Research
Branch Newsletter - 29 January 2007
New
New ARC Executive Director Humanities and Creative Arts
The Australian Research Council (ARC)has announced that Professor Krishna Sen, currently Dean, Research and Creative Production and Graduate Studies in Humanities at Curtin University of Technology, will join the ARC on 1 April 2007 in the position of Executive Director Humanities and Creative Arts.
Internationally recognised as one of the most significant scholars of Indonesian media and culture, Professor Sen has expertise across a diverse range of disciplines, including Asian studies, media history and sociology, cinema studies, cultural studies, and gender studies. Professor Sen is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities, a member of the International Advisory Board of Murdoch University's Asia Research Centre, and on the editorial boards of the Southeast Asia publications series of the Asian Studies Association of Australia and several other international journals and publication series. She has been a member of the ARC's Asia Pacific Futures network and Cultural Research Networks, a long-standing international reader for the ARC and a member of the ARC College of Experts.
Seventh European Union (EU) Framework Programme
The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) has provided information on Australian researcher's participation in the EU's Seventh Framework Program. Please see the attached communication from DFAT. Please contact Don McMaster, Research Grants Officer (33347, don.mcmaster@adelaide.edu.au) if you have any queries.
Korea-Australia Science Co-operation
From the Australia Korea-Foundation, the Australian Academy of Science, and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
In an important new move to strengthen scientific research linkages between Australia and the Republic of Korea, the key scientific bodies of both nations have signed a letter of intent with a main focus on early-career scientists and improved information exchange. The action follows identification of a need to do more in both countries to raise awareness of the other’s exceptional research capabilities and potential.
Recognising the mutual benefit of scientific and technological interchange, the Australia-Korea Foundation, the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation have used the signing to ratify their commitment to encourage and facilitate an innovative new program in both countries.
It’s good news for young Australian and Korean scientists, who will benefit from an early-career research program aimed at encouraging them to spend up to three months collaborating with science and technology colleagues in each other’s countries. There will also be a series of symposia in Australia and Korea, concentrating on areas where information exchange shows promise in leading to higher levels of co-operation in science and technology. The early-career project gets under way early in 2007, while the symposia are scheduled for the latter part of the same year.
Media contact and further information: Nancy Pritchard, Manager - International Programs, Australian Academy of Science, (ph) 02-6201-9411.
Australia Korea Foundation Grants - Expressions of Interest
Through a competitive selection process, the AKF provides some financial support to selected projects with the potential to strengthen the bilateral relationship. It currently seeks (from individuals or institutions) written, preliminary Expressions of Interest for projects in the fields of:
i) science and technology;
ii) commerce and industry;
iii) education; and
iv) the arts, media and sport.
In selecting projects for 2007, the AKF will give increased emphasis to funding projects in the areas of science, technology, commerce and industry. 1 hard copy + electronic of the application are due in Research Branch by 9 February 2007. Further information is available at http://www.dfat.gov.au/akf/expressions_of_interest.html
Department of Transport & Regional Services/Auslink - Low Volume Roads Technology Initiative
Through AusLink the Australian Government is undertaking the Low Volume Roads Technology Initiative. The initiative will promote the investigation and development of new technology or the new application of existing technology to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of low volume roads.
Total funding of $2.5 million is available for the initiative. This will be available to successful low volume road technology projects from 2007-08 to June 2009.
Applications are invited for research grants from university engineering faculties, road construction consultants and research entities interested in conducting original road technology research.
2 hard copies of the application are due in Research Branch by 13 March 2007. Further information is available at http://www.auslink.gov.au/funding/innovations/low_volume_roads.aspx
Funding Opportunites
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 Linda Knobben at linda.knobben@adelaide.edu.au
or on Ext. 34722
NHMRC Research Fellowships
The purpose of the NHMRC Research Fellowships Scheme is to provide opportunities for outstanding biomedical and health researchers with proven track records to undertake research that is both of major importance in its field and of significant benefit to Australian health and medical research. Research Fellowships offered by the NHMRC are prestigious awards and are, consequently, highly sought after and extremely competitive.
