SUMMARY OF THIS R&D INFO, 26 September 2002

NEWS ALERTS

1. EXTERNAL EARNINGS TARGETS ABOLISHED FOR FEDERAL SCIENCE AGENCIES
2. CHIEF SCIENTIST APPOINTMENT
3. VICTORIAN MANUFACTURING PROGRAMS LAUNCHED
4. WA ICT PURCHASING PROGRAM
5. SA TO INQUIRE INTO GM CROPS

CONFERENCES

6. RESEARCH MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
7. THE MOVING TOWARDS THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY CONFERENCE

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

8. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - Cooperative Research Centre for Sensor Signal
and Information Processing (CSSIP)

HIGHER EDUCATION AND SHORT COURSES

9. 3 - DAY SHORT COURSE - Safety in Laboratories
10. PhD STUDIES IN THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY - Victoria University

PUBLICATION

11. SCITECH TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORY

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NEWS ALERTS
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For more detail of these and other stories see R&D Review, September 2002

1. EXTERNAL EARNINGS TARGETS ABOLISHED FOR FEDERAL SCIENCE AGENCIES

The Federal Government has abolished the external earnings targets which have been applied to its three research agencies, CSIRO, ANSTO and AIMS, over the past decade.
The decision is in response to a review of the external earning policy completed last May by the Chief Scientist, Dr Robin Batterham, which found that the policy had served its purpose in increasing the commercial relevance of research and increasing research/industry partnerships, but that it had also had significant unintended negative effects and should now be removed.
The review report is at http://www.dest.gov.au/ChiefScientist/

2. CHIEF SCIENTIST APPOINTMENT

CSIRO researcher, Dr Vijoleta Braach-Maksvytis, has been appointed to a newly-created position as Head of the Office of the Chief Scientist. Dr Braach-Maksvytis is currently Co-Director of CSIRO Nanotechnology and Chair of the CSIRO Science Forum, with responsibility for CSIRO's strategic investments in emerging sciences. She will assist the Chief Scientist, Dr Robin Batterham, in advising the Federal Government on the contributions of science, technology and innovation to national goals.

3. VICTORIAN MANUFACTURING PROGRAMS LAUNCHED

The Victorian Government has announced funding of $8.1 million for five programs to encourage export and innovation in the state's manufacturing industry.
The programs, part of the $27 million Agenda for New Manufacturing, will provide matching funding to individual companies, groups of companies and industry associations. They are divided into two groups - Growing Exports programs and Accelerating Innovation programs.
More information about the programs is available at http://www.business.vic.gov.au

4. WA ICT PURCHASING PROGRAM

The WA Department of Industry and Technology is developing a new program, WA-MAID (Western Australian Major Alliances for Industry Development) to leverage ICT industry development from government purchasing.

Under the proposed program, ICT companies which accrue more than $5 million in sales to government agencies would be required to undertake a range of activities - such as R&D or export of goods and services, technology transfer or alliances with the start-up of small to medium-sized ICT enterprises - which develop the local ICT industry.


5. SA TO INQUIRE INTO GM CROPS

The South Australian House of Assembly has established a Select Committee on Genetically Modified Organisms to inquire into the impact of genetically modified plant technology on human health, the environment and market access.

The Committee will investigate where the impacts of GM plants might be different in SA compared with the rest of Australia and other countries, and advise on strategies that SA should adopt to address these issues. Further information at http://www.parliament.sa.gov.au, go to Committees, then Select.

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CONFERENCES
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6. RESEARCH MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

The Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS) will be holding its Annual RESEARCH MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE as part of the Australian Health and Medical Research Congress (AHMRC) in Melbourne from 25th-27th November 2002

This is an exciting new initiative in which twenty-five medical research societies are involved in over 40 thematic symposia.

Our programme will focus on the practice of research management and professional development of those involved with managing and administering the research enterprise.

Program details and updates can be found at the ARMS website http://www.researchadmin.org.au/conferences/intro.asp

Further details and registration about AHMRC: http://www.ahmrcongress2002.conf.au

* Unique opportunity to interact with delegates from other participating societies

* Focus on professional development and ethics

* International speakers

* Lectures and workshops on diverse range of topics relevant to research managers from the educational, government and private sector and including medical and non-medical research

* NHMRC and ARC workshops included in registration.

Registration includes access to all sessions on day(s) of registration. Discounted rates for society members.

Sianna Panagiotopoulos
On behalf of the Organising Committee
Phone: (03) 9496 5088
Fax: (03) 9496 3365
Email: sianna@unimelb.edu.au

7. THE MOVING TOWARDS THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY CONFERENCE

Novotel, Sydney Olympic Park
11 - 12 November 2002

Leading governments worldwide are transforming knowledge into powerful economic and social outcomes.
Australia's Chief Scientist Robyn Batterham says Australia's prime Knowledge Economy Agenda must be to jump-start smaller companies and help them grow and compete globally, fast.
He says regional collaborations and clusters with a focus on innovation and excellence will deliver massive economic results for industry and R&D alike.

