NATIONAL NANO NEWS

30/04/09

NANOVENTURES SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH TRINITY DIAGNOSTICS FOR RAPID MENINGOCOCCAL TEST

NanoVentures Australia (NVA) has signed a deal with New Zealand firm Trinity Diagnostics, where Trinity will fund the commercialization of a rapid response meningococcal disease test.  If successful, Trinity will become a new infectious diseases company based on the platform – developed by NVA’s predecessor (NanoVic) with RMIT University – with royalties and possibly an equity stake to NVA.  The new test is expected to reduce the diagnosis of meningococcal from the current 3-4 hours minimum to less than 15 minutes.  According to the World Health Organization 1.2 million cases of bacterial meningitis occur every year around the world, and of these 135,000 are fatal.  Introduction of a rapid response test will save many lives, as therapy is often delayed by mis-diagnosis. 
For more details please view flyer or contact Dr Jeanette Pritchard on jeanette.pritchard@nvaustralia.com.au

29/04/09

MELBOURNE UNI – SURVEY FOR INTRODUCTION OF NEW MASTERS IN NANO-ELECTRONICS & SYSTEMS PROGRAM

The Melbourne School of Engineering is proposing to introduce a new Masters in Nano-Electronics and Systems program.
The graduate program is eighteen months duration and it aims to provide students with the technology and skills required in the design and engineering of nano electronics and systems.
Some of the proposed core subjects in the program include: Device Models (High Speed and Sub Threshold Regimes); Packaging, EDS protection, Testing and Fabrication; Analogue Electronics
with a significant amount of practical and laboratory work planned in the program. This survey will provide Melb. University with information on how to best structure their program to meet the requirements of industry & research both domestically and internationally.   To participate in the survey: www.surveymonkey.com  Responses by May 6th would be greatly appreciated.   For full details of the program please contact Jan Richardson-Brown on + 61 3 8344 6715 or at janrb@unimelb.edu.au

OECD launches Database on research of safety of manufactured nanomaterials
As part of the OECD activities to promote international co-operation in addressing human health and environmental safety aspects of manufactured nanomaterials, they have developed a global resource of projects that address environmental, human health and safety issues of manufactured nanomaterials.  A database on Research into the Safety of Manufactured Nanomaterials has been launched by the OECD.  This database is now available for public use at www.oecd.org/env/nanosafety/database.  Australian researchers wishing to add data are required to create a ‘MyOECD’ account at  www.oecd.org  and send your details to NICNAS for nomination as a Data Providers.  Any queries contact:  trang.pham@Nicnas.gov.au

18/03/09
RMIT AUSTRALIAN SURVEY - ENGINEERED NANOMATERIALS
RMIT University, Melbourne has been commissioned by the Office of the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) to examine options for substitution/modification of engineered nanomaterials, to reduce the potential hazards associated with handling the materials in the workplace.  The project is part of the Nanotechnology OHS Program, in support of the National Nanotechnology Strategy. This survey will provide RMIT University with information on the substitution/modification approaches that Australian nanotechnology organisations use. View Survey   Survey contact: neale.jackson@rmit.edu.au 

18/03/09
SCIENCE MEETS PARLIAMENT 2009 - "NANO AND OH&S ISSUES FORUM
During Science Week the Australian Office of Nanotechnology, hosted a forum to discuss Nanotechnology and OH&S Issues in Australia. Speakers included; CSIRO, Office of Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC), Dept of Education (DEEWR), ACTU, Australian Nano Business Forum (ANBF) and Nanosafe.  It was agreed at the forum that 95% of Nano enabled technologies are covered by existing safeguards and protocols and 5% has been identified as being uncertain.  For this 5% comprising of some carbon nanotubes and free nano particles, further detailed research is fundamental for the protection of the environment and human capital.  The agreed solution is a safety by design approach which would encompass the whole life cycle of the products and processes.  It was noted that in order to be competitive and foster local manufacturing Australia needs to embrace the benefits of nanotechnology ie. greener lifestyle in terms of water and energy. It was also agreed that Australia cannot act alone and needs to collaborate with international bodies and governments to ensure a global standard to address possible issues in the area of occupational health and safety.  This action needs the urgent attention and all parties committed to seeking timely solutions ensuring the facilitation of protective actions.
Visit audio transcripts and presentations

