful manager in today's globally competitive markets. This one-day program introduces you to a process which will enable you to firstly map your value chain and secondly recognise your value sources and sinks. This will then allow you to identify opportunities for value optimisation and identify areas of potential risk.

The principals are illustrated through interactive workgroup sessions where participants will work together to map value chains for their respective businesses.

This program is broadly applicable to all business areas and in particular managers concerned with optimising the value of existing operations and identifying opportunities for future value creation.

The cost of the program is $695.00 per person plus GST.

Date: Tuesday June 8th
Venue: Melbourne University Private
Hawthorn

For more information go to http://www.muprivate.edu.au/commercialise or contact Gemma Lane, 03 9810 3174 g.lane@muprivate.edu.au

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15. The 4th International Crop Science Congress Comes To Australia!

The 4th International Crop Science Congress (4ICSC) will be held in conjunction with the 5th Asian Crop Science Conference (5ACSC) and the 12th Australian Agronomy Conference (12AAC) from 26 September - 1 October 2004 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

4ICSC will review and harness the best science in all the disciplines that underpin sustainable development in the great cropping systems that feed the world.

More than 100 internationally recognised speakers will participate in a scientific program that explores the themes -
• Crop science for addressing water scarcity
• Crop science for a sustainable future
• Crop science for harnessing genetics
• Crop science for effecting change
• Crop science for improving human diet in Asia
• Australian agriculture

The 4ICSC will also feature over 600 poster presentations, an extensive and interactive trade exhibition and technical tours to the diverse cropping areas near Brisbane.

The Early bird registration deadline is 31 May 2004.

Don't miss the opportunity to share new global cropping knowledge! Register online at http://www.cropscience2004.com

For more information visit the Congress website http://www.cropscience2004.com or contact the Congress Managers on 07 3858 5554 or 4icsc04@im.com.au

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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 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

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