Research Branch Newsletter -
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Internal Due Date

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Faculty

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Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth-Call for Applications - Fourth Round (Seed funding)

NEW

National Institutes of Health -financial conflict of interest (FCOI) requirements - Reminder

Internal Deadline

The NIH has reminded investigators and institutions of the importance of the financial conflict of interest (FCOI) requirements applicable to all Institutions that apply for NIH research funding. Proper stewardship of Federal funds includes ensuring objectivity of results by protecting Federally-funded research from compromise by FCOI.  It is essential that all NIH-funded Institutions and Investigators are fully aware of their obligations under the FCOI regulation (42 CFR Part 50, Subpart F).  To this end, we have developed a Web-based tutorial which reviews the requirements of, and the Institutional and Investigator responsibilities for compliance with, the regulation. The tutorial is designed for use by Institutional officials responsible for managing NIH funded projects and for individuals who are responsible for the design, conduct or reporting of NIH-supported research.  I urge you to encourage all NIH-funded investigators at your Institution to take the tutorial (which can be accessed at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/coi/index.htm).

As you know, the Public Health Service (PHS) regulation at 42 CFR Part 50, Subpart F is designed to promote objectivity in PHS-funded research by establishing standards to ensure that the design, conduct, and reporting of research funded under PHS grant awards is not biased by any conflicting financial interests of an Investigator (defined under the regulation as the principal investigator and any other person who is responsible for the design, conduct, or reporting of research funded by PHS, or proposed for such funding; for purposes of the regulatory requirement relating to financial interests, the definition includes the Investigator’s spouse and dependent children).  The regulation places the responsibility for the identification and management of Investigators’ FCOI with the Institution, which oversees the Investigator’s activities.  The NIH, as the grantor agency, has primary responsibility for overseeing institutional compliance with these requirements. 

Essential to the compliance process are: (1) Investigators’ prompt and full disclosure of financial interests that may be impacted by their NIH-supported research; and (2) sound Institutional management of any conflicting interests, including reporting those interests to the NIH (specifically, to the appropriate Chief Grants Management Officer of the funding Institute/Center). 

At NIH, program staff in the Institute or Center that funds the research, together with staff in the Office of Extramural Research (OER), address FCOI issues.  The program staff has an in-depth understanding of the science itself and the risks involved with the particular research project(s), while the OER staff oversees Institutional compliance with the regulation.  The protocol we follow when addressing FCOI issues involves a careful review of all relevant information obtained through, among other sources, applications for NIH funding, progress reports and/or other information submitted to the NIH, and FCOI reports received from the recipient institution, as well as a review of any publicly available information. We may then follow-up with the recipient institution to determine the extent of compliance with the regulation and the adequacy of any actions that the Institution has taken to assure that the NIH-supported research is not biased by the financial interests of the Investigator(s).

In all cases, the NIH has the authority to take appropriate action to protect the safety of any research participants and safeguard the integrity of the research. These actions are determined on a case-by-case basis and are dictated by the specific status and circumstances of the project and the risks associated with a failure to manage the financial interests effectively. We are committed to working closely with the recipient institution to resolve issues quickly and comprehensively.

For more information on this article please visit their website at:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/coi/index.htm

New Partnership Scheme from NHMRC

Internal Deadline

Organisations and researchers now have access to over $100m for research to improve health programs.

The new NHMRC Partnerships scheme aims to build direct relationships between health providers and researchers, to strengthen the evidence base that decision makers work from. The scheme is ongoing, with the initial funding of over $100m available in the first two years.

Health providers and researchers will be able to form partnerships to apply for a grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for any research project that has the potential to improve the health of Australians.

Announcing the program today Professor Warwick Anderson, CEO of the NHMRC, said
“This new scheme encourages community, health and government organisations to create a partnership with a researcher to answer a question they have about improving the effectiveness of their organisation’s work. In this way, research outcomes will feed directly into policy and future actions.

“For example, if a major community-based aged-care provider is unable to find adequate evidence-based information on safe building designs to reduce falls, they and their partner researcher or research team can submit a proposal for funding through NHMRC Partnerships.

“Benefits will flow into the community as research funding reflects the needs of particular groups. Researchers will have the satisfaction of knowing that their work contributes directly to better health practice, both in their partnership organisations and through their publication of this work.

“This approach to research represents a major new direction for the NHMRC.”