An NHMRC Research Fellowship is a full time research appointment that enables high calibre biomedical and health researchers with a proven track record in research to undertake research of significant benefit to the health of Australians. Opportunities exist in biomedical, clinical and population health research. 2 hard copies + electronic (pdf) of the application are due in Research Branch by 2 February 2007. Further information is available at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/nhmrc/
NHMRC Practitioner Fellowships
This is a targeted award intended to assist experienced and productive clinical and public health researchers who wish to maintain both a research and a professional career. The scheme aims to support clinical (medical, paramedical, allied health) and public health professionals who have undertaken a successful research program and wish to continue at nationally or internationally competitive levels. Successful applicants will, for their non-research time, be employed by a health care authority to provide clinical care, or public health services or related policy activity.
The scheme is not designed to support applicants already well established as scientists who happen also to be clinicians or public health practitioners; such scientists are more appropriately supported by the Research Fellowships Scheme. Rather it is intended particularly for active clinicians and public health practitioners to undertake research that is linked to their practice or policy. The scheme may support practitioners in developing a career that included successful research; the Practitioner Fellowship is a five-year award, and successful Fellows may apply for a second five year appointment or it may be more appropriate for them to seek appointment as a Research Fellow. 2 hard copies + electronic (pdf) of the application are due in Research Branch by 2 February 2007. Further information is available at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/nhmrc
South Australian Grain Industry Trust Fund (SAGIT) - Call for Proposals
The SA Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT or the Trust) was established in 1991 to administer the voluntary research levy collected from South Australian grain growers. The Trust is required to use the funds for research, development and extension into the growing, harvesting, storage, processing and marketing of grain in SA in order to increase profitability and sustainability of the grains industry. The application submitted online + 1 hard copy + electronic are due in Research Branch by 2 February 2007. Further information is available at http://www.sagit.com.au/site/page.cfm?u=21
ARC Discovery Project Applications Now Open
The ARC is now seeking Proposals under Discovery Projects for funding commencing
in 2008. Documentation is available at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/arc/DiscProj.html.
The documentation includes the Funding Rules, Instructions to Applicants, Certification
pro forma, Eligibility Exemption/Ruling Request form, and the Request not to
Assess form
The internal deadline for submitting an Eligibility Exemption/Ruling Request
is 12 January 2007.
Request not to Assess forms are due 5 February 2007.
The internal deadlines for submitting applications:
Full Review: applications received by 9 February 2007.
Compliance Review: applications received after 9 February, before
26 February 2007.
Submission Only: applications received after 26 February 2007.
The Discovery Projects Application Form is now available on the ARC grants on-line management system (GAMS) located at https://gams.arc.gov.au/.
Please direct queries about the scheme to Louise Moore on 8303 3387 and queries about GAMS to Linda Knobben on 8303 4722.
ARC Discovery Projects - Costing Personnel in Budget
The ARC have provided the following clarification regarding costing personnel in the budget:
Page 35 of the Discovery Projects Instructions to Applicants for funding commencing in 2008 provides details on how to complete the application form relating to Part C - Project Costs - Direct Costs - Personnel. The Instructions currently state: "Do not build increments into the amounts requested. Project payments to the Administering Organisation will be automatically indexed at the time of payment for each year of the Project".
The increments referred to are the annual pay rises arising from enterprise agreements. Organisations may still include salary increases to match anticipated normal progress through salary increments within a classification level based on current pay scales.
Please note that an Excel spreadsheet is available on the Research Branch website at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/docs/ResAssoc_and_Officer.xls to assist you to cost personnel for the budget section of the application.
NHMRC - General Practice Clinical Research Program
This is the second round of grants to be funded under the Australian Governments Primary Health Care Research, Evaluation and Development Strategy. Applications are called for in the priority areas described in the Program Framework. The aim of funding research in these areas is to contribute to better health outcomes through improved clinical practice and better informed policies. 2 hard copies + electronic of the application are due in Research Branch by 12 February 2007. Further information is available at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/nhmrc
Call for NHMRC Grant Review Panel Members in 2007
Each year the NHMRC establishes Grant Review Panels (GRPs) which are responsible for the review and ranking of NHMRC grant applications. GRP members also have the opportunity to provide advice to the NHMRC on emerging research developments. The NHMRC is calling again for nominations for appointment of suitable individuals to its 2007 GRPs. Researchers who are currently receiving NHMRC funding are required to nominate. The Deed of Agreement (clause 13.4) obliges Institutions to use their best endeavours to facilitate compliance by the Chief Investigator(s) to make available to the Commonwealth, the services of the Chief Investigator(s) for the purposes of reviewing or assessing applications made under the NHMRC funding schemes.
