24 September 2008
24 September 2008
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| Gippsland is a major supplier of coal-fired power to Victoria. |
Monash University has thrown its support behind the Federal Government's discussion paper on climate change, which proposes bold measures to reduce the nation's carbon emissions, including the introduction of a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
In a submission to the paper the University makes a number of recommendations to support the introduction of the proposed new policy including the need for education projects in the area of behaviour change, research and development into clean emissions technology, and scholarships to encourage students into the energy sciences.
However, the submission also highlights a need to focus on those regions that will be affected economically by the transition to a low carbon future, including Gippsland, which is a major supplier of coal-fired power to Victoria.
As part of the response, Monash conducted a telephone survey of 300 households and 200 local businesses to ascertain the level of community understanding of the scheme (CPRS). The survey revealed a perception that the CPRS would adversely affect the local community and economy through job losses, additional costs on households and businesses and increases in living expenses.
In response the submission states: "It is important for the Government to acknowledge that despite their high emissions profile, fossil fuels, including brown coal, will continue to be a critically important source of energy production for Australia. Australia must undertake, in an accelerated manner, research and development to enable these fuels to be used in the most environmentally responsible manner possible.
"It is (also) recommended, as part of the liaison with State and Local Government, that strategies be considered to assist regional development as a consequence of emission reduction."
In a separate submission to the discussion paper, Monash academics Associate Professor Ken Coghill and Professor Amanda Lynch call on the Federal Government to provide intensive assistance to communities highly financially dependent on coal mining, such as those in the Latrobe Valley, Hunter Valley and Bowen Basin.
"These communities need special assistance because they face economic hardship as a result of carbon pollution reduction measures," Associate Professor Coghill said.
"The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme needs to support these vulnerable communities in the transition to an economic environment where there are large reductions in demand for coal and coal-fired electricity generators as a consequence of carbon pollution reduction.
"This support should include funding to develop alternative industries and enterprises in the affected regions and to re-train and upskill workers to increase their job choices."
For more information see Monash University's submission (pdf, 274kb) or contact Associate Professor Harry Ballis on +61 3 990 26211.
For more information on Associate Professor Coghill and Professor Lynch's submission please see Monash news line.
24 September 2008
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| Ross Greenwood (left) with Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Edwina Cornish and Pro Vice-Chancellor Industry Engagement and Commercialisation Professor Rod Hill. |
More than 120 of Melbourne's corporate elite gathered with Monash University researchers at Zinc, Federation Square for a networking event last week, the final event on the Research Month 2008 calendar.
The theme of the event, Impact from Innovation, aimed to highlight the many benefits that result when universities collaborate with industry.
Guest speaker Nine Network's finance editor Ross Greenwood discussed the future for Australia in relation to research commercialisation.
"This event was a wonderful opportunity to engage with Melbourne's corporate community and highlight the enormous capacity we have here at Monash in terms of research infrastructure and intellectual capability," Pro Vice-Chancellor Industry Engagement and Commercialisation Professor Rod Hill said.
Proceedings included the viewing of a DVD of testimonials from nine companies such as Holden, Victoria Police and Visy Industries, which have collaborated with Monash on research projects.
Research Month was established last year to celebrate research achievements, recognise the significant contributions made by staff and research students, and show the wider community why research matters.
This year's events included public lectures and seminars, information sessions for future research students and professional development opportunities for current researchers.
"Research Month has been a huge success," Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Edwina Cornish said.
"Each event has been well attended and the feedback has been extremely positive.
"Thank you to everyone who has had a part to play in its success.
"I'm extremely proud of the way that we have presented Monash research excellence to both the research community and the general public."
24 September 2008
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| Dr Catherine Yule |
Dr Catherine Yule became entranced with the beauty of Papua New Guinea while listening to a university lecture more than 30 years ago.
At the first opportunity Dr Yule packed her bags and caught a flight.
"From the first moment I saw the Bougainville Island from the air I fell in love. The towering mountains swathed in rainforest, the coral reefs and beautiful beaches were magical," Dr Yule said.
While in Bougainville Dr Yule began her PhD research working on the ecology of a mountain stream.
She then continued her academic career at Monash University's Sunway campus in Malaysia, teaching tropical biology, ecology and environmental science and supervising research students.
"I love tertiary teaching because there is the opportunity to align teaching and research," Dr Yule said.
