The Australian Government's Innovation Report

o a laser power measurement facility up to 100 watts to support laser safety and industrial laser
applications; and
o a new standard for heat flux to support fire safety testing.
Plans for 2006-07 include developing improved standards for mains electricity power quality, developing new
chemical reference methods for industrial and environmental measurements, developing new reference
materials for illicit drugs and banned sports drug detection.
More information about NMI and its programmes and activities can be found at:
www.measurement.gov.au
Finding signature DNA
There are many DNA measurements where as few as 50 molecules of a signature DNA sequence –
unique to a particular disease or trait – must be detected in a ‘soup’ of many millions of DNA sequences. At
such low concen trations of the signature DNA, the preparation of standards using traditional methods leads
to significant errors.
To overcome these limitations, the National Measurement Institute, biotechnology
company BTF Pty Ltd, and Macquarie University, have developed a novel approach
to production of DNA reference materials.
A single molecule of the signature DNA sequence is stitched into the genome of
bacteria such as E. coli. Using a technique developed by BTF Pty Ltd, a defined
number of these modified bacteria are counted and dispensed into a small droplet
of special matrix solution.
The droplet is quickly freeze-dried into a small sphere called a Bioball. When
required, the BioBall is simply dissolved in the measurement solution to provide
a standard with a very precise number of molecules of the signature DNA.
Freeze-dried modified E. coli
or Bioball. Photo credits: NMI
Strengthening university and independent research sector R&D
National Competitive Grants Programme
The Australian Research Council (ARC) has established a range of competitive funding schemes for the support of
research and research training under the framework of the National Competitive Grants Programme (NCGP).
Through these schemes, the ARC aims to:
• encourage the conduct of high-quality research across a wide range of disciplines, particularly in areas
of national research priority;
• facilitate the development and strengthening of collaborative linkages within Australia’s innovation
system and with innovation systems internationally;
• provide high-quality research training and career opportunities for Australia’s best and most promising
researchers; and
• enable the acquisition and facilitation of access to world-class equipment and facilities.
The NCGP’s schemes support research in all major disciplines except clinical medicine and dentistry (these fields
are supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)). The majority of funding
under the NCGP is allocated on the basis of a competitive peer review process.
Discovery Projects support excellent fundamental research undertaken by individual researchers or research
teams. There were 3742 proposals for funding commencing in 2006 of which 917 (24.5%) were successful.
Chapter 2 - Initiatives for a dynamic national innovation system 39