UWS Inventor Mug launch

Image: Prof Andrew Cheetham and PhD student Marina Belkina

Image: (left to right) Prof Andrew Beattie, Dr Ming Wu, Assoc Prof Robert Spooner-Hart and Adj Assoc Prof Minh Nguyen

Image: Prof Andrew Beattie receiving his inventor mug from Dr Fiona Cameron.

As a way of recognising and rewarding the university’s valued inventors, UWS Innovation had the great pleasure of launching the UWS Inventor Reward Mug as part of an end of year social function held on Wednesday, 14 December 2011 at the historic Female Orphan School.

Many of the rewards from patenting take quite some time to be realised, either in the form of granted patents and/or hopefully the commercialisation of the IP. Our inventors were delighted to receive this tangible recognition for all the hard work already done in achieving a provisional patent filing and also as a constant reminder of the exciting journey yet to be taken in realising the invention’s potential.

The event provided a great opportunity for like-minded colleagues to come together, share experiences and celebrate each other’s successes. Dr Fiona Cameron (Associate Director, UWS Innovation) highlighted the successes of a number of UWS inventions and also provided insight into a those on the horizon with potentially worldwide impact. A motivational presentation by Andrew Stead from ATP-Innovations revealed what is possible when university researchers are able to successfully commercialise their inventions as part of a spin-out company.

This has been UWS Innovation’s most successful year ever for the commercialisation of the university’s inventions, and we believe that 2012 will provide even more exciting opportunities.

For more information on UWS innovations and licensing opportunities please contact us on 02 9685 9742 or at r.burnside@uws.edu.au

UWS Technology Licensed in Asia

Image: The official opening of M-Metal Singapore

Image: Fielders CEO, Keith Middleton with Matt Lloyde and the first run of Re-Lok containing RF55 in Singapore.

Image: Patented Re-Lok invention

Through UWS Innovation, the university has granted Fielders Australia and M-Metal Singapore the rights to manufacture and distribute its proprietary Re-lok technology in South East Asia. This landmark agreement is the first time a UWS invention has been successfully commercialised into the region. UWS and the Greater Western Sydney community will benefit from the rapidly growing Asian market and will generate an enhanced reputation as an innovation provider.

Invented at the UWS School of Engineering, Re-lok is designed to increase the strength of steel formwork profiles used in the construction of high-rise buildings. The technology comprises patented corner embossments within the steel formwork profile to ensure a greater shear capacity and results in a stronger mechanical interlock with the concrete slab. Moreover, it possesses dovetail lapping ribs which resist lateral deflection to enhance the profile’s spanning capacity and strength in positive bending and end shear.

Moving into the international market, the product was launched this month at the official opening of M-Metal Singapore. The event attracted over 250 guests and representatives from Singapore’s leading building and construction companies and included leading government officials.

For more information on UWS innovations, please contact us on 02 9685 9742 or at r.burnside@uws.edu.au

2011 UWS SIMS Workshop

Image: Attendees at the 2011 UWS SIMS Workshop

The UWS SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) Workshop was hosted at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment on 2 November 2011. The workshop brought together researchers and industry representatives interested in the highly specialised analytical capabilities offered by the UWS SIMS. The UWS Solar Research Facility at Hawkesbury houses the only SIMS instrument of its kind on the east coast of Australia.

Case studies were presented by current users of the instrument and included Prof Raman Singh from Monash University, Dr Jisheng Han from Griffith University and Dr Gerry Triani and Dr Peter Evans from the Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO). All presentations gave the audience insight into practical applications of the instrument and demonstrated its sensitivity in elemental and isotopic surface analysis.

The workshop was well received by all in attendance, with vibrant discussions and networking opportunities. Attendees from Monash, ANU, UNSW, National Measurements Institute, Bluescope Steel, Silanna and Bluglass found the day stimulating and relevant to their research goals. A tour of the SIMS facility was given by the operator Dr David Nelson after the workshop, with many people indicating their desire to utilise the cutting edge equipment’s capabilities.

Used in semiconductor R&D, materials and nuclear sciences as well as environmental applications, the instrument is available to both researchers and industry. For more information, please refer to our website or contact us on 02 9685 9742 or at r.burnside@uws.edu.au

National Characterisation Roadshow arrives at UWS

Image: Audience members David Cookson from the Australian Synchrotron and Prof Janice Aldrich Wright from UWS in discussion at the National Characterisation Roadshow held at the Medical School Campbelltown.





The University of Western Sydney hosted the National Characterisation Roadshow 2011 on 27 October 2011 at Campbelltown Campus. Four characterisation facilities explained what they can do to support your research:

• Australian Synchrotron
• National Deuteration Facility
• Australian Microscopy & Microanalysis Research Facility (AMMRF)
• National Imaging Facility

For more details please see the attached copy of the program or visit http://www.characterisation.org.au/roadshow-2011.html

Access to UWS Flagship scientific equipment including the Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer can be organised through UWS Innovation at ip@uws.edu.au

Oran Park Development

Image: Corinne Turner from UWS Innovation & Consulting chats with Matthew Beggs, Development Director at Oran Park Town in front of OPT plans.

UWS is partnering with Landcom and Greenfields Development Company to explore the opportunities for health and communications integration in the newly developing Oran Park Town (OPT) in South West Sydney.
Oran Park, previously well known as the ‘Raceway’, is now a growth area providing future housing for a new community of families and the elderly. Oran Park Town will become the cornerstone of education, business, service and entertainment in the south west of Sydney.

For more information, please contact Corinne Turner on 02 9685 9837 or at c.turner@uws.edu.au

Invention Workshop allows UWS researchers and students opportunity to pitch their ideas

UWS Innovation and Intellectual ventures (IV) jointly hosted an Invention Workshop for a select group of UWS researchers and honours students, where attendees were able to pitch their research and ideas to a small group of technology investors for feedback.

In addition to Dr Scott Needham from IV Australia, a special guest on the panel was Dr James Wang, Director of Invention Development at IV China. James is responsible for the Physical Science Group, and before joining IV was founder of several start-ups in Silicon Valley and Shanghai. Prior to that, James was a senior scientist and manager at Pfizer, working on biomaterials and medical device development.

With billions of dollars under management, IV are specialists at assessing and investing in some of the world’s most promising and cutting edge inventions.

