Former Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Water and Climate Change, John Thwaites, is the new Chairman of the Monash Sustainability Institute.
27 February 2008
27 February 2008
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Former Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Water and Climate Change, John Thwaites, is the new Chairman of the Monash Sustainability Institute. |
A high-profile community leader who spearheaded initiatives to reduce the water and energy consumption habits of millions of people as well as big business has joined Monash University.
Former Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Water and Climate Change, John Thwaites, is the new Chairman of the Monash Sustainability Institute (MSI). A law and science graduate of the University, he will be a Professorial Fellow.
Monash Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Larkins, announced the appointment today.
"The recruitment of John Thwaites is a great coup for us. His passion and knowledge for the environment, water and climate change will be a driving force for positive change," Professor Larkins said.
"Monash staff have enormous expertise in water, energy, transport, biodiversity and climate change. This appointment means the University is ideally placed to provide more practical solutions that have a positive impact on communities in Victoria, Australia and across the world."
MSI is the University's key facilitating body fostering collaborative, cross-disciplinary research in sustainability. It will cut across a range of fields and disciplines: climate change, energy, water, biodiversity and transport. It will look at industry, urban and rural issues, and consider social, political and institutional issues as well as science and technology.
While Minister for Water, Professor Thwaites led the most successful water conservation program in Australia, reducing water use throughout Melbourne by 22 per cent. He also lead the Victorian Government's climate change program including five-star energy and water efficiency for all new homes, renewable energy and energy efficiency targets, and state based work on a national emissions trading scheme.
"This is an exciting move for me after fifteen years in politics and it is great to be back at Monash where I studied, and had a pretty enjoyable time, in the late 1970s," Mr Thwaites said.
"Top class researchers have the ability to provide new knowledge and new solutions to our most difficult problems.
"MSI will help answer some key questions, such as how can Victoria's massive brown coal resource be used for clean energy, what role can biofuels play in both electricity and transport, and how can we harness the potential of stormwater to overcome water shortages," Mr Thwaites said.
27 February 2008
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Students are receiving Monash Memo for the first time this week. |
This week for the first time, the Monash Memo e-newsletter is being sent to all Monash students as well as staff.
For the uninitiated, Monash Memo is a weekly newsletter designed to keep the Monash community up-to-date with the latest news and events in and around Monash.
Our aim is to keep you better informed and provide a means of better communicating the achievements of our staff and students.
You may even learn something new about Monash, discover further study options or find a new area of interest.
As part of the new arrangement, we have revamped the format of Monash Memo, incorporating a new layout and access to news, events and weather.
So look out for the link to Monash Memo in your inbox each Wednesday. We also welcome your contributions at media@adm.monash.edu.au.
27 February 2008
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A Nano scaffold: A Monash University PhD student has developed a new technique that could revolutionise stem cell treatment for Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury. |
David Nisbet from Monash University's Department of Materials Engineering has used existing polymer-based biodegradable fibres, 100 times smaller than a human hair, and re-engineered them to create a unique 3-D scaffold that could potentially allow stem cells to repair damaged nerves in the human body more quickly and effectively.
Mr Nisbet said a combined process of electrospinning and chemical treatment was used to customise the fibre structure, which can then be located within the body.
"The scaffold is injected into the body at the site requiring nerve regeneration. We can embed the stem cells into the scaffold outside the body or once the scaffold is implanted. The nerve cells adhere to the scaffold in the same way ivy grips and weaves through a trellis, forming a bridge in the brain or spinal cord. Over time, the scaffold breaks down and is naturally passed from the body, leaving the newly regenerated nerves intact," Mr Nisbet said.
Mr Nisbet said the existing processes released stem cells into the nervous system where they 'floated' around.
"Our studies show that stem cells anchored to a scaffold not only attach more easily, but rapidly adapt to their environment and regenerate effectively. We are very excited about the therapeutic outcomes that could be obtained from our research," Mr Nisbet said.
"We are at the interface of two once separate disciplines -- nanotechnology and stem cell research -- combining into a new exciting era of discovery which could be the first step towards a cure for conditions such as Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury.
"Repairing damaged neural pathways is the holy grail of many researchers. It is a very long road to success, which will require small steps from many people, but it's wonderful to know we're making such a significant contribution here at Monash University," Mr Nisbet said
The potential of Nisbet's scaffold design has captured the interest of colleagues. The University of Toronto in Canada and the Melbourne-based Howard Florey Institute are conducting further tests, with preliminary results showing strong potential.
