SUMMARY OF THIS R&D INFO DECEMBER 9

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NEWS ALERTS
1. NATIONAL RESEARCH PRIORITIES ANNOUNCED
2. REVIEW OF AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE AND INNOVATION
3. R&D START RESTARTED
4. VICTORIA BOOSTS S&T INVESTMENT

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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
5. TECHNOLOGY ROADMAPPING - Call for Applications

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GRANTS
6. FOOD INDUSTRY INNOVATION ENCOURAGED

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
7. R&D DIRECTOR - CSIRO, Brisbane QLD
8. BUSINESS MANAGER - CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems
9. HEAD OF SCHOOL, PROFESSOR/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, PROFESSOR AQUATIC SCIENCE - School of Ecology & Environment, Deakin University

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WORKSHOP
10. WORKSHOP FOR POTENTIAL USERS OF THE AUSTRALIAN SYNCHROTRON

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PUBLICATION
11. THE SCITECH TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORY 2002 - CLEARANCE SALE

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NEWS ALERTS
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1. NATIONAL RESEARCH PRIORITIES ANNOUNCED

The Prime Minister, John Howard, has announced four National Research Priorities that will guide investment by Commonwealth science and research funding agencies. The National Research Priorities are:

* An Environmentally Sustainable Australia;

* Promoting and Maintaining Good Health ;

* Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries; and

* Safeguarding Australia.

The first stage in implementation of the National Research Priorities will be the preparation by Commonwealth research and funding bodies of plans outlining how they propose to support the priorities. These are to be completed and submitted to government by May.

2. REVIEW OF AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

The Minister for Education, Science and Training, Dr Brendan Nelson, has initiated a major study to map Australia's science and innovation activities across the public and private sectors.
Dr Nelson said the objective of the exercise was to develop a comprehensive overview of the Australian science, technology and innovation system as a whole, including public and private sector players, roles, linkages, resources and priorities. A taskforce has been established within the Department of Education, Science and Training to coordinate the work and will report by the end of 2003.

3. R&D START RESTARTED

The R&D Start program has been reactivated with a call for applications from AusIndustry. New applications for the R&D Start Program were suspended in April 2002 and companies which had made applications that were not processed will need to apply again. $170 million will be available for grants and loans under the program during 2003-04. For further information contact http://www.ausindustry.gov.au or the AusIndustry Hotline on 13 28 46.

4. VICTORIA BOOSTS S&T INVESTMENT

The Victorian Government has announced a second tranche of funding of $310 million for science, technology and research initiatives in its innovation statement, AVictorians. Bright Ideas. Brillian Future@, unveiled shortly before the recent election.
Of the total, $196 million will be allocated through the STI Second Generation funding program, which includes competitive grants for science, technology and research infrastructure. This program includes a new initiative, VicStart, which will provide $25 million to support the commercialisation of the state=s research output. The remaining funds will be spent on a range of programs. These include investment of $50 million for research into sustainable land and water use in the agriculture sector; and $30 million on a program called Building Innovative Businesses which will replace the Technology Commercialisation Program.


CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

5. TECHNOLOGY ROADMAPPING - Call for Applications

Technology Roadmapping encourages business competitiveness through technology planning. It is a new element of the Commonwealth Government's Innovation Access Program, which fosters innovation by increasing the take-up of leading-edge technologies and best practice processes by
Australian firms.

Roadmapping is a strategic planning tool for industry to use to improve competitiveness, identify and promote collaborative opportunities, and to assist companies to share the costs, and risks, of investing in technologies.

Preference will be given to groups involved in an action agenda.

Funding for up to 50 per cent of a total project for eligible project costs is now available as part of the Innovation Access Program - Industry grants from AusIndustry, on a competitive basis.

Visit http://www.ausindustry.gov.au or call the AusIndustry Hotline - 13 28 46 - for expression of interest and application forms (under the Innovation Access Program - Industry), and for more information about this and other AusIndustry programs.

GRANTS

6. FOOD INDUSTRY INNOVATION ENCOURAGED

Applications are sought from Australian food businesses for dollar-for-dollar funding assistance via the FOOD INNOVATION GRANTS (FIG) program. The program is an important element of the National Food Industry Strategy's drive to increase innovation within Australia's $26 billion export food industry.

Under the program, businesses may be eligible for annual grants ranging from $25,000 to $0.5m over three years on a matched basis. In-kind contribution may also be included as part of a matched contribution. The focus of the program is to gain commercial results from research and development and innovation. Proposals should generally involve research and development to resolve a scientific or technical challenge for the food industry in Australia, with strong prospects both for commercialisation within the business and food business uptake within Australia.

The Commonwealth Government is providing almost $35 million over five years for FIG, as a key component of the Commonwealth-funded $100 million National Food Strategy.

Information, guidelines and forms on FIG are available from the NFIS web site at http://www.nfis.com.au, or for further information contact NFIS staff on 1300 130 360 or e-mail fig@nfis.com.au

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

7. R&D DIRECTOR - CSIRO, Brisbane QLD

Social and Economic Integration

Salary $99K - 124K + Superannuation

Ref: PG:02/66

We are seeking to recruit a dynamic and entrepreneurial professional to lead one of our five new organisation-wide emerging science initiatives - Social and Economic Integration (SEI).

