Division of Environmental and Life Sciences

News From the Dean
The weekly update from the Dean of Division, A/Prof Kevin McCracken

Should Scientists Sell Science?
What is the role of Scientists as Communicators? The debate continues, and we are still seeking your opinion!

Opportunities
- The CSIRO 2008 Student Research Scheme is now open for project nominations
- Job Opportunity: Project Officer, Australian Biosecurity CRC

Events
- Genes-to-Geosciences Seminar this Wednesday
- Sustainable Futures Talk "UN 2008 International Year of Sanitation"
- Kim Beazley Talks "Why there is no Labor Party in the US"
- Garvan Institute Talk: "Healthy Ageing"
- Australian Museum Talk "Chimp Orphans of the Congo"
- Sydney Shove Talk "The Housing Crisis"
- ELS Seminar Series

News from the Dean

Dear Colleagues,

Three sets of congratulations today....

First, Joanne Jamie, Ian Jamie, Subra Vemulpad, David Harrington and Jim Kohen are congratulated for their Community Engagement Award, received on 31 March for their Indigenous Science Education Program (ISEP). The Community Engagement Award recognises exceptional dedication to the work of the University in engaging with the community at large.

ISEP was established with local Aboriginal people and school staff in Casino and Maclean, Northern NSW , in response to requests by Aboriginal elders for assistance with motivating their Indigenous youth to complete their High School studies and consider further education. ISEP incorporates hands-on science activities, conducted both at Macquarie University and at schools, that are particularly aimed at giving students confidence and leadership skills. Key aspects of ISEP include the training of Indigenous students as 'demonstrators' and 'teachers' so that they can set up, run and explain the science to their peers, junior students and the public as part of Science shows and science classes. Testimonials from the school staff and students show that ISEP has significantly raised the students' aspirations, confidence and educational outcomes.

Well done and deserved Joanne, Ian, Subra, David and Jim.

Second, Subra Vemulpad, Jim Kohen, Joanne Jamie and Shoba Ranganathan have been successful in winning an NHMRC grant of $149,886 for a research project titled "Alternative Medicines from Medicinal Plants of Aboriginal People of Northern New South Wales".

This research will conserve customary Australian Aboriginal knowledge of historical and cultural significance and apply this knowledge to the discovery of new evidence-based alternative medicines that may help address the growing need for new antimicrobial treatments. It will also be a model for collaboration between Australian Aboriginal communities and research scientists. The customary (traditional and contemporary) knowledge of medicinal plants possessed by Indigenous peoples is a significant medicinal resource, as seen by the reliance on customary medicines by ~80% of the population in developing countries as their primary healthcare. There has been a renewed interest in customary medicines, especially with the increase in microbial resistance and emergence of new diseases, side effects of single compound medications and high cost of drug development. Australian Aboriginal people have a vast medicinal plant knowledge based on thousands of years of using plants as medicines. This especially includes topical use for conditions indicative of microbial infections. Despite their potential, relatively few studies have been conducted on Australian Aboriginal medicines to provide evidence for their use. For Northern New South Wales (NNSW) Aboriginal communities, as is the case for many other Australian Aboriginal communities, this customary knowledge is rapidly disappearing, especially due to premature deaths of the elder custodians of this knowledge. The overall aims of this project are to work in partnership with the NNSW Yaegl Local Aboriginal Land Council and Ulgundahi Elders Aboriginal Corporation to i) document and preserve first hand customary medicinal plant knowledge; ii) identify plants of significant medicinal potential in treating antibacterial and antifungal infections; iii) evaluate their effectiveness using in vitro and in vivo biological assays; and iv) identify the major bioactive components responsible for their medicinal properties.

Third, congratulations to Ian Wright who featured as a 'Researcher of Influence' in the Sydney Morning Herald this week. Ian is among the country's top 10 researchers for last year based on the influence of the scientific papers he has published. The awards were announced yesterday in Canberra by Thomson Scientific, an information company which analysed the number of times papers were cited by other researchers. Ian is a plant scientist in the Dept of Biological Sciences.

