Division of Environmental and Life Sciences

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

Macquarie Spin Off Fluorotechnics Goes from Strength to Strength
Fluorotechnics secures world-leading executive: Reiner Westermeier

Opportunities
- Reel Change Film Festival seeking submissions of films on climate change
- Position Available: Trainee Environment Officer at Ku-ring-gai Council
- Research Fellow Vacancies at AIATSIS

Events
- CoastCare "Ask the Experts" on-line panel now open!
- CG Jung Society of Sydney Talk "Through Alchemy to Technology"
- ELS Seminar Series

News from the Dean

Dear Colleagues

As you can probably imagine, this job at times has its moments, but one of the constant pleasures is the regular flow of ELS academic achievement stories that come to my attention and the opportunity for me to pass on the Division's congratulations. This past week there were several notable cases.

First, Lindie Clark (Health and Chiropractic) and her two Macquarie colleagues, Suzan Burton and Jette Bollerup (MGSM), were awarded the prize for best paper in the "Consumer Behaviour" track at the Academy of Marketing Science Annual Conference 2008 in Vancouver, Canada a week or so ago. The peer-reviewed paper ("Tobacco purchase and consumption by smokers intending to quit") is part of a major on-going project Lindie and her colleagues are doing in association with the NSW Cancer Council, a component of which is also funded by an ARC Linkage grant. Congratulations Lindie, Suzan and Jette.

Second, last Wednesday evening the Alumni Awards Ceremony was held and two of our students - Ben Stephens from CBMS and Simon Hardwick from Biological Sciences - shared the prestigious Macquarie University Science/Technology Prize. Both Ben and Simon are University Medalists and this latest award is further testimony to their academic excellence. Well done Ben and Simon.

ELS also featured in other parts of the Ceremony. John Hunter was awarded the Macquarie University Indigenous Scholarship to undertake postgraduate studies. This scholarship is awarded to an Indigenous student on the basis of academic merit and demonstrated commitment to Indigenous community advancement. Congratulations John. Meanwhile, Eleanor Irving was the recipient of the Alumni Prize for the first year student in ELS with the highest UAI on entry to the University. Finally, our own Darina Nevicka from the ELS Centre was called up onto the stage to accept the Higher Degree Research Excellence Prize won by her daughter Barbara (who is currently overseas and hence was unable to attend the Ceremony).

Some opportunities that have come across the desk this week:-

•  ELS Learning and Teaching Fund is looking for EOIs for projects that will help your department prepare for the curriculum renewal process. Your project should start early in Semester 2 and be finished by the end of November. Further information and the application form is available at:- http://www.els.mq.edu.au/teach_learn/L_T_Project.html

•  Nominations are invited for the $45,000 NSW Scientist of the Year Award. The awards will recognize and reward the State's leading researchers for cutting edge work that generates economic, health, environmental or technological benefits for NSW. Nine awards of $5,000 each. Nominations close on Friday 20 June. Forms and Guidelines are available from:- www.osmr.nsw.gov.au .

•  The Newton International Fellowships for postdoctoral researchers wishing to undertake research in the UK . Launched on 4 June 2008 and run by the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society to cover the broad range of natural and social sciences, engineering and the humanities. Newton International Fellowships aim to attract the world's best postdoctoral researchers to Britain for a period of one to two years. Funding for follow-on activities will continue for up to ten years after the Newton International Fellows have returned overseas, with the aim of maintaining links with the UK . In addition, Newton Fellows will have the opportunity to join a national alumni scheme for international fellows run by RCUK. More details are available from the Newton International Fellowships website:- www.newtonfellowships.org

If any Academics were unable to attend the PDR Module 3 training for academic supervisor staff, please note that there will be 4 sessions held on 2, 3, 28 and 31 July in the C4B Level 2 Training Room from 9:30am - 1:00pm.

Finally, the Division end-of-semester BBQ is to be held on Friday 20 June in the Biology garden at 12:30 pm. To aid with the catering, please RSVP to hodels@els.mq.edu.au by Monday 16 June. All welcome.