Honours students Chris Godfrey, Simon McElduff and Linren Zhou presented their idea for the development of a novel two-way-shape memory polymer matrix, while Dr Grace Yan from Civionics/School of Engineering pitched her idea on wireless structural monitoring.
James and Scott provided invaluable feedback in regard to material selections, developing a business case, and attracting investors and collaborators.

The workshop was a great success and confirms UWS’s growing capability in developing innovative ideas.

2011 NSW Pearcey Award winners announced

Image: Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner announces the winner of the Annual Pearcey Award in ICT.


The NSW Pearcey awards were announced on 12 October 2011, with Simon Pool and Steve Frisken of Waterloo-based Finisar Australia named NSW’s Entrepreneurs of the Year in the information and communications technology field.

In 2001, Mr Poole and Mr Frisken founded Engana, which developed wavelength selective switching technology that is now being used in the national broadband network. Now trading as Finisar Australia, their company is a world leading manufacturer of wavelength selective switches for optical communications networks, with annual export revenues of over $350 million.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner also announced an industry Taskforce to develop a Digital Economy Industry Action Plan for NSW, and $3 million over two years to support creative digital content projects. We believe that access to this funding comes at a critical time as Australian ICT start-ups and business are struggling to attract financial resources to further their great ideas.

UWS has growing expertise in the ICT sector, and in particular the development of virtual worlds and Artificial Intelligence (A.I.). Our researchers are currently developing one of the most advanced A.I. platforms for use in virtual worlds, with the potential for far reaching applications such as education, commerce and tourism.

Researcher Anton Bogdanovych’s work on the virtual city called Uruk recently placed 3rd at the 2011 Federal Virtual Worlds Challenge held by the US Army Research Laboratory – Simulation & Training Technology Centre, and we congratulate him on this great success.

UWS has filed a provisional patent based on Anton’s research and we encourage companies interested in co-development or commercial applications to contact Dr. Stephan Golla on 9685 9853 or email him at s.golla@uws.edu.au

UWS Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry Workshop

UWS will host the Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry Workshop. UWS’s Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (SIMS) research facility houses the only instrument of its kind on the east coast of Australia. The University’s substantial investment in upgrading this equipment has now been completed. The SIMS is one of the most effective surface analysis instruments for advanced material research. Used in semiconductor R&D, materials and nuclear sciences as well as environmental applications, the SIMS provides high-sensitivity trace element depth profiling and secondary ion microscopy imaging.

UWS plans to expand its collaborative research efforts with both other research institutions and industry.

We invite both existing users and others wishing to enhance their research to attend.

Details:
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
9.30am to 2.30pm
UWS Hawkesbury Campus, Cnr Bourke St and Londonderry Rd, Richmond NSW 2753

If you would like more information on the workshop or the instrument, please contact Robert Burnside on 02 9685 9742 or at r.burnside@uws.edu.au

Senate rejects Patent Amendment Bill

A controversial private members Bill entitled "Patent Amendment (Human Genes and Biological Materials) Bill 2010" was introduced into parliament in November 2010 with the intent to restrict the patenting of genes and related biological material. UWS made a submission opposing the bill as a member of the S7 group of Sydney Universities.

On 21 September 2011, after more than one hundred written submissions and two days of public hearings, the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee has recommended that the Senate should NOT pass the Bill.

In arriving at its recommendation, the Committee considered a number of key issues. An example of these issues and the findings included:

• The distinction between discovery and invention - The Committee noted that although the Bill sought to clarify the distinction between discovery and invention, the amendments proposed would not assist to clarify that distinction and may make the distinction more obscure.


• Impact on treatments, methods and healthcare - The Committee indicated in their Report that there was no evidence that patents were adversely impacting on the provision of healthcare in Australia.


• Freedom to research - It was disagreed that the Bill would provide certainty for scientists conducting research on biological material and concluded that the amendments in the "Raising the Bar" Bill regarding a research exemption would provide greater certainty for researchers.


• Impact on investment - It was agreed that without certainty in relation to patent protection for biological materials, companies would have less incentive to develop and commercialise new products for the Australian market or, alternatively, a greater incentive not to publicly disclose inventions.

The Committee agreed that that although the Bill was "well intentioned" it did not represent an effective solution to any potential or perceived problems that may be caused by the patenting of biological material. It is evident that the debate is not yet complete with the Bill now likely to be brought back to the Senate, with the amendments proposed in the dissenting report. The issue now will be whether such an amended version of the Bill would be able to get sufficient support for it to pass the Senate.

UWS PhD student inventor wins award

Image: Marina Belkina (middle) receiving her award at the CHEMECA 2011 conference

We are proud to announce that PhD student, Marina Belkina has won the David Trimm Award for the best catalysis student paper entitled “Direct low temperature synthesis of carbon nanotubes on Si/SiO2 substrates without using a metal catalyst” at the CHEMECA 2011 conference.

The paper describes a potentially revolutionary new method for the production of carbon nanotubes (CNTSs) at low temperature without metal catalysts. CNTs are one of the most important emerging nanomaterials and this new synthesis method will potentially be able to assist in solving a number of key manufacturing problems.

Marina’s work forms part of a project being conducted under the supervision of Associate Professor Kamali Kannangara and Dr Adriyan Milev. The Carbon Nanotubes project has recently undergone a provisional patent application and we are currently seeking to engage commercial partners to:

- Promote licensing of the patented technology or;
- Engage in collaborative R&D to further develop the technology.

For enquiries, please contact Robert Burnside on 02 9685 9742 or on ip@uws.edu.au

RiB seminar series garners UWS researchers interest

Image: (left to right) Bill Kerr from Enterprise Connect chats with Prof Simeon Simoff from the School of Computing and Mathematics

In conjunction with the UWS College of Health and Science, UWS Innovation & Consulting recently hosted a seminar series promoting the Researchers in Business (RiB) program. Delivered by Bill Kerr from Enterprise Connect, the aim of the seminars was to inform UWS researchers of the opportunities for supporting the take up of applied research and consulting placements in businesses.

The Australian Government has committed $10 million annually within Enterprise Connect to support the placement of researchers from universities or public research agencies, into businesses that wish to develop a new idea with commercial potential. Funding for up to 50 per cent of salary costs, to a maximum of $50,000 will be provided for placements spanning from 2 to 12 months.

Examples of eligible research projects include:
Product innovation – developing and testing new, or improved products or services
Process innovation – addressing production/process issues
Marketing innovation – analysing brand, product or service consumer perceptions and impct in the market
Environmental sustainability – identifying, measuring pollution/waste reduction opportunities
Mathematical science – quantitative analysis/modelling of data to improve product, process or marketing innovation.

