Round Two of the AISRF opened on 6 August 2007 and the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) has received a positive response thus far with a number of applications already registering on the website. DEST would like to remind stakeholders that the applications period for Round Two will be open for another 6 weeks, closing 28 September 2007.

The AISRF provides funding support for Australian researchers to participate in strategically focussed, leading edge, scientific research and technology collaborations with Indian counterparts. Applications will be received on-line and assessed on a competitive basis against specific criteria. Applicants should refer to the AISRF Guidelines – August 2007 and information available on http://www.dest.gov.au/science/aisrf or by contacting the International Science Branch at DEST by email: aisrf@dest.gov.au or by phone: (02) 6240 9387.

Faculty Data Collection Perspectives and Experiences from the United States

Faculty Data Collection Presentation to take place at the Fusion: Collaboration with Impact Conference on Wednesday 19th September 2007. Presented by Jeff Baer, President COS division of ProQuest. All are welcome to attend prior to the Welcome Reception.

Many countries have placed an increasing emphasis on the collection of information related to faculty performance. While there are commonalities, there are also surprising differences in the manners in which countries are approaching these issues. The US, with its lack of any national centralized structure for university oversight, presents a special case. In this session, we will look at the issues directly relating to faculty assessment in the US, including latest trends, best practices of particular interest to an Australasian audience, and the lessons learned at COS in almost two decades of faculty profile data collection.

Date: Wednesday September 19, 2007
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Venue: Riverbank Room, Adelaide Convention Center

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Palliative Care Research Grants

NHMRC has issued a new media release.

Research into end-of-life and palliative care practices will be supported by two NHMRC grants announced in South Australia.

To view the full issue: http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/news/media/rel07/BM3607.htm

Australia-Netherlands Exchange Program

Applications are now called for the Australia-Netherlands Exchange Program 2007, jointly funded by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the Australian Academy of the Humanities. The closing date for applications has been extended to Thursday 1 November, 2007. For further enquiries please contact Phoebe Garrett in the Secretariat at phoebe.garrett@humanities.org.au. Application forms can be found at the ASSA website, www.assa.edu.au

Australian Standard for Laboratory Safety

Revised Australian Standard for Laboratory Safety - call for public comment

The draft of the revised AS/NZS 2243.3 'Safety in laboratories - microbiological aspects and containment facilities' is now available for public comment.

The Standard AS/NZS 2243.3 specifies requirements and gives recommended practices relating to safety in laboratories in which microorganisms are handled. It includes descriptions of risk group categories for microorganisms and requirements for facilities of corresponding containment levels.

The draft document is available by free download through Standards Australia's publisher at SAI Global's web site.

To find the document go to
http://www.saiglobal.com/shop/script/Provider.asp?Db=AS
Choose the 'Search' tab on the menu at the top of the web page
Choose 'Search for a Draft'
Type in 'DR07335' (the draft identification number)

The form to be used for submitting public comment is available via the following link: http://www.saiglobal.com/shop/misc/Public%20Comment%20Form.doc

You are encouraged to review this document and to input your comments by the closing date of 26 October 2007.

The John Frederick Adrian Sprent Prize

The John Frederick Adrian Sprent Prize is a substantial prize in cash presented to a member of the Society who in the opinion of a selection committee appointed by the Council has written an outstanding thesis in Parasitology for which the PhD degree was awarded during the previous three years. Nominations are called every three years but the prize need not be given at every selection. The prize is marked by the presentation of a cheque and certificate to the recipient together with a medal as a permanent token of achievement, and by a lecture from the recipient to the Society. The recipient will receive reimbursement of reasonable travel costs to the annual meeting of the Society at which the prize is presented and will be a guest of the Society for the duration of the meeting. The nominees for this prize must be financial members of the Society for at least 18 months. A selection committee assesses the nominees work and recommends the recipient to the Council of the Society. Nominations must be made by a proposer and seconder who are members of the Society and nominations must be accompanied by 2 copies of the nominees thesis and a detailed statement describing the merits of the research and thesis signed by the proposer and seconder.The Committee also require a complete curriculum vitae and copies of any publications arising from the work which post-date the thesis. Permission of the nominee is not required and the nominee need not be informed of the nomination.

