Archived News for Research Sector Professionals

Monash University’s School of Rural Health in Bendigo has been awarded $2.5 million to establish a Centre of Research Excellence in Rural and Remote Primary Health Care ensuring greater access to better health services in rural Australia.

The Centre will undertake research designed to secure rural and remote communities appropriate primary health care services, and to help Australians living outside of capital cities overcome problems associated with accessing health care.

Professor John Humphreys will lead a collaboration of Australia’s foremost rural health researchers from Monash University in Bendigo and Gippsland, the Flinders and Charles Darwin Universities Centre for Remote Health in Alice Springs, and the University of Sydney Department of Rural Health in Broken Hill to conduct this important research.

ANU launches 10 year strategic plan

The Australian National University (ANU) has launched its latest strategic plan that will aim to outline the university's direction over the coming decade. Seven months after his appointment to lead ANU, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Young today issued ANU by 2020.

Economic benefits of biomass examined

The Federal Government has released two reports into the future of biomass in the Australian economy.

CSIRO studying wind speed changes

Scientists at the CSIRO are researching long-term wind speed changes with an eye to gain better understanding for the wind energy sector and reduce risk for generators in a changing climate.

New technology previews long-term impact of mining on groundwater aquifers

A new centrifuge at the University of New South Wales Water Research Laboratory can act as an environmental “time machine”, allowing researchers to preview the long-term effects on groundwater aquifers of activities such as coal seam gas and longwall mining.

Research predicts significant increase in kidney disease

Research released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows cases of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) treated with dialysis or kidney transplantation are expected to increase significantly over the coming decade.

Computer technology to assist in brain repair

Research conducted by a Curtin University engineer promises to find the solution to many of the human brain’s most complex problems, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, autism and strokes.

ICES awards UWA professor

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has awarded its converted Prix d’Excellence to Professor Carlos M. Duarte, Director of the University of Western Australia’s Oceans Institute.

University of WA appoints new Chair in Biodiversity

Internationally renowned plant conservation biologist Professor Stephen Hopper FLS will be stepping down as director of the world heritage-listed Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, UK, to take up a new Chair in Biodiversity at The University of Western Australia.

Australia and New Zealand submit SKA proposal

Australia and New Zealand have submitted a joint proposal to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The official submission is a crucial step towards the goal of hosting the world’s most powerful radio telescope.

CQU headhunts research team

A team of up to 50 researchers and research students, led by internationally renowned sleep researcher Drew Dawson, has left the University of South Australia to join Central Queensland University (CQU).

VU researchers receive $2.7 million for desalination projects

Victorian University researchers have been awarded $2.7 million in grants from the Federal Government and industry partners for three desalination projects.

Research grant to help stroke victims

Researchers from the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Institute are conducting research on how to assist stroke victims repair swallowing functions, which brake down in more than 50 per cent of patients.

Investment boosts wheat research

Research into wheat species diversification has received a major boost after the signing of an equity investment in HRZ Wheats Pty Ltd by one of the nation’s leading agricultural disease and pest control companies, Dow AgroSciences Australia Ltd.

Research finds forest logging increases risk of mega fires

Logging in Victoria’s mountain ash forests is increasing the risk of catastrophic wildfires, according to an expert from The Australian National University.

Oil and gas research centre launched in NT

Construction of a new oil and gas research facility has begun in the Northern Territory.

SciVerse Scopus to be Citation Provider for ERA 2012

Australian Research Council (ARC) Chief Executive Officer, Professor Margaret Sheil, announced Elsevier’s SciVerse Scopus as the successful tenderer to provide citation information for the next round of the Australian Government’s Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) initiative.

“ERA is a world-class research evaluation initiative based on a combination of expert review and indicators of research excellence,” said Professor Sheil.

“As citation analysis is one of the indicators used in ERA, it is crucial to appoint a suitable citation provider. Citation analysis is a widely recognised bibliometric tool for assessing the quality of scholarly research.”

Scopus provided the citation information for the 2009 ERA trial and the first full ERA exercise in 2010, which was the first ever comprehensive assessment of the research effort of Australia’s universities.

“In its continuing role as citation provider for ERA 2012, Scopus will help ensure the collection and analysis of citation data for ERA is accurate and not onerous for universities.

“The ARC welcomes our continued partnership with SciVerse Scopus, and acknowledges the strong business commitment that they have shown throughout the evolution of ERA.”

The ERA 2012 evaluation will open for submissions in March 2012. For more information visit the Excellence in Research for Australia initiative page.

Australia, Singapore pledge commitment to further scientific collaboration

Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote exchange between the two countries in the areas of health and medical research.