3 June 2009
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| These granules are adsorbents, materials that attract and hold gases or liquids on their surface. |
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| Monash researcher Kaustubh Joshi adjusts the adsorption rig that is part of the CO2CRC carbon capture project. Image courtesy CO2CRC. |
Researchers from Monash are taking part in a unique carbon dioxide pre-combustion capture project that will trial three technologies to find the most cost-effective for removing CO2 from brown coal gasification power generation.
The Monash technology component is one of three being tested by the Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC), one of the world's leading carbon capture storage (CCS) research collaborations, in partnership with HRL Developments.
The $4.11 million CO2CRC/HRL Mulgrave Capture Project, at HRL's gasifier research facility at Mulgrave in Melbourne is supported by the Victorian Government's ETIS Brown Coal R&D fund and will evaluate solvent, membrane and adsorbent technologies for efficiency and cost-effectiveness in syngas power generation.
Australian carbon capture and storage research is part of an international drive to make deep cuts in global greenhouse gas emissions by capturing and storing CO2 from major sources such as power stations.
If successful, the technology could reduce CO2 emissions from the next generation of high-efficiency coal gasification power stations by 90 per cent.
Associate Professor Alan Chaffee from the School of Chemistry said the Monash team, which includes Professor Paul Webley from the Department of Chemical Engineering, postgraduate and postdoctoral students, was excited about getting out of the lab and undertaking research in an industrial environment.
"The Monash Chemical Engineering group is testing adsorption technology," Associate Professor Chaffee said.
"Simultaneously researchers in the School of Chemistry are developing novel high capacity adsorbent materials that would be used in a pressure swing adsorption process.
"We all know that the production of CO2 contributes greatly to climate change.
"If successful, this technology could be used across the world – it's great that Monash can be a part of that."
CO2CRC Chief Technologist Barry Hooper said advanced gasifier technologies were highly suitable for carbon capture as they produced a concentrated stream of carbon dioxide that is easier to work with.
"Our key objective is to reduce the technical risk and cost of capturing CO2. Projects such as this will help demonstrate that CCS is not only possible but practical," Mr Hooper said.
3 June 2009
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Monash has received $5.9 million from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and a commitment of $8.8 million in cash and in-kind support from industry for 20 projects in the most recent round of ARC Linkage Projects.
The University successfully increased funding from this scheme by 34 per cent compared with 2008 and is now ranked third in the Group of Eight universities.
The scheme encourages partnerships between researchers, industry, government and community organisations as well as the international community.
"This is a commendable result and clearly shows how strong our partnerships are with industry," Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Edwina Cornish said.
The Faculty of Engineering received more than $2 million ARC funding across seven projects. The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences received more than $1 million across four projects and the Faculty of Arts attracted $1.3million for three projects.
Some of the other projects include:
"I extend my congratulations to all researchers successful in this round," Professor Cornish said.
"This successful result is a direct endorsement of the research excellence at Monash."
3 June 2009
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Monash will support 13 senior high school students as they take on the world's best scientific brains at the 2009 International Science Olympiad in July.
The Australian team of Year 11 and 12 students, selected from a summer training program at Monash, will go head-to-head with hundreds of students from all over the world in biology, chemistry and physics competitions in Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
As a major sponsor of the Australian Science Olympiads program, Monash hosted 56 entrants from around the country through the month of January. The students attended classes at the Clayton campus for two weeks, completing an entire first-year university science course, including lab work, lectures and exams.
Their participation in the international competition will be managed by Australian Science Innovations (ASI), a national organisation dedicated to enhancing the capability of Australia's science students.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Adam Shoemaker, together with the heads of the Schools of Biological Sciences and Physics and the faculty manager of Science, attended the formal team induction ceremony at Parliament House, Canberra on 27 May.
Professor Shoemaker congratulated the team and wished them the best of luck in their efforts to improve on last year's tally of two gold, six silver and four bronze medals.
"The Australian Science Olympiad program represents a pinnacle of achievement for young Australians. It also opens up unparalleled future research career opportunities," Professor Shoemaker said.
"We see science education and research as vital to the future growth of this country. As a key element of the Monash Passport, we support enhancement studies for pre-tertiary students through contact with exemplary teachers and mentors.
"We look forward very much to hosting the program again next year."
For more information visit the Monash Science Olympiad website.
3 June 2009
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Accurately predicting the weather is a difficult feat, especially when it comes to predicting thunderstorms, but thanks to funding from the United States Monash researchers are on the case.