The closing date for applications is September 30th 2007.
Electronic or hardcopy applications will be accepted.

Send to ASP Executive Secretary
Lois Small
Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories,
Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines
GPO Box 3000
Darwin NT 0801
email lois.small@nt.gov.au

Practical Guide to Managing Intellectual Property Effectively

A practical and interactive exercise in understanding the dynamics of IP within your organisation and proficiently managing IP
4th Annual Event, 5th October 2007, Rydges South Park, Adelaide. Early Bird Registration till 30th August. For further information see the agenda.

Minerals and Energy Resources list

The University of Adelaide has a very wide range of skills related to minerals and energy resources that is spread across all faculties. In considering a possible research concentration in minerals and energy resources we are trying to develop a comprehensive list of staff with minerals and energy resources-related interests. We believe this grouping has strong potential to attract State and Federal Government and industry funds, especially if it can deliver across a wide range of minerals and energy resources-related activities.

A preliminary list of those with such interests is linked (List). Please let richard.hillis@adelaide.edu.au know if you are interested in being added to this list with a brief mention of your area of expertise. If you have never previously worked in the minerals and energy resources-related area, but believe you have relavent expertise we'd like to hear from you. Being listed implies no commitment on your part, but will keep you in the loop on future developments.

Hansjörg Eichler Research Fund

Applications for an Award from the Hansjörg Eichler Research Fund are welcomed from all current financial members of the Australian Systematic Botany Society. The project must contribute to Australian systematic botany (including cryptogams); must be carried out within Australia; and the applicant must be attached to an Australian research institute (in the broadest sense).

The maximum grant awarded will be $2000. Large capital items will not be considered.

Applications (1 original + 8 copies) plus an Application Coversheet must be submitted through Research Branch to Chelsea DuBois by 7 September 2007.

Please go to http://www.anbg.gov.au/asbs/eichler/index.html for further information, guidelines and an application form.

Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) - call for applications

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) works in partnership with industry and government to invest in innovation across three key areas:

New Rural Industries
Established Rural Industries
National Rural Issues

RIRDC invistes preliminary research proposals for R&D projects that address our strategic priorities for the industries and interests in our portfolio. Individuals and consortia of research providers are invited to use the application process to express interest to meet part, or all, of the research priorities detailed in our sector 5-year R&D plans. The deadline for preliminary proposals is 18 September 2007. for further information, including details of RIRDC's individual R&D programs, visit the RIRDC website: www.rirdc.gov.au/business.

Funding Opportunities

The Funding Opportunities page on the Research Branch website provides access to all ARC and NHMRC opportunities as well as the rural and natural resources R&D corporations. In addition, you can also access the myriad of other funding opportunities available in the Current List of Funding Opportunities and the Comprehensive List of Funding Opportunities. Also, you might like to look further at the funding opportunity databases listed such as SPIN.

Still relevant...

Subscribe to Research Branch Mailing List

The Research Branch has established a mailing list for researchers interested in research news. The list circulates information on the major schemes and other funding opportunities, information sessions, prizes, general information relevant to researchers and the regular Research Branch newsletter.

To subscribe to the list, go to http://list.adelaide.edu.au/mailman/listinfo/allresearchers-v.researchbranch
Or contact Donna Holloway at donna.holloway@adelaide.edu.au or on Ext. 33789

NHMRC Development Grants 2007

The second round of NHMRC Development Grant applications for 2007 for funding commencing March 2008 opened the 20 July 2007.

The Development Grants support the development of health or medical research that has commercial potential and may benefit the Australian community by providing funding for research commercialisation at the early proof-of-concept stage.

The scheme endeavours to bridge the funding gap between the end of a high quality basic research program and the developments required to make the project commercially attractive to possible investors. Development Grants provide funding for research commercialisation at the early proof-of-concept stage and while commercial partners are encouraged, it is not a requirement that applicants have a commercial partner in place.

Development Grants are designed to support development work undertaken in a human health related field, for example diagnostics, medical devices, pharmaceutical product development, biotechnology, bioinformatics and biomaterials.