Professor Anderson said health and medical research teams will be encouraged to draw members from all areas of knowledge, not only biomedical, clinical and public health but also economics, social sciences, engineering and education in order to solve problems and improve health outcomes.

Partner organisations are expected to provide funding or in kind support to the value of the NHMRC grant, however a group of partners can get together to make this easier for smaller organisations.

The NHMRC is Australia’s peak body for supporting health and medical research, developing health advice and health ethics. Grant applications will be subject to the NHMRC’s rigorous peer evaluation process to ensure funded research produces applied science of the highest quality.
Interested organisations and researchers can find more information on the scheme at www.nhmrc.gov.au. Applications close on Friday December 19, 2008 at NHMRC.

Please note that the internal deadline is December 8, 2008.
Please click on media release for the article.
Relevant Research Branch contact - Health

Important information about FOR and SEO codes

Internal Deadline

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC) has been developed for use in the collection, analysis and dissemination of research and experimental development (R&D) statistics in Australia and New Zealand. Please note that the following codes should be used to fill in application and coversheet forms.

FOR (Field of Research) Codes formerly known as RFCD Codes
- This classification allows R&D activity to be categorised according to the field of research. In this respect, it is the methodology used in the R&D that is being considered. The categories in the classification include major fields of research investigated by national research institutions and organisations, and emerging areas of study.
Click here for more information.

SEO (Socio-Economic Objective) Codes
- This classification allows R&D to be categorised according to the purpose or outcome of the R&D as perceived by the data provider (researcher). It consists of discrete economic, social, technological or scientific domains for identifying the principal purposes of the R&D. The attributes applied to the design of the SEO classification comprise a combination of processes, products, health, education and other social and environmental aspects of particular interest.
Click here for more information.

Please refer to the Publications Collection area of Research Branch for the list of FOR & SEO Codes.

Business - FREE Commercial Awareness Seminars

Internal Deadline

Adelaide Research and Innovation Pty Ltd are holding a FREE Lunchtime seminar series for University researchers and students on Commercial funding opportunities, Intellectual Property protection and Tips in research-2-business engagement including pricing and negotiation. Further information and online registration can be done at the following website:

http://www.adelaide.edu.au/aripl/research/seminars/

The information flyer can be downloaded from here (link).

Dates: Wednesday 17 September, 24 September, 8 October 2008,
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm
Venue: Art Gallery Auditorium

ARC Linkage Projects 2009 Round 2

Internal Deadline

Information regarding the upcoming ARC Linkage Projects  2009 Round 2 funding round can be found here:
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/arc/LinkProj.html, along with the University closing dates for applications and eligibility exemptions/rulings.

If you have queries about the upcoming Linkage Projects grant round, please email 'arcgrants@adelaide.edu.au'.

Note: Please look at the related item titled "GAMS remaining in place for 2008"

International Grant Opportunities Information Sessions

Internal Deadline

This is a great opportunity to learn more about International grant opportunities, how to access them and some hints on how to make it easier.  Speakers from faculties will present their experiences in obtaining funding from international sponsors and information about international sponsors will also be provided by Research Branch.

Faculty sessions:

Faculties of the Humanities and Social Sciences and the Professions (combined session):
Date & time: Monday 15 September 2008 - 12.30 to 2.00pm
Please click on the Information Flyer for further details.

Faculty of Health Sciences:
Date & time: Tuesday 16 September 2008 – 3.00 to 4.00pm
Please click on the Information Flyer for further details.

Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences:
Date & time: Thursday 18 September 2008 – 12.00 to 1.00pm
Please click on the Information Flyer for further details.

Faculty of Sciences:
Date & time: Friday 19 September 2008 – 12.30 to 2.00pm
Please click on the Information Flyer for further details.

For further details about venue and guest speakers please click here for flyers
or contact Dr Don McMaster on X33347 (don.mcmaster@adelaide.edu.au)

GAMS remaining in place for 2008

Internal Deadline

Last week's Research Branch newsletter indicated that ARC Linkage Projects 2009 Round 2 applications would most likely be completed using the ARC's new Research Management System (RMS) instead of the current system, GAMS.

However, we have now been informed that GAMS will remain in place for the remainder of this year, so the Linkage Projects 2009 Round 2 applications will be completed using this system. The new Research Management System is likely to become functional next year. Further information on RMS will be provided on the Research Branch's website: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/arc/when it becomes available.

