From left: Governor of Victoria Professor David de Kretser, Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel and Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins at the historic installation.
19 March 2008
19 March 2008
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From left: Governor of Victoria Professor David de Kretser, Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel and Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins at the historic installation. |
In a historic first, a Monash graduate has been become the new Chancellor of Monash University.
Dr Alan Finkel was installed as the University's seventh Chancellor by Victorian Governor and University visitor Professor David de Kretser at a ceremony at the Robert Blackwood Hall on the Clayton campus last Thursday.
Dr Finkel received a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering at Monash in 1981. He went on to successfully list several robotic and electronic instrument companies on the Australian Stock Exchange.
The installation took place just prior to the University's 681st graduation ceremony. Dr Finkel thanked the audience of students' grandparents, partners, friends and family for attending the event.
"I can very much relate to your feelings of immense pride and satisfaction, because today I attend this ceremony with dual roles - as the newly installed Chancellor of Monash University and as a proud parent of one of today's graduates, my son Victor," Dr Finkel said.
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Proud father: Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel and his son Victor Finkel embrace after Monash's 681st graduation ceremony. On the day his father became the new Chancellor of Monash, Victor was conferred with a Bachelor of Music. |
Victor received a Bachelor of Music - as well as a warm embrace -- from his father.
Dr Finkel said the appointment of a Monash graduate to Chancellor was an important milestone for the University and that when offered the position in April last year he did not hesitate to accept.
"Our primary job as a university is to educate the professionals who will create the future. Monash does its job well, but nevertheless is constantly looking for ways to do its job better," Dr Finkel said.
"If I can be part of encouraging the University to provide ever better training for the future creative thinkers like you I shall be forever proud."
Monash Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins congratulated Dr Finkel on behalf of all staff and students.
He said the appointment of a University alumnus as Chancellor was a sign that Monash was coming of age.
19 March 2008
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In a recent laboratory study, wool modified and treated with a new nanoparticle coating removed red wine stains effectively (bottom row), prsitine wool treated with nanoparticle coating (middle row) and pristine wool (top row). Courtesy of the American Chemical Society. |
In a few years from now, we may be able to abandon those expensive trips to the dry cleaners to clean our clothes.
Monash scientist Dr Walid Daoud has discovered a way to remove stains using sunlight!
The nano-materials expert has developed a nanoparticle coating that can be applied to wool and silk fibres to decompose contaminations such as such as dirt, stains, and harmful microorganisms.
The coating is composed of anatase titanium dioxide, an efficient photocatalyst. Light triggers an oxidation reaction that decomposes dirt and bacteria but cannot decompose wool or skin.
Dr Daoud says he has previously developed coatings for cotton fibres, but wool and silk are more complex, particularly when it comes to chemical modification.
"We have essentially taken early research into cotton to the next level and this new coating has proven to be very effective in preventing stains, particularly difficult stains like red wine."
"The testing is still in the laboratory phase, but it is very possible this type of coating could be applied to fabrics in the future. Cleaning a garment would be as easy as hanging it in direct sunlight and the stains would disappear," Dr Daoud said.
In the new study, Dr Daoud and colleagues prepared wool fabrics with and without a nanoparticle coating. The researchers then stained the fabric samples with red wine.
"After 20 hours of exposure to simulated sunlight, the coated fabric showed almost no signs of the red stain, whereas the untreated fabric remained deeply stained. The coating, which is non-toxic, can be permanently bonded to the fibre and does not alter its texture and feel," Dr Daoud said.
To access the full article visit the ACS Publications website.
19 March 2008
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Monash A team members Fiona Prowse and Tim Jeffrie battled it out with Oxford University, Cambridge University and the University of Sydney in the grand final of the World University Debating Championships. |
The Monash Association of Debaters (MAD) had great success at the recent 2008 World University Debating Championships, with Monash A making it to the Grand Final against Oxford, Cambridge and the University of Sydney.
Although the Oxford team took out the title, it was Monash’s best result since 2004 and comes on the back of wins in 1999 and 2000.
The World University Debating Championships, held this year in Bangkok, are the largest non-sporting university event in the world.
Over 1200 people in 400 teams from universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Harvard, Stanford and Yale compete for the world’s most prestigious debating title.
Countries represented this year included Japan, China, Korea, Germany, Russia, Pakistan, India, Australia, New Zealand, America, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Monash sent the second largest contingent, with five teams and 20 adjudicators participating.
