Archived News for Research Sector Professionals - March, 2011
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.
“As Professor Garnaut says, much greater investment in low emission R&D is needed to effectively tackle climate change, actually saving us money down the track,” said Dr Peter Cook, CO2CRC Chief Executive.
“If we are going to produce real cuts in greenhouse gas emissions in a cost-effective way then we need new and improved low emission technologies and that will need investment on a scale such as that proposed by Professor Garnaut.”
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.
Call for submissions on IP law amendments
IP Australia has called for comments on draft legislation designed to strengthen and improve Australia's IP system.
New international system to speed up patent processing
A new online patent access system will enable IP offices in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom to share a digital library of patent search and examination reports.
CSIRO and Chinese Academy of Sciences join forces for food production
Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Science and CSIRO have held a three-day scientific forum in Canberra to discuss future research collaborations with a focus on the world's major food crops, such as wheat, rice and corn.
CSIRO strikes spread over new enterprise agreement
Staff at CSIRO are continuing a series of rolling strikes in support of their demands for a 4.6 per cent pay increase and changes to employment conditions.
NHMRC Partnership Project funding awarded
Sixteen health and medical research projects will receive a total of $14 million in funding through the NHMRC’s Partnerships for Better Health – Projects (Partnership Projects) scheme.
Duarte appointed director of UWA Oceans Institute
The University of Western Australia has appointed renowned oceans researcher Professor Carlos Duarte as Director of the Oceans Institute.
Australia strengthens solar technology research with Germany
The Australian Government has signed a new memorandum of understanding with Germany for research and development into solar technologies.
New CSIRO environmental research clusters established
CSIRO has launched a new two new environmental research clusters.
Academies voice concerns about gene patents legislation
The Australian Academy of Science (AAS) and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences (ATSE) and Engineering have both expressed concerns that proposed changes to the gene patents legislation could stifle research and limit availability of effective new drugs for the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
Clinical Trials Action Group's recommendations accepted
The Federal Government has accepted the recommendations of the Clinical Trials Action Group report and will introduce changes intended to increase pharmaceutical research and development and improve the clinical trials approval process.
ATSE approves Gender Equity Policy
The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has taken steps to promote women's roles in technological sciences and engineering – both within the Academy and nationally.
Built Environment Industry Innovation Council report released
Partnerships between Government, industry, academia, unions and small business have been demonstrated in a new report from the Built Environment Industry Innovation Council.
NHMRC program grants announced
The Australian Academy of Science has congratulated three Fellows for winning a combined total of more than $54 million in prestigious five year National Health and Medical Research Council Program Grants, to continue their vital work in medical research.
MASSIVE computing research facility launched
A new computing facility called MASSIVE – or Multi-modal Australian ScienceS Imaging and Visualisation Environment – is the latest tool in the fight against serious and life-threatening illnesses including lung disease, diabetes, AIDS and cancer.