Information regarding ARC Linkage Projects and the upcoming round can be found here: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/arc/LinkProj.html, along with the University closing dates for applications and eligibility exemptions/rulings.

New guidelines improve animal wellbeing

Internal Deadline

World first Guidelines to Promote the Wellbeing of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes: The Assessment and Alleviation of Pain and Distress in Research Animals have been released by the NHMRC. They focus on all aspects of the care of animals used in research.

» See media release

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - Beta Cell Replacement Initiative Expressions of Interest

Internal Deadline

JDRF's role is to facilitate the scientific community in addressing the remaining challenges in beta cell replacement with the ultimate goal of developing safe and effective transplantatiofkemian approaches available to large numbers of individuals with type 1 diabetes. To achieve this, JDRF is soliciting pre-clinical proposals addressing: Restoring euglycemia and insulin independence by transplanting a replenishable source of glucose-responsive, insulin-secreting cells in the absence of chronic immunosuppression.

For more information please click here (link) for guidelines regarding this opportunity.

Pilot & Feasibility Studies: budgets may not exceed AUS$150,000 per year total costs, including 10% indirect costs for two years.

Collaborative Research Grants: involving multi-group collaborations may budget up to $300,000 per year including 10% indirect costs for two years.

Applicants must hold an MD, DMD, DVM, PhD or equivalent and have a faculty position or equivalent.

Please visit their website for additional information:
http://www.jdrf.org.au/default.asp

Australian Geographic Society Sponsorship Grants

Internal Deadline

Each year, a portion of the Australian Geographic journal's profits are dedicated to the Australian Geographic Society, which is committed to supporting scientific research, protecting and fostering a love for our environment and natural heritage, encouraging the spirit of discovery and adventure and spreading knowledge of Australia to Australians and the world.

The Society's Sponsorship Committee meets four times a year: January, April, July and October. Typically, sponsorships range from between $1000 and $5000, though sometimes more. Please include a budget breakdown when submitting your application.

Please visit their website for further information and an application form:
http://editorial.australiangeographic.com.au/society/index_society.aspx

Please click here for relevant Research Branch contacts.

Attorney-General's Department - Research funding for chemical, biological, radiological and health sector projects

Internal Deadline

Australian Government co-funding is now available for research projects which will help the nation prepare, prevent, respond to, or recover from chemical, biological or radiological (CBR) threats.

Grants are available for up to 50% of the cost of supported projects, with the remainder of costs to be met by the research organisation, interested government agencies and/or other sponsors. Funding is dependent on available program resources but there is otherwise no maximum limit on funding per Project.  Funding is provided subject to the terms and conditions set out in the guidelines and in accordance with a deed, which must be signed by the recipient prior to the commencement of funding. 

Projects are competitively selected for support following assessment of proposals by independent expert panels.  Proposals may be put forward by universities, private companies, government agencies, or collaborative research networks or organisations.

In 2008-09, proposals are sought for projects which specifically address the following areas:
1. Risk-based decision making for skin decontamination
2. Health sector supply chain risk assessment modelling
3. CBR respiratory protection
4. Detection and identification of CBR agents
5. CBR recovery and restoration

Please click on the following for application guidelines, sample funding deed & applicaion form.

Please visit their website for further information, which can be found at:
http://www.pmc.gov.au/nsst/cofunding.cfm

Ausindustry - Climate Ready Program

Internal Deadline

The Climate Ready Program is one of the three elements of the $240 million Clean Business Australia initiative. The other elements are Re-Tooling for Climate Change and Green Building Fund.

The Climate Ready program ($75m over 4 years) is a competitive grants program providing grants from $50,000 up to $5m on a matching funding basis to support research and development, proof-of-concept and early-stage commercialisation activities to develop solutions to climate change challenges.

Please visit their website for full details about the program. In addition, application and guidelines can also be accessed at here (link).

Please click here for relevant Research Branch contacts.

Grape and Wine Research Development Corporation (GWRDC) Regional Development Initiatives

Internal Deadline

The Regional Development Initiative has been developed by the GWRDC to ensure that provision is made within the GWRDC’s research portfolio for the support of regionally important and adoptable research.  It is anticipated that the program will address regionally specific R&D issues that fall outside the ‘national’ focus of typical GWRDC investments. It aims to further R&D which is deemed to be essential to improving the efficiency and quality of winegrape and wine production in a particular region.