The RiB program may be of particular use to researchers and businesses that have applied for an ARC linkage grant and narrowly missed out on selection. UWS I&C welcome interested parties to contact us to explore opportunities on how our researchers may be able to collaborate with you. Please contact us on 9685 9742 or at ip@uws.edu.au

Successful Innovation Workshop 2011

Image: UWS students alongside Hamish Hawthorn (third from right) and Andrew Stead (second from left) of ATP Innovations.











This year UWS again selected some top postgraduate research students to attend the Successful Innovation Workshop conducted by ATP Innovations at the Australian technology Park.

UWS encourages both academics and students to be inventive and entrepreneurial through its IP Policy and regular contact with the Innovation & Consulting arm.

The Successful Innovation Workshop, otherwise known as the commercialisation bootcamp should provide attending students with useful real life skills to consider aspects of their research in a different light.

“In this 2 day workshop you will explore ways to commercialise your research through practical case studies, workshops and networking.

At the end of this program, you will have a greater understanding of what is involved in successful commercialisation. Speakers will help you understand how to prepare yourself, what questions to ask and how to develop wealth from your research”

Academics and students of UWS interested in protecting the IP in their research should contact the Innovation & Consulting team at ip@uws.edu.au

New R&D tax credit passed by parliament

The Federal Government’s A$1.8 Billion R&D Tax Credit was recently passed by Parliament and ushers in a new chapter for Australian investment and innovation.

Starting retrospectively from 1 July 2011, the R&D Tax Credit has two core components:

a) A 45 per cent refundable tax offset (equivalent to a 150 per cent deduction) to eligible entities with an aggregated turnover of less than $20 million per annum.

b) A non-refundable 40 per cent tax offset (equivalent to a 133 per cent deduction) to all other eligible entities.

The new credit is said to be a key factor for Australia in attracting global firms looking to focus on R&D or those looking to partner research organisations to build their long term competiveness.

UWS is a Registered Research Agency (RRA), thus making it capable of performing contracted R&D on behalf of eligible companies. In addition to being able to claim the R&D tax credit, one of the major advantages of working with an RRA such as UWS includes the ability to undertake R&D programs without having to invest in costly equipment and expertise.

With UWS’s ever expanding intellectual property portfolio and continued investment in world class research, we welcome inquiries from companies that are interested in partnering on collaborative research projects. Please contact Robert Burnside on 02 9685 9742 or at r.burnside@uws.edu.au

UWS invention awarded NSW government grant

We are pleased to announce that a UWS invention, called Direct Contact Membrane Distillation Refrigeration (DCMD-R), has received $20,000 in market validation funding from the NSW Government. This innovative technology allows for energy efficient liquid concentration at low temperatures in order to produce a superior concentrated product.

Forming part of a pilot scheme implemented by the NSW Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services, the grant is designed to assist NSW research organisations to identify and prove a market for their intellectual property. The pilot grant program was managed by ATP Innovations with a view to creating an ongoing market validation scheme to support new business formation.

With the funding coming at a crucial stage of the project, it will enable UWS Innovation to continue to test and validate the technology before it is presented to industry partners for further development through collaboration.

Direct contact membrane distillation has recently emerged as an alternative to other concentration techniques when both high final concentration levels and high quality are required. DCMD-R technology however, is more energy efficient than other direct contact membrane distillation processes due to the incorporation of a unique refrigeration process. It is also able to produce a superior, concentrated product that retains the original nutritional and sensorial characteristics. The technology is ideal for concentrating thermally sensitive liquids such as fruit juice, coffee, tea extracts, dairy liquids and biological fluids.

We encourage you to watch here for future developments of this exciting technology. If you have a commercial interest in this technology or any inquiries about harnessing UWS research for your business, please contact UWS Innovation & Consulting on (02) 9685 9742 or by email at ip@uws.edu.au

UWS pioneers new carbon nanotube production method

Researchers at the School of Natural Sciences have developed a potentially revolutionary new method for the production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at low temperature without metal catalysts.

CNTs have been touted as one the most important emerging nanomaterials as they have extraordinary properties due to their unique structure: graphene sheets consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms in a honeycomb framework that can be rolled into a tube measuring about a nanometer in diameter. Per unit weight, they are among the strongest and stiffest materials known and are also excellent conductors of electricity and heat. The tiny structures may be used in dozens of applications that touch nearly every industry, including aerospace, electronics, medicine, defense, automotive, energy and construction. While crude CNTs are currently produced en masse for uses such as structural reinforcement, advanced applications such as new printed electronics and energy storage devices require a much more refined version of the material.

Dr Adriyan Milev, Dr Kamali Kannangara and PhD student Marina Belkina have developed a new method for the low temperature and metal catalyst free synthesis of CNTs. The invention will potentially be able to assist in solving a number of key manufacturing problems and has recently undergone a provisional patent application filing.

UWS is seeking to engage with commercial partners to:

· Promote licensing of the patented technology or;

· Engage in collaborative R&D to further develop the technology.

For enquiries, please contact Robert Burnside on 02 9685 9742 or at r.burnside@uws.edu.au

UWS part of the green biotech revolution

A UWS developed biotechnology has been recognised in an article published in the May/June edition of Life Scientist. Titled “Biotech spotlight: big deals”, the article highlights a select group of biotechnology companies to watch in the year ahead. In the article, Western Australian company Bio-Gene Technology Ltd is mentioned for its development of Qcide, a revolutionary natural insecticide. Developed as part of a research collaboration between UWS, Southern Cross University (SCU) and Bioprospect Ltd, the intellectual property has been assigned exclusively to Bio-Gene Technology, which has worldwide rights to the technology.

Qcide is being developed as a new, environmentally friendly treatment for household and agricultural pests. The technology is based on Tasmanone, a natural insecticide derived from the leaves of Eucalyptus cloeziana, a forest tree species found in areas of Queensland. The active molecule exhibits a unique mode of action thought to be targeting the octopermine receptor in insects. This has been identified as the basis for a patenting and for commercialisation of the compound as an insecticide with applications in urban pest control, crop protection and animal health.

Bio-Gene believes that Qcide has the potential to make significant inroads into the global marketplace, where it will offer a greener alternative to established products such as additives required now to combat pyrethrum resistance. Pyrethrum which has a global market currently valued at US$500 million a year.

