1. ICT Strategic Vision Released

The Federal Government has released a strategic vision for the Australian information economy, setting out key priorities and initiatives with the objective of maintaining "Australia's leading-edge position in an environment of constant and rapid technological change".

The 50-page document, `Australia's Strategic Framework for the Information Economy 2004-06: Opportunities and Challenges for the Information Age', sets out four broad objectives, four strategic priorities and sixteen supporting strategies for the information economy. The document is available at http://www.dcita.gov.au

Back to Headlines>>

2. NSW Response to Science Commercialisation Inquiry

The New South Wales Government has released its response to the Inquiry into Science and its Commercialisation in NSW conducted by the NSW Parliament's Standing Committee on State Development which released its report early this year. Many of the recommendations which were accepted have already been or are in the process of being implemented, such as the creation of the Ministry for Science and Medical Research; transfer of responsibility and administration of the NSW Innovation Council from the Department of State and Regional Development to the Ministry for Science and Medical Research; creation of a CRC liaison position within the Ministry for Science and Innovation.

The government is still considering whether to appoint a Chief Scientist; whether to review the Research Scientist Classification, Policy and Guidelines with the aim of better acknowledging and rewarding excellence in science, technology and innovation in the public sector; whether an annual NSW Science in Parliament day should be initiated; and whether an Innovation Awards Program should be established to replace the BioFirst Awards program.

Back to Headlines>>

3. ANSTO Invests in Synchrotron

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has joined Melbourne University, Monash University, the CSIRO and MiniFAB in contributing to initial beamlines planned for the Australian Synchrotron.

ANSTO will provide $5 million towards the beamlines, bringing the total committed so far to over $20 million. ANSTO also runs the Australian Synchrotron Research Program (ASRP) which currently provides Australian researchers with access to overseas synchrotrons.

Back to Headlines>>

4. WA Backs Energy Alliance

The Western Australian Government is contributing $20 million to the Western Australian Energy Research Alliance (WA ERA), a partnership between CSIRO, Curtin University and the University of Western Australia which is aiming to develop a world class oil and gas research capability.

Announcing the State Government's support, the Premier, Dr Geoff Gallop, said the funding would enable WA ERA to take on 50 new researchers in key areas and significantly increase the PhD scholarship, undergraduate and masters programs.

Back to Headlines>>

5. Australian Industrial Research Group (AIRG) Meeting and Dinner

AIRG (www.airg.org.au) has arranged its annual meetings with senior innovation policy makers in government in Canberra for 4th and 5th August 2004.

A pre-meeting dinner will take place on Wednesday 4 August from 7.30pm with guests from the Shadow Ministries, and ALP members from committees with interests in science and innovation. This dinner will be held at Rydges Capital Hill Canberra, Cnr Canberra & National Circuit, Forrest, only a few minutes' walk from the new Parliament House. This dinner will feature a discussion on the ALP's election strategy for R&D and innovation. Delegates will be able to stay overnight at this location.

The venue for the half-day meeting on Thursday 5th August will be the Senate Alcove at new Parliament House Canberra. This meeting will take place from 7.30am until 1.00pm on Thursday 5 August and will include a working breakfast and a working lunch. The theme for this meeting will be,

"INNOVATION INCENTIVES: HOW TO IMPROVE THE OUTCOMES"

Invited guests will include the relevant ministers, members of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Science and Innovation, representatives from government departments, from public agencies and from industry associations with involvement in science and innovation.

For Further details or for registration forms, please contact:
Dr Allan Clark
AIRG
Ph: 61 7 3378 0248
Fx: 61 7 3378 0238
Email: airg@zip.com.au

Back to Headlines>>

6. Converging Technologies for Agriculture and Environment

Monday 9th to Thursday 12th August at the Duxton Hotel,
328 Flinders Street. Melbourne, Australia

The CRC for Microtechnology and Department of Primary Industries, Government of Victoria, is very excited to announce that we have been successful in obtaining a grant to conduct the "Converging Technologies for Agriculture and Environment" conference under the International Conference Support Scheme Sir Mark Oliphant Conference 2004 --International Frontiers of Science and Technology.

The Four Day program will be structured with One day of Field trip visits and the Three Day Conference as shown in the program.

One of the key features of this conference is that we have invited 20 International and Local expert speakers, selected on the basis of their innovation and current productivity in these fields. This conference style promotes in-depth discussion and cross-fertilisation of ideas.

It can be anticipated that over the next decade, innovative practical uses will emerge from these concept technologies that will significantly broaden the application of technology in agriculture and environmental management.

The conference will establish networks to develop and encourage the adoption of technologies presently in development phases for practical applications with the potential for commercialisation of some of these applications.

Conference themes and topics:

• Environmental Sensors, including wireless communication and IT networking
• Crop management
• Remote Sensing
• Precision Agriculture, horticulture and viticulture
• Land Management and Productivity systems

The Conference will address science and technology issues from fundamental research to practical uses and will propose applications to include

• Novel concepts for sensor-data processing and imaging
• Novel concepts and design guidelines for sensor-rich devices and structures
• Robust and efficient advanced data software tools and strategies for development Integrated approaches to sensor design for Agriculture and Environment

Do not miss out on an opportunity to gain an advantage in understanding these exciting technologies.