The successful candidate will be responsible to the SEI Board for leading, developing and managing a networked program of science investment. They will also facilitate and support linkages within CSIRO and between CSIRO scientists and external social and economic research bodies.
The successful candidate must have a record of excellence in social and/or economic R&D. Experience in integrating biophysical and socio-economic R&D would be extremely advantageous. They must also have a capacity to exercise high level judgement and a strong willingness and capacity to undertake an R&D leadership role in an outcome-focused and team-orientated environment. Given the diverse working environment, superior inter-personal skills, and the ability to quickly build effective relationships with research staff, clients and stakeholders is essential.

An information package including the selection criteria and duty statement for the position is available from http://www.csiro.au/careers.

8. BUSINESS MANAGER - CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems - Canberra ACT

$51K - $66K + Superannuation

Ref: PG:02/68

We are seeking to recruit an experienced professional to provide business service, management expertise, and advice. You will play a key role in providing business services to the Program and the Program's Research Groups, especially in financial management, project management and contracts management. You will also have a critical role in supporting the implementation and monitoring of the Group Business Plans and advising Wildlife, Pests and Diseases Program staff on business issues.

You must have a strong willingness and capacity to develop a business management role in an outcome-focused and team-orientated environment. Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships are also essential.

An information package including the selection criteria and duty statement for the position is available from http://www.csiro.au/careers.


9. HEAD OF SCHOOL, PROFESSOR/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR -School of Ecology & Environment, Deakin University

The University invites applications for the position of Head of School of Ecology and Environment. The appointment will be made at either Professor or Associate Professor level.

Applications are encouraged from those who meet the selection criteria at the Professor or Associate Professor level, with interests in disciplines associated with ecology and environment which complement the School's teaching and research program.

An attractive salary package is offered, including superannuation, a fully maintained University vehicle for the term of appointment as Head of School and a responsibility allowance will be negotiated.
See below for application details.

PROFESSOR AQUATIC SCIENCE

The University invites applications for appointment to a Chair in the School of Ecology and Environment.

The University seeks an aquatic scientist, with a PhD in a relevant discipline and a proven and significant record in

* Scholarly publication based on research

* University teaching at both graduate and undergraduate levels

Applications are encouraged from persons with interests in areas of aquatic science such as marine and freshwater science, fisheries management, and water quality management.

Although this is a senior appointment, outstanding scholars seeking an early promotion to the level of Professor are welcome to apply. We will be seeking evidence of academic leadership and vision, internationally significant accomplishments in research, a distinguished record in teaching, and the potential to act as an effective Head of School.

The position will be a continuing appointment to a Chair. An attractive package including superannuation will be negotiated.

Application details
Further information concerning the University and the positions, please contact Professor Richard Russell, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology on (03) 9251 7454 or email: deanscitech@deakin.edu.au.

Information packages including the selection criteria and position descriptions can be obtained from our website http://www.deakin.edu.au/hrs/employment/index.php#exec

Applications will be received no later than Monday 16th December 2002, to Senior Appointments Consultant, Human Resources Services Division, 221 Burwood Hwy Burwood, VICTORIA 3125 or email: cathyw@deakin.edu.au

Further information can also be obtained from the following web sites: http://www.deakin.edu.au/hrs and http://www.deakin.edu.au/fac_st

WORKSHOP

10. WORKSHOP FOR POTENTIAL USERS OF THE AUSTRALIAN SYNCHROTRON

Registration is now open for "Australian Synchrotron: A Workshop for Potential Users", to be held at the University of Melbourne from 29 - 31 January 2003.

This workshop is a key part of the process of developing the first group of Australian Synchrotron beamlines to meet the needs of science and industry. It will bring together current synchrotron users, potential users of the Australian Synchrotron, and international and local
experts in synchrotron design, operation and experimentation. The cost of registration is $55, $11 for post-graduate students.

Those seeking an overview of synchrotron research and the plans for the Australian Synchrotron will be primarily interested in the first day of the workshop. Days two and three will focus on technical discussions in relation to the development of beamline specifications.

The brochure and registration form are now available from:
http://www.synchrotron.vic.gov.au/whats_new/user_workshops.asp

Contact: Australian Synchrotron Project
Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
Level 18, 80 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9655 3315 (International: +61 3 9655 3315)
Fax: (03) 9655 8666 (International: +61 3 9655 8666)
E-mail: contact.us@synchrotron.vic.gov.au
Website: http://www.synchrotron.vic.gov.au

PUBLICATION

11. THE SCITECH TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORY 2002 - CLEARANCE SALE

Stocks of the 2002 Edition of The Scitech Technology Directory are now being cleared at less than half-price.
The Directory provides comprehensive information about science, technology and innovation policies and programs at national and state levels. It includes details of the new R&D tax incentive; industry R&D, trade and investment programs; university research programs and grants; information technology, communications and multimedia initiatives; and medical, biotechnology, energy, resources, agriculture and environmental research programs and grants.
It also provides a guide to sources of venture capital and other business assistance resources.
The 2002 Edition of The Scitech Technology Directory is now available for $90 including GST and postage, less than half the RRP.
To obtain your copy, contact Ruth or Fiona on Tel: (03) 9530 8900, Fax your credit card details to (03) 9530 8911, or send an Email to hallmark@halledit.com.au. Cheques may be made out to Hallmark Editions and posted to PO Box 84, Hampton, 3188.