2007 Annual report (PDF 8.1 Mb) - University of Melbourne

KNOWLEDGE
TRANSFER
of the University and recovering substantial
underpaid royalties from other licensees.
It was a relatively quiet year for new startup
ventures, with only two new companies
developing out of University research
– Fibrotech Therapeutics is developing a
new therapy for fibrotic diseases, whilst
CFaR is developing new technology for
trading in the foreign exchange markets.
However, it was a busy year for companies
which had spun out of the University in
previous years:
> Hatchtech (derived from the work of
Dr Vern Bowles, Centre for Animal
Biotechnology) completed a Phase 1
clinical trial of its compound to treat
headlice, and is expecting to commence
Phase 2 trials in 2008.
> Velacor Therapeutics (derived from the
work of Dr Chris Hovens and Professor
Tony Costello, Departmentt of Surgery
(RMH)) completed its Phase 1 trial of a
new treatment for prostate cancer, and
is also expecting to commence Phase 2
trials in 2008.
> Austhink Software (derived from the
work of Dr Tim van Gelder, Department
of Philosophy) successfully raised over
$4 million to launch its critical thinking
software into the US market.
> Hexima Ltd (derived from the work of
Professor Adrienne Clark, School of
Botany) listed on the Australian Stock
Exchange (ASX), and continues its
relationship with the School of Botany.
> Continence Control Systems International
(derived from the work of Professor
John Furness, Department of Anatomy
and Cell Biology) merged with Colocare
Holdings, and expects to list on the ASX
during 2008.
In Curriculum Licensing Services, activity
in 2007 focused on the creation of new
market channels and the expansion
of distribution networks for University
courseware products. Major new
partnership arrangements established
to promote University courseware
included the Chinese Academy of Medical
Sciences, DA Information and University
Bookshop Malaysia, with a consolidation
of relationships with Austrade via its India,
Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand offices.
These new relationships provided a
valuable platform for the international
showcasing and commercial distribution of
University courseware products in 2007.
Curriculum licensing activity during 2007
consolidated the success of the previous
year, with major sales of nursing curriculum
and postgraduate student resource
materials, and with new international
teaching collaborations in behavioural
science, veterinary science and in research
ethics training, all of which utilised
specialised University materials.
Overall commercial returns from licensing in
2007 remained consistent with the success
of the previous year. There are positive
signs that growing awareness on the part of
faculties, departments and creators of the
opportunities, afforded by the showcasing of
curriculum resources will lead to an increase
in licensing opportunities in future years.
Meanwhile the increased exposure also
creates potential partnership opportunities,
both commercial and otherwise.
The customised program and consulting
services provided by the School of
Enterprise continued to be of significant
benefit to the University during the year.
The School continued to develop an
innovative and unique range of program
models to meet clients’ needs, evidenced
by the high level of contract renewal from
existing clients and a number of new clients.
Revenue in the School increased by
approximately 15 per cent in the year,
meeting the 2007 target.
There was strong growth in customised
programs delivered internationally,
particularly in Malaysia, Singapore and
Indonesia, and there was a continued rise in
the success rate (from 30 per cent in 2005
to 47 per cent in 2007) in winning higher
value competitive consultancy tenders.
Postgraduate enrolments through the School
increased by 32 per cent over 2006 to a total
for 2007 of 699. The ratio of domestic to
Students walk between classes in the historic Old Quad building.
international students remained constant at
58 per cent and 42 per cent, respectively.
CoMMunication
Strategic Priorities
> Implement a revised web portal to
enhance internal and external access to
commercialisation activities.
> Clearly communicate the benefits of
commercialisation and the roles of each
business unit within the University.
A communications review resulted in a new
strategy to enhance internal and external
access to commercialisation activities.
The new Business Melbourne portal at
www.business.unimelb.edu.au provides a
central access point for enquiries regarding
commercial activities. Further information
has been made available through a range
of promotional materials entitled Doing
Business with Melbourne.
Outlook
Having provided recognition and rewards
for Knowledge Transfer in 2007, in 2008
a major focus will be to develop more
sophisticated systems for tracking and
monitoring performance. Improving
capacity to undertake knowledge
transfer will also be a priority. The
University will continue to enhance
performance and productivity in all areas
of commercialisation, increasing the rate of
opportunity creation, reducing the hurdles
and enhancing channels to the marketplace.
At the same time the University will build
on the value derived from key partnerships
and further coordinate engagement with
external organisations.
The University of Melbourne Annual Report 2007 49