Professor Christian Jakob and Professor Michael Reeder from the School of Mathematical Sciences in the Faculty of Science have received close to A$1 million from the US Department of Energy's Office of Science to investigate thunderstorms and their standing in weather and climate prediction models.
The professors will use sophisticated computer models and data gathered during the 2006 Tropical Warm Pool International Cloud Experiment, which was co-led by Professor Jakob and involved a large number of Monash students.
Professor Jakob said the tropics were the engine room of the climate system, profoundly affecting the climate in other areas.
"Through this study we hope to gain a better understanding of the role of thunderstorms in the tropics, which will improve our understanding of climate and increase our ability to predict weather and climate," Professor Jakob said.
Both professors likened the accurate prediction of thunderstorms as one of the "holy grails" of atmospheric science.
"It really is an immense challenge, but through this study we hope to make a significant contribution to the body of knowledge about the nature of thunderstorms and how they are represented in climate models," Professor Reeder said.
The three-year research project is a continuation of long-standing research conducted by the professors and will be carried out in close collaboration with the University of Melbourne, the Bureau of Meteorology and the National Centre for Atmospheric Research in the US.
3 June 2009
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| An artists rendering of the John Monash Science School in Wellington road. |
An information night for prospective students of the John Monash Science School will be held on Thursday 11 June at the Clayton campus.
The $20 million John Monash Science School (JMSS) is a joint initiative between Monash and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
The school, which will be fully funded and run by the State Government, is currently being built on the University's Clayton campus near the science and medicine faculties.
The school will take its first enrolment of students in January 2010. It will cater for more than 600 students from Years 10 to 12 who show ability in maths, technology and science.
The information night will provide parents and prospective students with the opportunity to ask questions about the school, hear about its programs and facilities, meet key personnel, including the school's Principal Peter Corkill, and hear details about scholarships, including the University's scholarships for the school's top 10 science graduates.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Adam Shoemaker said the school aimed to develop highly innovative teaching and curriculum approaches that would engage students and teachers alike.
"The establishment of the John Monash Science School at Monash is supported by international and interstate experience that shows students studying in specialist schools achieve improved learning outcomes within the specialty and across the broad curriculum," Professor Shoemaker said.
The information night will commence at 7 pm in the Alexander Theatre, Clayton campus.
Enrolment testing will be held in the Monash Clayton campus Engineering Halls on Saturday 18 July.
For further information and to register for enrolment testing visit the John Monash Science School website.
3 June 2009
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| Professor Edwina Cornish |
The University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Edwina Cornish has been appointed to a new committee that will advise the Federal Government on research investment.
The National Research Infrastructure Committee will drive strategic planning and mapping across all categories of research infrastructure and contribute policy advice to government.
The committee will also coordinate investment in research infrastructure from institutional to national and landmark and will provide advice to the Education Investment Fund Advisory Board.
Federal Innovation Senator Kim Carr said the committee was made up of leading researchers from across a wide range of research disciplines.
"Research infrastructure is the bedrock of good research and a robust innovation system. The NRIC will be a key element in supporting the Innovation portfolio's lead role in developing a coherent and robust policy agenda for research infrastructure," Minister Carr said.
"To date, landmark facilities such as the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation research reactor, the Australian Synchrotron, and the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder radio-telescope have been funded on an individual basis.
"The NRIC will oversee a process to identify and prioritise Australia's landmark research infrastructure needs.
"I look forward to the valuable contribution the committee will make."
The NRIC will be chaired by former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism John Ryan.
3 June 2009
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| The Switch Commuter Bike. |
Monash graduate and emerging Victorian designer Robert Dumaresq has won gold in this year's Australian International Design Awards.
The Industrial Design graduate won the top prize for his Switch Commuter Bike, a high-performance bike specifically designed for easy handling on crowded public transport that can be folded to the footprint of just one wheel.
"The design innovation is the Switch's ability to fold in one smooth motion – making it one of the fastest folding bikes available," Mr Dumaresq said.
"It doesn't rely on any structural locking mechanism to fold as the weight of the rider keeps the frame open and rigid. A spring-loaded ball bearing stops the rear section of the frame from unfolding prematurely when manoeuvring and handling."
The Australian Design Award - James Dyson Award was announced at Standard Australia's Australian International Design Awards in Melbourne on 29 May. The program recognises and promotes design excellence and innovation in Australia.
Fellow Bachelor of Industrial Design alumna Daniel Molloy was highly-commended for the Boomer Mobility Aid, a mobility aid designed in response to Australia's ageing population. It includes a stair-safe mechanism and ergonomic seating in a modern, lightweight frame.
