Archived News for Research Sector Professionals

IP Australia and NZ Ministry of Economic Development have released the discussion paper for a trans-Tasman patent attorney regulatory framework.

Written responses to the discussion paper should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 16 May, 2011.

The proposed reform establishes a single trans-Tasman governance body responsible for patent attorney education, training and disciplinary standards. A Joint Working Group of officials from both countries has independently developed this paper, in order to elicit comments from the profession and the public. For more information download this fact sheet. At this stage, Australia's Professional Standards Board for Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys has not been involved.

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.

Prime Minister's Prize for Science

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.

CO2CRC Chief endorses Garnaut's R&D recommendations

The Chief Executive of the Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC) has endorsed Professor Ross Garnaut’s recommendations on innovation and low emission technologies.

Marine researchers document continental shelf life

Marine researchers from four Australian research agencies have pooled their skills to compile a definitive directory of Australia's continental shelf marine life.

New centre for green telecommunications

A new Centre for Energy Efficient Telecommunications (CEET) has been launched in Melbourne with the focus on innovation in energy efficient networks and telecommunications infrastructure with the aim to reduce the industry's impact on the environment.

Synchrotron time offered to Japanese scientists

The Victorian Government has offered assistance to Japanese scientists affected by the earthquake and tsunami by providing access to the Australian.

Queensland strengthens research ties with China

The Queensland Government has signed a new three-year science and technology partnership agreement with China. The new agreement continues a research agreement that was first established in 2008.

Garnaut paper calls for increased R&D funding

A new paper released by Professor Ross Garnaut as part of his Climate Change Review for the Australian Government has called for increased public funding for innovation in low-emissions technologies under a new scheme to be administered by an independent authority.

Medical researchers align against funding cuts

Fears that the Australian Government is planning to cut $400 million from National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) budget over three years have resulted in an open letter from research groups calling for funding to be maintained and a review of health and medical research to be undertaken.