An information kit and nomination form is available on the NHMRC web site at: http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/funding/apply/nominfo/index.htm
Nominees are to send the completed nomination form to: grantnet_assessors@nhmrc.gov.au and cc to raohealth@adelaide.edu.au
Nominations close at 5.00 pm AEDT on 14 February 2007.
At this stage the NHMRC is determining interest and availability of nominees to serve on a GRP. The completion and return of this form to the NHMRC does not mean automatic qualification to serve on a Panel. Please direct any queries you have to the GrantNet Helpdesk: telephone 1800 500 983 or email: grantnet.help@nhmrc.gov.au.
NHMRC Dementia Research Grants Program
The Dementia Research Grants Program aims to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their carers through research into identified gaps in applied and translational dementia research. The program aims to achieve this through the establishment of multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral research programs and by supporting areas of dementia research that focus on practical applications of evidence based research. 2 hard copies + electronic of the application are due in Research Branch by 16 February 2007. Further information is available at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/nhmrc/dementiagrants.html
NHMRC Project Grant Applications Now Open
Please note that Applications for 2008 Project grant funding are now open. Information on application procedures can be found at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/nhmrc/projectgrants.html. An information session on 2008 NHMRC Project Grant applications will be held late January.
Please note the internal closing date for project grant applications is 26
Feb 2007. Due to the volume of project grant applications received, the
Research Branch has implemented a new '3 tier review policy'.
Full review: Applications received by 26 Feb 2007.
Compliance review: Applications received after 26 Feb, before 5 March
2007.
Attempted submission only: Applications received after 5 March 2007.
To apply for funding for 2008, Adelaide University staff please email raohealth@adelaide.edu.au with the following information
Type of application:
Chief Investigator A:
School you wish project to be registered to:
Discipline:
Email address:
Clinical and Affiliate title holders (CATHs) should contact their relevant research secretariat for an ID number.
TRACsa: Trauma and Injury Recovery (TRACsa) Research
TRACsa: Trauma and Injury Recovery (TRACsa) is an initiative of Compulsory
Third Party (CTP) stakeholders concerned to improve health and social outcomes
for victims of road trauma in SA. It is the outcome of over 4 years of collaboration,
consultation and research, instigated in 2001 when the Royal Australian College
of Physicians published a report
summarising the "good evidence" that people who are injured and claim
compensation have significantly poorer outcomes than people
with similar injuries who do not claim compensation.
TRACsa are preparing to hold a one day workshop (probably in the first week of March) with the purpose of better defining the research agenda, assessing relative benefits to claims reduction/return to work capability from investing in research, discuss possible collaborative models both within SA and elsewhere and identify possible funding sources.
In preparation for this workshop, TRACsa have requested the following information from the University of Adelaide:
* research capabilities within your univeristy which would contribute to such
a research agenda,
* names of your colleagues who should be invited to the workshop and
* any other information you feel may be relevant.
Some of the areas that research might be beneficial would be to reduce claims/facilitate appropriate return to work and would encompass:
* clinical treatment
* physical/social treatment
* best practice adoption ( eg clinical, claims mangement, legal etc)
* population studies (eg risk profiling/predicting)
* legal issues (eg impact of plaintiff lawyer revoking information access etc)
* system organisation issues (eg impact on the health system of CTP)
* workforce issues
* data linkage issues
If you would like to contribute information to TRACSA, it would be appreciated if you could please forward these details to Felicity Cheek in the Research Branch on felicity.cheek@adelaide.edu.au at your earliest convenience so that we can provide TRACsa with a co-ordinated response from the University of Adelaide.