"It is wonderful to assist my research students to find the answers to the puzzles we come across in these tropical environments."
Dr Yule's lessons go beyond the lecture halls and into the forests and swamp areas of Malaysia and Borneo.
"Establishing field trips as a component of the lectures has been difficult. It has been hard convincing people of the benefits of field work," Dr Yule said.
"The enthusiasm these field trips instill in students helps them evolve as scientists and transforms them into better academics. It is highly rewarding to see students develop from first-year students to postgraduates."
Dr Yule has introduced more than 1000 students, including students from Australia, to tropical habitats. For many it is their first experience of a tropical forest.
"I hope that my contribution as an educator and mentor influences students for many years beyond their Monash experience," Dr Yule said.
"Judging by the feedback from past and present students and the contributions they're making in the fields of conservation and environmental management, I'm confident they've been inspired by my classes and the Monash Malaysia experience."
24 September 2008
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| Dr Jun Liu and Dr Huseyin Sume from the Monash Institute of Medical Research with Minister Gavin Jennings (centre). |
Scientists from the Monash Institute of Medical Research (MIMR) and colleagues from New South Wales are collaborating on a new stem-cell research project.
The project, announced recently by Victorian Innovation Minister and Monash alumnus Gavin Jennings, and NSW Minister for Education and Training Verity Firth, will compare two different methods of creating patient-specific stem cells: somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS).
SCNT, or therapeutic cloning, is one method used to produce a source of individually-tailored stem cells. Researchers will source immature egg cells to generate SCNT embryos from which embryonic stem cells are harvested.
Unlike SCNT, iPS cells are derived from adult cells, such as skin, which are reprogrammed to behave like embryonic stem cells.
Program Leader of MIMR's Stem Cell Biology Program Dr Paul Verma will create type 1 diabetes iPS cell lines, which will aid research into the causes of the disease as well as potential therapies. These iPS cell lines will be the first human iPS cells created in Australia.
"Creating clinically human iPS cells is cutting-edge stem cell research," Dr Verma said.
"While this technology appears to be an alternative to working with embryonic stem cells, there are still several hurdles we need to overcome.
"Once our team produces the iPS cells, we will compare the properties of iPS versus cells developed through SCNT. Both methods need to be investigated further so we can determine which will produce the most robust cell lines."
The NSW project team, led by Professor Bernie Tuch, will investigate another method of obtaining immature eggs -- from consenting adult cancer patients who have had their ovaries removed.
Mr Jennings said changes to the Victorian Infertility Treatment Act and the NSW Human Cloning and Other Prohibited Practices Act had opened up new opportunities for stem cell research in Australia.
"Australia is already a global leader in overall stem-cell research and this new and clear regulatory framework gives us an opportunity to extend our leadership into SCNT which could transform how we treat diabetes, heart diseases and Parkinson's," Mr Jennings said.
Minister Jennings used his visit to MIMR to announce the State Government's annual funding to Victoria's major medical research institutes with MIMR receiving a ten per cent funding increase from last year.
MIMR Director Professor Bryan Williams said this funding increase reflected the institute's expanded capacity particularly in translational cancer research and its growing reputation in biomedical research.
24 September 2008
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| Kwame Mfodwo |
A manual written by Law faculty academic Kwame Mfodwo is playing a key role in helping developing African countries negotiate more lucrative and sustainable fisheries agreements with foreign trading partners.
The extensive manual, Negotiating equitable fisheries access agreements, was published earlier this year and is available in English, French and Portuguese.
It provides instructions and advice on all aspects of fisheries agreements including negotiation, strategy, implementation and evaluation of financial returns.
More than 130 trade, economics, fisheries and law officials from fisheries-rich West African countries including Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mauritania, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde have attended workshops based on the manual.
The countries are using the manual to negotiate fisheries access agreements with economic heavyweights such as the European Union (EU), Russia, China, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan.
"Countries in the Indian Ocean region, including the Seychelles, Kenya, Mauritius, Madagascar and Tanzania, have also shown interest in having their officials trained on how to best use the manual," Mr Mfodwo said.
Mr Mfodwo, an international law expert, said he spent two years writing the manual and analysed more than 300 historical and contemporary fisheries agreements from around the world.
He also studied the strategies adopted by companies and fleets from fishing powerhouses including China, the EU, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan, and he interviewed experienced fisheries negotiators from various parts of the world.