Projects will;

• Provide research outcomes addressing regionally specific R&D issues;
• Facilitate the adoption of regionally specific research outcomes;
• Facilitate the cooperation between regional organisations and R&D providers in addressing regional R&D needs; and
• Support the development of regional leadership, vision and skills in identifying and promoting R&D outcomes that are important for a region.

Projects should have clear, demonstrable regionally specific benefits and a high likelihood that the results will be adopted. Projects can attract a maximum investment of $50,000 per project per annum with a 3 year maximum life, available to address specific regional issues on a competitive basis.

Please visit their website for further details and application forms:
http://www.gwrdc.com.au/applyingforfunding.asp

Please click here for relevant Research Branch contacts.

BHP Billiton Community Trust

Internal Deadline

The BHP Billiton Corporate Community Program manages a key group of partnerships with Australian and International community and environment not-for-profit organisations.

BHP Billiton would like to found projects that:

• Are national/international and will benefit communities in regions where BHP Billiton operates
• Are directed at solving problems in a sustainable way rather than providing short-term relief from symptoms or long-term dependency
• Will become self-sustaining over a period of time, or will continue to provide benefits to the community after the project is completed and funding has ceased
• Provide opportunities for involvement of BHP Billiton employees
• Will have a significant impact in addressing an issue or make a real difference to the community

Priority areas include:

• Culture
• Education, Training and Leadership
• Community Capacity Building
• Community & Occupational Health
• Environment

Please refer to their website for full details about this opportunity, guidelines and application forms. They can be accessed by clicking here (link).

National Humanities Center Fellowships 2009-2010

Internal Deadline

The National Humanities Center is the only major independent American institute for advanced study in all fields of the humanities. Privately incorporated and governed by a distinguished board of trustees from academic, professional, and public life, the Center was planned under the auspices of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and began operation in 1978. It provides a national focus for the best work in the liberal arts, drawing attention to the enduring value of ancient and modern history, language and literature, ethical and moral reflection, artistic and cultural traditions, and critical thought in every area of humanistic investigation. By encouraging excellence in scholarship, the Center seeks to insure the continuing strength of the liberal arts and to affirm the importance of the humanities in American life.

The National Humanities Center offers 40 residential fellowships for advanced study in the humanities during the academic year, September 2009 through May 2010. Applicants must hold doctorate or equivalent scholarly credentials. Young scholars as well as senior scholars are encouraged to apply, but they must have a record of publication, and recent Ph.D.s should be aware that the Center does not support the revision of a doctoral dissertation. In addition to scholars from all fields of the humanities, the Center accepts individuals from the natural and social sciences, the arts, the professions, and public life who are engaged in humanistic projects. The Center is also international and gladly accepts applications from scholars outside the United States.

Most of the Center's fellowships are unrestricted. Several, however, are designated for particular areas of research. These include environmental studies and history; English literature; art history; French history, literature, or culture; Asian Studies; and theology. Fellowships are supported by the Center's own endowment, private foundation grants, alumni contributions, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

For application instructions and further information, please visit their website which is: http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/fellowships/appltoc.htm

Relevant Research Branch Contact - Don McMaster (#33347) don.mcmaster@adelaide.edu.au

Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) - Travelling Fellowships to the Scientific Sessions 2008 of the American Heart Association

Internal Deadline

Applications are called for the CSANZ Travelling Fellowships for travel grants to enable five investigators to attend the Scientific Sessions 2008 of the American Heart Association to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, November 8 – 12, 2008. The Fellowships are intended to provide an opportunity for investigators in the early stage of their research career, to present at a major international conference.

Please click here (link) for the information flyer.

The conditions are:

1. The Fellowships are valued at AU$3,000 each.
2. Applicants must be FCSANZ, Associate Members or Affiliate Members of the Cardiac Society or researchers in cardiology or cardiac surgery and related disciplines with preference given to those attending their first meeting.
3. The work must have emanated from Australia or New Zealand.
4. Applicants must have an abstract accepted for presentation at the AHA meeting.
5. Applications must be accompanied by a letter from the supervisor or Director of the laboratory or service from which the work has emanated, clearly detailing the specific contribution made by the applicant towards the work being presented.
6. Preference will be given to those who have not previously been awarded CSANZ travelling scholarships.
7. Conditions apply to successful applicants not domiciled in Australia or New
Zealand.*
8. Late applications will NOT be considered.