MAD President Melissa Birch said the group had an extraordinary time at the nine day event.
"The championships cover nine gruelling preliminary rounds, followed by finals. The effort was exhausting but made exciting by the fact that the debates were held at some of Bangkok’s most elaborate venues," Ms Birch said.
"The Grand Final was an enormous gala event, including an awe-inspiring opening ceremony where the official party rode in on elephants and the competing teams entered to themed music and a light show.
"Our congratulations go to arts/law students Fiona Prowse and Tim Jeffrie for their efforts in making the Grand Final -- Fiona was also ranked 10th best speaker of the tournament.
"We also congratulate the Monash B team Sashi Balaraman and Victor Finkel who made the octo-finals of the championships and our five adjudicators who were selected to judge the finals series of the competition (Kylie Lane, Tom Chapman, Roland Dillon, Claire Lindsey and Ajay Kevat.)"
19 March 2008
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Fragments and Dreams and The Cherry Orchard will play at The Science Centre, Clayton campus on April 8, 9 and 10. |
An Honours graduate ensemble from Monash University's Academy of Performing Arts has plunged into the richness of the literary classics for their first show for 2008.
The two part play, Fragments and Dreams and The Cherry Orchard will play at the Science Centre, Clayton campus, on 8, 9 and 10 April and will also tour local secondary colleges.
Directed by former Home and Away star Deborah Lawrance Fragments and Dreams immerses us in the splendid language of some of the most accomplished writers from around the globe including Shakespeare, TS Eliot, Dylan Thomas, Oscar Wilde, Melville and Solzhenitsyn.
The compilation has been devised and edited by Artistic Director of the Academy of Performing Arts Peter Oyston who believes storytelling is a gift.
"This is the oldest form of theatre since ancient times and our ensemble of actors is presenting a brief but dense kaleidoscope of wonderful pieces of world literature," Mr Oyston said.
An abridged version of The Cherry Orchard, Chekhov's last play first performed in 1904, draws us into the lives of the Russian people in the early 1900s. The serfs have been emancipated and the aristocracy is trying in vain to maintain its status while the middle class struggles with its newly-gained material wealth.
Madame Lyubov Andreyevna Ranevskaya has returned to her family's estate, the Cherry Orchard, in debt. Having disregarded options to save the estate, the family must now sell it to the highest bidder. It is bought by Lopakhin, a local merchant and family friend, who was born a peasant but has become a millionaire.
The unwillingness of Madame Ranevskaya to adapt to the new order brings about her downfall.
Mr Oyston, who directs the play, said Chekhov's talent lies in his dialogue and the seemingly trivial conversations of his characters which open their lives and feelings to the audience.
"First written as a comedy, The Cherry Orchard is almost visionary in its portrayal of the old order replacing the new, while echoing the forces impacting around the globe at the same time," Mr Oyston said.
"Our ensemble of actors has been immersed throughout the rehearsals of The Cherry Orchard - a wonderful tragic comedy which reveals a society in decline."
To secure your tickets for the Academy's first show for the year call +61 3 9905 1111. For further information email boxoffice@adm.monash.edu.au or visit the Academy of Performing Arts website.
19 March 2008
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TeamMONASH™ won eight gold, seven silver and four bronze medals over 41 events in last year's Australian University Sport championships. |
Monash has taken out the 2007 Australian University Sport championships.
The award combines the results from all national university events from the Australian University Games and all Australian University Championships.
In a year that saw close competition between the 43 universities, Monash with a total of 808 points won over the University of Sydney (783 points) and University of Melbourne (719 points) for the title.
Monash's strong participation in the Championships and second placing in the Australian University Games saw them over the line.
The medal tally over 41 sports was eight gold, seven silver and four bronze medals.
To extend Monash's year of excellence in sport, TeamMONASH™ also took out the John Campbell Trophy for overall South Region Champion.
Sports Programs Project Officer Nicole Schmidt said this year Monash was not only competing but was a Principal Partner University for the 2008 Australian University Games.
"With the games in Melbourne this year, TeamMONASH™ is certainly hoping to show its sporting prowess once again and bring home the flag," Ms Schmidt said.
19 March 2008
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Distinguished international scholar Robyn Wiegman, Professor of Women's Studies, Duke University spoke at the State Library of Victoria on the 21st anniversary of the Centre for Women's Studies and Gender Research. |
A Commemorative Colloquium, involving scholars and students from across Australia, was held in February 2008 on the 21st anniversary of the Centre for Women's Studies and Gender Research.