We encourage you to watch this space for future developments of this exciting technology.If you have any inquiries about harnessing UWS research for your business, please contact UWS Innovation & Consulting on (02) 9685 9742 or by email at ip@uws.edu.au

Researchers in Business (RiB) program holds great potential

UWS recognises that successful partnerships with industry are essential for university research to reach the market and ultimately benefit the public. In keeping with this maxim, we see the Reseachers in Business (RiB) program as a great initiative that will play an important role in enhancing the transfer of university intellectual capital into practical business applications.
The Australian Government has committed $10 million within Enterprise Connect to support the placement of researchers from universities or public research agencies, into businesses that wish to develop a new idea with commercial potential. Funding for up to 50 per cent of salary costs, to a maximum of $50,000 will be provided for placements spanning from 2 to 12 months.

Examples of eligible research projects include:

· Product innovation – developing and testing new, or improved products or services
· Process innovation – addressing production/process issues
· Marketing innovation – analysing brand, product or service consumer perceptions and impact in the market
· Environmental sustainability – identifying, measuring pollution/waste reduction opportunities
· Mathematical science – quantitative analysis/modelling of data to improve product, process or marketing innovation.

The RiB program may be of particular use to researchers and businesses that have applied for an ARC linkage grant and narrowly missed out on selection. UWS I&C welcome interested parties to contact us to explore opportunities on how our researchers may be able to collaborate with you. Please contact us on 9685 9742 or at ip@uws.edu.au

UWS Intellectual Property (IP) Evaluation Panel

Image: (left to right) Dr Fiona Cameron, Mitchell Low and Dr Peter Brown

UWS’s innovation capability was showcased at this year’s second IP Evaluation Panel, which took place on July 5th at the historic Female Orphan School, Parramatta South Campus.

The panel comprised a number of prominent people from within the life science and innovation industries, and academics representing each of UWS’s Colleges, Health Science, Arts and Business and Law. Dr Phil Kearney (Director - External Licensing at Merck Sharpe and Dohme), Hamish Hawthorn (CEO, ATP-Innovations), Dr John Arkwright (CSIRO), and Dr Peter Brown (Senior Associate, Griffith Hack) provided valuable external views to the discussion. With combined expertise in technology transfer and pharmaceuticals, they were able to provide valuable insight into the commercialisation potential of a new invention from Dr Anya Salih that could excite interest in the market for fluorescent tags used in research. Other inventions from the School of Natural Sciences and the Medical School provided stimulating discussions amongst the panel.

Jean Bunton, a UWS PhD student presented an entrepreneurial business pitch called “Sing the Sounds of English”. Being her first time pitching her business idea to a panel, Jean thought it was a great experience. “Presenting the work developed from my Honours project, which was to write songs and music for young children with the aim of teaching English, was a chance to get feedback from experts outside my area of study. Preparing the presentation itself helped me clarify exactly what I was looking for in terms of finding an industry partner. The questions I was asked by the Panel were quite surprising as they came from different angles, but they helped me see which direction I should concentrate my ideas. There were many suggestions of ways I could extend the scope of my project. I now have some potential links with industry which I couldn’t have found in any other way.”

This latest panel stimulated very robust discussion of the exciting technologies and ideas. Our thanks to the dynamic panel members of the day; Dr Peter Brown (Patent Attorney, Griffith Hack), Dr Hugh Pattinson (College of Business and Law), Mitchell Low (PhD student - Centre for Complementary Medicine), Dr Michael O’Connor (College of Health and Science), Debbie Bailey (Office of Research Services ), Dr Phil Kearney (Merck Sharp & Dohme), Dr John Arkwright (CSIRO), Dr Christian Kroos (College of Arts-MARCS), Hamish Hawthorn (ATP-Innovation), and Dr Fiona Cameron (UWS I&C, Chair).Other IP Evaluation Panel dates for 2011 are:

»» Friday, 9 September 2011

»»Friday, 11 November 2011

Please contact us on ip@uws.edu.au if you have an interest in research or commercialisation of university IP.

UWS and Sydney Community Television

Did you know that the University of Western Sydney (UWS) established a free-to-air community television station, Television Sydney (TVS) in 2005 with a group of educational and community providers? It can be found on digital channel 44 and analogue channel 31 throughout Sydney and broadcasts twenty-four hours a day seven days a week.

Our television Broadcast Operations Centre is located on the University’s Werrington South campus within the School of Communication Arts, which is closely integrated with postgraduate programs in media and television. The facilities are state-of-the–art; including a television studio, streaming server, live outside broadcast remote facility and post production editing and sound studios.

Since February 2009 TVS has provided live streaming for all its shows and the (TVS) iPhone app now allows viewers to watch their favourite TVS shows wherever they are. This application also has an integrated program guide allowing users to browse through the television schedule and program information.

The focus is on Sydney-specific programming with some programs sourced from interstate community channels and from professional program makers. A number of programs are also produced and supplied by UWS and genuine not-for-profit community based program makers receive free program airtime.

An interesting range of programs are screened to appeal to a wide audience with just a small selection highlighted below:

· Science Spectrum- new series that takes viewers to the cutting edge of scientific research at UWS.
· Small Biz Central- Q & A forum for small business owners with UWS academics, industry experts and government advisors.
· Shelf Life- hosted by Dr Milissa Deitz and Dr Rachel Morley from the UWS School of Communication Arts, who interview local and international writers and discover the books that everyday readers are passionate about.
· Vasili's Garden- host Vasili tours Australian backyards in this Greek/English gardening show.
· Classic Restos- join host Fletch as he travels throughout Australia hunting down Australia's best classic car restorations.
· In Good Shape-the weekly health show that covers all aspects of health care.
· Foody and the Winemaker- bringing food and wine together in a series set around some of Australia's most famous wine growing regions

To view the complete range of programs on offer please click on the following link http://www.tvs.org.au/programs

UWS Futures Forum showcases our young researchers' potential

The University of Western Sydney recently showcased the achievements of its future scientific minds at the annual College of Health & Science, Research Futures Postgraduate Forum.

A diverse range of research within the College was presented from over 250 candidates and 120 honours students in the form of either a seminar or poster presentation, providing an excellent opportunity for learning and collaboration with other scientists from across the College in the fields of natural sciences, medical science, health education, nursing and midwifery, civionics, engineering, mathematics and computing to name a few.

