New SA fund aims to lure big science names

A $1.5 million Biotechnology Fellowship Fund, launched last week by the South Australian government agency Bio Innovation SA, will bring three internationally renowned scientists to South Australia's universities.

The fund will provide $500,000 each over five years to the University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia and Flinders University. The universities will provide matching funds to bring the total investment to $3 million.

"There is a strong correlation between the presence of eminent researchers and location of biotechnology companies," said Bio Innovation SA CEO Dr Jurgen Michaelis.

He noted that in addition to cutting-edge research, the spin-offs of attracting internationally recognised scientists to the state's universities included their ability to attract large amounts of funding, as well as benefits to students at the universities. "I think it's the best investment a state can make," he said.

Only one of the new Fellows has been announced to date. Prof Peter Majewski, from the Max Planck Institute for Metals Research in Stuttgart, Germany, will be joining the Ian Wark Research Institute at the University of South Australia, one of Australia's leading nanotechnology research institutes.

"My major research will be in crystal chemistry and structure, the preparation of powder, slurry preparation and processing of inorganic, non-metallic materials," Majewski said.

"The practical applications of such research include better delivery of drugs and safer storage of drugs, better coatings for bio-implants and sensors and better manufacture and storage of minerals and various materials."

His areas of expertise also include solid oxide fuel cells, high-temperature superconducting cables and magnetic storage systems.

Majewski also has an extensive network of international contacts, which he believes will be important in increasing the nanotechnology and biotechnology capabilities in Australia.

"Getting more international researchers coming to Australia and working with Australian research organisations is an area where I can provide expertise and will be important for increasing capabilities in nanotechnology, biotechnology and biometrics of solid surfaces," he explained.