The Centre was established in 1987 to focus on the needs and inclusion of all women.
Distinguished international scholar Robyn Wiegman, Professor of Women's Studies from Duke University spoke at the State Library of Victoria on the ways in which the social, political and identity projects of women's and gender studies evolve and change.
Dean of Arts, Professor Rae Frances thanked Professor Wiegman for her very stimulating and challenging address and pointed to the intellectual vibrancy of the field of study.
"The public lecture was well-attended by a broad range of scholars, politicians and community members," Professor Frances said.
"It was particularly pleasing to have so many people with strong past associations to the Centre."
On the following day, the Centre hosted a Women's and Gender Studies Convenors' Meeting which discussed the opportunities for women's and gender studies across Australia. It involved program convenors from seven Australian universities.
Simultaneously, a two day Graduate Master Class was held for postgraduates from the Centre, nominated postgraduates from the School of Political and Social Inquiry and students from women's and gender studies programs across Australia.
Professor Frances said the three interlinked events reflected the commitment of the Centre to women's progress, women's education and feminist scholarship.
"I would like to acknowledge the School of Political and Social Inquiry and the Faculty of Arts who were generous supporters of this event through funding, significant administrative support and the many colleagues who attended," Professor Frances said.
19 March 2008
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The O gallery slowly transforms from an old neglected Victoria era room into a white walled gallery space in Steven Rendall and Bryan Spier's exhibition The Red Lion. |
Four Monash Fine Arts students have opened up a new artist space in trendy Johnston Street, Fitzroy.
The final resting stop on the 'gallery crawl', the O Projects Gallery is a space where art lovers can view, read about and discuss visual art.
Besides exhibitions (the gallery's first exhibition The Red Lion features Monash staff member Steven Rendall), the gallery will hold a weekly art event on Tuesday evenings to give artists the opportunity to network and hear from local artists.
One-off events and Q & A sessions are also planned.
O Projects co-founder Kent Wilson said the gallery was a collaborative effort emerging from a mutual desire to do something unique in the Melbourne arts scene.
"We believe Melbourne has one of the best arts scenes in the world, but the approach to opening artist run galleries is becoming predictable," Mr Wilson said.
"We want to provide an exciting new space where visual and performative ideas can be viewed and developed.
"The O Projects Gallery will foster new and interesting art through a variety of projects including solo and group exhibitions, performative events and discussion nights."
For more information on the gallery visit the O Projects website.
19 March 2008
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Montana, Victoria and Joshua together with program co-ordinator Janita Grant help celebrate the recognition of the program for its commitment to students, parents and education. |
Monash University School Holiday Program (MUSHP) is the first Victorian OSHC (Outside School Hours Care) service to be endorsed as 'community owned' by Community Child Care.
The endorsement of MUSHP is recognition of their not-for-profit service with a focus on community engagement, and a commitment to open communication with and involvement of families, children and staff in all aspects of service.
The community owned status also means that parents have input into decisions and policies that affect the care of their children , and that all resources are used to maintain quality service delivery, programming and staff training and development.
Project Officer Family and Child Care Dinah Humphries said the endorsement is a wonderful milestone for the service.
"Being a recognised as a Community owned children's service means that parents can feel comfortable sending their children to a place where they know they will receive high quality care, and where any profit made is directed back into the service. Input and feedback from all our stakeholders -- families, children and staff -- is essential in creating a service that is responsive to the needs of its community, where families are supported, children are encouraged and staff are developed.," Ms Humphries said.
"We are very proud of our child care services and now Monash University and local community families can be assured that they are utilising a proudly community owned service.
The next Monash School Holiday Program will be held from Wed 26 March to Friday 4 April, 2008.
For more information or to make a booking contact Janita.Grant@adm.monash.edu.au.
19 March 2008
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Monash Sport Director Martin Doulton, Blues coach Qi Shen and Deputy Director of Physical Education at Peking University, Jei Li. |
University Blues Volleyball, a 15-man squad from Monash University and the University of Melbourne, will return this week from a playing tour of 10 Chinese universities and schools.
The squad trained hard in preparation for the tour, with the experience a good opportunity to get match fit prior to the start of the 2008 Australian Volleyball League season.
The squad got off to a fantastic start, winning their first match against Tsinghua, which is ranked number three in the country.
It was a closely fought affair with the Uni Blues winning 15-10 in the decider. For more match results visit the Monash Sport website.