NHMRC Complementary Medicines Strategic Awards
This special call for research provides $5 million to fund the best innovative research into Complementary and Alternative Medicine that addresses needs or information gaps that are not already being covered through other means. The scope of this call encompasses research on a diverse group of health-related substances, therapies and disciplines that are not considered to be part of mainstream medical care in Australia. These include herbal medicine, vitamin and mineral supplements, nutritional supplements, traditional medical systems such as Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture and homeopathic medicine. 2 hard copies + electronic of the application are due in Research Branch by 23 March 2007. Further information is available at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/nhmrc/compmeds.html
Successful NHMRC Project Grants for 2007 Funding
Please note that funding will not commence for successful project grants until
the following have been received:
a) all relevant ethics clearances;
b) two intialled copies of the schedules;
c) signed University acceptance.
To accept the project funding, the Research Branch must forward these items
to the NHMRC before 31 March 2007.
DEST Collection of 2006 Publications
The Research Branch is continuing to encourage Schools and other units to make the annual collection of research publications for submission to DEST an ongoing process through the year. It it would be appreciated if Schools and Disciplines that have not already begun collecting 2006 publications could begin as soon as possible with a view to sending batches to the Branch progressively until the deadline 31 March 2007. The Research Branch will be glad to receive batches at any time. Please note, due to the implementation of the Research Quality Framework it is now mandatory to collect Research Fields, Courses and Disciplines (RFCD) and Socio Economic Objective (SEO) codes for all publications (codes can be obtained at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/funding/codes.html). Information on the Publication Collection is available on the Research Branch website at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/pub
ARC Linkage International - Funding Commencing in 2008
The ARC provides funding under Linkage International for the movement of researchers between eligible Australia based research organisations and centres of research excellence overseas, and to foster collaboration and networking between Australia-based and overseas researchers.
The 'Linkage International Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2008' are now available from the Research Branch website http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/arc/LinkInt.html
Linkage International proposals submitted in 2007 (for funding commencing in 2008) include one round only of Awards, ARC International Fellowships and two Internationally Coordinated Initiatives.
The internal closing dates are:
Linkage International Awards - Thurs 5 April 2007
ARC International Fellowships - Thurs 5 April 2007
Social Sciences Collaboration ICI - Friday May 18 2007
Materials World Networks ICI - Friday 16 November 2007
Changes to the Linkage International Funding Rules from the previous year (proposals submitted in 2006) are summarised at Section 2 of the rules.
Research Branch will provide further notification via the All Researchers email list advising when Application Forms and other relevant documentation become available.
Linkage Projects - For Funding Commencing in 2008
Linkage-Projects aims to foster alliances between higher education institutions and external organisations. A specific objective of this programme is to provide opportunities for Postdoctoral and Postgraduate researchers to pursue high quality research collaboration with external organisations.
The 'Linkage Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2008' are now
available from the Research branch website
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/arc/LinkProj.html.
Linkage Projects proposals submitted in 2007 (for funding commencing
in 2008) are due for submission at the following internal closing dates:
Round 1 - Friday 13 April 2007; and
Round 2 - Friday 2 November 2007
The main changes to the Linkage Projects Funding Rules from the previous year (proposals submitted in 2006) are summarised at Section 2 of the rules. We will provide further notification advising when Application Forms and other relevant documentation become available.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) visit in May
Dr Antonio Scarpa, Director of the Centre for Scientific Review, which is the portal for NIH grant applications and their review, will be visiting the University on the 14 and 15 May 2007.
Dr Scarpa will present an information session on grant opportunities and the NIH process as well as visiting relevant areas of the University.
His visit will provide an excellent opportunity for researchers and administrators to find out about grant opportunities with the NIH as well as an insight into NIH processes.
The visit is being coordinated by Dr Don McMaster at the Research Branch and further information about the visit will be distributed closer to the date. Be sure to put this date in your calendar.
Prizes
Prime Minister's Prize for Australian History - Closing Date Extended
The Prime Minister's Prize for Australian History 2006 will be awarded to an individual or group, for an outstanding publication or body of work that contributes significantly to an understanding of Australian history. The prize comprises an embossed gold medal and a grant of $100,000.
