August 2017 Newsletter
Note from the Manager
Two of the Research Projects funded in Round Four have recently completed. Aero Engine utilised additive manufacturing processes such as 3D printing to fabricate all the components of an aero engine. Solar Cells developed high performance solar cell technology with integrated nanoplasmic thin film and thermal management systems.
The first of the Experimental Development Projects has successfullly completed. The TranspiratiONal team set out ot test their sprayable biodegradable polymer membrane technology on commercial farms. The technology aims to minimise soil evaporation, suppress weeds, and improve crop water productivity in order to increase crop yields. Read more about this exciting technology on the SIEF website.
Vale Max Day: we offer our condolences to the family of Dr Max Day AO FAA, who passed in July 2017, at the age of 101. Dr Day was a former SIEF recipient and a respected ecologist and entomologist, perhaps best known for his work on mosquitoes as transmission vectors of Myxoma virus with Prof. Frank Fenner in the 1950s. After retirement in 1980, Dr Day continued his love of scientific research as an Honorary Fellow with CSIRO.
Dr Melissa Straffon
SIEF Manager
Melissa.Straffon@sief.org.au
(03) 9545 7952 or 0408 134 581
SIEF Impact Review
In early 2016 the Trustee commissioned an independent review to assess the impact of SIEF investments. The SIEF Impact Review was conducted by the CSIRO Performance and Evaluation Team with independent consulting firm ACIL Allen.
The multi-stage Review found overall positive findings upon evaluation of the impact and value delivered by the SIEF Portfolio of activities to the Australian science and innovation systems. The Review indicated that SIEF is funding high-quality, impactful research; developing and fostering the next generation of Australian researchers; encouraging and promoting increased research collaboration both within Australia and overseas; and developing and maintaining leading-edge research infrastructure.
The SIEF Impact Review and triple-bottom-line case studies are now available to read on our website.
SIEF-Australian Academy of Science Fellowships
The Australian Academy of Science invites nominations from Australian-based early career researchers to attend the 68th Meeting of Nobel Laureates in Lindau (dedicated to Physiology and Medicine), to be held in Lindau in Germany, 24 June -29 June 2018. The Science and Industry Endowment Fund is providing financial support thorugh the Science and Industry Endowment Fund – Australian Academy of Science Fellowships to the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings for Australian attendance at the Meeting.
The application must be submitted by the Research Office (or equivalent) of the institution. Each institution is limited to applying for two grants on behalf of two early career researchers. Eligible institutions include Australian universities, Australian publicly-funded research organisations and research-focussed institutions.
The successful candidates will receive a grant-in-aid of up to $6,750 (GST exclusive) towards the cost of an international return economy airfare from Australia to the international airport closest to Lindau (up to $3,250). In addition, successful candidates are invited and expected to attend Science at the Shine Dome, an annual celebration of science held at the Australian Academy of Science in Canberra, 21-24 May 2018.
Contact: T (02) 6201 9484| | E lindau@science.org.au