Science at the Shine Dome 2010
Early-career researchers program
The Academy is offering a special program for early-career researchers (ECRs) in conjunction with Science at the Shine Dome. Those who attend will:
- learn about the latest research across a range of science disciplines;
- meet and exchange ideas with renowned scientists, science teachers and other early-career researchers; and
- participate in career development workshops.
The CSIRO, CRCs, universities and research organisations have been invited to send representatives.
The registration fee of $495 per person includes:
- New Fellows seminar (Wednesday 5 May)
- Informal dinner for ECRs and teachers (Wednesday 5 May)
- Admission of new Fellows and awards presentations (Thursday 6 May)
- One (1) of the workshops as noted below (Thursday 6 May)
- Annual Dinner at the National Museum of Australia (Thursday 6 May)
- Annual symposium (Friday 7 May)
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, Wednesday to Friday inclusive
- Folder containing program information for Science at the Shine Dome, biographical information about other ECRs attending and notes for your selected ECR workshop.
Workshop 1
Title: Science communication and the media
Presenter: Dr Paul Willis
Journalist, Catalyst
Dr Paul Willis from ABC TV’s Catalyst program will run a science communication workshop to familiarise early-career researchers with the realities of science communication from the perspective of the general public and an evolving media. The workshop will provide researchers with the opportunity to develop an appreciation of what makes the media tick and engender skills to aid future communication of their work and its potential. Topics include the interests of science audiences in 2010, the needs of publishers and broadcasters and how scientists can interact with the media.
Workshop 2
Title: Commercialising scientific research
Presenter: Dr Darren Cundy
Executive Manager, Australian Growth Partnerships, CSIRO
and
Name: TBA
Chief Executive Officer, Commercialisation Australia
- What does it mean to commercialise research?
Understanding how commercialisation is different to securing new funds to do research, publishing papers or securing a patent. - So you have an idea – what next?
An overview of the difference between identifying innovation and creating intellectual property (IP) that can be commercialised, and the role of finance in transitioning an opportunity to commercially available product or service. - Do I go it alone?
A brief look at mechanisms to commercialise IP: sell it now, rent it out or build a company around it? - So where do I get the money?
Learn about the major categories of finance available for entrepreneurs and the differences between them. - I need investment finance
What do investors want to know? This section will run through aspects of an investment proposal and discuss the issues to focus on when seeking finance.
Workshop 3
Title: Skills for successful grant writing
Presenter: Professor Maria Makrides
Director, Child Nutrition Research Centre, Child Health Research Institute and Member of the Australian Academy of Science National Committee for Nutrition
Aims of the workshop
- To better understand how an ARC or NHMRC grant is reviewed and evaluated by review panels.
- To use this knowledge to prepare a grant application with a better chance of success.
The workshop will begin with a short introduction, followed by a mock grant review panel during which two grants will be reviewed and scored. This will be followed by an open discussion allowing all participants the opportunity to ask questions.