26/02/09
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REPORT OF THE WORKSHOP ON NANOTECHNOLOGY SOCIAL INCLUSION AND ENGAGEMENT. 
The purpose of the workshop was to bring together representatives from the key sectors of Australian Government, Industry, Researchers, Community Groups and NGOs to develop principals and models for increased social inclusion and improved engagement between each other.  Participating Industry Representatives included: Australian Nanotechnology Business Forum (ANBF), Realtek, Materials Australia, ACCORD Australasia and the Australian Food and Grocery Council.   View Release   View Report 

19/2/09
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING IN SA
A new report on South Australia’s research and development capabilities in advanced manufacturing suggests that defence, health and ‘clean’ technologies are key areas for future development.  Preliminary findings from the report Mapping Capability in Advanced Manufacturing R&D in SA, prepared by foresight and industry strategy consultancy Bridge8 Pty Ltd were announced on 18th February 2008 at a function held at the National Wine Centre. www.bridge8.com.au   View Release

18/2/09
AUSTRALIA'S STRONG NANOTECH SECTOR ON DISPLAY TO THE WORLD - NANO TECH 09
17 Australian firms and research institutes attend Nano Tech 09 Expo - the world's largest international nano Expo and Conference held annually at Tokyo Big Sight.
View Media Relase  
View Delegation Members

5/2/09
GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM TO HELP INDUSTRY CLUSTERS ACCESS EXPORT MARKETS
The Australian Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, today announced that the Austrade-managed Global Opportunities program will provide export and investment facilitation services as well as funding support of up to $1.8 million over the next three years years to eight industry clusters of Australian companies, to help them expand their international business activities. View Release

30/1/09
THE AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES NATIONAL NANO STRATEGY ANNUAL REPORT 07/08. View Details  

27/1/09
ACCORD STATEMENT ON THE USE AND SAFETY OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN COSMETICS AND SUN PROTECTION PRODUCTS
The Australian cosmetics product industry places the highest regard on the safety and environmental performance of its products.  Our industry's products and the ingredients they contain are regulated and subject to stringent safety testing and evaluation (National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) and Federal government Therapeutic Goods Administration).
The Australian TGA and its expert Medicine Evaluation Committee have reviewed the use of sun protection products containing nanoparticle zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. TGA concluded these products were safe to use.  View details

13/01/08
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS NOTIFICATION & ASSESSMENT SCHEME (NICNAS) REMINDER NOTICE - INDUSTRIAL NANOMATERIALS: VOLUNTARY CALL FOR INFORMATION 2008.
This Notice is to remind all persons who have manufactured or imported nanomaterials or products(mixtures)containing nanomaterials for commercial or research and development purposes in 2008 that a Voluntary Call for Information on Industrial Nanomaterials is currently open. The closing date for the Call is Friday 23 January 2009.
Further information is available on the NICNAS
website at www.nicnas.gov.au

01/12/08
Manufacturers' Monthly Endeavour Awards - Free to Enter
Now in its sixth year, the Endeavour Awards is the only national awards program specifically for Australia's manufacturing industry.  Entry is free, with the deadline for entries COB 13th February 2009.  Awards presentation gala dinner will be held on May 13, 2009 in Melbourne. For more details call: Alan Johnson on 02 9422 2480 or Katherine Crichton on 02 9422 2964.  www.manmonthly.com.au/Awards.aspx

28/11/08
AccessNano: An Accessible, Cutting-Edge Nanotechnology Resource for Australian Secondary Schools
Science teachers and technophillic teenagers around Australia were thrilled last Friday to gain access to the innovative nanotechnology resource AccessNano ( www.acessnano.org ). Launched on November 28th at the 2008 Science Teachers Association of Victoria Conference by The Honourable Julia Gillard, The Deputy Prime Minister praised the industry, educational, and government team that had supported the development of AccessNano.  View release 

29/10/08
Nanotechnolgy in New South Wales Report Released
The NSW Government has announced the release of the State Development Report 33 titled "Nanotechnolgy in New South Wales".
The Report, which includes 18 recommendations, is available at: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/statedevelopment.

23/10/08
$41 Million for Victorian Science & Industry Partnerships
The Victorian Government today launched its $41 million Science Agenda Investment Fund to help turn Victorian science and technology ideas into new products and services. Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said Victoria’s science and technology community and industry are being encouraged to apply for funds to assist them to collaborate and pursue market opportunities. www.business.vic.gov.au/vsa .

