01 Customers Prototype to public listing
02 Research Making much more of magnesium
03 Discoveries Drilling reveals surprise plant behaviour
04 People Welcome Dr Rob Grenfell
05 Participate Working on something big?

01 Customers

Prototype to public listing

It was a proud moment for Brisbane dentist Chris Hart last month, when his idea for a device to solve sleep apnoea was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). Oventus Medical Ltd realised a dream nearly three years in the making, including a lot of intensive and customised research and development with CSIRO. Could our R&D expertise see your product up in lights?

02 Research

Making much more of magnesium

As Australia grapples with big changes in the mining landscape, we've found a new way to get more from our vast untapped reserves of magnesite. Using a new technology called MagSonic, we can produce magnesium using up to 80 per cent less energy and up to 60 per cent less carbon dioxide emissions than traditional processes. We're working wth Enirgi Group’s Innovation Division to prepare the new tech for commercialisation, which could see the first commercial scale magnesium production facility in Australia. How the MagSonic process works

Designs of the future when art meets science

When our scientists developed flexible, printable solar panels, they couldn't wait to see what new applications might be developed through creative collaboration. Now, following a project with Monash University design students, the first prototypes have been unveiled for a solar playground, a solar backpack, a solar bike charger - and even solar creatures. See creative design transform breakthrough science into everyday innovation

03 Discoveries

04 People

Welcome Dr Rob Grenfell

This month we welcome Dr Rob Grenfell as our new Director of Health and Biosecurity, heading up our work in public health, animal health, environmental health, and biosecurity. Dr Grenfell joins us from healthcare provider Bupa, where he held the role of National Medical Director for Australia and New Zealand. As a qualified Public Health Physician and GP, Dr Grenfell brings almost 30 years of public and private sector experience to the role. Meet Dr Rob Grenfell

JOBS

What a great idea!

Helping to protect the ideas and work of CSIRO is the aim of the Intellectual Property Manager for Data61. Giving specialist IP advice and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of CSIRO’s IP portfolio management will be your main duty. As the job is with Data61, you will need to know computer science or electronic engineering or another numerate. Based in Sydney but Brisbane is also on the cards.

Must play well with others

The Executive Manager – Collaboration is responsible for amplifying CSIRO’s engagement with universities, and taking responsibility for implementing strategic projects associated with CSIRO’s commitment to collaboration. So, if you’re experienced in the innovation system with an insight into the university sector and the broader national innovation system - have a crack.

05 Participate

Working on something big?

Applications opened this week for the next round of Australia's only sci-tech Accelerator, ON. Our 12 week intensive program brings together the best partners from science and industry to take your idea from bench to beta. Projects that have already sped through the program include a sensor network to detect pests when they land on crops; an advanced drone to perform risky, expensive industrial tasks; and an ultra-low gluten barley variation that's already being served up to German beer-drinkers. Is your idea Australia's next big innovation?

Cold shoulder for high power bills

We spend a lot of time thinking about Australia's energy needs and where our power will come from into the future. But we also know this quarter's bill is just as important as the next decade's resources. So as well as working on cutting edge tech to push our energy efficiency and sustainability to new heights, it's equally important to keep an eye on our consumption and be smart about how we use what we have. With two months of winter behind us, how many of these tips have you put to good use?

Watch 100 years of Aussie innovation: Where it all started