Further information can be accessed at:
http://www.csanz.edu.au/scholarships/index.htm

Applications should include:

(1) copy of submitted abstract(s) and AHA notification of acceptance (should
this arrive after you have forwarded your application,
(2) brief curriculum vitae
(3) supporting letter from the supervisor or Director

Australian Pork - Travel Awards

Internal Deadline

Travel funds are limited and thus APL is unlikely to provide support for simply presenting a paper at a conference.  APL expects those travelling to critically review papers presented and provide a report to APL that includes recommendations for industry.

Please visit their website below for an application form or click here (link).
Website: http://www.australianpork.com.au/pages/page41.asp

Department of Defense Deployment Related Medical Research Program (DRMRP)

Internal Deadline

The Deployment Related Medical Research Program (DRMRP) was established in Fiscal Year 2008 (FY08) to provide support for deployment health-related research of clear scientific merit. The DRMRP anticipates that approximately $92 million (M) of the full $273.8M of the FY08 supplemental appropriations bill, Public Law 110-252, will be available to support DRMRP research.

The vision of the FY08 DRMRP is to find and fund the best medical research to protect, support, and advance the health and welfare of deployed military personnel. The research projects should be tailored for use within a military milieu across field, shipboard, garrison, primary care, behavioural health care, or combat settings. Strategies that promote and sustain healthy adaptation to prolonged and/or adverse military operations (i.e., reset/resiliency) across the deployment lifecycle are encouraged as applicable. Other contextual factors such as, but not limited to, individual, peer, family, caregiver, community, culture, gender, personality, social, and rural settings, among military Service members and family/co-residents, that may affect the selection, implementation, and outcomes of empirically validated research should be addressed as applicable. Studies that focus on comparisons between active duty (including individual military augmentees), National Guard, and Reserve Service members are encouraged. Strategies that use innovative technology to address research gap areas are encouraged as appropriate.

The DRMRP challenges the scientific and clinical communities to develop innovative ideas that will leapfrog the delivery of emerging new approaches, technologies, and agents to the military through basic science, translational, and/or clinical research. The DRMRP seeks deployment-related proposals in clinical, cognitive/behavioural, computational, epidemiologic, laboratory and field research, as well as public health and policy, international health and humanitarian relief, environmental sciences related to optimal healing, nursing, occupational health, complementary and alternative therapies, ethics, medical safety, and economics. Interdisciplinary and integrative health approaches are encouraged.

Fiscal Year 2008 (FY08) Deployment Related Medical (DRMRP) is currently accepting proposals for three award mechanisms:

1. Hypothesis Development Award
Internal Deadlines:
Pre-application: 15 September, 2008.
Full Proposal: 24 September, 2008.

2. Advanced Technology/Therapeutic Development Award
Internal Deadlines:
Pre-application: 24 September, 2008.
Full Proposal: 8 October, 2008.

3. Clinical Trial Award.
Internal Deadlines:
Pre-application: 24 September, 2008.
Full Proposal: 8 October, 2008.

A synopsis of key elements of the award mechanism is available here (link).

Please visit their website for full details of each announcement including further information and application procedure. They can be accessed at: http://cdmrp.army.mil/funding/drmrp.htm

Relevant Research Branch Contact - Don McMaster (#33347) don.mcmaster@adelaide.edu.au

Leukaemia and Lymphoma Society - Career Development Program Letters of Intent

Internal Deadline

The Leukaemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS's) Career Development Program (CDP) provides awards intended to meet the specific needs of investigators at different states in their research careers. The awards - Scholar, Scholar in Clinical Research, Special Fellow, Special Fellow in Clinical Research and Fellow - provide stipends to investigators, allowing them to devote themselves to research bearing on leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. The Career Development Program supports fundamental research in genetics, molecular and cell biology, molecular pharmacology, molecular virology and immunology. The program also encompasses translational research directly relevant to the improved treatment or diagnosis of leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and, where applicable, to prevention.

1. Scholar awards are for $110,000 (stipend $105,000 per year for five years. 2. Scholar in Clinical Research - awards are for $110,000 per year for five years.
3. Special Fellow awards are for $65,000 per year for three years.
4. SFCR awards are for $65,000 per year for three years.
5. Fellow awards are for $55,000 per year for three years.

