SUMMARY OF THIS R&D INFO, October 24, 2002

NEWS ALERTS
1. LANDMARK R&D SYNDICATION DECISION
2. NEXT PMSEIC MEETING
3. CALL FOR INDEPENDENT LAND AND WATER RESOURCES AUDIT
4. NSW BIOMEDICAL CLUSTER
5. MELBOURNE BIOTECHNOLOGY NETWORK

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

6. DIRECTOR Communication, Education & Training, CSIRO
7. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - Environmental and Waste Management R&D Company

CONFERENCES

8. MOVING TOWARDS THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY CONFERENCE
9. EVIDENCE BASED HERBAL MEDICINES: FROM TRADITION TO CLINIC


NEWS ALERTS
=================

1. LANDMARK R&D SYNDICATION DECISION

A decision by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) last month has opened the way for R&D syndicates to challenge rulings made by the Australian Taxation Office denying them access to millions of dollars of taxation deductions under the R&D Syndication Scheme.
The AAT's ruling, against which the ATO has launched an appeal in the Federal Court, will enable the Macquarie Bank to claim a $20.7 million loss generated in 1992 through the purchase by a syndicate formed with Bresatec Pty Ltd (now BresaGen Ltd), of core technology for the production of transgenic pigs.

2. NEXT PMSEIC MEETING

The next meeting of the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC), to be held on December 5, will hear presentations on the contributions that science, engineering and technology can make to combating terrorism; a paper entitled `Beyond Kyoto: Technological Challenges and Opportunities’; and on the management skills required for high-growth, start-up companies.

3. CALL FOR INDEPENDENT LAND AND WATER RESOURCES AUDIT

The final summary report of the $35 million, five-year National Land and Water Resources Audit has been released, providing a collation of the major findings of the Audit and recommendations for future collection and management of natural resource management information.
A key recommendation of the report is that an independent, statutory information agency should be established to coordinate the collection of natural resource data, provide information, undertake assessment of progress, review and fine-tune major programs and develop new initiatives.
To obtain the report, Australia's Natural Resources: 1997-2002 and Beyond, contact Tel: (02) 6257 9516 or Email: info@nlwra.gov.au.

4. NSW BIOMEDICAL CLUSTER

New South Wales is establishing a biomedical cluster to facilitate research activity and accelerate commercial development of biomedical discoveries and intellectual property assets, initially within the North Shore area of Sydney. The cluster involves members and supporting organisations including private sector companies, technology business incubators, universities, CSIRO, research institutes and government bodies. Dr Deborah Kuchler has been appointed Chief Executive of BioMed North. Further information at http://www.biomednorth.org.

5. MELBOURNE BIOTECHNOLOGY NETWORK

The Committee for Melbourne has formally launched its BioMelbourne Network, a biotechnology industry body designed to be the first point of contact for local and international companies. The Network will undertake investment attraction and business development activities, market and promote Victoria as Australia's biotechnology capital and run forums on issues relevant to the development of the biotechnology industry. Further information is at http://www.melbourne.org.au/

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
=================================
6. DIRECTOR - Communication, Education & Training
CSIRO, Brisbane QLD

Social and Economic Integration

$68K - $82K + Superannuation

Ref: PG:02/61

We are seeking to recruit a dynamic and entrepreneurial professional to provide high-level expertise in communication, education and training in one of our five new organisation-wide emerging science initiatives - Social and Economic Integration (SEI).

The successful candidate will be responsible for directing the communication, education and training activities of a networked program of science investment in CSIRO as well as ensuring effective communication between CSIRO scientists and external SEI partners, clients and stakeholders. This will require leadership in information management, strategic communication, internal communication, training and outreach.

The successful candidate must have formal communication, education and/or training qualifications or equivalent experience, a capacity to exercise sound judgement and a demonstrated ability to work independently and autonomously. They must also have a strong willingness and capacity to undertake a communications leadership role in an outcome-focused and team-orientated environment. It is essential that they have a pro-active and flexible approach to considering alternative strategies and options, and the ability and judgement to decide on or recommend appropriate actions.

Given the diverse working environment, superior inter-personal skills, and the ability to quickly build effective working relationships is essential. A background in social and economic R&D or demonstrated experience in an R&D environment would be considered advantageous.

This position is available for a period of 4 years.

For Selection Documentation and details on how to apply please visit http://www.csiro.au/careers.
Alternatively contact 1300 301 509

7. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - Newly Established, Environmental and Waste Management R&D Company

Benefits of Regional Lifestyle - Location: Monash University Campus,
Gippsland

ASIRC has been established to provide Victorian Industry and the Community with an integrated approach to the development and implementation of sustainable solutions for the management and minimisation of wastes. The establishment of this independent entity is being co-funded by the Victorian Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development, and is an initiative of Monash University, Gippsland Water and the CRC for Waste Management and Pollution Control (NSW).