Dr Julia Bowman (School of Biomedical and Health Sciences) and Dr Kathryn Sunn (Innovation & Consulting) had the arduous task of judging each of the 140 posters against set criteria related to technical, communication, organisational and conceptual thinking skills. The judges unanimously awarded, Engineering (construction) honours student, Zhenya Kremyshev’s poster on “Analysis of Sustainable Housing” as the overall winner. Second place also went to an honours student from the School of Engineering. Mitchell Dumesny’s poster on the ”Analysis and design of Electromagnetic Shock-Absorbers” was a very close second.

Again this year, UWS will be competing in the Australia wide 3 Minute Thesis Competition. The College of Health and Science will be sending 3 finalists to compete at the university level Competition. The 3 Minute Thesis Competition, requires graduate researchers to explain their research topic in accessible terms to a lay audience. It is based on the premise that the capacity to present a clear, concise, yet engaging description of the research project in 3 minutes is an essential skill that all graduate researchers should develop.

Whilst the competition was fierce, the ultimate finalists were PhD students Cherylea Browne for her presentation on “Investigating the mechanisms of tinnitus”, Aimee Bourne for her presentation on “Species diversity effects on forest ecosystem water-use” and Greg Whitely for his presentation on “Validation of Cleaning Surveillance Methods in the Control of Healthcare Associated Infection”. The 3 College finalists each received a cash prize of $500, to be used to enhance the research outcomes of their candidature.

If you have any inquiries about UWS research, please contact Professor Deborah Sweeney, College of Health & Science Director of Research on (02) 4736 0995.

UWS open to creating stronger links with industry

Image: Dr Rowan Gilmore FTSE, CEO Australian Institute for Commercialisation

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE http://www.atse.org.au/) workshop held in May at the NSW Trade and Investment Centre in Sydney was entitled “Strengthening Links Between Industry and Public Sector Research Organisations”. Within a room packed with the Who’s Who of Science and Technology in Australia, it was concerning to hear industry’s consistent concerns about working with universities. There appeared to be a consensus view that universities will always claim the intellectual property for any project undertaken with an industry partner and drag out contract negotiations.

At UWS, we have been aware that such concerns may “frighten off” potential industry partners and have made a concentrated effort to consider all IP ownership scenarios based on input, background and commonsense.

It’s clear that from within the university environment that we need to make a better effort to communicate the coming of age of “tech transfer offices” and our open views to IP ownership, partnerships and contract negotiation.

If you are interested in exploring the opportunities at UWS for research, business or consulting purposes, please contact UWS I&C on ip@uws.edu.au

Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) pushing the frontiers of environmental research

This multimillion dollar research institute dedicated to understanding how terrestrial ecosystems adapt to environmental change will be launched by UWS in 2011. The substantial body of researchers and technical experts in the HIE will undertake high level environmental research and provide scientific expertise through their applied research and land management programs to government and industry.

The establishment of the of the institute comes at a critical time as there is an ever increasing need to better understand how environmental changes impact upon ecosystems. A groundbreaking report by the UK National Ecosystem Assessment (UK NEA) is being used by policy makers in the UK to strengthen the argument for protecting the environment. The report puts a price on “nature” by determining the monetary value of UK natural environments. Examples include valuing the benefits that wetlands provide to water quality at £1.5 Billion, while pollinators are estimated to be worth £430 Million per year to British agriculture.

Aimed at solving critical environmental problems, the key issues being investigated by the HIE are those related to climate change, landscape revegetation and reforestation, bio-fuel production, and soil remediation.

Innovation & Consulting looks forward to being a part of the important industry collaborations that will emerge from the institute’s research outcomes. If you have any inquiries about harnessing UWS research for your business, please contact UWS Innovation & Consulting on (02) 9685 9742 or by email at ip@uws.edu.au

Boost for UWS to support the shifting complementary medicine field

A recent regulatory ruling by the European Union (EU) presents an opportunity for UWS researchers at the Centre for Complementary Medicine Research (CompleMED).

The herbal medicine market is in shock after new EU regulations were introduced that only allow medicines that are licensed, well established or prescription-based to be sold. The new regulations are a result of growing concern about how some remedies interact with conventional drugs, as well as the detrimental effects a number of them may have when taken on their own. For example, much attention has been paid to evidence that shows ginkgo and ginseng can interfere with blood-thinning drugs, while St. John's Wort has been shown to undermine the effects of oral contraceptive medications.

The Australian market for complementary medicine has an estimated value of AUD$3.1 Billion per annum, while the international market presents even greater opportunities, with international sales of herbal remedies alone estimated at US$83 Billion per annum. While it could be perceived that the recent EU rulings may hinder growth of the market, it should be noted that they also present an opportunity to those best able to adapt to the changes.

As part of a pilot innovation and technology partnership program, CompleMED will receive funding of AUD$75,000 from the NSW Government to provide expert advice to Australian and Chinese herbal medicine companies. Importantly, the team will look at the evidence-base of products making high-level therapeutic claims against the regulatory requirements of international markets. The importance of this is made clear by the recent EU regulatory changes, with UWS now well positioned to be at the leading edge in this field.

If you have any inquiries about harnessing UWS research for your business, please contact UWS Innovation & Consulting on (02) 9685 9742 or by email at ip@uws.edu.au

IP Evaluation Panel

Image: (Left to right) Gal Winter and Dr Chris Curtin (standing), Dr Christian Kroos and Prof Oscar Hauptman (seated)











The University of Western Sydney's (UWS) growing innovation capability was showcased at the first of this year’s Intellectual Property (IP) Evaluation Panels, which took place on May 3rd at the historic Female Orphan School, Parramatta South Campus.

During the day, UWS PhD student Scott Willis presented his idea for nanoscale continuous flow separation devices and Gal Winter, a student of UWS co-supervised by Dr Chris Curtain at the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) presented her idea of a high throughput system for detecting odours in fermented foodstuffs. Both of these inventions stimulated very robust discussion from the panel.

Gal is seen here on the left, along with Dr Chris Curtin from AWRI along with other UWS participants Dr Christian Kroos (MARCS) seated left and Prof Oscar Hauptman (Centre for Innovation Studies UWS) seated right.

A presentation from Dr Anton Bogdanovych from the School of Mathematics & Computing on his recently reported invention (http://uwsinnovation.blogspot.com/2011/04/artificial-intelligence-takes-virtual.html) described his exciting, ground breaking artificial intelligence technology, with the panel providing valuable input on its current status and potential.