Note: A letter of intent is mandatory for those applying for a Career Development Program grant. Internal deadline date is 8 September, 2008.

Internal deadline for full application: 24 September, 2008.

Please visit their website for full information, guidelines and instructions. They can be accessed at:
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=11618

American Health Assistance Foundation - Alzheimer's Disease Research Grants

Internal Deadline

Grants to support proposed research and the relevance of the research to improving our understanding of Alzheimer's disease. Applications are invited for both Standard Awards, Pilot Project Awards and Research Fellowships.

Standard Award: $400,000 ($133,333 per year for three years).

Pilot Award: $150,000 ($75,000 per year for three years).

Research Fellowship: $100,000 ($50,000 per year for 2 years).

Standard Award and Pilot Awards: In order to be eligible for grant funding from the Alzheimer's Disease Research (ADR) Standard Award Program, the Principal Investigator (P.I.) must be an independent researcher at a non-profit research institution and hold an equivalent to the academic rank of Assistant Professor or higher. The applicant must be permitted by the applicant’s organization to petition for and receive research grant support and must be permitted to supervise any additional personnel named in the application.

Research fellowships are available to junior and senior postdoctoral fellows. The proposal should be initiated by the postdoctoral fellow and not the supervisor. In the event that a senior postdoctoral fellow becomes an independent investigator during the duration of the award, the balance of the award may be transferred to the new position at the discretion of the American Health Assistance Foundation. In this case, an assurance that the original specific aims would be addressed in the new position would be required.

For further information and application forms please refer to their website:
http://www.ahaf.org/alzdis/research/adresrch.htm

American Health Assistance Foundation - National Glaucoma Research

Internal Deadline

National Glaucoma Research (NGR) Standard Award Program sponsors basic research into the causes and potential treatments of glaucoma, especially for new investigators with little or no previous grant support and established investigators with new ideas or directions for their research.

Standard Award: $100,000 ($50,000 per year for 2 years).

In order to be eligible for grant funding from the National Glaucoma Research (NGR) Standard Award Program, the Principal Investigator (P.I.) must be an independent researcher at a non-profit research institution and hold an equivalent to the academic rank of Assistant Professor or higher.

Please visit their website for further information and application guidelines. They can be found at: http://www.ahaf.org/glaucoma/research/grants.htm

US Department of Health and Human Services - Behavioural and Social Science Research on Understanding and Reducing Health Disparities (R01)

Internal Deadline

To encourage behavioural and social science research on the causes and solutions to health and disabilities disparities in the U. S. population. Health disparities between, on the one hand, racial/ethnic populations, lower socioeconomic classes, and rural residents and, on the other hand, the overall U.S. population are major public health concerns. Emphasis is placed on research in and among three broad areas of action: 1) Public policy, 2) health care, and 3) disease/disability prevention. Particular attention is given to reducing “health gaps” among groups. Proposals that utilize an interdisciplinary approach, investigate multiple levels of analysis, incorporate a life-course perspective, and/or employ innovative methods such as system science or community-based participatory research are particularly encouraged.

During the first year of this announcement, the NIH anticipates supporting 20- 30 awards. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award will also vary. The total amount awarded and the number of awards will depend upon the mechanism numbers, quality, duration, and costs of the applications received. Awards issued under this FOA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.

Individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research are invited to work with their institution/organization to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support. Applicants may submit more than one application, provided each application is scientifically distinct. 

Please visit their website for full information, guidelines and application materials. They can be accessed at:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-07-379.html#SectionIV1

Relevant Research Branch Contact - Don McMaster (#33347) don.mcmaster@adelaide.edu.au

2009 World Congress on Computer Science and Information Engineering (CSIE 2009) - Call for Papers & Expo

Dates Held

Location:
Los Angeles/Anaheim, USA

The Los Angeles/Anaheim area is known for its many renowned attractions, such as Disneyland, Universal Studios and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Very few cities in the world offer as much entertainment, excitement and diversity as Los Angeles/Anaheim does.