CONTACT: Richard Gill
Phone: 61 3 9505 6528
Mobile: 0417 477 244
Email: richard.g@microtechnologycrc.com
http://www.smartsensors.com.au/

Back to Headlines>>

7. BioFestival 04 - "AgBio & You"

August 10th & 11th, Melbourne Convention Centre

BioFestival 04 has been organised in conjunction with AusBiotech. The event concentrates on the Agribusiness sector, which we believe could be an interesting forum for corporates and researchers. We are very keen to showcase the R&D being conducted within Australia and overseas and it's links back to Agribusiness.

We are conducting the event at the Melbourne Convention Centre with AusBiotech to promote the agricultural biotechnology industry to the community and end users. This is a new event model for the bio industry in as much as we are delivering a number of benefits to the industry being:

1. Organised networking (arranged appointments so attendees are able to meet who they select)
2. Interaction with the marketplace (we will bring end users to the venue).
3. Partnering and interaction between Universities, Basic researchers, Corporates and Funding.
4. Industry selected presentation topics to ensure relevance for your marketing and information delivery in a B2B format.
5. Capturing biotechnology career opportunities function to highlight courses and careers relating to science and biotechnology.

This is an industry event based around the agribusiness community to deliver a forum to discuss and present all aspects of the agricultural biotechnology industry. All stakeholders are encouraged to attend this innovative event.

Please see www.biofestival.com for further information. I hope you agree that the BioFestival will permit the AgBio industry to interact with the community and the marketplace to promote, educate and obtain feedback.

This is not a conference, it is a presentation and interaction event

Back to Headlines>>

8. The Medical Device Network Showcase 2004

August 10th - 11th, Melbourne Convention Centre

The Medical Device Network Showcase 2004 is the event for the medical device industry. We are being well supported by the industry as we are in partnership with AusBiotech Ltd in conducting the event.

It is our intention to conduct the MDN Showcase every year. We are attracting the broader device industry including designers, manufacturers and suppliers. There will be a range of products and services showcased at the event. We believe the MDN Showcase will be the ideal place to raise the profile for medical devices and related industries, as well as flagging roadblocks for successful commercialisation (both local and international).

The MDN Showcase aims to be the ultimate network of buyers, sellers and service providers to the medical device and related industries.

For further details please see www.mdnshowcase.com or email kirsty@definitiveevents.com.au

Back to Headlines>>

9. Technology Value Estimation August 11th Melbourne

How do you know what you have got is worth anything to anybody?

On this one day program you will work through all the steps you need to understand the value of your technology, how that value can be shared between the manufacturer and the other links in the value chain and the commercial risks and time to payback.

Using a modelling tool specifically designed to provide an estimation of value, participants will work through practical examples to define what represents value and the criteria that influences the cost effective delivery of that value. Registrations close July 30th.

Brochures are available from www.muprivate.edu.au/commercialise

Back to Headlines>>

10. Negotiating Technology Deals

Join Phil Mendes on Wednesday October 27th in Melbourne for a repeat delivery of this one day program outlining the common traps and pitfalls in negotiating a technology deal. The program and registration form is not yet available but send us an email (g.lane@muprivate.edu.au) to reserve a place on this highly popular program.

Back to Headlines>>

11. Access to the Experts

Scheduled for November 29th through to December 3rd, this is a week of programs include a one day conference and a series of public and customised workshops. 4 outstanding international experts in innovation from the USA and Europe will attend and offer a few companies the opportunity to have a customised workshop through the various sponsorship packages we have developed. If you want to find out more before information is public ally released, please contact Delyth Samuel on 03 9810 3212 or 0418 392 194 email d.samuel@muprivate.edu.au

Back to Headlines>>

12. Safety Awareness for Laboratory Practitioners

This one day workshop is designed to provide basic coverage of all important aspects of the safety function in laboratories. It deals with the general aspects of safety common to all kinds of laboratories using the AS 2243 Safety in Laboratories. This course stresses the importance of preventive measures and sets out the organisation of safety techniques, emergency procedures and first aid.

COURSE OUTLINE

• Explain the need for due diligence relating to laboratory practice and the responsibility of all parties under Duty of Care.
• Overview of legislation, including OHS Act 2000.
• Risk assessment and ranking including an explanation of the process and a practical exercise.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Learn why it is vital to manage safety.
• Learn how to conduct a hypothetical safety audit.
• Understand the fundamental tools for safe laboratory operations.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Designed for laboratory supervisors, technical and professional staff, and personnel who work with chemicals.

The cost of this workshop is $ 490 (GST Inclusive).

Brisbane 16 August
Sydney 17 August
Melbourne 18 August

To register please download the registration form and fax to 1300 727 888.
Alternatively visit our website at www.sai-global.com/training
or email training@sai-global.com

Back to Headlines>>

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 grants. We are looking forward to helping our clients with the new Commercial Ready grant program in the near future. 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

Back to Headlines>>