LATEST NEWS

 

2008
January	February	March	April	May	June
July	August	September	October	November	December

For any news items prior to this year, please refer to our News Archive.

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July 2008

21 July

2008 AusBiotech-GSK Student Excellence Awards - Applications Now Open

The AusBiotech-GSK Student Excellence Awards are national awards that are partnered exclusively by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The awards encourage students that completed honours or started their masters or PhD in 2007 and 2008 to think strategically about their research in the biotechnology field. Finalists are required to pitch the commercial application of their research to a panel of judges competing against other finalists in their state.

One winner from each state will be presented with their award during a ceremony at the AusBiotech2008 event and are given the opportunity to display a poster of their abstract during the conference. The award covers the students’ travel, accommodation expenses and registration for AusBiotech2008 to be held in Melbourne from 26 – 29 October 2008.

Applications close Wednesday 13 August 2008. For further information, please click here.

14 July

Applications open for $4.2 million science research grants

Applications are now open for $4.2 million worth of State Government grants for scientific research that has the potential to generate significant and sustainable benefits for industry, the community and the environment.

Acting Science Minister, Jane Lomax-Smith, has announced that applications are now open for this year’s round of the Premier’s Science and Research Fund (PSRF).

The Fund’s investments were boosted by $1.2 million last year and given a new direction.

“The Premier’s Science and Research Fund is now designed to deliver transformational investments for South Australia and strengthen the practical application of leading research,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.

“The Fund supports initiatives that have the greatest potential to make important contributions to the State’s economic, social or environmental development.

“We want industry and other end-users of research to be actively involved in R&D project teams, so research outcomes are picked up more rapidly and can generate early benefits for the State.”

The guidelines for this year’s round indicate a particular interest in research focussed on climate change and water.

Applicants to the ARC Federation Fellowship program can also seek State Government support through the PSRF.

Expressions of interest for the PSRF will close on Monday, 11 August 2008.

Application forms, process information and merit criteria are included in the guidelines, which are available from the website www.innovationsa.gov.au.

9 July

Bionomics Completes GMP Synthesis of Anti-Anxiety Drug BNC210

Australian biotechnology company, Bionomics Limited (ASX: BNO) announced today that it has completed the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) synthesis of its antianxiety drug candidate, BNC210.

Having now successfully achieved this milestone, Bionomics remains on track to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the US Food and Drug Administration.

Please click here to read the full press release.

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June 2008

19 June

Bionomics News Alert - Merck Serono and Bionomics Announce Multiple Sclerosis Development and Licensing Agreement

• Bionomics and Merck Serono to collaborate to discover and develop novel, oral treatment for MS
• Collaboration based on novel compounds that allow selective inhibition of the immune cells which cause nerve cell damage in patients with MS

For further information, please click here.

17 June

Austofix News Release - Patients and Health System to Benefit from New Orthopaedic Product

A new medical device used to mend broken wrists has been developed and manufactured by an Australian medical technology company, Austofix Group Ltd.

For further information, please click here.

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May 2008

14 May

Commercial Ready Scrapped

The Federal Budget is a mixed bag for the biotechnology sector, with more resources for research initiatives but the scrapping of an important industry assistance program, AusBiotech said today.

AusBiotech CEO Dr Anna Lavelle said while AusBiotech was disappointed with the Government’s decision to discontinue the Commercial Ready and Commercial Ready Plus programs, it was expected that new initiatives for the biotechnology industry would be announced when the Government’s White Paper is released later this year, as a result of the National Innovation System Review.

For more information, please click here to download the AusBiotech press release.

5 May

The Review of Health and Medical Research in South Australia

The Minister for Health has released a report reviewing the state’s health and medical research

The "Review of Health and Medical Research in South Australia" report, by Professor John Shine AO and Mr Alan Young, outlines three key directions for building on South Australia’s proud tradition of world-class health and medical research.
For further information and to view the report, please click here.

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April 2008

28 April

New IP Database Benefits Aussie Inventors

Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, today welcomed an innovative new online database developed by IP Australia that makes the breadth of Australian inventions more accessible.

The database, entitled AusPat, allows inventors, industry and researchers to access patent applications lodged and granted in Australia since 1979. Previously those researching Australian patent literature had to work across several unconnected databases.

"Searching patent information is a crucial step in any innovation process. It tells you what has already been invented and protected, which can save inventors a great deal of time and effort," Senator Carr said.

AusPat can be used by visiting www.ipaustralia.gov.au/auspat.

To access Senator Carr's full media release, please click here.

24 April

2008 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards - Call for Nominations

The Tall Poppy Campaign promotes the achievements of Australian scientists through the Young Tall Poppy Program and its related activities, and the award of the Merck Sharp & Dohme Florey Medal.

For further information and to nominate, please click here.

16 April

Bionomics Awards GMP Manufacture Contract for Anxiety Drug Candidate

Bionomics Limited (ASX:BNO) has awarded the GMP manufacturing contract of its anxiety drug candidate, BNC210 to Indian company Sai Advantium.

Please click here to download the press release.

14 April

Bionomics Presents BNC105 Data at International Cancer Conference

Bionomics Limited (ASX: BNO) today presented new data at the 2008 AACR Annual Meeting further demonstrating that the Company’s anti-cancer compound BNC105 acts as a vascular disrupting agent in multiple models of human cancer.

