Australian scientific research of the highest international standard The australian national University (anU) has a rich history of discovery and a culture of enquiry that creates an exceptional and unrivalled research and learning environment.
Global climate change is now a major focus of public policy discussion. This remarkable consequence of intensified human activity underscores the crossroads that we have reached in our relations with the natural world. Climate change, along with various other global environmental changes and the proliferation of cities as our dominant habitat, have great consequences for our wellbeing, health and survival. Professor Tony McMichael nhMrc australia fellow national centre for epidemiology and Population health, australian national University
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The University was established by the Federal Government in 1946 to lead the intellectual development of the country through research and education of the highest international standard. Today, ANU is one of the world’s leading centres of research and scholarship, and is consistently recognised as Australia’s top university. ANU is truly Australia’s national university, setting the bar in research, teaching and community engagement on issues of national and international significance. Our students study alongside and learn from distinguished academics – individual thinkers who are at the forefront of their respective fields: leading and shaping debates, making global breakthroughs and extending knowledge in new and profound directions. ANU also has strong relationships with important decision makers and remains a significant contributor to the advancement of the nation and its role in the world. The University is positioned closely to and aligned with other Australian national institutions, research organisations, offices of government, foreign ministries and the Australian Parliament. The University stands alongside the world’s other leading research and educational institutions as a member of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) – a strategic partnership based on a shared global vision, research-led teaching and a commitment to educating future leaders.
With its legacy of intellectual leadership, position of national prominence and its global reach, anU is truly a national institution of international distinction.
science.anu.edu.au
ANU COLLEGE OF MEdICINE, BIOLOGy & ENvIRONMENT | ANU COLLEGE OF PHySICAL & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
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Notes: Includes index
AUSTRALIAN
SCIENTIST GLOBAL LEADERS INTERNATIONAL RISING STARS
CONTENTS
Foreward by Prof. Ian Chubb
Introduction by Prof. Kurt Lambeck
1 2
The Australian Academy of Science is an important body that promotes and supports science and scientists in Australia.
Fostering talent, supporting training and providing incentives.
Chapter One — Australian science in the international context
12
Contemporary research is thriving in an increasingly borderless world. Significant benefits are flowing from cooperative engagement.
Australian Synchrotron
Curtin University
Griffith University
Southern Cross University
Chapter Two — Challenges and opportunities
26
How private money led to Nobel prize-winning discoveries in medicine and physiology.
Australian National University
Anglo Australian Observatory
Uni of Wollongong
ANSTO
University of Western Sydney
3
Chapter Three — The changing face of scientific research
38
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam congue justo eu tortor.
Xxxx Xxxx
4 5
Chapter Four — A world of research
The challenges facing the world today are too big to solve alone. How scientific cooperation can ensure a future for all.
AIPS / CSL
ECU
Flinders University
Shelston IP
Chapter Five — Australia’s scientific research system
46
Converting ideas into social and commercial benefits – the benefits of new ideas are extending well beyond the laboratory.
National Measurement Institute
Swinburne University of Technology
University of South Australia
University of New England
56
6
Chapter Six — Strength in partnership
70
How multicultural Australia can contribute to closer scientific research cooperation between East and West.
Australian Antarctic Division
7
Chapter Seven — International research
The greater the investment researcher mobility, the richer the global return.
CQ University
8
76
University of Western Australia
Chapter Eight — Medical research
84
From penicillin to a vaccine for the human papilloma virus, local scientists are breaking new ground worldwide.
AMREP
Brian Holden Vision
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
Peter Mac Cancer Centre
Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
9
Chapter Nine — Global leaders
98
Profiles of eminent Australian members of the international scientific research community.
Australian National University
La Trobe University
Queensland University of Technology
University of Adelaide
University of Tasmania
10
Chapter Ten — Young Australian scientists
124
Rigour, intellect, discipline and irrepressible energy – a new generation of local scientists is ready to break fresh ground.
Bond University
RMIT University
University of Sunshine Coast
11 12
Chapter Eleven — Future science
140
How scientific training can benefit the commercial world.
Chapter Twelve — Who’s who The scientists who direct the future of science via the Australian Academy of Science Council.