Monash Sport Director Martin Doulton said the playing group and support staff formed new friendships with Chinese players, teams and universities and had encouraged Chinese university volleyball teams to make similar visits to Australia.
"This is an important step in helping our volleyball athletes to develop and in building relationships between our universities, and the universities and schools we play in China," Mr Doulton said.
University Blues includes both a men's and women's team competing in the Australian Volleyball League, an amateur national volleyball competition.
The squads were formed to provide Victorian volleyball players, in particular club players, with an opportunity to play another level up from state league competition.
The teams include a selection of players from member clubs in our Victorian state league competition.
For further information contact Monash Sport Media Communications Coordinator Steve Pogonowski on +61 400 126 886
5 March 2008
The first two graduations for 2008 have been held at South Africa and Gippsland. The progress made by both these Campuses in the last 5 years has been quite remarkable. At the South African graduation, 178 students graduated in a moving ceremony. Most of the graduands were the first in their families to attend university and their experience will have a transformational effect on their families. The graduands came from all the southern African countries. Over 2400 students are expected at the Campus by second semester this year, a far cry from the 480 of 2004.
The Gippsland Campus is also making stunning progress. New student commencements are about 100 above target. The Graduate Entry Medical School has taken its new students in state of the art new facilities. A large, environmentally friendly new auditorium and function centre is nearing completion. It will replace the "Binishell" which although distinctive has reached the end of its lifespan and will be demolished. The new auditorium will be the site of the regional meeting of the Victorian Legislative Assembly in October this year. New student residences will be constructed with the help of Commonwealth and State funding. Research activity is increasing markedly. Contrary to many regional campuses, Gippsland is now breaking even financially and its future is bright. The new Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Helen Bartlett will take up her post in August. The Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Associate Professor Harry Ballis is doing a wonderful job in the interim.
With the new Federal Government, it is a frenetic time in relations between the universities' sector and government. The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr has announced a broad-ranging review of innovation strategy. He has also announced that the Research Quality Framework (RQF) in the form which the previous government intended is to be abandoned and a new approach has been signalled. The Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) initiative, is to be developed by the Australian Research Council (ARC) in conjunction with the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) and will assess research quality using a combination of metrics and expert review. Health and medical research will have evaluation driven by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Guidelines for the allocation of funding from the Higher Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) are to be released and consultations will be held in relation to them. The Government is also undertaking consultation following the introduction of the so-called "VSU" legislation on how student support activities and facilities are to be supported. The Federal Government has signalled that it will use individually negotiated funding "Compacts" with each university to drive diversity in the sector and to support the individual missions of each university. There is no clarity about how these will work and it is possible that there will also be a review of higher education funding. The 2020 Summit has education as one of its subthemes. In addition to this activity at the Federal level, the State Parliament has announced a review of the legislative framework for Victoria's universities.
These activities are occurring at a time when the Federal departments are in a state of great change with the former functions of the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) now distributed between the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and the Department of Innovation, Industry and Research (DIISR). It is clear that policies relating to universities will be split between two departments and that there will be many aspects separate from universities and indeed from education that will compete for the attention of these Departments. Effective advocacy will be required.
Meanwhile, at Monash, Orientation Week activities have been completed successfully and the teaching year has begun. The Senior Management Summit and Council Summits conducted during February have identified the priorities for the University for the next five years as it works towards its goals for 2025.
Despite the turbulence in the sector, all the signs for Monash University in its 50th year are positive.
19 March 2008
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Name: Jacques Steyn
Org. Unit: School of IT, Monash South Africa
Title: Head of School
How long have you been with Monash University?
Four years
Prior to working at Monash, where were you located and what was your role?
Johannesburg. I worked as a consultant in web technologies
What exciting challenges are ahead in your current role?
Establishing credibility for Monash, which is very much unknown in South Africa, as well as getting our research program off the ground.
What is it about your job that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?
We are a young campus with teething problems, combined with the challenges of a developing economy. Marrying high-tech and low-tech solutions successfully is very satisfying.
Of all the places in the world you would like to visit/re-visit, where is your favourite destination and why?
Anywhere, and nowhere in particular; as long as there's an ocean, a mountain, forest and a river. And if there is good food and company, it is heaven.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
If something's worth doing, it is worth doing well.
What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn’t know?
I have done professional music theatre and am a closet architect.
19 March 2008
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In November 1965 Monash purchased its first coin operated photocopiers in a bid to stop students from tearing the pages out of books.