CSIE 2009 intends to be a global forum for researchers and engineers to present and discuss recent advances and new techniques in computer science and information engineering. CSIE 2009 consists of the following Technical Symposiums:

Communications & Mobile Computing Symposium
Computer Applications Symposium
Computer Design & VLSI Symposium
Data Mining & Data Engineering Symposium
Intelligent Systems Symposium
Multimedia & Signal Processing Symposium
Software Engineering Symposium

Important Dates:

Paper/Abstract Submission Deadline: September 30, 2008
Review Notification: November 15, 2008
Final Papers and Author Registration Deadline: December 7, 2008

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) - Annual National Symposium - Applications invited

Deadline

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) is an independent, not‑for-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion in Australia of scientific and engineering knowledge to practical purposes.   It unites Australia's most eminent scientists, engineers and applied technologists.   One of its strategic objectives is to act as a think tank to identify, initiate and influence the debate on important technological issues using the broad skills of the ATSE membership across multi-discipline sectors and business links. 

The Annual National Symposium of ATSE will be held at the RACV Club, Melbourne, Victoria on Monday 17 November and Tuesday 18 November 2008. This year’s topic is:

Alternative Transport Fuels for Australia

The future energy demands of rapidly-developing countries, the increasing concerns about the reliability of oil supplies and costs, the climate changes that are likely to result from burning fossil fuels and the certainty that transport will remain a major user of energy sources for many years are key issues in current thinking about future energy supplies. These concerns have led to a dramatic re-assessment of the role of alternative fuels for transportation.

This Symposium will consider the range of issues for Australia due to this growing interest in alternative transportation fuels and their varying stages of development. With the rapid development in some of these technologies it will look at them against a backdrop of short (10 years), medium (20 years) and long-range (40 years) timescales. With a view to developing a road map for the future, it will assess them against considerations such as:

•           security of supply,
•           environment,
•           economics,
•           engineering limitations, and
•           ethics.

Day One of the Symposium will feature four plenary sessions, with topics including Biofuels and fuels from Hydrogen, Natural Gas and Electricity to give a broad outline of the choices available to Australia.

On Day Two, the Symposium will examine the reality of the various fuel options presented on Day One.  The following questions will be debated in concurrent workshops - Are the fuel options technically feasible?  Do they meet our security of supply needs? Will they be economic? What will be the environmental and ethical impact? The outcomes of these workshops will be discussed and debated in a final plenary session on the afternoon of Day Two.

This information will then form the basis of an Executive Summary to be distributed to State and Federal Governments, industry and the community.

The Early Career Symposium Fellows will be selected on the basis of merit and potential to contribute to Australia’s future.  Applications are being sought through Australia’s universities, technical colleges, businesses and research organisations.  Application forms and further details of the Symposium may be obtained from:

Early Career Symposium Fellowship 2008
Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE)
PO Box 355
PARKVILLE  3052
Email:    joannew@atse.org.au
Ph:       (03) 9340 1200               
Fax:      (03) 9347 8237                        

The closing date for the receipt of applications is Friday 29 August 2008 and successful applicants will be informed by Friday 3rd October 2008

Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) Awards 2009

Internal Deadline

Applications for 2009 awards are now open

AINSE will advance research, education and training in the field of nuclear science and engineering and related fields within Australasia by being, in particular, the key link between universities, ANSTO, other member organisations and major nuclear science and associated facilities. To achieve this vision AINSE will implement strategies in the following key areas:

• access to major facilities
• scientific outcomes
• membership
• networking

AINSE provides funds to assist researchers from member universities to gain access to ANSTO and other AINSE facilities. Awards are awarded for one year commencing in January.

For detailed information regarding the award, conditions and procedures and guidelines are available on their website at:
http://www.ansto.gov.au/ainse/for_academic_researchers/ainse_awards.html

Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth-Call for Applications - Fourth Round (Seed funding)

Internal Deadline

The Network is now inviting applications from Network participants and members of Network Contributing Organisations for a fourth round of seed-funding. This is to support the formation of multi-disciplinary, multi-sector collaborations, with the goal of producing useful resources and successful grant applications.

The following four topic areas have been identified as targets for this round of funding:
1. Experience of social exclusion for children and youth in rural areas;
2. Health and wellbeing implications of the internet
3. System integration from early childhood to adolescence
4. Homelessness in children

Please visit their website for full details and application forms at:
http://www.aracy.org.au/AM/Template.cfm?section=Seed_Funding_Round_4

Hansjorg Eichler Scientific Research Fund

Internal Deadline

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.

Students, recent graduates and newly-established botanists will be given preference. Applications will be assessed on the quality of the applicant and the proposed project. The project should be clearly defined in scope and preferably result in a publication.