For further information, please click here to download the media release.

10 April

South Australian Science Excellence Awards 2008 - Nominations now open

Nominations are now open for the 2008 South Australian Science Excellence Awards which aim to recognise and reward excellence in science and acknowledge commitment and skill in raising public awareness of science.

Awards will be presented in the following five categories:

• South Australian Scientist of the Year
• South Australian Tall Poppy (Young Scientist of the Year)
• Science Educator of the YearExcellence in Research for Commercial Benefit
• Excellence in Research for Public Good Benefit
• Constellation SA Award for Excellence in Collaborative Research

For further information, please click here.

10 April

AusBiotech China Business Mission 2008 - Expressions of Interest

24 – 31 May 2008

Shanghai and Beijing, including Biotech China in Shanghai

AusBiotech, in conjunction with the Australian Government, will lead a business mission to China to help establish the link between the Australian and growing Chinese Biotechnology industries by connecting with companies in the two largest biotechnology areas in China.

For further information or to register an expression of interest please contact Bianca Autunno at AusBiotech on 03 9828 1400 or via email.

9 April

LabTech Systems Prepare for International Launch

LabTech Systems (ASX: LBT) is preparing for the soft launch next week of its MicroStreak® technology at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) in Spain.

Click here for the LabTech Systems media release.

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March 2008

28 March

Scientists in Schools Program - Introducing a National Program bringing Scientists and School Teachers together

Do you want to get involved in science education in Australia but don’t know how to go about it?

Have a look at Scientists In Schools - an educational experience funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, managed by CSIRO and championed by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Jim Peacock.

This national program brings together scientists and teachers for a one-to-one, ongoing professional partnership with the aim of enhancing science education in our schools. Once partnered, you and the teacher decide how your scientific expertise and their educational expertise can be combined to enrich the science education experience of the students.

"The Scientists in Schools programme promotes science education in primary and secondary schools, helps to engage and motivate students in their learning of science, and broadens awareness of the types and variety of exciting careers available in the sciences" says Dr Peacock.

If you are interested in establishing a partnership, you are invited to attend an information session in your state.

For further information and to view session dates, please click here.

6 March

Call for Papers for the AusBiotech08 National Conference - "Building a Bioeconomy"

AusBiotech is calling for Session Suggestions and Potential Speakers from AusBiotech Members and the Industry for the AusBiotech08 National Conference, which expects to have over 1800 delegates attend.

Submissions close on COB, Friday 28th March

Successful submissions will be notified in writing by Friday 30 May 2008

For more details, visit the conference website.

AusBiotech Business Mission to India: Incorporating Bangalore Bio 2008 – Expressions of Interest

AusBiotech, in conjunction with the Australian Government, will lead a business mission to India including visits to Mumbai and Bangalore from 20 - 26 April 2008.

Features of the Mission include:

• Australian Stand at Bangalore Bio 2008
• Business Matching program in Mumbai and Bangalore
• Site visits in Mumbai and Bangalore
• Networking Functions

Please forward your "Expression of Interest" to Glenn Cross, Business Development and Finance Manager either via email or phone +61 3 9828 1400.

2008 Telstra Business Awards - Call for nominations

Nominations are now open for companies to share their success story and nominate their business for one of Australia's most prestigious industry awards.

The competition is free to enter and open to Australian businesses with up to 200 employees. This includes a new category which recognises businesses that have shown a positive contribution to people, the environment, education or the community.

For further information and to nominate, please click here.

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February 2008

25 February

Calling All Exporters - Have your say against your export barriers to your business

The Federal Government’s Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) is conducting the first ever Global Readiness Index – a comprehensive study of the drivers, decisions, barriers and risks Australian companies face in exporting goods and services or establishing offshore facilities.

All participants receive a customised benchmark report in early March, comparing their responses with others from their own industry sector. The main findings will be launched by the Prime Minister in mid April.

The online questionnaire takes just 15 minutes – all exporters are invited to participate by clicking here.

6 February

New $40million Innovation and Investment Fund for SA

A new South Australian Innovation and Investment Fund will be established, following the pending closure of the Mitsubishi Motors Australia plant at Tonsley

For further information, please click here.

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January 2008

31 January

Innovation Development Grant

Applications now open

The SA Centre for Innovation (CFI) is a partnership of industry, universities and government with a goal of promoting the uptake of innovation in South Australian industry. The Innovation Development Grant (IDG) is a competitive, merit-based, grant that helps companies with the process of taking a business opportunity to market by increasing the likelihood of obtaining external funding to assist with the growth of the business.

For further information and to view the guidelines, please click here.

Applications for the next round of funding close on 18 February 2008.

5 February

Aussie biotechs making alliances with Japan

Australian biotech companies are developing a reputation for quality and innovation in Japan - the second largest biotechnology market in the world - and with Japanese biotechnology and related industries expected to grow to $260 billion by 2010, Austrade is seeking more businesses to take advantage of Australia's standing with its largest trading partner.

For further information, please click here.

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If you have any queries about the above information, please contact Lynne Hawkins, Project & Administration Officer, on +61 8 8217 6400, or email lynne.hawkins@bioinnovationsa.com.au.

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