07/10/08
Dyesol opens new manufacturing facilities to meet global demand for DSC materials and technologies
This facility will enable Dyesol - world leader in Dye Solar Cell (DSC) materials and technologies to fast track its commercialisation strategy to take full advantage of the solar photovoltaic market forecast to be worth $US 30 billion in 2008. See news at: www.dyesol.com

02/10/08
SmartHEALTH – Realtime Diagnostics for Cancer At the ANBF Industry Networking function held in Adelaide, Dr Andrew Campitelli discussed the SmartHEALTH Integrated Project, a European-based team of experts from 28 organisations that includes Australian company MiniFAB. The Smart Health Integrated Project is looking at three forms of cancer (breast, cervical, colo-rectal) as examples to show how real-time diagnostics can be developed. www.smarthealthip.com www.minifab.com.au

12/09/08
Official Launch of the ASTE Energy & Nanotechnologies Report
The Australian Academy of Technicological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) Report; Energy and Nanotechnologies: Strategy for Australia’s Future was officially launched on by Senator Kim Carr, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. www.atse.org.au/index.php?sectionid=128

09/09/08 
Solar Power Expert Named NSW Scientist of the Year
The winners of the inaugural NSW Scientist of the Year Awards were announced at a reception at the NSW Government House on September 11, 2008. The 2008 NSW Scientist of the Year is Professor Martin Green, a world leading solar energy expert, and the executive research director at the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Photovoltaics at the University of NSW.
http://businessnsw.e-newsletter.com.au

09/09/08 
Australian Government Releases Innovation Review Paper  
Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, today released the report of the Review of Australia's National Innovation System, calling it a turning point for the future of innovation in Australia.   The Review was conducted by an expert panel chaired by Dr Terry Cutler. The panel analysed Australia's innovation system and made a series of recommendations to revitalise it. View details  

11/09/08
Major Italian Industry partners team with Dyesol to produce 3rd generation glass solar panels for buildings 
Dyesol Italia srL, subsidiary of Dyesol Limited (ASX: DYE), is to partner with and supply Dye Solar Cell materials, equipment and technology to an Italian partnership developing and commercialising next generation solar panels for buildings. View details

11/09/08
Australian Nano Showcased at the International Commercialisation of Micro & Nano Systems Conference held in Mexico.
The annual, MANCEF COMS Conference was held in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Aug 31 – Sept 4 2008, Dr Kristin Alford from Bridge 8 in Australia (ANBF member, Adelaide) blogged the conference in real time on a series of websites – a COMS first. Kristin’s efforts demonstrated to us just how easily we can communicate around the world with webcasts of presentations, photos and next step - video clips via mobile phone cameras all uploaded to the web. http://www.bridge8.com.au/_sgg/m1_1.htm

05/08/08 

Opportunity to Build your Business - Federal Government Confirms Sponsorship of the 3rd ANBF Led Delegation to Nano Tech 09
The Australian Office of Nanotechnology; DIISR has confirmed sponsorship of the ANBF 3rd ANBF led Australian Delegation to Nano Tech 09. Nano Tech, held annually each February at Tokyo Big Sight in Japan, is the world's largest international nano Expo with the 2008 Expo attracting over 49,000 international delegates. Australian companies and research institutes seeking to partner, collaborate and export their technology into the dynamic international nano market are invited to participate! For details of the Delegate program and benefits visit the ANBF website www.anbf.com.au or call 0414 510 333.

10/07/08

Antaria Limited – new name for leading Australian advanced materials manufacturer
Advanced materials solutions company Advanced Nanotechnology Limited has changed its name to Antaria Limited. This will be accompanied by a rebranding initiative reflective of the company’s success and presence in Australian and international markets.
View details www.advancednanotechnology.com

XeroCoat Innovative Coating

High tech start up company XeroCoat has announced its entry into the solar energy market. This pioneering company commenced by University of Queensland researchers, Dr Michael Harvey and Associate Professor Paul Meredith, now headquartered in Redwood City California, with its R&D base in Brisbane, has taken its innovative coating technology and is targeting the solar thermal and solar photovoltaic markets.
For more information visit: www.xerocoat.com/Press-Releases.aspx and www.aibn.uq.edu.au

3/07/08

Cutting edge technology for pulmonary drug delivery close to commercial realization

Victorian Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings opened the Monash Micro Nanophysics Research Laboratory on 3 July 08, where the Nanotechnology Victoria pulmonary drug delivery project is being undertaken and said, "this new world leading nanotechnology research facility will develop breakthrough drug delivery systems which will assist in the treatment of conditions like diabetes."
View details www.nanovic.com.au/?a=news.news&p=51&id=485

1/07/08

ANBF Adelaide nano industry networking

On 1 July representatives from the three major South Australian universities, state and federal government, industry, arts, media and education attended an ANBF industry networking seminar in Adelaide, South Australia. Speakers included; Dr Erol Harvey, CEO MiniFAB, Lyndal Gully, Media Manager Australian Media Science Centre and Clive Davenport CEO ANBF.
For more details visit: bridge8.wordpress.com/2008/07/02/nanotechnology-networking/

30/06/08
Federal Government AON Public Awareness Forums

The Australian Office of Nanotechnology (AON) has held a series of free public forums on nanotechnology issues in all State and Territory capital cities around Australia over the last year. The aim of the forums has been to engage with the public and to assist public debate about nano science and nanotechnology.

