1. Commonwealth to overhaul university approval process

The Federal Government is planning an overhaul of the approval process for Australian higher education institutions, including a reassessment of how much research should be undertaken in order for an institution to be approved as a university, and what the definition of research should be.

The Minister for Education, Science and Training, Dr Brendan Nelson, said he will convene a national seminar next year to discuss key issues related to the higher education institutional approval process prior to their being considered by the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA).

Dr Nelson also released a review of the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes, conducted by Emeritus Professor Gus Guthrie , which proposed a number of reforms for the requirements of universities to undertake research and scholarship.

The review is available at
http://www.dest.gov.au/highered/pubs/nat_protocols_approval/higher_education.htm.

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2. Action Agenda for Medical Device Industry

A Medical Device Industry Action Agenda is to be developed to improve the market opportunities for Australia's medical device sector. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources will be the lead agency, with technical support provided by the Department of Health and Ageing. The Industry Minister, Ian Macfarlane, said that AusBiotech, Science Industry Australia, the Medical Industry Association of Australia and AEEMA have expressed interest in participating with the Government in developing a growth strategy under the Medical Device Action Agenda.

Further information on Action Agendas is available at:
http://www.industry.gov.au/agendas

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3. Sustainability Round Table calls for review of South Australian Strategic Plan

A report on the implementation of the SA government’s State Strategic Plan by the Premier’s Round Table on Sustainability, led by Professor Tim Flannery, has warned that South Australia’s long-term future is threatened by climate change and biodiversity collapse.

The report, entitled three, four, five: 3 Challenges, 4 Principles, 5 Actions, sets out key sustainability issues which need to be address in the implementation of the State Strategic Plan. It identifies climate change as being the biggest single threat and urges a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The expert panel includes Dr Mike Young, Director of Policy and Economic Research, CSIRO Land and Water; Andrew Stock, Executive General Manager, Origin Energy; and Executive Councillor of the Australian Conservation Foundation, Katherine Wells.

The report can be downloaded at http://www.sapo.org.au/pub/pub882.html

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4. Victoria lures expats

The Victorian Government is calling for applications from expatriate Australian scientists and innovators for a fellowship to return to Victoria under its Victorian Endowment for Science Knowledge and Innovation (VESKI Scheme). Candidates are eligible for up to $100,000 per annum for a maximum of five years to support an applicant's return and work in Victoria, with matching funds provided by a host organisation. The Victorian Government is also developing a Victorian Expatriate Network (VEN) that aims to leverage the skills, expertise and networks of Victorians while they are living and working overseas.

More information is at http://www.veski.com.au

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5. Call for Applications: Smart State Health and Medical Research Fund

The Queensland Government has established the $4.7 million Smart State Health and Medical Research Fund to help develop the health and medical research sector in the Smart State.

The Fund builds on Queensland’s strengths in health and medical research and will help ensure the State’s capabilities are maintained at a nationally and internationally competitive standard by providing Queensland hospitals and independent medical research institutes with the support needed to continue the important research they are undertaking.

The Fund comprises two streams:

• the Operational Support Program to assist eligible independent medical research institutes in Queensland to meet the operational costs of undertaking research; and
• the Queensland Clinical Research Fellowships Program to attract and retain outstanding clinician-scientists in Queensland hospitals and health services.

Applications are invited from eligible researchers and research organisations for funding under either or both streams of the Smart State Health and Medical Research Fund.

Guidelines and application forms are available on the Department of State Development and Innovation website
(http://www.sd.qld.gov.au/innovation/research/health_medical).

For further information on the Smart State Health and Medical Research Fund, please contact:

Innovation and Emerging Industries
Department of State Development and Innovation
Phone: 3225 8058

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6. Australian Technology Park

Since 2000, Australian Technology Park (ATP) has made its mark as one of Australia's most significant technology precincts. ATP is a unique place focused on supporting the growth and commercialisation of Australian technology businesses

Built and established in and around the heritage listed Eveleigh Railway Workshops, ATP is home to over 1,000 people working across approximately 100 organisations. It offers an environment for information exchange, collaboration and networking opportunities second to none.

ATP specialises in the development of technologies in the fields of information and communication, biomedical sciences, education and photonics. Our community comprises one-person start-ups and small-to-medium businesses through to cooperative research centres and multi-national organisations. We share a common commitment to enabling technological innovation that will benefit individuals, communities, Australia and the world.

Research and development is a major focus at ATP. It sits at the centre of activities undertaken at the Park and forms the backbone of successes and advances in technological innovation.

The ATP community works with all levels of the education sector to develop new interfaces between industry and education. There are seven premier Australian universities with a presence at ATP, as well as a number of other leading education institutions including TAFE NSW. Supporting these intellectual resources is high-level data connectivity and transmission, as well as a supercomputing centre facilitating high-end analysis of R&D data.

ATP’s world-class facilities are conveniently located with easy access to major universities, the CBD and Sydney Airport.

Australian Technology Park Precinct Management Ltd
Bay 8, Locomotive Workshop
Eveleigh NSW 1430  
Ph: 9209 4220  Fax: 9209 4222  
info@atp.com.au   www.atp.com.au

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7. IP Toolbox $50 Special Offer

IP Toolbox is a comprehensive intellectual property (IP) guide for business managers, researchers and their advisors, and for a limited time IP Australia is selling IP Toolbox for only $50 (normally $195).