Nominations are invited for the 2008 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science. These are awarded in five categories:- Prime Minister's Prize for Science ($300,000); Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year (50,000); Science Minister's Prize for Life Scientist of the Year ($50,000); and two prizes for science teaching in secondary and primary schools of $50,000 each.

Nominations close on 9 May and can be made on-line at http://www.dest.gov.au/scienceprize. Enquiries can be directed to pmprize@dest.gov.au

And finally a reminder . re Macquarie University Research Fellowships 2009. These have now been advertised. Details of MURF funding rules and application material may be obtained at: http://www.research.mq.edu.au/researchers/funding/internal/mqrf

Till next week

Kevin

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Science for Sale

Last week Science News asked the simple question "should scientists sell science"? We were inspired by the new Labor government's proposal of a "charter" to encourage scientists to express views freely and to protect them when engaging in public debate about science-related issues as well as the words of a young scientist, urging a broadening of the university science curriculum to prepare his fellow scientists better for educating the public about science's value.

So we put the question out there and asked whether you perceive the heart of your role as "scientist" to be one of "researcher" or "communicator" or a solid and inextricable mix of the two. The question lay at the heart of many philosophical quandaries - if science cannot be communicated, is it valuable as science at all? Sounds ominously close to the old intrinsic value argument and, as with most discussions at the interface of science and other disciplines, the answer is probably a solid mixture of all of the above with some bizarre ethical twist thrown in for good measure.

In summary, your response to our question was not overwhelming. We understand, you are probably all researching and communicating your science! The following however was submitted and we felt it worthy of reproduction in the hope it might inspire more of you to share your opinions and experiences on the question of whether Scientists should be the communicators of their research.

"I read with interest about scientists selling science. This step is increasingly being recommended for anyone studying the gap between science and policy decision-making.

Studying a few of the historical 'scientific' crises, many commentators pointed to problems where the scientists felt they had no role in decision-making (and in fact would crucify some scientists that did have opinions), they felt their role was only to present the science and technology without identifying possible scenarios.  Better decisions and debate seemed to arise when scientists were willing to spout their views (well considered of course) in public, so the public could have an informed debate. This has included Rachel Carson, Theo Colburn, David Suzuki and of course Tim Flannery and Peter Cullen. The potential conflict between scientists also has the ability to create media interest - also putting the topic in the public arena.

Anyhow, the thing of interest for the Uni here I'm sure is the ability to communicate. There are problems with definitions that vary between sciences, let alone the public (who often wish not to think about science at all).  Writing opinion pieces could be fun and interesting but who would you get to mark them? My pieces in the dim past of undergrad science received marks that varied from excellent to poor as different tutors / lecturers themselves preferred different styles.  Some were very linear in their thinking, some liked free form thinking, so for my limited writing style I could get from high distinction to pass.  The marking received does bear on student's confidence (did on mine).  If you could get your Mum to read it and comprehend it, you could achieve more for the student (as surely the aim is to reach the 'educated' public, not another scientist).  I learned a lot more about science after completing my undergrad degree by enrolling in a philosophy course.

I'm also sure that more scientists contributing their opinions would have great value in that it is not marketing/spin alone doing the selling, but it would also contribute more to the confusion of the public if not managed well. We qualify and temporise and often get into trouble in law courts. I'm sure there are people that could set up a good short course, show the things they need (eg 1 clear message, include info from courses in how to be an expert witness, etc). Perhaps also a game on how the public might interpret scientific findings and how this could be countered (plenty of examples in history for that one)."

Comment? Opinion? Feel free to e-mail sciencenews@els.mq.edu.au.

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Opportunities

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The CSIRO 2008 Student Research Scheme is now open for project nominations

**** We need your help to make the scheme a success ****

The Student Research Scheme is a national program that offers selected senior secondary science students, the opportunity to complete a brief research project under the supervision of practising researchers in laboratories, offices and field study areas.