Please visit their website for further information including selection criteria and application form: http://www.anbg.gov.au/asbs/eichler/index.html

Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS) Bursaries for Student Travel / Conference Support Awards

Internal Deadline

The ABRS Bursaries is a scheme that offers small grants to postgraduate students who wish to travel to national or international conferences on systematics or taxonomy.

ABRS offers financial support to postgraduate students in Australian institutions to travel to a national or international conferences relevant to both the student’s research program in systematics or taxonomy and the Aim and Objectives of the ABRS. A maximum of $1000 is available for an international conference and $500 for travel within Australia. Up to $10 000 is available each year for these awards.

The Bursaries Guidelines and Application form package, and the Conditions of Award are available from this page.

For more information regarding guidelines and application forms please visit their website: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/admin/training/
index.html#bursaries

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF)- Climate Change and Productivity Research Program: Expressions of Interest

Internal Deadline

The government has commenced consultation with the agriculture and forestry sectors on their inclusion in the emissions trading scheme and the timeframe for that inclusion. The overarching objective of Australia's Farming Future is to equip farmers, foresters and fishers to adapt and adjust to the impact of climate change and to manage their emissions.

Projects must research one of the research priorities:
1. Managing emissions:
Priority 1 - Reducing nethane emissions
Priority 2 - Reducing nitrous oxide emissions
Priority 3 - Life cycle assessments

2. Better soil management
3. Adapting to a changing climate

Please visit their website for further full details and application forms:
http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/australias-farming-future/climate-change-and-productivity-research

Rural Research and Development (RIRDC) - Call for Applications (Preliminary)

Internal Deadline

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) invests in the knowledge needs of our three portfolio areas:
1. New rural industries;
2. Specific established industries; and
3. Cross-sectoral national rural issues.

RIRDC invites preliminary research proposals that will meet the specific objectives, or a number of objectives, of our programs. Their investments are driven by Five-Year R&D plans which address the needs of each industry and ensure priorities are industry and government-driven.  Overall, their aim is for a more profitable, dynamic and sustainable rural sector. RIRDC also welcome and encourage your collaboration with other research providers to build the critical research mass necessary to meet the objectives.

For more information please visit their website which is:
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/business/

This website includes a guide to the application process – Doing Business with RIRDC – as well as the detailed research priorities for each R&D program.

Relevant Research Branch Contact:
Chelsea Dubois (chelsea.dubois@adelaide.edu.au)
(Ext: 33716)

Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Promise Grants (PG)

Internal Deadline

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is excited to announce the release of Promise Grants for the 2008-2009 Research Program. The Request for Applications (RFA) is now available at www.komen.org/grants or www.komengrantsaccess.org.

Promise Grants – Promise Grants provide up to $1.5M annually over five years to support programs with collaborative and cross-disciplinary research projects that provide integrated approaches to solving critical challenges to the rapid translation of scientific discoveries into new or enhanced clinical tools and applications that have the greatest potential to significantly reduce breast cancer incidence and/or mortality within the next decade. Integrated programs of research projects addressing critical challenges in population disparities in breast cancer outcomes and triple negative breast cancer are of special interest and may receive funding priority. Pre-applications are required prior to starting a full application.

Pre-Application Due – September 18, 2008 (Internal).
Full Application Due – November 27, 2008 (Internal).

Information about Komen’s Research Program and details about funding opportunities are available from Susan G. Komen for the Cure at: http://www.komen.org/grants. 

Applications are submitted online. Please forward a copy of the application along with a completed Grants Application Coversheet to Don McMaster:
don.mcmaster@adelaide.edu.au

Australian Academy of Science -2009 Gottschalk Medal (Call for Nominations)

External Deadline

The Gottschalk medal recognises the contributions to science by the late Dr A. Gottschalk, FAA.

Its purpose is to recognise outstanding research in the medical sciences by scientists under 40 years at the closing date, except in the case of significant interruptions to a research career. The awardee may not be a Fellow of the Academy. The award is made annually and is restricted to candidates who are normally resident in Australia and for research conducted mainly in Australia.

NB – If a proposed candidate is already the recipient of an Academy award, the second award must be for a distinct, additional, body of work undertaken since the first award, and/or work in a different field.

Further information, nomination form and guidelines can be found at:
http://www.science.org.au/awards/gottschalk.htm
or
http://www.science.org.au/awards/awap-guide.doc