As this year's gold award recipient of the James Dyson Award Mr Dumeresq will receive $4000 to further develop his design, and an all expenses paid trip to the United Kingdom to visit the Dyson Research Design and Development Centre, home of inventor and engineer James Dyson. He will also have the opportunity to take part in the global James Dyson awards.
Four Monash graduates made the finals in this year's awards, competing in a field of 13 designers. Alex Cheong designed the Mo:Ben, a portable food container that can heat up food, and Tom Gaunt designed the Ripcurl Headstrong, a hood that surfers can wear to protect themselves from injury and the elements.
For more information on studying Industrial Design at Monash, visit the Faculty of Art and Design website.
3 June 2009
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| An example of EVO in action. |
The Monash e-Research Centre (MeRC) and Faculty of Information Technology are working with international researchers to provide more innovative, environmentally-friendly information and communication technology (ICT) services.
With the ICT industry contributing global carbon emissions equal to that of the entire aviation industry, MeRC and the Faculty of Information Technology recently hosted Professor Larry Smarr via High Definition Interactive Video link from the University of California San Diego (UCSD), to discuss how innovative ICT could be used to reduce, rather than add, to global emission reduction targets.
Professor Smarr, a pioneer in the ICT industry, said UCSD was currently trialling a number of initiatives including the increased use of online collaboration tools to reduce the need for researchers to travel, pre-cooling of computer servers to reduce energy use and the development of intelligent computers that have the ability to power down.
He also discussed collaborative projects between researchers and industry that could improve on current technology such as the use of sensor technology that would allow cars to communicate and thus avoid traffic congestion, and intelligent power grids that could interact with electronic devices.
Director of the Monash e-Research Centre Professor Paul Bonnington said it was important that researchers, government and industry worked proactively together on ICT.
"For its part, Monash is working on a number of strategies to reduce its environmental footprint," Professor Bonnington said.
"New high-performance computing servers have seen our power use and cooling requirements reduce by 90 per cent in the last six years.
"We are also seeing an increase in the number of conferences and meetings that are being held via high-speed EVO video conferencing and transformational high-definition interactive video conferencing."
MeRC was established in 2005 to help researchers to collaborate with international counterparts by opening pathways to the latest communications technology.
3 June 2009
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| Cameron Low, Jarrod Bayliss-McCullum, Alexei Berezner, and Daniel Hui. Anton Petrov and George Georgiades (front). |
Monash has once again come out on top in the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia's (ICAA) national student challenge.
The challenge, which involved solving a real-life business problem for a not-for-profit organisation, was won by Department of Accounting and Finance students Cameron Low, Alexei Berezner, Jarrod Bayliss-McCullum and Daniel Hui, otherwise known as Assurance Associates Australia.
More than 80 business, finance and commerce students from around Australia took part in the 2009 challenge, putting themselves in the shoes of a Chartered Accountant to identify, solve and debate a real business problem facing Cancer Council Australia (CCA).
Assurance Associates Australia developed a model for CCA that would allow them to evaluate proposals for licensing and campaign partnerships with third parties.
Cameron said the team wanted to use its skills and abilities to make a difference in the real-world.
"The challenge presented us with a unique competitive forum to test out our understanding and grasp of the knowledge we have gained at university," Cameron said.
"There is no doubt in our minds that winning this challenge has provided us with an edge for our future careers."
Jarrod said the challenge had given the team the opportunity to help solve a business problem faced by one of Australia's most popular charitable organisations.
"It is an amazing forum for professional and personal development," Jarrod said.
As overall winners the team won air fares to Shanghai, London, New York or Sao Paulo as well as a seat at the Ultimate Power Lunch at Sydney's Level 41 restaurant where they will present their submission to some of Australia's leading companies and accounting firms.
Monash students George Georgiades and Anton Petrov's team, The Innovators, also captured the judging panel's attention with their creative and informative communication skills to win the best presentation category.
As this is my last Ancora Imparo before I retire from Monash on 5 July, it is a time to reflect on the past six years since I began at Monash in 2003.
It has been for me an intensely rewarding and stimulating time. My personal experience is best summarised by the motto of the University and the name of this column, Ancora Imparo or "I am still learning". I have learnt an enormous amount as Vice-Chancellor of Monash University.
I have discovered the breadth and depth of innovative and creative research and scholarship that is being undertaken. Whether this is in medieval history, economic modelling, light-alloy design, structural analysis of proteins, transmission of disease, accident research, drug design and drug candidate optimisation, fuel cells, climate change, human rights or countless other areas, we have world leading researchers contributing to knowledge and to the solution of problems.
