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Australasian Biotechnology (backfiles)
AusBiotech
ISSN: 1036-7128
Vol. 10, Num. 1, 2000, pp. 4-8
Untitled Document

Australasian Biotechnology, Vol. 10 No. 1, 2000, pp. 4-8

NEWS

RESEARCH MANAGEMENT SOCIETY FORMED

A new alliance of research administrators, The Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS), has been formed to help Australian researchers to compete more successfully internationally.

The society involves managers and administrators from universities, hospitals, industry, CRCs, government and other sectors.

Founding President and Director of the executive, Janet Dibb-Smith of Adelaide University, said ARMS would exchange information across research sectors in Australia and overseas, provide access to professional development opportunities and establish a web-based library of knowledge and best practice.

Ms Dibb-Smith said that for Australian research to compete successfully, it was important not only to entice researchers to stay in Australia and fund them appropriately, but also to manage their work to the higher professional standard.

"Research is managed extremely professionally overseas, particularly in the US. In Australia, administrators have not had the kind of resources or opportunities they need to enable them to match those standards", she said.

ARMS will also work to help improve communication between Australian research institutions and break down some of the barriers to collaboration.

"One of the benefits of the ARMS will be to expose research managers in one sector to the perspectives and practice of those in other sectors. This will improve understanding, strengthen networks and, hopefully, pave the way for more effective collaborations", Ms Dibb-Smith said.

The ARMS was formed following an inaugural conference of 275 research managers in Adelaide in November. Other members of the executive are Philip Marshall (NorthField Laboratories); Russell Dawe (retired from Swinburne University of Technology); Kathy Heinze (CSIRO Land and Water); Norma Gilbert (Queensland University of Technology); and Robert Opiat (Garvan Institute of Medical Research).

For further information, contact Janet Dibb-Smith on (08) 8303 5551.

PEOPLE

Dr Edwina Cornish of Florigene Ltd has been appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Professor of Biotechnology of the University of Adelaide.

Professor Joan Dawes, formerly Director of the CRC for Biopharmaceutical Research and CEO of Biodiscovery Ltd has joined Aoris Nova as General Manager.

NEW HERBICIDE IDENTIFIED IN MARINE ANIMALS

Researchers at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and James Cook University are jointly developing a new herbicide which is based on a powerful natural chemical secreted by a number of marine marine animals which kills plants.

The compound was identified after Professor Jim Burnell of JCU noticed the clean sandy sea bed while on a diving trip on the Great Barrier Reef. In collaboration with other researchers at JCU and AIMS, a test was developed to screen samples and identify extracts, and four active compounds were identified which appear to be specific towards a single protein in the extra pathway of a group of plants that are dominant in weed species (C4 plants). The compound is harmless to almost all crop plants (C3 plants) even at 10 times the strength, allowing growing crops to be sprayed. The compounds, which are still being tested by Professor Burnell and Dr Lyndon Llewellyn at AIMS and their teams, do not appear to affect animals. Professor Burnell and Dr Llewellyn are aiming to develop a spray that will rapidly penetrate the foliage and effectively attack the protein. The research team is negotiating a possible agreement with Nufarm.

For further information contact Professor Burnell on (07) 4781 5684 or Dr Llewellyn on (07) 4753 4449.

WEAPON AGAINST E.COLI TOXIN

Researchers at the University of Adelaide and the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide have developed a treatment for gastrointestinal infections caused by strains of the bacterium, E.Coli, which produce the potentially lethal toxin, Shiga.

These bacteria include the 0157 and 0111 strains which are responsible for outbreaks of food poisoning such as the Garibaldi outbreak which occurred in Adelaide in 1995.

The Shiga toxin causes diarrhoea, haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic-uraemic syndrome which is the most common cause of acute renal failure in children.

The research team, including Dr Adrienne Paton, Dr Renato Morona and Associate Professor James Paton, published details of their work in Nature Medicine, describing a novel therapeutic strategy to block the effects of the toxin.

Shiga is produced by bacteria in the gut, and once absorbed into the blood stream it binds to specific receptors on the surface of host tissues such as the kidney.

The research team has engineered a harmless strain of E. Coli which has molecules on its surface which mimic the human toxin receptor, and these 'decoy' bacteria bind with the Shiga toxin. Mice infected with the toxin-producing strains and fed with the modified E.coli were completely protected against the toxin, with the harmless bacteria binding the toxin in the gut and preventing it from being absorbed into the body.

CSIRO COLLABORATES WITH JAPANESE ON VACCINES

CSIRO is working with a 400-year-old Japanese company to help find cheaper and faster ways of producing new animal vaccines. Soy-sauce company Higeta Shoyu has recently diversified into applying its fermentation skills to produce large quantities of proteins, which can be used as components in vaccines or disease treatments.