Another collaboration, with the Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria, is investigating the use of scaffolds in the potential treatment of damaged brain nerve cells.
Mr Nisbet said biodegradable fibres were commonly used in biomedical sciences and regenerative technologies, but his technique of re-engineering them into a 3-D structure is a world first.
27 February 2008
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Dr James Bourne one of the many researchers recognised for their achievements in the NHMRC awards pictured with Health Minister Nicola Roxon. |
Monash University researchers dominated the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Awards, taking out a quarter of the prizes at a ceremony in Canberra recently.
Four Monash scientists and researchers were recognised for their outstanding contributions.
Monash University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Edwina Cornish said the Monash recipients were worthy winners.
"I congratulate the award recipients for their contributions to health and medical research and to the Monash community," Professor Cornish said.
The awards are designed to show the NHMRC's appreciation to the research and ethics community for their considerable scientific research, innovation and leadership. Obstetrician, gynaecologist and senior lecturer Dr Stephen Tong, and anatomy and cell biology research fellow Dr James Bourne were both given a NHMRC Achievement Award in Career Development for junior researchers.
Dr Tong is researching ways to improve future clinical care in areas such as early pregnancy, the biological reasons behind producing twins and discovering molecules used to diagnose disease. His work with the immune system could help develop a novel class of drug to treat various diseases.
Dr Bourne is researching primate brains to assess the impact of damage to visual functions to help 'switch back on' developmental mechanisms after a stroke or other brain injury and regenerate vision.
"I want to uncover every twist and turn in the physiological and anatomical development of the visual cortex, where multiple areas evolve and interconnect like a well-woven fabric, seamlessly delivering sight," Dr Bourne said.
Dr Teresa Iacono from the University's Centre for Developmental Disability Health was given a NHMRC Ethics Award for her achievements in developing high ethical standards in health and medical research. She has been researching effective strategies for people with severe communication impairment so they can experience meaningful interactions and improve their quality of life.
Associate Professor Brian Cooke from Microbiology received a Science to Art Award, which recognises his studies of fatal malaria cases and a resulting image of the surface of a human red blood cell infected with a malaria parasite.
"I hope that my small contribution may one day make a big difference to millions of people burdened by unnecessary illness," Associate Professor Cooke said.
"Simple and effective communication of our research is paramount, particularly in the present era of new, sophisticated technologies and merging disciplines. Science through art and graphic visualisation is a tantalising way to capture all imaginations."
27 February 2008
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Back row l to r: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Edwina Cornish, The Hon John Wilkinson MPP. Front row l to r: Associate Professor Joanne Etheridge, Professor Gianluigi Botton. |
The Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy recently played host to a delegation from Ontario, Canada to celebrate the beginning of a collaborative research agreement between Monash and McMaster University.
The Hon John Wilkinson, Ontario Minister of Research and Innovation witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by Monash University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Edwina Cornish, the Director of the Monash Centre of Electron Microscopy, A/Professor Joanne Etheridge, and the Scientific Director of the Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy, Professor Gianluigi Botton.
In his speech, the Minister praised the scientific excellence at Monash and McMaster and expressed pride regarding his government's $7 million contribution towards continuing research using electron microscopy -- including $150,000 that was announced at Monash to support continued collaboration between researchers at the two universities.
"We all want a better life for our children," he said. "Embracing innovation is essential if we are to achieve a higher quality of life for future generations."
Director of The Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy, Associate Professor Joanne Etheridge, explained that the facilities at the centre will allow problems relating to areas such as energy and the environment to be solved that currently are unable be solved any other way.
"This partnership with Ontario will help Monash to train researchers to use the facilities and assist the centre to conduct its own valuable research," said Associate Professor Etheridge.
"An international collaboration with a world-leading entity such as the Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy at McMaster University in Ontario is of great importance to Monash and will have significant benefit for both Canadian and Australian science."
27 February 2008
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The Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) and the Safety Institute of Australia Inc (SIA) have signed a major research and development partnership agreement.
The Strategic Partner "Research & Development" Letter of Cooperation between the SIA and MUARC provides a basis for mutual cooperation in the promotion of health and safety through research and development.
The agreement aims to identify safety research and development opportunities, produce joint publication of health and safety reports and handbooks, ensure representation on relevant committees, and promote forums and conferences with leading health and safety professionals across all industry sectors.
MUARC director, Professor Rod McClure said the agreement would have a significant impact on injury prevention.