The subjects of work submitted could include, but are not limited to:
- historical events
- hisorical figures (including biographies); and
- work covering a particular subject.
Eligible nominations can include a published book, a documentary film, a documentary for radio or television, CD-ROM, DVD, other form of multimedia or a series of these works. Submissions must have been first published, produced or broadcast between 20 September 2004 and 31 December 2006. Nominations close (apply direct) on 31 January 2007. Further information is available at http://www.dest.gov.au/pmhistoryprize
Bio Innovation SA - Inaugural Bioscience Achievement Awards
The South Australian bioscience sector has undergone significant growth over
the past 5 years and many individuals have worked extremely hard to achieve
this. In recognition of various individual achievements, the Board of Bio Innovation
SA will award two Bioscience Achievement Awards to members of the South Australian
bioscience community who have made
important contributions to the development of South Australia’s bioscience
sector.
The 2007 Bio Innovation SA Bioscience Achievement Awards categories are:
- Bio Innovation SA Outstanding Achievement Award – for individuals who have significantly advanced his or her company / organisation
- Bio Innovation SA Industry Leader Award – for individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the South Australian bioscience industry and sector as a whole
The awards are open to both scientists and non-scientists from all levels of
career stage or management within companies /
organisations, including academia, who are involved in the South Australian
bioscience community. Bio Innovation SA invites nominations for these awards
from individuals, associations, companies, research institutes, technology transfer
organisations and government agencies. Award guidelines, selection criteria
and the official nomination form can be downloaded from the Bio Innovation SA
website at http://www.bioinnovationsa.com.au/resources/159/Bio%20Innovation%20SA%20Awards%20Guidelines%202007%20-%20FINAL.doc
The awards will be presented at Bio Innovation SA’s first Networking Forum for 2007 on Wednesday, 21st February.
Complete nominations must be received in Research Branch by Monday, 5th February 2007. The Branch will then arrange for them to be delivered to the Bio Innovation SA with a covering letter of support from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice-President (Research), Professor Alan Johnson AM.
For further information about the awards, please contact Natasha Crichton,
Industry Relations Manager, on 08 8217 6415 or
natasha.crichton@bioinnovationsa.com.au.
Holberg International Memorial Prize 2007
The prize will be awarded to scholars who have made outstanding, internationally recognised contributions to research in the arts and humanities, social science, law or theology, either within one of these fields or through interdisciplinary work. Through his/her scholarly work, the prizewinner must have had a decisive influence on international research in the field, for instance through the development of new theory, knowledge or insight, through making new use of existing theories or through the methods used. The prize has a value of NOK 4.5 million, approx US$715,000). Nominations (direct to sponsor) are due 15 February 2007. Further information is available at http://www.holbergprize.no/HP_prisen/e_HP_retningslinjer.htm
2007 Balzan Prizes in the Scientific and Humanistic Fields
The International E. Balzan Prize Foundation – “Prize” has the aim of fostering culture, the sciences and the most meritorious humanitarian initiatives of peace and brotherhood among peoples, regardless of nationality, race or creed. It meets these goals by assigning four annual awards in the following categories: 1) literature, the moral sciences and the arts; 2) the physical, mathematical and natural sciences and medicine. The amount of each prize is currently 1,000,000 Swiss francs; half of the prize must be destined by the prize-winner for research work, preferably involving young scholars. Nominations are due (direct to sponsor) by 15 March 2007. Further information is available at http://www.balzan.it/Premi_eng.aspx?codice=F000000066
Rolex Awards for Enterprise
For 30 years, the Rolex Awards for Enterprise have provided financial support
for exceptional individuals with groundbreaking projects that:
-expand our knowledge of the world;
-improve quality of life on the planet or
-enhance the human condition.
The awards are presented in every two years in five areas: Science and Medicine, Technology and Innovation, Exploration and Discovery, The Environment and Cultural Heritage. However a project may be submitted in almost any field of endeavour. Projects must be innovative, feasible and demonstrate a spirit of enterprise. The deadline for projects from Australia is 31 May 2007. Further information is available at http://www.rolexawards.com/news-update/home.html (apply direct).