CSIRO Animal Health's Dr Adrian Hodgson says if the collaboration is successful the CSIRO will be able to use Higeta Shoyu's proprietary technology to produce batches of proteins much more quickly and cheaply.

"This means the new vaccines and treatments we are working on will be more attractive to pharmaceutical companies. In turn, they are then more likely to reach the market and help farmers manage animal diseases," says Dr Hodgson.

Higeta Shoyu's Mr Koji Yashiro will be based at the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Geelong for six months from January. He is working on applying the company's techniques to produce batches of several proteins now being researched by CSIRO Animal Health.

These proteins have potential applications against viral and bacterial diseases of chickens, pigs and cattle. They include cytokines (natural molecules produced by the immune system), antigens (which stimulate a protective response by the immune system), and recombinant antibodies (which can disable an invading disease agent).

For further information contact Dr Adrian Hodgson on (03) 5227 5123

NEW CENTRE ESTABLISHED

A new Australian Centre for Intellectual Property in Agriculture (ACIPA) has been established at the Australian National University's Faculty of Law. The Centre has received an investment of $3 million over five years from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, and additional funding of $0.4 million will be provided by the Commonwealth.

The Centre will provide education and training and undertake research and policy development, with input from ANU's Research School of Biological Sciences.

An initial Advisory Board, chaired by Canberra lawyer, Anne Trimmer, partner with Minter Ellison and President-elect of the Law Council of Australia, will recruit the Centre's inaugural Professor and Director.

ANU Law Faculty Dean, Professor Michael Coper, said that Australia's significant advances in biotechnology research had not been matched by education and training in the legal, commercial and ethical aspects of that research.

"The Centre will not only provide education and training in issues vital to Australia's future, but will also be a national resource. It will compile databases, provide information and conduct research and provide strategic advice on policy and policy reform", he said.

INNOVATION MOVES

The Innovation Summit Implementation Group (ISIG), which has been appointed to carry forward recommendations from the National Innovation Summit, met for the first time in mid-March. The Summit, held over two days in February, resulted in a communique issued jointly by Industry, Science and Resources Minister, Senator Nick Minchin, and Campbell Anderson, President of the Business Council of Australia, which summarised the main findings of the Summit and the detailed proposals put forward in the discussion groups.

Chaired by David Miles, Senior Partner at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, the Implementation Group's task is to develop the strategies that will create a culture of innovation in Australia that encourages risk-taking and the development of strong linkages between the research, industry and government sectors.

Under its terms of reference, the ISIG will consider the ideas and recommendations made at the Summit; refine proposals and remove duplication; provide concrete potential actions; identify relevant responsible groups; provide adequate information to enable effective decision-making; and provide advice on the priority of actions, their timing and implementation so as to enhance innovation in Australia.

The Group is required to present an interim report for the June 2000 meeting of the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council and present the final report to the PMSEIC Ministers by 30 August 2000.

The Group will consult with relevant affected parties to test proposals and help establish priorities, and will hold its meetings in different states and liaise with the newly formed Commonwealth-State Advisory Council in Innovation.

Members of the Innovation Summit Implementation Group, besides the Chair, Mr Miles, include: Dr Robin Batterham, Australian Chief Scientist and Managing Director, Research and Technology Support, Comalco and Chief Technologist, Rio Tinto Limited; Mr Tim Besley AO, President, Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering; Dr Ruth Dunkin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, RMIT University; Mr Peter Grant, Deputy Secretary, Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs; Dr John Keniry, Chairman, Ridley Corporation; Mr Christopher Knoblanche, Managing Partner and Chief Executive, Arthur Andersen Australia; Mr John Spasojevic, Deputy CEO, Department of Industry, Science and Resources; and Mr Peter Thomas, Executive Director, Planning and External Affairs, Holden Ltd.

More information on the Innovation Summit is available on the Internet at www.isr.gov.au/industry/summit. This includes submissions and working group reports prepared in the lead up to the Summit.

GENE THERAPY INSTITUTE

A gene therapy institute is to be constructed in the Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology and the Sydney Cancer Centre at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney.

It is expected that within 18 months a human gene therapy clinical trial will be conducted, possibly involving patients with cancer or haemophilia.

The research aims to target a final common pathway used by the cell to control division. Dr John Rasko, Head of the Centenary Institute's Gene Therapy Research Laboratory, is working with a research team on viruses and receptors of viruses to improve the efficiency of delivery gene therapeutics. Dr Rasko has also been working on the potential of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), a compound derived from jellyfish, in evaluating the success of gene implantation.

GFP inserted into cells causes them to fluoresce under a fluorescent microscope, enabling researchers to observe living cells. GFP has been used in monitoring the success of gene therapy for bone marrow repopulating cells in primates.