"The ability to share ideas and information is crucial to developing long term injury prevention initiatives in Australia and throughout the world," Professor McClure said. "The agreement with the SIA, which has been dedicated to raising health and safety awareness for nearly 60 years, represents an exciting new era for both organisations."
SIA National President, Dr Geoff Dell, said: "The SIA has always admired the professionalism of MUARC in its national and international injury prevention roles and we are delighted to form this important strategic partnership."
The SIA was formed in 1949 and is a not-for-profit, independent, apolitical, professional association with over 3000 members nationally. Its objectives include promoting health and safety awareness, advancing the science and practice of health and safety, and researching and developing health and safety standards, procedures and practices.
MUARC, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, is Australia's leading injury prevention research centre. Its expertise is being sought around the globe, with more than 30 international projects currently underway.
27 February 2008
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Professor Lenore Manderson, Head of Social Sciences and Health Research, has received a Graduate Student Mentor Award from the Society for Medical Anthropology. |
Professor Lenore Manderson, Head of Social Sciences and Health Research, has received the Society for Medical Anthropology's Graduate Student Mentor Award for excellence in graduate student mentorship.
Professor Manderson was presented with the award at American Anthropological Association meeting in Washington DC.
Professor Manderson received the award for being a vital catalyst to the career development and success of graduate students.
The citation went on to say: "Lenore is known for her readiness to listen and offer guidance, as well as her generosity in facilitating students' entry into the field to engage in research.
"As a mentor, Lenore's genuineness, energy, research skills and intuitive understanding of praxis-oriented anthropology inspire students and faculty alike."
27 February 2008
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Approximately 2,500 international students received their results via SMS in the last semester of 2007. |
Monash's Information Technology Service (ITS) made the SMS Results service available to students studying at our international campuses for the first time in the last semester of 2007.
In total 18,943 students registered to receive their results via SMS, of these approximately 2,500 were international numbers.
Business Analyst, Flexible Learning and Teaching, George Vidalis said the international service proved to very successful and ITS received positive feedback from students including the following comments:
'I just wanted to let you know how much so many of us appreciate and value the SMS results service! The fact it's free AND early is a credit to whoever thought of it and whoever maintains the service. A credit to Monash University. Thank you.'
'This is an excellent service provided by Monash University.'
'Hi, I just wanted to say I think this is a great service and has worked really well for me over the past 18 months. It's great to get your results so quickly and easily via your phone. Thanks very much and please keep up the good work!'
27 February 2008
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Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), Professor Adam Shoemaker says the staff mobility program increases the opportunities available to staff for professional development. |
University staff have an opportunity to experience Monash from different locations and perspectives, thanks to the continuation of the mobility initiative.
This year there are two programs being offered: the Cross Campus Staff Mobility Program and the Travelling Fellowship Award.
The Cross Campus Staff Mobility Program is offered to enhance inter-campus movement between Monash's Australian, South African and Malaysian campuses, and the Monash Centre in Prato.
The Travelling Fellowship Award is open to general staff and is aimed at enhancing opportunities for participation in professional development in Australia or overseas.
Both programs will be funded from the Education portfolio and so the emphasis is on excellence in teaching and learning. Successful applications will be funded up to $6000.
Professor Adam Shoemaker, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) said mobility was a fundamental building block for Monash's continued development as an international university with a significant global presence.
"These programs are designed to encourage productive collaboration across our network of campuses and centres, and to increase the opportunities available to staff for professional development," Professor Shoemaker said.
For more information about the programs, eligibility and selection criteria and details on how to apply, please visit the Staff Mobility at Monash website.
Closing date for applications is 7 March 2008.
In 2007 over 40 staff members were successful under the Staff Mobility Program.
27 February 2008
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Students from the School of Music Conservatorium had the time of their lives on a recent trip to Prato, Italy. |
Twenty-six jazz and popular music students from the Monash University School of Music Conservatorium had the time of their lives on a recent trip to the Monash Prato Centre in Italy.
The students attended Prato as part of their coursework. They participated in a series of workshops with high profile Italian musicians as well as classes in practice technique, ear training and Italian.
The highlight of the trip was a series of live performances by the students at the Prato Centre and popular jazz clubs in the area.
The student group was led by the School's Coordinator of Jazz and Popular Music Rob Burke.
Mr Burke said the feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive with many saying they thought it was the best experience of their lives.
"It's great to be able to offer the students a chance to study and perform with so many great musicians and to be able to stay and perform in such a beautiful part of the world," Mr Burke said.