The panel itself consisted of a number of prominent people from within the IT and science innovation industries, as well as some of UWS’s prominent and up-and-coming academic minds. Mr Matthew Lang, a partner of Deloitte Consulting and Dr Stephan Wellink provided valuable external views to the discussion. With combined expertise in management consulting and scientific technology, they were able to provide valuable insight into the commercialisation potential of a new invention from Assoc/Prof Andrew Shalliker from our School of Natural Sciences that should revolutionise the efficiency of current separation technologies.

Ekta Nankani, a UWS PhD student in the School of Mathematics & Computing, sat on this recent panel as the non-voting student member, and was an active contributor to the discussions.

The latest panel stimulated very robust discussion of the exciting technologies. Our thanks to the dynamic panel members of the day; Dr Siew-Lee Hew (Patent Attorney, FB Rice), Prof Oscar Hauptman (CoB), Ekta Nankani (HDR Student, Maths & Computing), Dr. Antonio Lauto (CHS), Gar Jones (Director, ORS), Matthew Lang (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu), Dr Christian Kroos (CoA-MARCS), Stephan Wellink (Stephan Wellink & Associates Pty Ltd), and Dr Fiona Cameron (UWS I&C, Chair).

Other IP Evaluation Panel dates for 2011 are:

»» Tuesday, 5 July 2011

»» Friday, 9 September 2011

»»Friday, 11 November 2011

Please contact us on ip@uws.edu.au if you have an interest in research or commercialisation of university IP.

UWS Engineering's Capabilities on Show

Image: Ian Stone (Advance), Yashar Ahmet (Advance), Sasha Alexander (UWS) and Mithra Fernando (UWS) viewing UWS School of Engineering exhibits.

The UWS Engineering School engaged this week with long time friends of UWS, Ian Stone and Yashar Ahmet of Advance Metal Products. Ian and Yashar discussed and planned collaborations in material testing and the possibility of supporting development of undergraduates and graduates with exciting real world projects.

Engineering academics Drs Sasha Alexander and Mithra Fernando along with Innovation & Consulting representative Dr Fiona Cameron, took the visitors on a tour of the engineering facilities and the new Engineering building "Z" at Kingswood. During the tour the visitors were shown a large hole in the ground at the testing facility which has been prepared for Engineering's new heavy duty 1000 Tonne load testing equipment which will be arriving in May and will be unique in Australia.

The tour coincided with the UWS Career's annual expo held in Engineering and facilitated by UWS Careers doyenne Freny Tayebjee. The tour group is seen here looking at some of the civil engineering exhibits prepared for the students.

For further information on accessing Engineering facilities or collaboration please contact UWS I&C on ip@uws.edu.au

Artificial intelligence takes a virtual leap

Image: Virtual agents interacting in the virtual world of Uruk








On February 16, NBC (A US television network) aired an episode of “Final Jeopardy” featuring Watson, an IBM supercomputer. Watson took on two human champions and the machine recorded a resounding victory over its human competitors. Watson’s performance has caused scientists, academics and businesspeople to ponder what future applications and business solutions could be addressed by such artificial intelligence (AI). Because of the difficulty and lack of success so far in building physical robots, there has been a tendency towards computer simulation where virtual agents in a virtual reality world attempt to achieve intelligent behaviour.

Important research in this field is happening in 3D virtual worlds such as Second Life, where they are becoming a new popular medium for a vast variety of so-called “serious games” applications. These games tackle problems like education, commerce, tourism etc. Significant advances are being made and some people are now wondering if the rise of AI platforms like Watson and those incorporated into programs like Second Life will mean the end of the live business agent model in the contact centre and customer care industry.

UWS research being conducted by Anton Bogdanovich is at the forefront of this field, and it is hoped that his research into the ability of a virtual agent to better interact in a dynamic virtual world will lead to better and more life-like AI. Anton’s work on the virtual city called Uruk recently placed 3rd at the 2011 Federal Virtual Worlds Challenge held by the US Army Research Laboratory – Simulation & Training Technology Centre, and we congratulate him on this great success.

UWS has filed a provisional patent based on Anton’s research and we encourage companies interested in co-development or commercial applications to contact Dr. Stephan Golla on 9685 9853 or email him at s.golla@uws.edu.au

Algae oil extraction by ultrasonics at UWS

Biodiesel is considered to be one of the most promising renewable fuels for the future and is currently enjoying huge market growth throughout the world. The production of bio-diesel from algal oil combines biotechnology and advanced engineering in the large scale production of (ideally) high growth rate and high oil content algae. Algae are also considered far more productive per m2 than current biodiesel feedstocks produced from rapeseed and jatropher seeds.

Extraction of oil from algae usually combines a mechanical press with chemical extraction using a solvent. However, this also increases the cost and environmental impact of extraction due to the use of chemicals and specialised distillers to separate the oil from the solvent.

Associate Professor Kamali Kannangara, Dr Nguyen Tran and Dr Adriyan Milev from the School of Natural Sciences together with AusBiodiesel Pty Ltd have been awarded a UWS Research Partnership grant to investigate ultrasound effects on extraction of algal crude oils to biodiesel.

‘Extraction of crude oils from microalgae is an essential step that will impact on the efficiency of the biofuel production’ says Associate Professor Kannangara. ‘A remarkably simple, scalable technique that enables fast extraction of microalgae crude oils has been recognised as the ultrasound-assisted process. This involves significantly less volume of solvents compared to conventional techniques. However, many technical issues such as the composition, stability and chemistry of the extracts are dependent on the physical property of the algal cell, chemical composition of the cytoplasm and the ultrasound intensity and energy’. The research team will source the microalgae slurry externally which will then be filtered and the filtrate containing microalgae will be subjected to ultrasound-assisted oil extraction. Please read the full information sheet for more details on the project.

UWS has a growing list of researchers involved in renewable energy and clean technology. Contact us at ip@uws.edu.au for more information.

"Brandjacking"! Is your brand safe online?

With the ever increasing use of internet for business, trademark brand names are being assaulted from all angles online. “Brandjacking” is an activity whereby someone acquires or otherwise assumes the online identity of another entity for the purposes of acquiring or altering that person's or business's brand reputation or equity. This is usually the use of brand images, names, and other identifiers to trick customers, and involves techniques such as search engine manipulation, PPC (pay per click) scams, cybersquatting, counterfeits, piracy, phishing, malware, and traffic diversion.