Funding is normally awarded for a period of one year. Funding may be provided for a maximum period of three years, subject to satisfactory achievement against agreed milestones. The grant request will usually not exceed $200,000 per annum.

Further information is available from the NHMRC website at http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/funding/apply/granttype/development/index.htm

Closing Date: 5pm Friday 14 September 2007.

The first round of Development Grant applications for 2007 for funding commencing September 2007 closed on 9 February. The NHMRC expects to be in a position to advise applicants of the outcomes shortly.

Go8 - DAAD German Research Exchange Scheme Announced

Research collaboration between Australia and Germany will be enhanced through a new researcher exchange scheme between the Group of Eight and the German Academic Service (DAAD). The DAAD is Germany’s national agency for the support of international academic cooperation. With a budget of over 250 million euros (AUD410 million), it is one of the world’s largest and most respected organisations in its field.

Under the Go8 Australia Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme the Go8 and the DAAD have each agreed to provide AUD200,000 a year from 2008 to 2010 to meet the travel and living costs of researchers who spend time at collaborating institutions in Australia or Germany.

Further details including application and selection procedures are now available at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/funding/ausgerman.html

All University of Adelaide applications are to be submitted to the Go8-DAAD Contact Officer at the Research Branch, Dr Don McMaster. One signed application and one electronic copy is to be submitted to Don McMaster by COB 31 August 2007.

Please register (by email) your intention to submit an application with Don or contact him at the Research Branch on x33347 if you have any questions or need assistance.

Prizes

Australian Institute of Nuclear Science & Engineering (AINSE) Awards for 2008

AINSE provides funds to assist researchers from member universities to gain access to ANSTO and other AINSE facilities. Awards are provided for one year commencing in January. Applications for 2008 awards are now open. Please see the following link for information on application guidelines and how to apply: Australian Institute of Nuclear Science & Engineering (AINSE) Awards for 2008
http://www.ainse.edu.au/ainse/for_academic_researchers/ainse_awards.html

Please submit your application to Chelsea DuBois at Research Branch, along with a completed Application Coversheet by 7 September 2007. Should you have any queries please contact Chelsea on 33716 or chelsea.dubois@adelaide.edu.au.

GlaxoSmithKline Australia - Award for Research Excellence 2008

Since its inception in 1980, the GlaxSmithKline Australia Award for Research Excellence has recognised world-class Australian medical research, and the annual presentation dinner has become a significant event in the Australian research calendar.

Recipients of the GlaxoSmithKline Award for Research Excellence receive an honorarium of $50,000 to acknowledge their discovery and contribution to science and help further their work. The Award is regarded as one of the most prestigious within the Australian research community. A requirement of the Award is that the majority of the research is undertaken in Australia.

The first step in the process is the completion of the nomination form and viewing the terms of reference setting out eligibility criteria.

For further information access the GSK website: http://www.gsk.com.au/research-development_awards-grants_gskaawardforresearchexcellence.aspx or contact Ms Merril Wenlock on (03) 9721 6791.

Dan David Prize

The Dan David Prize annually awards 3 prizes of US$ 1 million each for achievements having an outstanding scientific, technological, cultural or social impact on our world. Each year fields are chosen within the three Time Dimensions - Past, Present and Future. The laureates for a given year are chosen from these fields.

The Dan David Prize is unique in its flexible definition of dynamically changing fields of human knowledge and in its process of fostering the next generation of scholars. The laureates annually donate 20 scholarships of $15,000 each to outstanding doctoral students throughout the world, in the chosen fields.

Prize Nomination by: 30 November 2007
Scholarship Application by: 31 March 2008

For further information on the Call for Prize Nominations and Scholarship Applications 2008 visit the website: http://www.dandavidprize.org

The Royal Society of New South Wales Award Invitations 2007

The Walter Burfitt Prize 2007

The Walter Burfitt Prize is awarded at intervals of three years to the worker in pure or applied science, resident in Australia or New Zealand, whose papers and other contributions published during the past six years are deemed of the highest scientific merit, account being taken only of investigations described for the first time, and carried out by the author mainly in these countries. The award will be made for work published during the 6 years ending 31/12/2006. Three (3) copies of nominations and supporting material including a Curriculum Vitae should be submitted to The Royal Society of New South Wales not later than 30th September 2007.

