Archived News for Research Sector Professionals - April, 2011
The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) has released a discussion paper about the development of a 2011 Strategic Roadmap for Australian Research Infrastructure which will identify Australia’s national research infrastructure priority areas.
The 2011 Roadmap, to be overseen by the National Research Infrastructure Council (NRIC), is the third to be developed. The first was released in 2006 as part of the implementation of the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). The second, released in 2008, formed the basis for the Australian Government’s 2009 Super Science Initiative.
The 2011 Roadmap will once again focus on Capability areas, and will not aim to identify specific items of infrastructure, but will identify areas where public investment in research infrastructure will make a significant difference to Australia’s research and innovation outcomes. It will be primarily concerned with medium to large-scale research infrastructure.
New approach to renewable energy funding proposed
The Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE) has released its Strategic Directions report setting out priorities for renewable energy technology development and recommending initiatives to support development, commercialisation and large scale deployment.
Funding for new pallet technology
A new manufacturing process using organic fibres to make planks for shipping pallets, developed by Biofiba Limited, based at Gosford, NSW, has been awarded funding of up to $1.97 million from CSIRO’s Australian Growth Partnership (AGP).
New research centre for steel industry
Shanghai-based Baosteel Group has partnered with The University of Queensland, University of New South Wales, Monash University, and the University of Wollongong to establish the Baosteel-Australia Joint Research and Development Centre.
Trans-Tasman Patent Attorney Discussion Paper released
IP Australia and NZ Ministry of Economic Development have released the discussion paper for a trans-Tasman patent attorney regulatory framework.
South Australian appoints new Chief Scientist
A leader and recognised expert in the field of water management and quality, Adjunct Professor Don Bursill AM, has been appointed as South Australia’s new Chief Scientist.
NHMRC Indigenous Scientific Forum calls for promotion of research funding
The importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research and building the current and future workforce were reinforced at the NHMRC Indigenous Scientific Forum, held recently in Canberra.
Research community calls for increase in medical research funding
The AMA has joined leading science, medical and research groups in calling on the Government to increase or at least maintain current levels of health and medical research funding.
New CSIRO Climate and Health Cluster launched
CSIRO has launched a new Climate and Health Cluster, with funding of $3.15 million over three years from CSIRO’s Flagship Collaboration Fund.
Funding available for urban water research
First stage applications for funding of urban water innovation projects under the Open Innovation Stream of the Smart Water Fund have been called and will close on Friday April 8.
Chairman of WA Science Council quits
The chairman of the Western Australian Technology and Industry Advisory Council (TIAC)l, Charles Morgan, has resigned after four months in the job, reportedly because he was frustrated that research and development were not being taken seriously by the WA Government.
Director appointed to Goyder Institute for Water Research
Hydrologist Dr Tony Minns has been appointed as the first Director of the $50 million Goyder Institute for Water Research.
Call for NT Research and Innovation Grants
The Northern Territory has called for applications from businesses and research organisations for the latest round of the NT Research and Innovation Grants.
CSIRO launches climate change science book
CSIRO has launched Climate Change: Science and Solutions for Australia to help inform business, government, and the community about the many issues that need to be addressed in response to climate change.
Queensland medical research fellowships announced
The Queensland Government has announced the first round of recipients for 2011 under the Queensland Health’s Office of Health and Medical Research (OHMR) fellowship program.
Biota awarded $231 million influenza cure contract
Melbourne-based pharmaceutical company Biota has been awarded a $231 million contract to develop a cure for influenza by a US anti-bioterrorism unit.