The manual, which is supported by a website providing information on fisheries agreements, was written as part of a project sponsored by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund.
The manual has already had a significant global impact and is now being prepared for worldwide distribution by the IUCN and OceanLaw Press.
24 September 2008
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| Dr Simon Caterson, left, presents the book to Professor Adam Shoemaker Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education). |
Mannix College, a residential College affiliated with Monash and located directly opposite the Clayton campus, has presented a unique gift to the University to mark its 50th anniversary.
The specially-commissioned, handmade, illustrated book explores the lives of Sir John Monash and the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne Daniel Mannix, who were immensely influential Victorians at home and abroad.
Archbishop Mannix sought to ensure there would be a fully-affiliated residential college developed when he learned of plans to establish a university named after Monash.
The book, presented to Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Adam Shoemaker, was produced by Akiko Ueda, a Faculty of Art and Design graduate and former student resident of Mannix.
The text was written by Monash alumnus Dr Simon Caterson, librarian and senior tutor at the College.
Professor Shoemaker, an honoured guest at the annual College Day dinner, proposed a toast to Mannix. In response a toast was proposed to Monash in recognition of its 50th birthday by Dean of Mannix College Ms Barbara Shea.
24 September 2008
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| Gregory Harrison, Das Einhorn 2007, mezzotint, courtesy of the artist. |
A major exhibition of contemporary Australian artists has opened at the Switchback Gallery, Gippsland campus.
Fictions, presented by the Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA), features a range of works from the Monash collection and selected loans including artists Petr Herel, Moya McKenna, Philip Hunter, Nick Mangan, David Noonan, Greg Harrison and James Morrison.
“The works draw on myriad sources including literature, art history and the fantastic, suspending our everyday realities and prompting contemplation of the nature of creativity and imagination,” exhibition curator Kirrily Hammond said.
The exhibition runs until Thursday 9 October, 2008.
Switchback Gallery is located at the Gippsland Centre for Art and Design, Monash University, Gippsland campus, Churchill.
For more information call +61 3 5122 6261 or email gippsland@artdes.monash.edu.au.
24 September 2008
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| Dr Thomas Reuter |
Dr Thomas Reuter, a senior research fellow in anthropology from the Faculty of Arts, will lead the World Council of Anthropological Association (WCAA) for two years commencing in 2009.
Dr Reuter was elected chair-elect at the recent World Anthropology Conference in Osaka, Japan.
The World Council of Anthropological Associations (WCAA), which Dr Reuter co-founded in 2004, is a network of national and international professional associations that aims to promote worldwide communication and cooperation in anthropology -- the study of human cultural diversity.
The council includes more than 100,000 elected heads of associations from numerous countries around the world.
Dr Reuter said being elected as WCAA chair was an exciting opportunity.
"My aim is to bring the specific insights and knowledge of my discipline to bear on relevant issues of global concern, such as the rights of Indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities and migrants," Dr Reuter said.
"The WCAA is a democratic, international organisation that allows us to establish the necessary consensus to speak with one voice to the global media as well as to international institutions such as UNESCO."
Dr Reuter has conducted field research on Indonesia for many years, focusing particularly on the proliferation of new religious and Indigenous people's movements in a context of rapid social change.
Visit the Faculty of Arts website for more information on studying Anthropology at Monash University.
24 September 2008
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| Julianne Bayliss |
PhD student Julianne Bayliss has received the Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand's Young Investigator Award for her research into antibody mediated rejection in heart transplant patients.
Ms Bayliss was presented with her award at the XXII International Congress of the Transplantation Society in Sydney. This prize is awarded to an early career scientist based on the quality of an oral or poster presentation at the congress.
Ms Bayliss said she was surprised and thrilled to receive the award.
"I went to the congress hoping to get some feedback from the other researchers about my study ahead of submitting my thesis, so receiving the award reinforced that I'm on the right track," Ms Bayliss said.
Ms Bayliss, who is based in the Department of Medicine at the Alfred Hospital, has enjoyed a whirlwind six months, being nominated as a finalist in the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand's prestigious Ralph Reader Prize Session as well as the Transplantation Society's President's Prize Symposium. In this time Ms Bayliss has also published two articles on the role of vascular endothelial growth factor in cardiac transplant rejection.
"It's been an amazing year so far," Ms Bayliss said.
