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Issue 21

• Biotechnology Centre of Excellence
• Appointment of the Gene Technology Regulator
• DETYA Research Fellowship Scheme
• copyright & contact

Biotechnology Centre of Excellence

Applications for organisations to develop and operate one of Australia’s Biotechnology Centres of Excellence are now open. The Government is seeking to establish one or more Biotechnology Centres of Excellence as part of its Backing Australia’s Ability package. More information on Backing Australia’s Ability can be found at: 
www.innovation.gov.au/iap/

The Centre/s will carry out a range of activities, including:

• undertaking world class research with potential to yield commercially significant developments;

• attracting outstanding researchers;

• developing Australia’s biotechnology skills base;

• building networks and partnerships, nationally and internationally, to achieve excellence in Australian biotechnology; and

• developing an entrepreneurial culture that leads to the formation of spin-off companies and cluster of commercial biotechnology activity.

In establishing the Centre/s, the Government is looking for applications from organisations or consortia with the vision, creativity and commitment to build a research and commercialisation institution with global impact.

The Guidelines for Applicants, Expression of Interest Forms and Application Forms are available on the Biotechnology Australia website at: www.biotechnology.gov.au.

Expressions of Interest (compulsory for all applicants) must be lodged by 31 October 2001, and full applications close on 2.00pm 15 February 2002.

For information about the guidelines, prospective applicants should contact the Biotechnology Centre of Excellence Implementation Team at: 

Biotechnology Australia
Telephone: (02) 6213 6499 or
e-mail: ba@isr.gov.au

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Appointment of the Gene Technology Regulator

Dr Sue Meek has been appointed as the Commonwealth’s Gene Technology Regulator. She will take up her appointment in December 2001.

As the Gene Technology Regulator, Dr Meek will manage the work of the Office of Gene Technology Regulator and administer the national regulatory system for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This role includes:

• administering the legislation and assessing any risks posed by GMOs;

• informing and advising other regulatory agencies, States and Territories and the public about GMOs and GM products;

• promoting risk assessments for GMOs and GM products by regulatory agencies;

• monitoring and enforcing gene technology legislation; and

• reporting to Parliament on GMO issues quarterly, annually and at other times as required.

The National Regulatory Framework for Gene Technology came into effect on 21 June 2001, as a requirement of the Gene Technology Act 2000 and Gene Technology Regulations 2001. Legislation for the regulation of GMOs was established to protect the health and safety of people and the environment.

The Regulatory Framework identifies risks associated with gene technology and establishes processes for managing those risks. These processes include extensive consultation, monitoring and review mechanisms for the regulation of GMOs.

Further details on Dr Sue Meek’s appointment and gene technology regulation can be found on the Office of Gene Technology Regulator website at: www.ogtr.gov.au

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DETYA Research Fellowship Scheme

Applications are invited for two DETYA Research Fellowships for 2002-03. The Fellowships are for experienced researchers in the areas of education, training, or youth issues, to work with DETYA for up to twelve months.

In their time with DETYA, Fellows have the opportunity to conduct a major research study on a topic of mutual interest. They also exchange ideas and expertise, and find out first hand about the Commonwealth’s policy-making process, including how research can be translated into policy.

Applications close on 26 November 2001.

Information about the Fellowships, including the Guide for Applicants and the application form, is available at the DETYA website www.dest.gov.au/iae/fellowship/fellowship.htm.

Copies of the Guide for Applicants and the application form can also be obtained from Chireen Ludowyk, telephone (02) 6240 8672, 
fax (02) 6240 8188 or email chireen.ludowyk@dest.gov.au.

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Copyright

© Commonwealth of Australia 2001
ISSN 1440-7329
DETYA No. 6639HERC01A
ABN: 51 452 193 160

This work is copyright. It may be reproduced in whole or in part for study or training purposes subject to the inclusion of the source and no commercial usage or sale. Reproduction for purposes other than those indicated above, require the written permission from the Commonwealth available through AusInfo. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Manager, Legislative Services, AusInfo, GPO Box 1920, Canberra ACT 2601.

The views expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs.

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Contact

e-news on higher education editorial enquiries:
Sharon Pratt
tel: 02 6240 7975
fax: 02 6123 6355
email: highered@dest.gov.au

e-news on higher education
issue number: enews-21
released 5 October 2001

Full PDF  copy of the issue.

e-news is available on the Internet at:
www.dest.gov.au/highered/enews

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