SCITECH 2000

The year 2000 edition of Scitech Technology Directory is now available. The Directory is a valuable source of information about government technology assistance programs and research centres, as well as government policy. The 14th edition has useful information about venture capital funding, innovation and technology centres, intellectual property and industry associations.

The 360 page book has been completely revised and expanded. It costs $180 including postage and is available from Hallmark Editions. To obtain copies of the Scitech Directory tel (03) 9555 7377.

EPBC AMENDMENTS

The Federal Government has released for public comment draft amendments to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act which will provide for the environmental assessment of proposed releases of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

The draft amendments are designed to operate in conjunction with the draft Gene Technology Bill 2000 (see article on page 22). They provide that a proposed release of a GMO which would require approval from the Regulator will be subject to an environmental assessment process if it poses a significant risk of harm to the environment. The Regulator will be required to take into account the advice of the Environment Minister before deciding whether to grant a licence.

Comments on the draft amendments are due by 12 March 2000. The draft amendments and explanatory notes are available on the Internet at www.environment.gov.au/epbc

PUSH FOR BIO 2000

Bio Partnering and Investment Forums were held in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane late last year to assist biotechnology companies, consultants, researchers and managers in developing successful alliance and finance strategies to break into the US market.

The forums were staged collaboratively by Austrade, Invest Australia, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, CSIRO and the Victorian Department of State and Regional Development They were addressed by a range of speakers including US-based venture capitalists, technology consultants and Carolyn Gray, Austrade's Trade Counsellor (Life Sciences) based in the US .

The forums are seen as the first stage of a national program to foster Australian biotechnology start-ups and to encourage participation in the Bio 2000 world trade fair in Boston.

GENE TECHNOLOGY INFO SERVICE

A free-call Gene Technology Information Service has been established by Biotechnology Australia to provide information to the general community on gene technology. The Gene Technology Information Service will be managed by the CSIRO during a three-month pilot scheme. Information will be provided to the service by a wide range of Commonwealth departments and agencies with responsibility for biotechnology. To contact the Gene Technology Information Service call 1800 631 276, fax (03) 9545 2095 or e-mail: genetech@csiro.au.

RED CROSS SELECTION

The Australian Red Cross has selected Chiron's nucleic acid testing system to screen the Australian blood supply for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Chiron's combination diagnostic test for these two viruses was developed and is manufactured by Gen-Probe and is expected to be in full use in Australia by mid year.

Source: Biocommerce Abstracts, 21 (24) 29.12.99

NEW PHYTOCHEMISTRY CENTRE

A new Centre of Phytochemistry has been established at Southern Cross University to provide the science base for the study of herbal drugs and other plant-based products.

The Centre, headed by Director, Peter Waterman, has been commissioned by the Malaysian Government to oversee the development and commercialisation of herbal drugs and other natural remedies from plants indigenous to the state of Sabah. It will work in collaboration with the University of Malaysia.

It is also collaborating with Western Australian firm, Biogene Bioprospecting, to develop new pharmaceutical drugs from Western Australian flora.

MELBOURNE BIO INITIATIVE

Biotechnology was the focus of a delegation from the City of Melbourne which visited Boston in late March to attend the Biotechnology Trade Conference BIO2000.

Led by Melbourne's Lord Mayor, Cr Peter Costigan, the 20-strong party included venture capitalists, technology transfer specialists, patent attorneys and biotechnology consultants.

In addition to meeting biotechnology business leaders in Boston, the taskforce from Melbourne held roundtable discussions with their Boston counterparts on biotechnology business infrastructure, financing of biotechnology and education, training the technology transfer.

For more information, contact Peter Chaffey, on (03) 9658 8728

DISR STUDY OF VENTURE CAPITAL INDUSTRY

As part of its Venture Awareness program, the Department of Industry Science and Resources is contracting a consultant to conduct benchmarking research on Australia's venture capital industry.

The study will analyse the nature and level of private investment in Australian venture capital, examine the expectations of Australian investors in relation to risk and rates of return and draw comparisons between the Australian and international venture capital industries.

The Venture Awareness program, which becomes operational this month, was allocated $1 million over three years in the October 1998 pre-election Making Industry Stronger statement. The program aims to facilitate the access of firms, including early stage, technology-based firms, to venture capital by encouraging investment funds to invest in venture capital investments.

The information obtained from the benchmarking study will be used to identify impediments to venture capital - pre-seed through to seed and mezzanine investments.

The benchmarking study is expected to be completed by the end of April, and a strategy comprising a range of activities will be implemented to improve evaluation of venture capital investment by investors.

For further information contact Mark Thomas on (02) 6213 7443.