This newly created position will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Centre and will report to a Board of high profile representatives. The role will have a strong relationship management focus and primary responsibilities include: leading and managing the Centre to achieve scientific, educational and commercial outcomes; maintaining and growing the Centre within the objectives laid down by the Board; and through the Centre's R&D programs, seeking external projects and funding and growing the membership base.

Tertiary qualified, preferably in a related scientific or engineering discipline, you will have a strong business background with broad management and entrepreneurial skills and experience in leading projects in research or similar areas. Experience in waste management/environmental management will be well regarded. Strong marketing, negotiation, communication and relationship/people management skills are important. A highly attractive package is on offer.

To apply in strict confidence, email your resume to execrec@kpmg.com.au
or fax to (03) 9288 6666 quoting reference number P1306RD1. Further enquiries to Bradley Beumer at our Melbourne office on (03) 9288 5381.

CONFERENCES
==================

8. MOVING TOWARDS THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY CONFERENCE
Novotel, Sydney Olympic Park
11 - 12 November 2002

Governments and businesses worldwide agree that innovation, R&D, science, creativity, "know how", ICT, "smart" technologies, skills and global knowledge networks will drive economic growth and international competitiveness.

The two-day Moving Towards the Knowledge Economy Conference is the first conference in Australia to bring together all the elements of the Knowledge Economy.

This is a one-off opportunity for business, government, research and education to come together and shape the agenda for Australia to become one of the top 10 knowledge economies by 2010.

Renowned international and Australian speakers will give insights into the policies and initiatives of leading knowledge economies in Europe, Asia and the United States. How does Australia rate and how can we capitalise on our strengths to position the country for the future global knowledge race?

Entrepreneurs and innovators will also deliver their stories from the corporate front-line. Delegates will meet face-to-face in interactive brainstorming sessions. Networking will provide business opportunities with international and Australian business and policy leaders.

NSW Premier Bob Carr will launch the Conference, which will be hosted by NSW Minister for Western Sydney and Information Technology, Kim Yeadon.

Speakers Include:

* Enterprise Ireland

* Ko Kheng Hwa, MD, Singapore Economic Development Board

* Dr Orna Berry, Israel's Former Chief Scientist

* Dr Ken Roozen, Executive Director, Medical University South Carolina's Foundation for Research and Development

* Dr Robin Batterham, Chief Scientist, Commonwealth of Australia

* Prof Jane Marceau, University of Western Sydney

* Professor Trevor Cole, University of Sydney

* Professor Ron Johnston, Executive Director, Australian Innovation Centre

* John Rimmer, CEO, National Office for the Information Economy

* Prof Vijay Varadharajan member of the Microsoft Trusted Computing Advisory Board

* CEOS of the ICT and Biotechnology Centres of Excellence, Prof Alan Trounson and Prof Brian Anderson

The Moving Towards the Knowledge Economy Conference is an initiative of the NSW Government's Office of Western Sydney, in partnership with industry, research and government.
Register online at http://www.keconference.com

Inquiries to Margaret Ryan, Executive Director, Office of Western Sydney on 02 9687 8499 or email margaret.ryan@ditm.nsw.gov.au

9. EVIDENCE BASED HERBAL MEDICINES: FROM TRADITION TO CLINIC - University of Sydney Symposium
Friday November 1, 2002; 12.30 6.30 pm

Purpose of the Symposium:

* Debate the key issues: What is the evidence underlying usefulness of herbal medicines and quality issues?

* Interact and network with speakers, industry representatives, researchers, health professionals and policy makers in herbal medicines.

* Find out how evidenced based herbal medicines are developed from key national and international players in the herbal area.

* Hear the Australian State of Play in a Networking Session for industry managers, health professionals and researchers in herbal medicines.

Guest Speakers:

* Adolf Nahrstedt International expert on quality of herbal medicines

* Yves Henrotin International expert on arthritis models

* Paul A Komesaroff Clinician, researcher and ethicist

* John A Eden Clinical researcher

* Sigrun Chrubasik Medical practitioner, clinical researcher

* Other herbal medicines researchers regulatory issues, analysis, R&D

Master of Herbal Medicines 2003
The Masters course for local and overseas students
For career enhancement of pharmacists, medical, complementary and Chinese medicine practitioners, herbal industry professionals

* Herbal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, clinical application, quality control, regulation, Chinese medicine

* Integrative East/West herbal medicines

Information Evening: 19 Oct

For more information
Phone: 02 9351 4435, Fax: 02 9351 8638
E-mail: gli@pharm.usyd.edu.au
Website: http://www.pharm.usyd.edu.au/hmrec


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