Student Mariel Koroibulu said the trip was "amazing".
"The three weeks were a lot more intense than I expected, which was good," Mariel said.
"I got a lot out of the workshops and classes. I think everyone should do it!"
27 February 2008
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Signs are being placed around all Monash campuses to remind us of the simple ways we can help save the environment. |
Monash is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and is encouraging all its staff and students to get involved and take simple actions to help 'Green up our act'.
Look out for signs around your campus. These are designed to help us all remember to take action to reduce our environmental impacts and are the first of many new environmental initiatives.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about what Monash is doing to reduce its impact on the environment please visit the Greening Up Our Act website or email environment@adm.monash.edu.au.
27 February 2008
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Parents were welcomed to Monash College in style during O Week. |
Parents welcomed to Monash College - Enrolment and orientation for Monash College's February intake of students took place last week and this trimester the College offered an additional service -- to parents!
The Parent's Lounge provided a place for parents to relax while their sons or daughters were attending sessions and parents were invited to drop in at any time over the two day period. Each was given a Parent's Pack with information on Monash College, Monash University and the City of Melbourne.
New year, new course - Monash College is offering a new diploma course - Arts (Communication, Journalism and Psychology) providing graduates with an enhanced range of destination degrees, including the highly popular Bachelor of Arts (Global).
Further information regarding the Diploma is available on the Monash College website, or by contacting Ms Sharon Gardner-Drummond by phone on +61 3 9905 8678 or by email on Sharon.Gardner-Drummond@college.monash.edu.au.
Monash College is an entry pathway to Monash University. Many students find that a Monash College undergraduate diploma is the ideal bridge between school and university, as it makes the transition as smooth and simple as possible.
Three intakes per year in February, June and October means students can start their educational journey with Monash as soon as they are ready. It gives them greater choice over the commencement and completion times of their course, with the opportunity to save time and reduce the costs of study.
27 February 2008
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Melbourne High School and Mac.Robertson Girls' High School graduates listen to Professor Adam Shoemaker describe life at Monash. |
More than 80 incoming students learnt about 'Making the Most of Monash' at a half-day program held recently for the classes of 2007 from Melbourne High School and Mac.Robertson Girls' High School.
The program, hosted by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Adam Shoemaker, marks the beginning of a series of initiatives aimed at engaging incoming students and developing relationships with secondary schools.
The new first-year Monash students participated in mini-lectures in biology and law provided by School of Biological Sciences Associate Professor Gordon Sanson and student development officer and tutor Lloyd England.
Former Melbourne and Mac.Robertson students now in their second and third years of university study also gave insights into life at Monash and advice about how to make the most of their time at university.
20 February 2008
I trust that everyone has returned refreshed by the Christmas break. Although many of us have been fortunate to have some holiday and family time over January, for others it has been an extraordinarily busy time.
An exceptional storm selectively affecting the Clayton Campus on the last day of the university year at 4 p.m. on December 20 led to significant damage to over 80 buildings on the Clayton Campus. I would like to acknowledge the superb efforts of the Facilities and Services team in restoring the Clayton Campus to working order in time for the commencement of the university year. Many staff worked tirelessly over the Christmas break to achieve this outcome.
Particular tribute should also be paid to the staff involved in the processes of recruitment and selection of students, both at the central administrative level of the University and in the Faculties and Campuses. These activities have been carried out very efficiently by the highly expert teams involved and the outcomes have been very positive for Monash University.
Despite a substantial fall in demand for university places in Victoria, the demand for Monash University remained strong. For the second year in a row, Monash was the most popular university in the State as indicated by the number of first preferences for our courses. Our new degree in Architecture, as well as offerings Law and Engineering, were particularly popular. In fact, with a 'Clearly-in ENTER' score of 91.3, Engineering accepted students with a cut-off score more than five points above any other Engineering program in Victoria. At the same time, all of the programs in the Faculty of Law were stand-outs, with the ENTER score for Law single degrees rising to 99.3 and double degrees involving Law ranging from 99.05 to 99.5. Demand for places in the new Graduate Entry Medical Course at our Gippsland Campus was also very strong.
Demand from international students has also remained very buoyant and despite capping the number of students in the most popular courses in Business and Economics, our overall international student targets will be comfortably reached.