In the social networking arena, a “brandjacker” may attempt to seek to damage the reputation of the target brand for malicious or political reasons, which may or may not be directly financial, but the resulting effects on the target brand holder may often have adverse financial implications – eg, negative publicity may result for a corporation in lost sales or a reduced share price, or for a sportsperson, it may result in the termination of a lucrative sponsorship deal.

At a recent seminar presented by Professor Lisa Ramsey (Professor of Law, University of San Diego) and hosted by the University of Melbourne’s Centre for communications and media law (CMCL) and Intellectual Property Research Institute of Australia (IPRIA) it was discussed whether trademark infringement laws should apply to the unauthorised use of trademarked brand names on Facebook™, Twitter™, and other social network sites?

Professor Ramsey discussed how in the US, it is currently unclear whether infringement laws apply if the “brandjacker” is not advertising or selling goods or services, since there is a requirement for “use in commerce” of the mark for infringement provisions to apply. In the US there must also be a balance of free speech interests (ie first amendment) when deciding whether trademark infringement laws apply, and it is generally considered that where a trade mark is being used in parody, satire, criticism, comparative advertising, news reporting, and other commentary on the social network sites and there is no confusion about the source of this expression, this expressive use of the mark should be outside of the scope of the US trademark infringement laws.

Australia will soon be facing these same issues, if its not already, so watching how the US deals with this will be really interesting.

UWS Innovation &Consulting (ip@uws.edu.au) advise our staff and students in this area. Others can find Professor Ramsey’s full discussion paper at http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1498557

UWS Solar-Hydrogen Research

Image: Leigh and Maria with the UWS Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (SIMS) a key instrument in the solar research program.

Dr Leigh Sheppard and Dr Maria Nowotny of the Solar Energy Technologies Research Group (SETG), School of Natural Sciences, have been awarded an ARC discovery grant to investigate different methods of improving the efficiency of solar-hydrogen fuel production. A partner investigator to this award will be Dr David Kisailius from the University of California at Riverside.

The team is pursuing a solution that is based on a photoelectrochemical process where sunlight is used to “split water” into its component parts - oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen gas produced in this way is solar-hydrogen fuel. This project aims to enhance solar-hydrogen generation from water splitting by addressing a major scientific roadblock that prohibits the visible fraction of sunlight being used during the oxidation of water. Read the full story here.

As many would be aware, the development of cost effective renewable energy technologies is of critical national and international importance. This was explored in detail at the 7th Australasian Cleantech forum that was held from Feb 28th to March 2nd 2011 at the Hilton Hotel, Sydney. It was made obvious that no currently available renewable energy source has the ability to monopolise the market and the prevailing vision is for an energy economy that exists through the contributions of multiple energy sources. Cleaner, cheaper, more reliable and more efficient technologies are needed. With solar, wind, geothermal and a range of bio-fuels currently propping up the list of successful renewables, it is hoped that UWS researchers at the SETG will be able to contribute to the great potential that solar-hydrogen energy presents.

If you have any inquiries about harnessing UWS research for your business, or accessing UWS equipment like the SIMS, please do not hesitate to contact the UWS Innovation team.

New Big Pharma Opportunities for Academic Research

It may be hard to believe, but many big pharma companies may be facing a tough time in the near future. Within the next five years, patents for a number of lucrative drugs will expire, and it is estimated that these drugs currently contribute approximately $140 billion per year in revenue. When a patent expires it becomes available for competitors to exploit commercially. This poses a big problem, as it is always hard to predict when the next blockbuster will arrive to make up for lost revenue.

Pharmaceutical companies do have strategies to soften the impact of patent expiration. Examples include increasing the use of a drug through extension to other uses, the introduction of a novel improvement, or the creation of a generic version. However, these strategies may not be sufficient to adequately differentiate themselves from their competitors. That is why the industry is working on a new way to revitalise their portfolio: the combination of IT and health care.

Mobile phone applications (apps) are currently a hot topic in the industry. According to an Ernst & Young report, pharmaceutical companies started 97 projects in 2010. The majority of projects are focused on smartphone apps and examples include software for blood sugar level monitoring, the provision of clinical trials results and vaccination data management. The combination of easy access to information and treatment increases the efficiency of drug development and drug usage. At a time when regulatory bodies require ever more complex trials and a huge amount of data, the provision of adequate and relevant patient information helps in the design of more cost-effective clinical trials. Mobile apps may also improve the way patients, drug developers and medical practitioners communicate. This will allow for customised treatment and the development of new strategies for drug prescription and patient monitoring.

Although universities play an important role as an innovation supplier for the pharmaceutical industry, the research and development of a compound or biological agent is very resource intensive. The expansion of drug companies into the IT sector provides universities with the opportunity to leverage their intellectual capital and address a fast growing market without needing to invest in product development programs costing millions of dollars.

Through increased collaboration, UWS's growing capability at the School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Computing and Mathematics places the university in a great position to capitalise on these emerging trends.

Who is an Expert Witness?

Image: Gavin Stuart (Bartier Perry) cross examines Dr Ross Heisey (I&C)

This question was thoroughly investigated in the Expert Witness training program organised by UWS Innovation & Consulting at the UWS Moot Court House on the 23rd of February. Gavin Stuart, an experienced solicitor, from Bartier and Perry was the trainer for the day which was attended by twenty UWS academics and two visitors from the Forensic Accounting unit of the NSW Police. Dr Kerry Hudson, Director of UWS I&C, welcomed the participants to this inaugural training event which is the start of the UWS expert witness service. The presentation covered a range of topics such as the roles, regulation and responsibilities of an expert, expert evidence, engagement of experts, expert report writing, giving court evidence and the pitfalls to be avoided by expert witness.

Gavin found our own Dr Ross Heisey unflappable under a simulated cross examination as an expert witness in the Court. Finally he touched on the potential criminal and civil liability issues for experts.

If you want to know more about the program or accessing expert witnesses at UWS please contact UWS Innovation & Consulting on (02) 9685 9836 or by email at ip@uws.edu.au.

Gene Patent Bill

A private members bill seeking to restrict the patenting of genes and related biological material was introduced into parliament last year by Senators Coonan (Lib), Heffernan (Lib), Siewert (Gr) and Xenophon (Ind). The bill is entitled "Patent Amendment (Human Genes and Biological Materials) Bill 2010".

Currently, the Patents Act 1990 explicitly states that “human beings, and the biological processes for their generation, are not patentable”.