The two-day Moving Towards the Knowledge Economy Conference the first in Australia will explore the global Knowledge Economy through leaders and innovators from Ireland, Israel, Singapore and the USA. They will tell how they orchestrated successful national knowledge agendas.

Researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators will deliver their stories from the corporate front-line and delegates will meet renowned International and Australian speakers face-to-face to reveal -

* How to leverage partnerships with industry

* How you turn smart ideas into sustainable business

* Partnership models between universities, researchers and industry

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

The Conference is vital for business leaders, those involved in R&D and policy development.

Register online at http://www.keconference.com

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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8. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - Cooperative Research Centre for Sensor Signal
and Information Processing (CSSIP)

The Cooperative Research Centre for Sensor Signal and Information Processing (CSSIP) is an unincorporated joint venture of nine core partners from industry, DSTO and universities and has major market sector emphases in defence, mining instrumentation and medical imaging.
CSSIP's commercial operations are conducted through its commercialisation company, SPIRE Innovations Pty Limited, for which the CSSIP CEO is Managing Director, and spin-off companies GroundProbe Pty Limited and Wedgetail TRDC Pty Limited in which SPIRE has equity.

CSSIP is Australia's leading R&D and education organisation in sensor signal and information processing, with strong links to comparable overseas organisations and an annual budget, in cash and in-kind, of around $A10M. The Centre's headquarters are at Technology Park, Mawson Lakes SA.

The CEO is responsible to the CSSIP Governing Board for the performance and strategic direction of the Centre. In commercial matters the CEO, as Managing Director, is responsible to the SPIRE Innovations Board. The CEO also serves as a Director on CSSIP's two spin-off company boards. Key areas of responsibility are in, strategic leadership, research leadership, commercial operations, people management, financial management, client relations and business development.

You will need a relevant degree in science or engineering and, highly desirably, postgraduate qualifications in a related discipline or management. You will have extensive experience at senior manager or CEO level in a technology-commercialisation or applied research environment. A three-year contract will be offered, with salary sacrifice and packaging options. Depending on qualifications, an academic title with a University may be offered. Selection documentation should be requested from Mrs Sue Wendland +61 8 8302 3729, to whom written applications should be addressed at CSSIP, SPRI Building Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes SA 5095 or email sue.wendland@cssip.edu.au. Applications close 4 October 2002.

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HIGHER EDUCATION AND SHORT COURSES
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9. 3 - DAY SHORT COURSE - Safety in Laboratories

Monday 25 - Wednesday 27 November 2002 at RMIT University, City Campus

Who Should do this course?

This course is for anyone who has an OH&S responsibility in a laboratory situation, such as managers, supervisors and health and safety representatives.


What are the course objectives?

To provide an understanding of the Australian Standards covering laboratories, to enhance awareness of hazards and control measures, and to apply Australian Standards using practical training.

See http://mams.rmit.edu.au/jqw5mjedrc1f.pdf or contact Susan Holden on (03) 9925 2120, fax (03) 9639 1321 or email susan.holden@rmit.edu.au

10. PhD STUDIES IN THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY - Victoria University

The Centre for Strategic Economic Studies is an acknowledged leader in research on economic and technological change, in relation to both advanced and developing countries. Up to 8 places are available for outstanding students in the Centre's 2003 PhD program, for studies on the links between the knowledge economy and:

* industrial structure and innovation

* inequality and governance

* sustainable development.

Applications, including CVs and a research proposal, close 7 October 2002. For further information on the Centre's activities, academic staff and the application process see http://www.cfses.com or ring 03 9248 1340.
Centre for Strategic Economic Studies
Victoria University
PO Box 14428
Melbourne City MC VIC 8001
Ph. 61 3 9248 1340
Fax 61 3 9248 1350
CRICOS Provider No. 00124K

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PUBLICATION
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11. SCITECH TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORY

For the past 16 years, the Scitech Technology Directory has provided a comprehensive and authoritative guide to science and technology policies and programs at the State and Federal levels.
The 2002 Edition is the most detailed ever, with 417 pages of information providing policy updates, departmental arrangements and contacts, details of funding programs for industry and science, and information about government research agencies.

A chapter is dedicated to each State and Territory, outlining industry programs and initiatives in the areas of health and medical research, biotechnology, information technology, agriculture, environment, energy and resources. A chapter on finance initiatives provides details of nearly 60 venture capital companies. A new addition in this year’s Directory is a chapter on New Zealand’s science, technology and innovation system.

The Scitech Technology Directory, edited by Ros Stirling, is available at a cost of $190 including GST and postage. It can be obtained by contacting Ruth or Fiona on (03) 9530 8900, Email: hallmark@halledit.com.au or download an order form at http://www.halledit.com.au

 


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See also:
R&D Review