Till next week

Kevin

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Macquarie Spin Off Fluorotechnics Goes from Strength to Strength

Fluorotechnics secures world-leading executive: Reiner Westermeier

Fluorotechnics Limited, a spin off company from Macquarie University and now a global leader in the supply of fluorescence technologies for protein detection and quantification, has appointed Dr Reiner Westermeier as the group's Scientific Marketing Director.

Reiner brings a wealth of commercial and technical experience to Fluorotechnics. He joins the company after more than 12 years as Scientific Support Director for GE-Healthcare. In this capacity he was responsible for developing new electrophoresis systems, application development and troubleshooting in separations and analysis techniques in proteomics. Reiner is the author of numerous scientific publications and two best-selling books. He is also a very accomplished presenter, renowned the world over for his seminar tours.

In announcing the appointment Rick Taylor, Chairman of Fluorotechnics, said, "We are delighted to have strengthened our team with such an eminent person in this field. Reiner will play a key role in sales penetration of our innovative new range of Fluorotechnics electrophoresis and proteomics products including those from our recently acquired European business, ETC."

Duncan Veal, CEO of Fluorotechnics said, "Reiner has an international reputation for excellence in proteomics and electrophoresis. He is famous for his informative and entertaining technical lectures and his books are in leading laboratories. Reiner will add great weight and a new dimension to Fluorotechnics."

Reiner commented, "After singing the gospel of electrophoresis separation methods and their ingenious applications for many years it will be a great pleasure to be part of the creative and entrepreneurial Fluorotechnics team. I am particularly inspired by the opportunity to be part of introducing a range of novel electrophoresis solutions for the proteomics and diagnostics application areas."

Fluorotechnics was incorporated in December 2001 and established with the support of Macquarie University to finalise the development of and to commercialise a core discovery made by the Research Team at the University.

The Fluorotechnics Research Team is one of the world's leading research teams in the area of fluorescent labelling and detection.

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Opportunities

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The Reel Change short film competition is seeking powerful and innovative films from around the world that address the human impacts of climate change.

The competition is open to any genre including documentary, experimental, narrative, animation and music videos. The best films will be screened at the 2008 Human Rights Arts and Film Festival in November and December and used as part of Make Poverty History climate change campaign. Thousands of dollars worth of cash and in-kind prizes will be awarded for the best Australian and international short film. To be eligible, films must have been made after 1 January 2007 and be less than 15 minutes in duration.

Submission deadline: Friday 15 August 2008

Click here for Reel Change short film competition guidelines.

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Trainee Environment Officer
Sustainability and Natural Areas Division
Ku-ring-gai Council

Position No: TREO01

An excellent opportunity exists for a self motivated and enthusiastic person with the desire to kick start their career in the field of sustainability and environmental management.

The 12 month position is available to final year undergraduate or honours students currently undertaking study in a relevant discipline. This part time position consists of 28 hours per week and will provide for a continuation in your study.

A salary of up to $34,000 pa will be negotiated with the successful applicant dependent upon skills, knowledge and experience.

To apply for this position, please send a copy of your resume and a brief explanation on why you would like this position to Louise Hayward Sustainability Officer, Ku-ring-gai Council Locked Bag 1056, Pymble NSW 2073 or via email to hayward@kmc.nsw.gov.au.

If you would like further information about this position please contact Louise Hayward on 9424 0172.

Applications close 5pm 20 June 2008

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Research Fellow Vacancies at AIATSIS

AIATSIS is currently recruiting Research Fellows in several fields of Indigenous studies. Fellows will undertake research in their fields of interest, in accordance with an annual work plan agreed with the Director of Research Programs. In this advertising round, at least two positions will be filled. Additional positions may be filled from this round of applications, later in the year.

An ideal applicant for these vacancies would have a good balance between relevant work experience and proven research ability. They will be asked to demonstrate leadership in their field and grow the organisation's capacity in that area.

Relevant work experience will include a substantial history of research in Indigenous studies and/or successful completion of projects; cooperation with Indigenous co-workers, communities or academic research units; an excellent understanding of key issues in your research field specifically, and Indigenous affairs generally; and the ability to create coherent, academically sound research reports.