Members of the public were able to hear a range of experts speak about nanotechnology issues and were able to engage in questions and answers with them, providing the AON with an opportunity to hear public comments first hand. Digivote technology was also used to make an assessment of audience attitudes to various nanotechnology related issues than might otherwise have been possible.Vidcasts of the forum speakers will be placed on the AON website www.nanotechnology.gov.au

20/05/08
A significant advance in nerve regeneration using stem cells and nanotechnology
A Monash University PhD student is working with the CRC for Polymers has developed a technique which has the potential to revolutionise nerve regeneration using stem cells and “smart” nanomaterials. This major advance in stem cell research also provides a boost to the search for treatments for crippling conditions, particularly Parkinson’s Disease and spinal cord injury.
View media release www.crcp.com.au/

15/04/08
NSW Company receives Government Grant to support Nanocell Technology
EnGeneIC Pty Ltd is one of six companies to receive biotechnology innovation grants announced by NSW Minister for Science and Medical Research, Verity Firth. The debilitating side-effects of cancer treatments could be dramatically reduced thanks to new “nanocell” technology being developed by Sydney company EnGeneIC Pty Ltd.
View media release www.business.nsw.gov.au/newsroom/news_20080422_proofofgrant.htm

05/08

International Responsible Nano Code:
The Responsible Nano Code working group has published a “Responsible Nano Code Update”, The update incorporates Australian feedback gathered at an Responsible Nano Code workshop and on-line survey coordinated by the ANBF, NanoVic & Bridge8 in Nov 07. The Code, scheduled for launch later this year, is not intended to supplant or delay effective legislation.

View Release: 149 kb PDF

05/06/08
Australian Technology Showcased at NSTI Nanotech Conference, Boston USA
http://www.azonano.com/news.asp?newsID=4147

16/05/08
DuPont Australia and New Zealand 2007/08 Innovation Awards winners announced
http://www2.dupont.com/

28/2/08
The Victorian State Government launches Nano Statement.  View Details 

27/02/2008
Australian Nano Business Forum and Taiwanese Partner Announce Major International Collaboration
View Media Release

14/02/2008
Australian Nano Business Forum Leads National Delegation to Japan
View Media Release

13/02/2008
La Trobe nano students join Australian Delegation to nano tech '08 Expo in Japan.
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/nanotechnology/japan2008.html

13/02/2008
(posted from the NanoVic website)
The Office of the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (OASCC), within the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations (DEEWR) has published its new nanotechnology OHS web pages...

22/01/2008
Australian Government Announces Review of National Innovation System - The Minister for
Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, today announced a wide ranging review of Australia's national innovation system to be conducted by an expert panel chaired by Dr Terry Cutler.  View Media Release

15/01/2008
INDUSTRY, Science and Innovation Minister Kim Carr has confirmed that a science industry program will be among the first to feel the new Government's spending axe, as the Rudd Government looks to find savings before it brings down its first budget. click here

17/12/2007
The Australian Nano Business Forum (ANBF) and Nanotechnology Victoria (NanoVic), supported by the Federal Government, have coordinated Australian consultation in response to the Responsible NanoCode developed through the nanotechnology Industry Association (NIA) in the UK.  The process included a national on-line survey, and workshop conducted on 26 November 2007 in Melbourne, Australia for 40 participants representing industry, research/academia, investors, insurers, regulators, employees and government (state and federal). Outcomes: View Proposed Draft Code   View National Responsible NanoCode Workshop Feedback

13/12/2007
NSW Government Announces Major public inquiry into Nanotech. click here

19/11/2007
Starpharma Holdings Ltd has won an international award for nanotechnology excellence for VivaGel®, its lead product under development for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. The winners of the third annual Nano 50 Awards were presented with their awards at the National Nano Engineering held in Boston USA last month click here