The proposed bill seeks to expressly exclude a second category of subject matter from patentability, namely “biological materials” (including DNA, RNA, proteins, cells and fluids) whether isolated or purified or not and however made, which are identical or substantially identical to such materials as they exist in nature.

UWS Innovation & Consulting is preparing a submission to the Senate Inquiry on behalf of the University arguing against the proposed bill. We believe that if the legislative amendment is progressed in its current form, it would have far-reaching and unintended consequences across the biotechnology industry, impacting on those developing novel therapies, tests, vaccines and drug delivery platforms.

Indeed, research at UWS would likely suffer. Researcher Dr. Anya Salih has attracted worldwide attention for her research into novel fluorescent proteins from Australian coral. The genes responsible for fluorescence in the coral have potential for use in wider gene expression research. A ban on gene patenting would likely affect levels of external funding for this and other important gene-related research work.

Submissions to the Senate Inquiry must be lodged by 25 February 2011.

Neuroprotective Compound Research

Professor Nikolaus Sucher of the Centre for Complementary Medicine (Complemed) is investigating the ability of hormones such as oestrogen and other similar natural compounds to protect the brain from degenerative disease by looking at their effects on a molecular level. This research is supported by a grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council. Read the full story here.

Complemed's research into the efficacy, safety and use of complimentary medicine will hopefully present opportunities for commercial success in the complementary medicines industry in Australia. For more information on the important research being conducted at the centre, please visit their website.

CompleMED scientists use functional genomics and proteomics as well as biophysical and phytochemical methods to elucidate the molecular basis of action of Chinese herbal medicines. The Herbal Analysis Laboratory features a range of chromatographic and spectroscopic equipment for the isolation, extraction and identification of herbal constituents, and is an accredited Good Laboratory Practice laboratory through the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration). The Herbal Pharmacology Laboratory is PC2 accredited and designed for biomolecular studies including high throughput bioassays and quantitative real time polymerase chain reactions. The tissue culture facility allows a variety of human and animal cell lines to be cultured, to enable research into biochemical, molecular biological or biophysical experiments under controlled conditions. The facility is notable for being able to undertake patch clamp electrophysiology and digital fluorescence imaging at the same time.

If you have any additional inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact the UWS Innovation team.

Filipino Australian Engineers visit UWS

Dr Mithra Fernando of UWS Engineering shows the visitors a concrete testing project.


Key officers and members of the Filipino Australian Engineers Association Inc (FAEA) were jointly hosted by UWS Innovation & Consulting and the UWS School of Engineering/Civionics Centre on their visit to UWS. Engineers there on the day represented Kneebone, Beretta and Hall Consulting Engineers, NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, Rail Corp, J Wyndham Prince Pty Ltd, and a variety of small private contracting and engineering practices based in Greater Western Sydney. Professor Brian Uy welcomed the guests to the UWS Civionics Centre at the Kingswood Campus. The delegates enjoyed a tour of the state-of-the-art engineering laboratory which is reputed to have one of Australia’s best equipment for testing and monitoring for the construction and manufacturing industries, working with steel, plastics and their composites, polystyrene, alloys and timber. The UWS capabilities for mechatronics, industrial design and small-scale production were also showcased in the tour of the facilities.

One of the topics discussed during the open forum was finding pathways to enable recognition of foreign trained migrant engineers from Asia by the Institution of Engineers, Australia. The UWS Master of Engineering course may already be used as one of the pathways for migrant engineers.

UWS Engineering capability statement can be found at http://www.uws.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/142249/CS_Engineering.pdf.

Companies wanting to find out more about working with UWS engineering should contact UWS Innovation &Consulting at ip@uws.edu.au .

University of Western Sydney 2010 Partnership Awards

Mr Russel Rankin- Food Innovation Partners (Left), Dr Gavin Recchia and Mr William Hird-Davies Collison Cave (Centre); Mr Paul Brennan-Penrith Business Alliance (Right)

The University’s annual Partnership Awards were held on its Parramatta Campus on the 10^th December last year. These awards support the University’s commitment to community engagement and recognise outstanding partnerships developed between the University, external organisations and individuals, particularly in Greater Western Sydney.

The Innovation & Consulting team nominated three of its partners who were acknowledged with a partnership award at the ceremony.

Food Innovation Partners Pty Ltd- Award accepted by Mr Russel Rankin

The collaborative relationship between UWS Innovation & Consulting and Food Innovation Partners has increased the University’s direct exposure to the food industry in Australia and improved its capability and expertise in agriculture and food. As a result of this strong partnership, the University has been able to respond to the food industry’s need for training and technology by holding an industry workshop to facilitate future partnerships and directions.

Davies Collison Cave- Award accepted by Dr Gavin Recchia and Mr William Hird

UWS Innovation & Consulting has partnered with Davies Collison Cave since 2008 who have been providing engaged research, learning and teaching opportunities in relation to the identification and protection of intellectual property rights. In addition, this partnership has enabled UWS to protect identified intellectual property with a commercial interest to the University.

Recipients of the award, Dr Recchia and Mr Hird, are both partners at the Sydney office of the patent attorney firm Davies Collison Cave specialising in the areas of biotechnology and in the clean technology sector respectively.

Penrith Business Alliance – Award accepted by Mr Paul Brennan (Chairman)

The Penrith Business Alliance (PBA) is an independent organisation that is funded by Penrith City Council to achieve economic growth and development objectives through to 2031. Its major goal is to create an additional 40,000 jobs in the local economy for Penrith city. UWS Innovation & Consulting has been partnering with PBA on a number of projects designed to achieve this goal, including the master plan for the “Penrith Health and Education Precinct”, which includes preliminary concept plans for a range of innovative and commercial based projects in the area. For further details on these projects please refer to the following link to PBA’s website http://penrithbusinessalliance.com.au/

Wind-excited tall buildings

Professor Kenny Kwok from the School of Engineering will lead a team of researchers to investigate the effects of wind-induced vibration on occupants of tall buildings. This project is supported by an Australian Research Council Discovery grant. The multi-disciplinary team includes Professor Vaughan Macefield, School of Medicine, UWS, Dr Peter Hitchcock from the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, and Dr Darren Walton of Opus International Consultants, Wellington N.Z. The project will also include the research training of a postgraduate student.

For the full story on UWS research visit the UWS research success page http://www.uws.edu.au/research/success or download the pdf onthis story:

http://www.uws.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/150327/060910_Wind-excitedTallBuildings_Kwok.pdf