Archived News for Research Sector Professionals - April, 2011
Australia’s failure to capture impact in the recent Excellence for Research program and its complex methodology has “culminated in little or no worthwhile information improvements,” according to a visiting research expert.
Patrick Dunleavy, a professor of political science and public policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science, told a seminar at the Australian National University last week that the Excellence in Research for Australia program, like Britain's research exercises before it, were "predigital in nature", rendering them clumsy and bureaucratic.
Call for special research student visas
The Australian Academy of Science has called for overseas science research students to be given access to special fast-tracked visas for postgraduate study at Australian universities.
Flinders University appoints new research leader
Flinders University has appointed Professor Jeri Kroll to the new position of Dean of Graduate Research.
Advisory Board appointed to climate change research facility
The National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) has announced the appointment of an NCCARF Advisory Board to guide the facility through its operational phase from 2011-2013.
NICTA technology recognised in top ten
Formal code verification technology developed at National ICT Australia (NICTA) has been included in MIT Technology Review’s 2011 TR10, an annual list of the world’s ten most important emerging technologies.
Applications open for Northern Territory Research and Innovation Grants Program
Your project or idea may be eligible for a Research and Innovation Grant. Any project that demonstrates a benefit to the Northern Territory and supports Northern Territory research priorities will be considered.
Scientists continue campaign against NHMRC budget cuts
Scientists are continuing to campaign against feared cuts to the National Health and Medical Research Council funding in next month's federal budget, amid hopes that the Federal Government may have decided against the $400 million cut.
New Director for CSIRO Minerals Down Under Flagship
CSIRO has appointed a new director from within the organisation for its Minerals Down Under National Research Flagship.
Queensland geothermal energy research centre launched
The Queensland Geothermal Energy Centre of Excellence (QGECE) at the University of Queensland, has been officially opened, marking a key step in Queensland’s bid to establish itself as a global hub for geothermal energy research, technology development and jobs.
ECU in research collaboration with Rio Tinto Dampier Salt
The Edith Cowan University has entered a new research collaboration agreement with Dampier Salt Ltd (DSL), part of the Rio Tinto group, which will pave the way for a series of research opportunities in Australia’s north west.
UWA academic appointed to Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group
An academic from the University of Western Australia has been chosen by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as Australia's representative on the Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group for an initial period of two years.
Tasmanian Science and Research Sector strategy under development
The Tasmanian Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts is developing a Science and Research Sector Strategy as part of the state’s Economic Development Plan.
Research Workforce Strategy released
The Federal Government has released its Research Workforce Strategy, Research Skills for an Innovative Future, setting out a range of challenges, aspirations and priorities to improve the outcomes of research and research training for innovation in Australia.
New Chief Scientist appointed
Professor Ian Chubb, until February this year the vice-chancellor of the Australian National University, has been named as Australia's new Chief Scientist.
Advanced Instrumentation Technology Centre to be built at Mount Stromlo
The Federal Government has launched construction of the second phase of the Advanced Instrumentation Technology Centre (AITC) at Mount Stromlo. The Technology Centre will support Australia’s contribution to the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) which will be built in Chile.
University of Western Australia and Spain sign collaborative research agreement
The University of Western Australia and the Spanish National Research Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will result in collaboration and PhD positions being offered in four broad areas of research.
New sports research agreement signed
Australia’s best sports scientists will have access to world-class research facilities following a new agreement signed between Victoria University's Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, the Australian Institute of Sport and the Australian Sports Commission.
Queensland Cleantech Industry Development Strategy released
The Queensland Government has launched its Cleantech Industry Development Strategy, setting out measures to support the environmental services, green building and materials, clean energy, resource recovery and recycling, sustainable transport, and water and wastewater management sectors.
Campaign against medical research funding cuts grows
Pressure is mounting on the Federal Government not to cut its health and medical research spending, as the Discoveries need Dollars campaign, initiated by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, gains momentum.
Clean 21 Technology Innovation Network launched
A national Clean 21 Technology Innovation Network has been established by the Australian Government to help small and medium businesses reduce running costs and become more competitive and sustainable.
Women in SET Summit generates new commitments
The Women in Science and Engineering Summit held this week in Parliament House Canberra has led to a number of commitments by research organizations and businesses to improving the retention rate for women in science and engineering.