During January I visited the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. Like Monash University, it is celebrating its Golden Jubilee and to mark this event it held a Vice-Chancellors' Conclave with university VCs/Presidents from 27 universities around the globe taking part. The theme of the Conclave was international education and research collaborations. It gave a chance to compare notes with universities in the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia.
One point was abundantly clear. Australia must improve the resourcing of our universities if we are to remain competitive. One comparison will be sufficient to demonstrate this. Washington University, St Louis is not regarded as an especially privileged or rich university in comparison with the "Ivy League". Yet with a student headcount of 12,000 it has an annual budget of US$2b, a student:staff ratio of 2:1 and an endowment of US$7b. Comparable figures for Monash University are a student headcount of 55,000, an annual budget of A$1.3b, a student:staff ratio of 20:1 and Foundation holding A$270m. Of course Washington University's endowment pales into insignificance compared with Harvard's which is over US$30b. It illustrates the necessity for the "Education Revolution" foreshadowed by the Rudd Government to translate into a substantial increase in university funding and I will use my position as the Chair of Universities Australia to try to achieve this.
Following the Conclave, the first meeting of the Scientific Advisory Council of our joint Research Academy with IITB was held. It was chaired by Mr Narayana Murthy, the renowned founder of Infosys. Arrangements for the Academy are proceeding well and it should prove a very effective way for us to engage with the excellent research and research students in India and to tap into substantial industry funding.
I then visited the University of Sharjah for a meeting of the Board of Trustees, presided over by the Ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi. It gave me an opportunity to see the progress made by the Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy both established under contract by Monash University and now functioning extremely well. The Vice-Chancellor for Medical Colleges Affairs, Dr Hossan Hamdy will be visiting Monash University next month and a warm and collaborative relationship has continued. Negotiations with the Ruler are proceeding in relation to establishing a Sharjah Chair of Islamic Studies at Monash University.
In December, David Pitt as Chair of the Board of Monash IVF oversaw the sale of Monash University's shareholding in the company to ABN-AMRO with a return of $100m to Monash University. This is a superb outcome and represents one of the most successful examples of commercialization of IP developed in a university in Australia. $4m of the proceeds will be used towards the funding of The Carl Wood Chair in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (with another $1m to be raised from philanthropy) and the remaining money will build the funds in the Foundation allowing an extra $5m to be donated to the University from the Foundation each year to be used to support our capital development program.
I am looking forward to a most exciting and productive year for Monash in 2008. The 50th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Monash University Act in the Victorian Parliament promises to be a year in which Monash University makes further progress in achieving excellence in education and research and continues its remarkable contribution to Victoria, Australia and the world.
27 February 2008
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Name: Kim Langfield-Smith
Org. Unit: Faculty of Business and Economics
Title: Professor of Management Accounting and Deputy Dean (Research)
How long have you been with Monash University?
I have had two periods of employment at Monash. The first was for about five years in the 1990s, and now I have been at Monash for about six years.
Prior to working at Monash, where were you located and what was your role?
I was Head of the School of Business at La Trobe University.
What exciting challenges are ahead in your current role?
I am new to the Deputy Dean role, having just moved on from the Head of Department of Accounting and Finance. My new position is largely a strategic role, working on Faculty research policy to motivate staff and create incentives to engage in and publish quality research and apply for high profile external research grants. This is very challenging. We now know that the RQF will not proceed, and I look forward to learning about the new metrics-based system that may be introduced and working out how we need to adjust our systems and approaches to accommodate this.
What is it about your job that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?
I am involved in several Faculty and University committees which allow me to interact with a range of enthusiastic and committed people, and to work with them to bring about change. This is very satisfying.
Of all the places in the world you would like to re-visit, where is your favourite destination and why?
I love the North West area of Tasmania, particularly Cradle Mountain National Park. I have been there many many times in winter over the past 20 years. It is so relaxing to walk for hours in the wilderness, in the brisk wind and cold. It clears the head, and there is no mobile phone coverage!
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
A mentor once told me to not "beat myself up".
What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?
I do like to dance -- but perhaps that is not a secret?
27 February 2008
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| Newspaper article featuring our two graduates, 'The Age' - 1963. |
On the 8 July, 1963 the first degrees conferred on graduates of Monash University were awarded to Richard David Harcourt, PhD Science; Richard Ian Cashman, MA.
Both went on to pursue academic careers.
Dr Richard Harcourt is now a Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne.
Professor Richard Cashman holds the position of Director of the Australian Centre for Olympic Studies and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Leisure, Sport and Tourism at the University of Technology Sydney.