For further information contact: Dr A.G. Bolt Telephone: (02) 9654 1623 Fax: (02) 9654 1754 Email: pharmatox@one.net.au

VICTORIAN GUIDE TO BIOTECH RESEARCH

The Victorian Department of State and Regional Development has produced a Guide to Current Research in Victorian Universities - Biotechnology (Non-Medical). The Guide, one of a series on various disciplines that has been produced over the last few years, lists current research being undertaken and provides contact details to enable companies to obtain further information about the projects.

The Guide is available on the Internet at www.vicnet.net.au/~entimp/ or can be obtained in hard copy from DSRD by ringing (03) 9651 9838.

LETTER FROM PROSCIENCE

MD's Comment

What is happening to the clever country? A former Prime Minister once predicted that our scientific excellence would lead Australia to future prosperity. It seems that this rhetoric has not been matched by action by past or present regimes. Rather than leading us to glory, it would appear that our scientists are seeking opportunities in countries that offer greater support and resources for scientific research.

The Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS) is undertaking a major study of the brain drain in Australia, focusing on scientists working overseas, how difficult it is to return, and reasons why Australian scientists leave in the first place.

The FASTS study will build on the results of a recent work place survey of 266 Australian Medical Researchers based here and overseas which revealed that many researchers were considering leaving their career in research to work overseas or in other industries within Australia. The survey commissioned by the Australian Society of Medical Research found that salaries of medical researchers in Australia were considerably less than those of Australian researchers working overseas.

Most researchers felt that funding for biomedical research and employment opportunities in Australia had declined in the past five years.

Proscience is an active member of the Scientific Suppliers Association of Australia (SSAA) which is committed to lobbying for greater science funding. We will be happy to relay your comments through the SSAA to anyone in Canberra who is prepared to listen. I can be contacted by fax on (03) 9706 3755 or by email at kenhung@proscience.com.au

Kind regards,

Ken Jungwirth

We reproduce this letter from Proscience's Summer 2000 newsletter.

ABA OFFICE BEARERS

PRESIDENT: Dr Peter Rogers (CUB - Brewtech) Tel: (03) 9342 5449; Fax: (03) 9347 9240

VICE PRESIDENTS: Dr David Tribe (University of Melbourne) Tel: (03) 9344 5703; Fax: (03) 9347 1540

DIRECTORS:

  • Dr Anne Campbell (CRC Association) Tel: (02) 6279 8835; Fax: (02) 6279 8836
  • Mr Gary Cox (Wray & Associates) Tel: (08) 9325 6122; Fax: (08) 9325 2883
  • Dr Shirley Lanning Tel: (03) 9690 0219; Fax: (03) 9690 0219
  • Dr Peter Riddles (Institute for Molecular BioSciences) Tel: (07) 3346 2507; Fax: (07) 3346 2509
  • Dr Peter Rogers (CUB - Brewtech) Tel: (03) 9342 5449; Fax: (03) 9347 9240
  • Ms Lyndal Thorburn (Advance Consulting & Evaluation) Tel: (02) 6297 2438; Fax: (02) 6297 2203
  • Dr David Tribe (University of Melbourne) Tel: (03) 9344 5702; Fax: (03) 9347 1540
  • Dr Neil Willetts Tel: (02) 9416 5537; Fax: (02) 9416 5537
  • Dr Elane Zelcer (Thrombogenix Pty Ltd) Tel: (03) 9827 6427; Fax: (03) 9824 0054

SECRETARY: Mrs Barbara Arnold Tel: (03 ) 9596 8879; Fax: (03) 9596 8874

TREASURER: Mr Steven Clarke Tel: (03) 9596 8879; Fax: (03) 9596 8874

ABA COMMITTEES:

ABA 2000 Chairman: Dr Gregory Harper

15th Australasian Biotech Conference Email: aba2000@im.com.au

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:

  • GENETIC RELEASE: Dr Sue Meek (WA Dept of Commerce & Trade) Tel: (08) 9327 5637; Fax: (08) 9327 5542
  • PUBLICATIONS: Dr Martin Playne (Melbourne Biotechnology) Tel: (03) 9598 9818; Fax: (03) 9521 9925 email: mplayne@netspace.net.au
  • W.A. BRANCH: Dr Michael Borowitzka (Murdoch University) Tel: (08) 9360 2333; Fax: (08) 9310 3505
  • QLD BRANCH: Dr Peter Riddles Tel: (07) 3346 2507; Fax: (07) 3346 2509
  • NSW BRANCH: Dr Neil Willetts Tel & Fax: (02) 9416 5537
  • VIC BRANCH: Dr David Tribe Tel: (03) 9344 5703; Fax: (03) 9347 1540
  • ACT BRANCH: Ms Lyndal Thorburn Tel: (02) 6297 2438; Fax: (02) 6297 2203

Copyright 2000 - Australasian Biotechnology

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