SUMMARY OF THIS R&D INFO, November 21, 2002

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NEWS ALERTS

1. `POLICY-DRIVEN’ GRANTS FOR QUEENSLAND PhD STUDENTS
2. NEW $70m SUSTAINABLE MINING FOUNDATION
3. IBM AND IMB IN BIOINFORMATICS DEAL
4. PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY ACTION AGENDA
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RESEARCH FUNDING

5. APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR THE PREMIER'S COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM (ROUND1)
6. WESTERN AUSTRALIAN PREMIER'S RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2002/03
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

7. NMR SPECTROSCOPIST FOR DRUG DISCOVERY
8. CHIEF SCIENTIST - Forestry Tasmania
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BUSINESS SERVICES

9. ERNST & YOUNG R&D SERVICES
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CONFERENCE

10. WHITTLESEA TO HOST NATIONAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT INNOVATION CONFERENCE
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PUBLICATION

11. THE SCITECH TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORY 2002 - CLEARANCE SALE
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NEWS ALERTS
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1. `POLICY-DRIVEN’ GRANTS FOR QUEENSLAND PhD STUDENTS

The Queensland Government has established a grant system for PhD students under which, in return for supporting the students, it will tap into the research and its findings and use the information in formulating policies. Premier Peter Beattie said that the aim is to create a direct bridge between the cutting edge research being undertaken by the state’s best and brightest PhD students and government policy-making. Grants of $100,000 over three years will be provided to Queensland PhD students who are undertaking research on topics relevant to Queensland’s key priorities. These key priorities are: more jobs for Queensland; safer and more supportive communities; better quality of life; valuing the environment; and building Queensland's regions.
Fourteen students from Central Queensland University, Griffith University and The University of Queensland have been selected for the first round of grants.

2. NEW $70m SUSTAINABLE MINING FOUNDATION

A new $70 million foundation dedicated to finding sustainable solutions for major environmental challenges facing the Australian minerals and metals industries and their customers in the Asia-Pacific region has been established by Rio Tinto, in conjunction with the Federal Government.
The Foundation for a Sustainable Minerals Industry, which is being established with a $35 million funding package from the Commonwealth, along with a similar contribution by Rio Tinto, will initially focus on three important greenhouse and energy efficiency projects including the "burying" of CO2 and increasing energy efficiencies in the aluminium, bauxite and iron ore industries.

3. IBM AND IMB IN BIOINFORMATICS DEAL

The Queensland Institute for Molecular Bioscience and IBM have entered into a three-year, multi-million dollar life science research and bioinformatics collaboration.
IBM and the IMB will develop a joint research program, share bioinformatics knowledge and tools, and establish a world class bioinformatics hub. The IMB also will become the first Australian institution to participate in IBM's Shared University Research (SUR) program, in which computing equipment (servers, storage systems, personal computing products, etc.) is contributed to colleges, universities and institutions of higher education around the world to facilitate research projects in areas of mutual interest.


4. PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY ACTION AGENDA

The pharmaceutical industry’s 10-year action agenda has been released, setting the target of doubling its share of the global industry by 2012 by building more innovative partnerships between research, industry and international enterprises.
The Action Agenda gives priority to: increasing investment in Australia to capture innovation and knowledge; becoming a global hub for pharmaceutical related R&D and commercialisation; and further developing Australia as a key global exporter of goods and services.
The Action Agenda Implementation Group will be chaired by Dr Graeme Blackman, CEO of the Institute of Drug Technology Australia Limited.

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RESEARCH FUNDING

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5. APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR THE PREMIER'S COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM (ROUND1)

PREMIER'S SCIENCE COUNCIL - WESTERN AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT

The Premier's Collaborative Research Program seeks to enhance inter-agency research collaboration and cooperation between State Government agencies, industry and academe to stimulate significant growth in knowledge in areas of importance to the State.

Grants are open to application by State Government agencies. Eligible projects will demonstrate active research collaboration, in areas of strategic priority for Western Australia, between two or more State Government research agencies and at least one external partner from academe, industry or federal research agencies, such as CSIRO and the Australian Institute for Marine Science.

To achieve significant outcomes research projects funded through the program will involve comprehensive scientific investigations into fields such as water resource management, environmental remediation, protection of WA's natural heritage, health research in priority areas such as indigenous health and projects to enhance the State's mining, energy and agricultural sectors.

Grants will be in the order of $600,000 over three years and require contributions from project partners. One grant per year will be awarded for each of the ensuing three years 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07.

Guidelines for the Premier's Collaborative Research Program may be accessed at http://www.sciencecouncil.dpc.wa.gov.au. Closing date for expression of interest applications is 31 January 2003.

For further information (not for guidelines) contact Ms Linda Penny, Senior Policy Officer, Office of Science and Innovation on 9222 8883 or email at lpenny@dpc.wa.gov.au.


6. WESTERN AUSTRALIAN PREMIER'S RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2002/03

PREMIER'S SCIENCE COUNCIL - WESTERN AUSTRALIA GOVERNMENT


The Premier's Research Fellowship Program seeks to attract excellent researchers to Western Australia, from overseas or interstate, to conduct research that is internationally competitive and of specific benefit to Western Australia. The program will support research activities with the potential to provide enhanced economic, environmental and social benefits for Western Australians.

The successful applicants will build and sustain world-class research teams with international linkages, increase the level of external funding brought to the State and significantly enhance the State's research effort.

APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FROM HOST INSTITUTIONS SEEKING TO ATTRACT RESEARCH FELLOWS UNDER THE SCHEME

Premier's Research Fellowship Program guidelines and application form may be accessed at http://www.sciencecouncil.dpc.wa.gov.au. Closing date for expression of interest applications is 31 December 2002.

For further information (not for application forms) contact Ms Linda Penny, Senior Policy Officer, Office of Science and Innovation on tel: 9222 8883 or email at lpenny@dpc.wa.gov.au

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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7. NMR SPECTROSCOPIST FOR DRUG DISCOVERY

Cerylid Biosciences is an Australian biotechnology company located in Melbourne, Australia. Its core business of drug discovery draws upon the unique biodiversity of Australia and SE Asia as a source of natural chemical diversity for biological screening and identification of novel drug candidates. We are currently enhancing our capacity in the Natural Products Chemistry Group in order to meet the needs of our expanded internal screening program in the therapeutic areas of oncology and inflammation. The newly created position will support our highly experienced NMR specialist in the Natural Products Chemistry Group. Responsibilities will include the acquistion of NMR spectra on our 500 MHz Varian INOVA NMR instrument, NMR data management, structure solvation, and instrument maintenance.

Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent degree in Chemistry or other relevant discipline and, preferably, post-graduate experience in the field of natural products chemistry and/or NMR spectroscopy. The position requires strong technical experience with all aspects of NMR spectroscopy and structure solvation. Experience with mass spectrometry and modern chromatographic techniques is desirable. The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal and organisational skills enabling you to work in a team. Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and proficiency in English are essential.

For the right candidate, this represents an excellent opportunity to join an exciting company with significant prospects for growth, and to make important contributions globally in the competitive field of drug discovery. Closing Date for applications: 6 December 2002.

Please send your Curriculum Vitae, with the names and contact details of three referees to:
Cerylid Pty. Ltd.
Human Resources
Dyanne Ierardo
576 Swan Street, Richmond, Victoria 3121, Australia.
E-mail: dierardo@cerylid.com.au

8. CHIEF SCIENTIST - Forestry Tasmania

Are You A Scientist, A Strategic Thinker and A People Manager?
Forestry Tasmania needs you.

Forestry Tasmania's business is successfully managing 1.5 million hectares of forests for multiple use. The Chief Scientist leads a research team aimed at improving productivity and sustainability of our native forests and plantations.

We face many challenges in progressively delivering innovative forest land management. We are looking for someone to assist us in this task, who aspires to be a national leader of applied research in sustainable forest management.

The position works with an Executive team and Board who are committed to innovation and knowledge as benchmarks for future success of the business.

If you are a professional forest scientist with national standing

* able to provide science leadership to our research programs;

* motivated to see research results applied to practical operations and forest resource management; and

* committed to sustainable management of natural and plantation forest resources,

then we have a unique career opportunity for you and are keen to engage with you.

The successful person will be offered a contract and attractive remuneration.
The position is based in Hobart, Tasmania.

For further information contact:
Dr Hans Drielsma on (03) 6233 8181 or email hans.drielsma@forestrytas.com.au

Applications should be addressed to:
Personnel Officer
Forestry Tasmania
GPO Box 207
HOBART TAS 7001
by Friday 29 November, 2002

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BUSINESS SERVICES
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9. ERNST & YOUNG R&D SERVICES

Small R&D companies in loss should be careful not to miss out on receiving a cash rebate through the new R&D Tax Offset. Companies that have an annual turnover up to $5 million and spend up to $1 million on R&D a year may qualify. The cash rebate will return 37.5 cents in the dollar for companies entitled to a 125% deduction under the Tax Concession. To find out more about this Offset, R&D Tax Concession, EMDG or other R&D assistance please contact Ernst & Young.

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's nationwide network and extensive experience makes it one of the leading providers of R&D services in Australia. For more information on how Ernst & Young can help, please contact an office near you.

Perth: Robin Parsons (08) 9429 2251

Adelaide: Terry Zander (08) 8233 7106

Melbourne: Alun Needham (03) 9288 8099

Sydney: Craig Fowler (02) 9248 5308

Brisbane: Lindsay Somerville (07) 3011 3236

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CONFERENCE
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10. WHITTLESEA TO HOST NATIONAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT INNOVATION CONFERENCE

February 14, 2003, Melbourne

Examples of local government innovation from across the nation will be presented at the City of Whittlesea's 'Intelligent Cities: the smart future for your council' national conference to be held in Melbourne on February 14 next year.

The event, the city's third annual Technology Innovation Conference, will bring together local government planners, developers and decision makers for an opportunity to listen and interact with outstanding presenters from Australia and overseas.

The conference will discuss topics including the development of e-government, models for the broadbanding of new and established communities and world-class planning, business analysis and infrastructure initiatives. Case studies of innovative projects will also be presented to delegates.

Key speakers will include David J. Molchany, Chief Information Officer of Fairfax County, USA, Dr Steve Hodgkinson, Director eGovernment Strategy and Policy for Multimedia Victoria and Robin Eckermann, Chief Architect for TransACT Communications.

For more information go to http://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/conference or contact the City of Whittlesea's Jackie Phillips on (03) 9217 2335 or email conference@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

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PUBLICATION
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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.

 


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R&D Review