"My supervisors Professor Catriona McLean and Dr Alicia Stein have been brilliant and I'm looking forward to handing in my thesis and settling into a post doctoral position with Professor McLean."
3 September 2008
Worldwide, there is a growing shortage of high quality academic staff for the university sector. In Australia, the academic workforce is aging, with probably only farming having an older age profile. A recent University of Adelaide study concluded that there was an increase of more than 80 per cent in the academic workforce aged over 50 between 1991 and 2006. The huge expansion of universities in China, Korea, India and South East Asia means that we can no longer expect to attract large numbers of academic staff from these countries. And with a plateau in the number of Australian students undertaking research higher degrees over the last decade, the situation is likely to worsen.
So far, Monash University has continued to attract excellent academic staff and in most fields the shortage of candidates has not yet impacted negatively on recruitment. However, in some areas the problem is already apparent and it is inevitable that in the coming years it will spread to other areas.
To respond to these challenges, we must provide an exciting and rewarding work environment. Results from the staff attitude survey last year recorded a big improvement from two years before, and showed a level of staff satisfaction that compared well with other universities and with the commercial sector. But the survey results also indicated that there was plenty of room for improvement and all work areas are working hard in response.
Staff must be adequately rewarded for their work. The consistent underfunding of universities over the last dozen years has made this difficult to achieve. Unless the current reviews of higher education and innovation deliver substantially increased levels of university funding, it will be difficult to address this significantly in the current round of enterprise bargaining. Recent discussions I have had with senior members of Government and with Government departments reassure me that they are aware that university funding must be increased. So there is perhaps room for cautious optimism on this front. Given the global nature of the academic market, this will be essential to the viability of the university sector as a whole. Monash will certainly be seeking to deliver the best salary outcome that is compatible with the University's long-term financial sustainability, and also to provide our staff with the best possible work environment and conditions.
As well as responding to the needs of the present, Monash also wants to provide our staff with forward-looking opportunities for personal and professional development. In this context, I am pleased to announce the launch of the new performance development process for our academic staff.
This new process has been endorsed by the Council and the senior management group of the University. It is essential that it is followed by all academic supervisors when providing feedback and performance development opportunities to their staff.
The process emphasises the development aspect of performance and creates a focus on career development through personal and professional growth. It does this by applying three guiding principles: growth, feedback and accountability.
The first principle, growth, is about providing every academic staff member with personal and professional development opportunities.
The second principle is feedback. This means actively seeking constructive feedback -- through supervisor reviews, other evaluations (such as 360 degree feedback), output measures, and performance discussions, or more informally through day to day conversations.
The third principle, accountability, equates to transparent documentation of academic staff members' goals, workload and achievements.
The Human Resources Division will be delivering a series of information sessions for all academic staff members and appropriate training and education workshops for supervisors of academic staff members. I encourage all members of the academic staff to avail themselves of this opportunity to learn about the new process.
For further information on the new Performance Development Process: Academic Staff, visit the Performance Development Process website.
24 September 2008
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Name: David Nankervis
Org Unit: Monash Sport
Title: Caulfield campus team leader
How long have you been with Monash University?
Seven years.
Prior to working at Monash, where were you located and what was your role?
I started at Monash University Caulfield as a casual personal trainer while completing my degree. In full-time sports administration work, I have always worked at Monash.
What exciting challenges are ahead in your current role?
Development of all aspects of sport and active recreation at the Caulfield site and developing key stakeholder relationships in the wider community.
What is it about your job that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?
Spending every day with such positive and hard-working people at Monash Sport across all of our campuses is inspiring. Witnessing the developments of Monash Sport's global interactions and really seeing how we make a difference to the lives of many people in the community.
Of all the places in the world you would like to visit/re-visit, where is your favourite destination and why?
Being in Berlin during the Soccer World Cup was a huge thrill and an amazing experience. Barcelona would also be up there, although I have travelled through many parts of Europe with highlights being Prague, Lucerne, and anywhere in Italy. I also love Mexico.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
The harder you work the luckier you get.
What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?
I'm starting to learn Spanish so I can communicate with my girlfriend's family and friends.
24 September 2008
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More than 16,500 students from 35 countries are undertaking postgraduate study or Higher Degree by Research at Monash -- 29 per cent of the University’s total enrolment of 58,319 students.