Whilst academic qualifications are an important indicator of capability to undertake research projects, they are not the sole determinant of suitability. AIATSIS will appoint applicants without PhD qualifications if they can demonstrate equivalent research skills.

Successful candidates will be offered a contract initially for three years, with possible extension by mutual agreement to a maximum of five years. Salary will be in the range $56,179 to $77,667, depending on experience. These salaries will increase by 4.5% in August 2008. Australian Public Service Superannuation and leave entitlements apply.

Positions are based in Canberra.

Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged to apply.

For information contact: Ms Kathy Scott
Research Administrative Officer
Ph: 02 6246 1144; Fax: 02 6246 7714
Email: kathy.scott@aiatsis.gov.au

Closing date for applications: 26 June 2008

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Events

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Coastcare: Ask the Experts: June 5-19

In celebration of World Environment Day and the millions of dollars in Coastcare grants now available from the Federal Government, Coastcare has brought together Australia’s leading coastal and marine experts to share their knowledge and give advice.

The panelists are available now on the Coastcare website and will be answering questions from the public until June 19.

The 14 panellists reflect community, scientific and corporate backgrounds and bring a wide range of expertise to the table.

This is a great opportunity for everyone with an interest in our coastal and marine environment to ask the experts about grants, corporate partnerships, climate change, marine life, coastal developments and many other areas.

Ask your question now…

Meet the Panellists

Dr. Robert Brander
Senior Lecturer, UNSW, Coastal Geomorphologist

Jo Cooper
Coastal Ambassador, North Steyne SLSC

Alan Stokes
Executive Director, National Sea Change Taskforce

Dr John Williams
Natural Resources Commission, Wentworth Group

Tina Demetriou
Coastcare Grants Representative

Claudette Rechtorik
UNSW, Sydney Aquarium Conservation Fund

Dick Olesinski
Environmental Consultant, Coastcare group founder, South Port SLSC

Scott Gibson
National Business Development Director, Coastcare and Landcare Australia

Dr David Rissik
Chief Scientist, Freshwater and Marine Sciences Division, Environmental Protection Agency

David Booth
Professor of Marine Ecology, UTS, Sydney Institute of Marine Science

Ben Bartlett
Group Development, Surf Life Saving Australia

John Moore
Department of Agriculture and Food, WA, Weed Botanist

Giselle Firme
Nature Conservation Council of NSW

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C G Jung Society of Sydney Talk "Through Alchemy to Technology"

Dr Jonathan Marshall, anthropologist and QEII Research Fellow at UTS extends C G Jung's analysis of alchemy, as both projection and a way of working through the dynamics of psychic forces, to technology in general.

Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm Jun 14 Cost: $20/$15 conc./$5 members (incl tea & biscuits)
Venue: Level 2, Blavatsky Lodge, 484 Kent St, Sydney
Enquiries: C G Jung Society of Sydney www.jungdownunder.com (02)93657750

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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

Pregnancy linked to forgetfullness
A study may have found why women are supposedly more forgetful when pregnant, after discovering that a hormone linked to Alzheimer's spikes during pregnancy.

Cane toads killing off crocs
Research has found a 75 per cent drop in freshwater crocodile numbers in an area invaded by cane toads, proving the pests' damage on Australian animals.

Heart risk higher for Indigenous
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a 30 per cent higher chance of developing heart disease than non-Indigenous Australians, a study has found.

Flying robots almost ready
Robotic planes have been tested and could be commonplace in Australia within five to ten years, replacing many piloted aircrafts, according to new research.

Breast cancer screening saves lives
A program offering free mammograms to screen for breast cancer is still saving lives, detecting almost a third of all new breast cancer cases diagnosed in Australia.

Ocean change research underfunded
According to a recent report, climate change research has focused too much on terrestrial ecosystems, potentially putting marine ecosystems at risk.

Cycling saves health costs
According to a recent report, Australian cyclists help the government save $227 million each year, by avoiding the health costs of not getting enough exercise.

Salt content needs clearer labelling
Australians know that too much salt is bad for them, but most don't understand how to work out the salt content of food from nutrition labels, a study has found.

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