IP Toolbox is a practical resource that has been developed by IP Australia with leading industry experts such as Ernst & Young, Gilbert & Tobin, Mallesons Stephen Jaques and TM5.

IP Toolbox covers the full spectrum of intellectual property options, including patents, trade marks, designs, and copyright, and also provides helpful tips and guidance on issues such as registering domain names, obtaining professional advice, understanding tax incentives and commercial strategies for benefiting from intellectual property.

IP Toolbox offers comprehensive, easy to understand insights on how to identify, protect, and benefit from your intellectual property, presented in a 450-page workbook with 22 self-contained modules. It also includes an interactive CD-Rom, printable samples and checklists, and practical tools such as confidentiality agreement and contract builder tools.

If you work in R&D, manage a business, or provide business advice, then IP Toolbox will be an invaluable resource.

To order your copy of IP Toolbox go to http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/toolbox or call 1800 010 999.

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8. Spruson&Ferguson – Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, Lawyers

Spruson&Ferguson is one of the few intellectual property firms in Australia committed to providing a fully integrated service for the protection, commercialisation and enforcement of your IP.

We provide IP solutions to help unlock your commercial potential and to enforce and protect your IP. Our comprehensive range of services includes:

• patents, trade marks, designs, domain names, copyright, plant breeders' rights, confidential information and other IP
• IP portfolio management and audits
• IP litigation and dispute resolution
• IP commercialisation services including drafting and negotiation of licenses, joint ventures and R&D collaborations.

Contacts:

Telephone: (02) 9207 0777
Fax: (02) 9261 5486
Email mail@sprusons.com.au
URL: http://www.sprusons.com.au

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9. APESMA La Trobe MBA Program

Chifley Business School is taking enrolments into The APESMA La Trobe MBA program for commencement of studies in 2005.

This program is Australia's largest MBA program, and caters specifically for working technology professionals. Initiated by the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers (APESMA) more than 15 years ago, the program has graduated more than 10,000 professionals in Australia and around the world. It has been described by the Good Universities Guide as Australia's "most successful MBA"

The full distance learning approach ensures flexibility, enabling students to blend family, work and study commitments. Students receive high quality printed learning materials, and have regular contact with their lecturers and fellow students through global 'e-communities'. Current and past students - primarily technology professionals working within large organisations - cite flexibility, application to real work situations, and the use of lecturers with practical experience as key strengths of the program. While the majority proceed to complete the MBA, students also have the option to exit at Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma level.

Study period 1, 2005 commences on 31st January and enrolments will be open until the start of the study period.

Find out more about Australia’s premier distance learning MBA at www.mba-distance-learning.com or call our friendly Client Care Centre on 1300 85 33 77.

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10. Master of Biotechnology & Business, RMIT

The MBB is a unique program supporting the biotechnology industry which links advanced scientific expertise in the life sciences with business skills relevant to biotechnology management and the commercialisation of research product. The program is presented by academic and research staff from RMIT Science, Engineering & Technology and RMIT Business and by experts from major biotechnology organisations and biotechnology service providers in Australia.

The MBB is designed for scientists and other professionals working in biotechnology or related organisations and prepares graduates for entrepreneurial self-employment or careers in the public and private sectors of the biotechnology industry where multi-disciplinary abilities would facilitate working at the interfaces of technology, the regulatory environment, government and business.

For information about the program go to http://www.rmit.edu.au and type MC129 into the search facility, or 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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11. Director - Australian Cheese Technology Program

• Pivotal cross-sectoral appointment
• Location – Werribee, Vic

The Australian Cheese Technology Program (ACTP) is a unique plan connecting leading R&D providers and scientists with the cheese-manufacturing sector. Its overall aim is to create a strong, innovative and globally competitive Australian cheese industry.

Interacting with the highest echelons of Australia’s scientific and commercial advisors, you will take the lead in developing and advancing the program’s strategic direction, thereby promoting science/technology excellence in this country. This will require extensive stakeholder consultation and communication.

Ideally you will possess a doctorate in a relevant natural product discipline plus an outstanding leadership record in food science in the private or public sector. Dairy experience, whilst desirable, is not essential. You will however be able to demonstrate achievements in strategy development and execution, resource management, negotiation, commercialisation and relationship building, to ensure that R&D projects are delivered to co-investors.

Please send a brief CV (Word format, up to 5 pages)
phil@brookerconsulting.com.au or ring
Phil Pelgrim on 03 9602 1666, in confidence.
http://www.rustonpoole.com

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12. Research Commercialisation Study Tour to California

The Centre for Higher Education Management and Policy (CHEMP) at the University of New England is running a study tour to California from 6 to 11 February 2005 that will focus on research commercialisation, research management and science and technology parks.

The program will consist of visits for discussions and seminars to universities and other agencies in the Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay areas. Institutions to be visited include UCLA, CALTECH, Stanford and Berkeley as well as the central office of the University of California, located in Oakland.  The registration fee is $995.00.

Since 1999, CHEMP has run a number of study tours to the US, the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. Participants have been drawn from Australian, New Zealand, Hong Kong and South African universities, as well as from research institutes, government department, and national associations.

Further information is available from the CHEMP webpage
(http://fehps.une.edu.au/PDaL/Research/CHEMP/Study_Program/index.html) or from Professor Grant Harman (Tel: 02 67 733217, Fax: 02 67 733363, email: gharman@metz.une.edu.au).

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