I have learnt of the innovation that our educators are implementing so that the transition from the passive transmission of information to the active involvement of students in their own education is enhanced by the application of technology in exciting ways.
I have witnessed the development of our two international campuses from their embryonic stages with a small number of pioneering students and staff to bustling research active campuses delivering high quality education and research and building invaluable links and a high reputation in their host countries.
I have suffered the frustrations and enjoyed the excitement during the development of our joint venture research academy with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.
I have gained a deeper understanding of China through the work of our international office and faculties to develop an in-depth relationship with Sichuan University and a number of exciting initiatives in Beijing and Shanghai.
I have realised how our centre in Prato could be used as a venue where students and faculty from many universities around the world can be brought together for the mutual benefit of all involved in a truly international educational forum.
I have been privileged to learn so much from the best university senior management team in the country and from the Deans and Divisional Directors and staff at all levels who have rejected the cynicism that can so easily infect many in all walks of life. Instead, they have been inspired by the role they are playing in educating the leaders of the future and in advancing the knowledge and scholarship we will need to solve the problems facing the planet and in enriching all lives.
Most of all, I have learnt from the students at our campuses in Australia, Malaysia and South Africa. I have learnt of their desire to have a real impact in making the world a better place. Many of our students are working on environmental issues, on community development and foreign aid and local welfare through voluntary organisations of many types. It is quite inspirational. The Monash Passport emphasises educational opportunities that come from volunteering, leadership experience and international engagement and our students are taking full advantage of these opportunities.
I leave Monash with an enduring admiration for the people who make it the great institution it is – its staff and students. I know that it will be in good hands. Ed Byrne and his colleagues will ensure that the University continues to excel in all areas of academic endeavour.
I wish you all well and thank you for the privilege of being part of this wonderful institution. There is much more to do, but Monash's trajectory, international footprint and most of all its people, ensure that it is destined to be one of the great universities of the world.
3 June 2009
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Name: Dr Keir Reeves
Position: Monash Research Fellow
Faculty: Business and Economics/Arts
How long have you been with Monash?
Since mid-January 2009.
Prior to working at Monash, where were you located and what was your role?
Before heading out the South-Eastern Freeway to Monash University I was an Australian Research Council (ARC) industry postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Melbourne. Prior to that I briefly lectured in Australian history and heritage studies at in the School of Historical Studies at Melbourne.
What has been the highlight of your career in research?
It's a toss-up between winning a Monash fellowship and joining the Tourism Research Unit and the National Centre for Australian Studies, teaching a really memorable honours seminar in 2006, being a member of some successful ARC projects and being a contributing editor to a couple of quality publications.
What challenges are ahead for you this year?
Like all new appointees the first year is a transitional year, so the challenges are really about establishing the architecture of the research project, learning more about the Berwick campus, making personal and professional connections and sometimes explaining what my role as a research-intensive fellow entails.
What is your research about?
My five-year research project is called "Heritage tourism and the historical landscapes of Australia, Asia and the Pacific" the outcome of which will be a framework for managing heritage tourism. The University has clearly signalled its intent to further enhance its research profile so it's a great time to be at Monash.
What is it about your job that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?
Developing economic, cultural and tourism projects in collaboration with researchers who have a wide range of interests. It's also interesting being involved in regional, state and to a lesser extent, international heritage debates.
What is your favourite destination and why?
Luang Prabang in Laos. Situated on the Mekong River, it really is an amazing UNESCO world heritage city that will hopefully remain that way if a balance between heritage conservation and commercial development can be found. Closer to home, I have a soft spot for Castlemaine as it is where I spent some of my youth.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Academically it was threefold: finish my thesis within three and half years, publish frequently and always work as a collaborative researcher and teacher.
What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?
That I'm a member of the Bugatti Club of Australia and that as a child I lived not far from the old Carlton Football Ground and have supported the mighty Blues since I was a little boy.
3 June 2009
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More than 12,000 students and researchers have travelled to the University's research and education centre in Prato, Italy since it was established in 2001, to draw on the networks, culture and resources found in Southern Europe.
The centre is utilised by the University's Arts, Business and Economics, Law and Art & Design faculties for a range of intensive undergraduate study programs.
More than 500 students study at Prato each year, learning from world-recognised experts alongside students from America, Canada, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
For information on studying at the Prato Centre visit the Prato Centre website.