In brief: Benitec, Probiomics, Progen, Avastra
23 May, 2005 by Renate KrelleQueensland Investment Corporation has ceased to be a substantial shareholder in Benitec (ASX:BLT), but millionaire Richard Pratt's Thorney Group has upped its holding in the company to 11.54 per cent.
What Alan Finkel did next
23 May, 2005 by Ruth BeranRuth Beran discovers how one of Australia's great bioentrepreneurs has moved from inspiring shareholders to inspiring a nation.
How to build your own Axon Instruments
23 May, 2005 by Alan FinkelAustralian Biotechnology News journalist Ruth Beran asked Axon Instruments founder Alan Finkel if he had any advice for Australian companies with an eye on the world stage. Here is his reply.
NZ budget boosts R&D
20 May, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillNew Zealand's biotechnology industry has welcomed a "solid incremental improvement" in S&T funding in this week's NZ budget.
Govt R&D investment continues to slip
20 May, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillThe Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS) has warned that Commonwealth investment in research and development will drop below 0.6 per cent of gross domestic product as a result this month's federal budget.
'Heavy-hearted' Smith steps down from Amrad
20 May, 2005 by Renate KrellePete Smith has resigned as CEO of Amrad (ASX:AML), along with chairman Bob Moses as chairman, following a board meeting yesterday.
Chief scientist quits
17 May, 2005 by Ruth BeranChief scientist, Dr Robin Batterham, has accepted a full time position with Rio Tinto and will not seek reappointment as Australia's senior science advisor for a third term.
Back into the abyss: biotech hits funding crunch
12 May, 2005 by Ruth BeranBiotech companies which have failed to raise enough capital to see them through to the next funding cycle might expire as a funding drought sets in, and blame "shocking" market conditions for forcing them to abandon or change their plans.
Industry welcomes govt's VC review commitment
11 May, 2005 by Ruth BeranThe federal government has used last night's budget to confirm its 2004 election commitment to reviewing the venture capital industry in Australia.
Minomic in deal with Hong Kong's CK Life Sciences
11 May, 2005 by Renate Krelle and Ruth BeranPrivate Sydney proteomics company Minomic has signed an agreement with a biotech backed by Hong Kong's billion-dollar Cheung Kong Group to collaborate on one of the biotech's anti-cancer compounds.
Superannuation fund investment boosts Uniseed
10 May, 2005 by Ruth BeranWestern Australia's biggest private sector superannuation fund, Westscheme, has signed a AUD$15 million partnership with university based pre-seed venture fund Uniseed.
GBS closes $145m venture fund
10 May, 2005 by Renate KrelleMelbourne venture capital company GBS Venture Partners has announced the close of its GBS BioVentures III Fund. The fund raised AUD$145 million, making it more than twice as large as GBS's previous funds, and well over its original target of $120 million.
Garrett reappointed as CSIRO chief
09 May, 2005 by Staff WritersDr Geoff Garrett has been reappointed as chief executive of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation's (CSIRO).
New shareholder for Bionomics
06 May, 2005 by Ruth BeranAdelaide company Bionomics (ASX:BNO) has seen a major change in its shareholding in the past few weeks, with Queensland Investment Corporation ceasing to be a substantial shareholder and Laurence Freedman's Link Traders filling the gap.
We're not getting out of biotech: QIC
06 May, 2005 by Renate KrelleRumours have abounded in recent weeks that Queensland Investment Corporation- which over the last three years has emerged as the largest single investor in Australian biotechnology - is selling out of the sector, prompted by the funds' sale of its shareholding in biotechs Rockeby Biomed (ASX:RBT), Biodiem (ASX:BDM) and Bionomics (ASX:BNO), and reduction of its stake in Eiffel (ASX:EIF).