22/10/2007
Dysol in Italy: Dyesol has entered into a contract with Universita Roma Degli Signi – Tor Vergata (Uni Roma Dua) to provide facilities and materials to assist Uni Roma Dua in establishing a laboratory and prototyping facility to develop Dye Solar Cells for Italy. Read More >

2/10/2007
Heart devices or golf balls? While it may have started life as a material with serious potential for use in medical devices, a chance meeting with golf ball manufacturers in Japan has let University of Queensland nanotech spin-off  company TanasiTech to pursue the lucratie golf ball cover market instead. Read More >

20/09/2007
The Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools was awarded to Mrs Francesca Calati, a Victorian Secondary School teacher.
Read More >

3/09/2007
The Australian Nano Business Forum (ANBF) in Melbourne, Australia and the Nanotechnology Business Creation Initiative (NBCI) in Tokyo, Japan today jointly announced the signing of a major international collaboration between both countries.  The collaboration will provide significant opportunities for Australian companies to develop or exploit nanotechnologies for major markets, or leverage developments into Australian markets.
Read More >

28/08/2007
The Australian Nano Business Forum (ANBF) has announced the appointment of Dr Paul McCormick as the Board Member to represent its WA Chapter.  Dr McCormick who was nominated by the WA Chapter of the ANBF, and elected unanimously by the ANBF Board, will take up his position immediately.  Dr McCormick is one of the leaders of nanotechnology in Australia .
Read More >

1/07/2007
One of Australia’s leading nanotechnology firms, pSivida Limited, announced recently that it had strengthened its balance sheet and refocused its efforts in the drug delivery area to better reflect its strategy for future growth. During that period pSivida transitioned from a nano-bio materials science company to a drug delivery company with two FDA-approved products, a late stage pipeline and several partnerships.
Read More >

27/06/2007
Invest Australia, Australia’s major international investment support agency, releases its report Nanotechnology: Australian Capability Report (3rd Edition).  The report highlights the state of the activity in Australia...
Read More >

23/05/07
Australian Institute for Commercialisation and ANBF Join Forces
Read More >

14/05/07
ANBF Appoints Dr Ian Birkby as NSW Board Representative
Read More >

2/05/07
ANBF Response to Federal Government Industry Statement
Read More >

1/05/07
Global Integration: The Future for Australian Industry
Read More >

2/04/07
The Australian Nano Business Forum (ANBF) formally launched their NSW Chapter in Sydney on Monday 2 April, 2007. Read More >

4/03/07
ANBF Response to DuPont-EnvironDefence nano Risk Framework - March 07 Read More >

23/02/07
The Australian Nano Business Forum (ANBF) led a successful, high-calibre Delegation to Tokyo attending the region’s largest commercial nanotechnology expo – Nano Tech 2007.
Read More >

20/02/07
Media Release, Ian Macfarlane, Australian expertise showcased at Nanotech Japan Read More >

18/12/06
The Australian Nano Business Forum Appoints its Inaugural CEO Read More >

20/11/06
Pilkington Australia today announced its commitment to a major upgrade of its Australian facilities, to supply advanced products - many based on nanotechnology Read More >

13/11/06
The Australian Nano Business Forum Responds to DITR "Options for a National Nanotechnology Strategy" Read More >

12/09/06
Media release - The technology of the small – nanotechnology – is about to get bigger in Australia with Industry Minister, Ian Macfarlane, today releasing a report which is the first step in determining a National Nanotechnology Strategy Read More >

16/08/2006
ANBF Victorian Chapter Launch. A major milestone in Australian Nanotechnology was reached on 16th August, when the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Nano Business Forum was formally launched...Read More >

17/07/2006
Imaginative and innovative fabrics and applications were on display at RMIT’s Fabrics of the Future exhibition held from 11 to 14 July 2006...Read More >

03/04/2006
The National Nanotechnology Taskforce is calling for submissions on the development of a coordinated national nanotechnology strategy... Read More >

15/05/2006
Read updates on University of Queensland researchers hoping to revolutionize the way cancer and diseases are detected; nano patches replacing syringes in administering therapeutics; and more... Read More >

12/05/2006
Read the latest nanotechnology news including articles on national research effort to develop new ways to remove toxic substances from the air; Technology Futures Conference moving to Melbourne in July; success of University of Melbourne students at the Biotechnology Entrepreneur Program awards and more... Read More >

13/04/2006
The RMIT University School of Applied Sciences has been working with BlueScope Steel, owner of the proprietary Colorbond technology, to improve understanding of the materials’ performance at the nanoscale ...Read More >