Unlike work experience, students are presented with a problem or an idea, and undertake a minimum of 20 hours of real research to develop their own sets of results and findings in order to complete the project. The project can be a small part of ongoing research, or a project specially designed for the scheme. Most projects take place during the July and October school holidays (07/07 - 18/07 and 29/09 - 10/10).

Students are selected by matching up their career and scientific interests with the researchers' project areas.

On completion, the students produce a written report and talk about their findings and experiences with their peers at school. Students also design a scientific poster, which is displayed and discussed during the poster session at the end-of-year presentation evening.

The Scheme helps to raise the awareness in the wider community of Australian scientific research and assists students in developing their study interests to pursue a career in science

Projects cover a wide range of sectors. Examples from 2007:

- The defect detective: detection of defects of wheat grain due to the production of the enzyme alpha-amylase
- Magnetic survey of buried water channels
- Molecular and cellular events, that are involved in the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Conversion of glass to a ceramic by immersion in molten aluminium
- Central stars of Planetary Nebulae
- Ecology of sea slaters in different environments
- Image Processing for Face Recognition - Robustness of Algorithms Against Pose Variation

Research organisations participating in 2007 included:
AgriFor Scientific Pty Ltd; The Australian Museum; Australian Cotton Research Institute; Avondale College; Children's Medical Research Institute; CSIRO (Australia Telescope National Facility; Food Science Australia; Information and Communication Technology Centre: Industrial Physics; Mathematical and Information Sciences; Molecular and Health Sciences); Forests NSW; Kolling Institute of Medical Research; Macquarie University; Pain Management Research Institute; University of New England; University of New South Wales; University of Sydney; University of Technology, Sydney; University of Western Sydney; Westmead Millennium Institute

Project nominations are required by Friday 18th April.

If you are interested in becoming a supervisor of the Student Research Scheme (NSW) this year, or if you would like further information, please contact:

Rachel Rothwell, Student Research Scheme Coordinator, NSW

E: srs.nsw@csiro.au or rachel.rothwell@csiro.au,

T: 02 9490 8428, Monday & Wednesday (10:00am - 5:00pm)

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SENIOR PROJECT OFFICER
AUSTRALIAN BIOSECURITY COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE

A Senior Project Officer is required to work with a multi disciplinary expert committee on an ongoing basis in assessing risk to the animal and human population in Australia of emergent infectious disease. In particular, the project officer and committee will provide advice to the Australian Biosecurity CRC (AB-CRC) of immediate and longer term research needs in risk assessment, communication and early detection.

In this role you will be directly responsible to the Biosecurity Risk Intelligence Scanning Council (BRISC) of the AB-CRC and be involved in the development of BRISC and its functions. You will be required to work with the members of BRISC and to collaborate with other members of the centre’s multidisciplinary (and multi-site) management team to develop a framework for biosecurity risk assessment. You will work with BRISC to develop interpretive tools and to commission additional research work as required, analysing data and other information and overseeing/commissioning work. The position will assist BRISC to determine priorities by ensuring background papers and additional research reports are provided.

You will have a broad knowledge of the science of emerging infectious disease in the animal and public health arena. A background in risk assessment and a good understanding of research processes is ideal. You will also have the ability to perform literature reviews and provide preliminary analysis of those reviews.

This is a full time, fixed term position for 1 year with an option to renew for a further year. The remuneration package will be in the range of $69,944 - $74,609pa, plus employer superannuation contributions.

Please contact Sue Campbell to obtain the position description and selection criteria at sue.campbell@abcrc.org.au. To discuss the role contact Dr Stephen Prowse, telephone (+61) 07 3346 8861.

Applications close 24 April 2008

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Events

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Wednesday 9 April
Genes-to-Geosciences seminar
“SahulTime: an interactive exploration of Australia's cultural and natural history”
Dr. Matt Coller, Monash University
Wednesday 9 April at 1 pm, Block E8A room 290 (Biology tearoom)

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Monday 7 April 2008
Sustainable Futures Talk "UN 2008 International Year of Sanitation"
Dr. Kumi Abeysuriya from the Institute for Sustainable Futures at UTS discusses the challenges for urban vs rural sanitation.

Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm Apr 07 Cost: $5
Venue: Building 10, level 6, UTS, 235 Jones St, Ultimo
Enquiries: Sydney Development Circle (02) 9879 4925

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Monday 7 April 2008
Kim Beazley Talks "Why there is no Labor Party in the US"
The absence of a labor party in the US lies at the heart of a fundamental debate about the nature of American society. Dr Robin Archer talks to Kim Beazley about one of the great enduring puzzles of American political development.
Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm Apr 07 Cost: $10/$7 gleeclub welcome
Venue: Gleebooks, 49 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe
Bookings: Gleebooks www.gleebooks.com.au/events/ 02 9660 2333

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Wednesday 9 April 2008
Garvin Institute Talk "Healthy Ageing"
Everyone wants an active and productive life well into their senior years, but how can we proactively manage the negative aspects of ageing such as disease? An expert panel from the Garvan Institute address the areas of osteoporosis, hormones in ageing, heart disease, cancer and arthritis.
Time: 10:00am-12:30pm Apr 09 Cost: Free
Venue: NAB Auditorium, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst
Bookings: Garvan Institute of Medical Research www.garvan.org.au (02) 9295 8110

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Thursday 10 April 2008
Australian Museum Talk "Chimp Orphans of the Congo"
The Lwiro Sanctuary has grown out of desperation to care for misplaced orphans with a dedicated team devoted to the ongoing health and welfare of chimpanzees and other animals. Come along and hear from volunteers who have worked at Lwiro and have a passion for chimpanzee conservation.
Time: 6:30pm-8:15pm Apr 10 Cost: $20/$15 Members
Venue: Australian Museum, William Street entrance, 6 College Street, Sydney
Enquiries: Australian Museum www.australianmuseum.net.au/members 02 9320 6225

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Sunday 13 April 2008
Sydney Shove Talk "The Housing Crisis"
John August, Convenor of the Sydney Shove Politics and Economics Discussion Group, speaks during this week's Unitarian Church Service on the Housing Crisis - including the ethical dimensions of the market and community, and how they relate.

Time: 10:30am-11:30am Apr 13 Cost: Contribution appreciated
Venue: Sydney Unitarian Church, 15 Francis Street, East Sydney
Enquiries: John August www.sydneyunitarianchurch.org/ 0419 683 353

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ELS Seminar Series

Departments in ELS host seminars covering a wide range of topics associated with ongoing research projects and other areas of interest. The seminars are delivered by academics, research staff, and students from within the Division, as well as guest speakers from other institutions and industry. Details of times, dates, locations and topics of seminars to be held over the next few weeks are listed here.

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Snippets

Genes cause smoking addiction
A common genetic variation has been found that makes people more likely to become addicted to nicotine and to develop lung cancer and arterial disease.

Interactive clothes help athletes win
Scientists have designed interactive textiles that play beats when moved, and are being used to help netball players find the ideal rhythm of their goal shots.

Therapy improves bipolar outcomes
Treating bipolar disorder with cognitive behavioural therapy alongside medication has much better outcomes than relying on drugs alone, research has shown.

Price rise may prompt carbon storage
A study on the future of carbon use has predicted that a price rise might be enough to encourage industry to commence carbon capture and storage.

Mobiles keep families in touch
Australians use their mobile phones mostly to keep in contact with their family and friends, and less frequently for work, a study has revealed.

Garden vegies could be toxic
International results have suggested that home grown vegetables, often thought to be healthier, may in fact be toxic, as a result of contaminants in soil.

Tired teens still stay up late
A study has revealed that teens prefer late nights to early mornings, even though during the week many don't get enough sleep, leaving them depressed and drowsy.

Depressed uni students suffer alone
Over a quarter of university students struggle with psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety, but many never ask for help, research has revealed.

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