The Edgeworth David Medal 2007

The Edgworth David Medal is awarded for distinguished contributions by a young scientist. The conditions of the Award of the Medal are:-

The recipient must be under the age of thirty-five years at 1st January, 2007;
The Award will be for work done mainly in Australia or its Territories; or, contributing to the advancement of Australian science.

Nominations are called for the names of suitable persons who have contributed significantly to science, including scientific aspects of agriculture, engineering, dentistry, medicine and veterinary science.

Nominations and supporting material should be submitted to The Royal Society of New South Wales not later than 30th September 2007. One (1) hard copy of the nomination and supporting material should be submitted the The Royal Society of New South Wales. Additionally, to facilitate distribution amongst the judging panel, an electronic copy of the nomination and key supporting material should be emailed to info@nsw.royalsoc.org.au.

The Clarke Medal 2007

The Clarke Medal, established in memory of the Reverend William Branwhite Clarke, MA, FRS, FGS, Vice-President of The Royal Society of New South Wales from 1866 to 1878, is considered for award annually for distinguished work in a natural science done in Australia and it Territories. This year's award is in the field of Geology in all its aspects, and nominations are called for the names of suitable persons who have contributed significantly to the science of Geology.

Attention MSc, MA or PhD Graduates

The Royal Society of New South Wales wished to provide a medium for the wider dissemination of the work performed as the MSc/MA and PhD levels. Therefore, the Council of the Society is willing to publish abstracts (maximum 500 words) of MSc, MA and PhD theses on application by the author or supervisor. Copies of Abstracts published in the Journal will be placed on the Society's web site. Please forward a copy of the University certified letter notifying the award of the degree, or other official evidence that the requirements for the award of the degree have been satisfied if you desire publication of the abstract of your thesis. Please note that Masters by Course Work is not acceptable.

One (1) hard copy of the abstract should be mailed together with the copy of your award notification to The Royal Society of New South Wales. Please provide contact details - in particular an email address so that you can be contacted regarding editorial matters and typesetting. To facilitate typesetting, an electronic copy should also be forwarded to info@nsw.royalsoc.org.au.

Call for Scientific Papers

The Royal Society of New South Wales would be pleased to consider original articles and reviews on general scientific topics in the fields of geology, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics, mathematics and other disciplines

Further information is available at http://nsw.royalsoc.org.au

Adelaide Research & Innovation Impact Awards

More than $35,000 prize money is up for grabs over the next three months for the most innovative University of Adelaide researchers. The financial incentive is being provided by Adelaide Research & Innovation Pty Ltd (ARI). ARI is offering four separate awards to the University's researchers and affiliates who can demonstrate successful commercial partnerships with industry and projects that are making an impact on the community, the State and around the world. The inaugural ARIIAS - Adelaide Research and Innovation Impact Awards - will reward researchers in four categories: Innovation & Entrepreneurship; New Achievers in Commercial Research; Growth in Contract Research; and Most Exciting New Disclosure. The first three categories offer prize money of $10,000 each and the latter category, recognising future commercial research opportunities, offers $5000 prize money. Staff members of the University of Adelaide (full-time and part-time), including affiliated titleholders who are pursuing research activities through ARI, are eligible to enter the awards. Finalists will be selected for each award and the winners will be announced at a gala presentation night in October. Visit http://www.adelaide.edu.au/aripl for more information and a copy of the application form. Applications close Friday 28 September 2007.

The Millennium Technology Prize

The Millennium Technology Prize is a biannual award given to a groundbreaking innovation that promotes people's quality of life, contributes towards the realisation of humane values and encourages sustainable development. It is Finland's tribute to life-enhancing technological innovation. At the one million euro level, the Millennium Technology Prize ranks among the world's most presitigious awards in its class. Nominations are due (direct to sponsor) by 1 October 2007. Further information is available at http://www.millenniumprize.fi.

Research Branch Newsletter - 20 August 2007

Contents

New

Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) - Round Two