147
Australian SCIENTIST
8
foreword
FOREWORD The Australian Academy of Science is an important body that promotes and supports science and scientists in Australia. Australia is strong in science. Our contribution to global scientific output is 10 times our contribution to the world’s population. We have world class researchers and institutions across a wide range of fields, from agriculture to zoology and much in between. Our universities are major sources of our scientific expertise — from the building of our national capacity to contributing to knowledge through our research and its application. The scientists celebrated within this publication, some of whom I know personally, are an inspiration to all of us, not just those of us with a passion for science. The narratives recorded in this book illustrate the immeasurable contributions of these Australians that stand to benefit humankind for generations to come. Science is global. Many of the big problems confronting us are ones where solutions require teams that transcend national boundaries. Our scientists play their part. Many of those featured in this book have made or enhanced their contributions through working with scientists elsewhere — whether it be working in partnerships from Australia, or by joining international research teams overseas and bringing their enhanced expertise to Australia. They continue to visit and be visited keeping Australian science ‘international’. Just as the achievements of my generation are built on the shoulders of earlier ones, so too will the achievements of Australia’s newest scientists one day take us beyond the horizons of those who nurtured them. We, as Australians must resolve to strengthen our support of today’s and tomorrow’s scientists, so that every one of them will have the opportunities and mentoring required to bring out the absolute best of their individual and collective capabilities. I am pleased to contribute to this celebration of Australian scientists and their achievements — may there be many more such scientific lives and many more celebrations. Professor Ian Chubb, Chief Scientist for Australia
9
Australian SCIENTIST
About the Australian Academy of Science INTRODUCTION The Australian Academy of Science was established by Royal Charter in 1954 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Modelled on the Royal Society of London, it is the national institution representing science in Australia. Although the Academy receives some financial support from the Australian Government, it is an independent body and has no statutory obligation to government. The Academy’s objectives are to promote science through a range of activities. It has five major program areas: • recognition of outstanding contributions to science • national science education • public awareness of science
• international scientific relations
• science policy
STRUCTURE OF THE ACADEMY The work of the Academy is founded on the knowledge and experience of its fellows. The fellowship of the Academy is made up of about 420 of Australia’s top scientists, eminent in some branch of the physical or biological sciences. The Council manages the business of the Academy. The decisions of the Council are carried out by the secretariat in Canberra, overseen by an executive committee. Sixteen fellows are elected to the Academy each year by their peers, and occasionally corresponding members or additional fellows join through special elections. Fellows contribute to the Academy in an honorary capacity by serving on Council, committees and as advisers.
RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE The Academy encourages and rewards excellence in science through a number of medals and lectures. Outstanding research by both early-career and senior researchers is recognised through several annual awards, such as the Pawsey and Gottschalk medals.
10
INTRODUCTION
PUBLIC AWARENESS OF SCIENCE The Academy produces reports, conference proceedings and other publications. The Academy shares editorial responsibility with CSIRO for 11 Australian journals of scientific research. Interviews with Australian Scientists is a DVD series in which some of Australia’s greatest scientists talk about their research and scientific achievements.
NATIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATION The Academy advises governments on science education and produces a number of educational materials. Nova: Science in the News is an online educational resource for schools. Another innovative initiative linking the teaching of science with the teaching of literacy in Australian primary schools is an Academy program called Primary Connections. The success of Primary Connections has recently led to the development of another science education program, Science by Doing, aimed at secondary school teachers and their students.
SCIENCE POLICY As an independent body of Australia’s leading research scientists, the Academy brings together experts from universities, industry and government to consider and report on scientific issues. The Academy supports 21 national committees that foster a designated field of science and serve as a link between Australian and overseas scientists in that field. The committees comment on proposals and advise on science policy. The Academy has published many reports and position statements on public issues such as stem cell research, genetic engineering and climate change. It also makes submissions to government ministers and parliamentary enquiries.
INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC RELATIONS The Academy represents Australia on the International Council for Science and about 30 of its affiliated bodies. As well as organising several regular international symposia on a range of scientific issues, the Academy operates a program in international scientific collaborations to improve Australian access to global science and technology in North America, Europe and northeast Asia. The Academy is also active in organising significant national and international scientific conferences. Australian Academy of Science Gordon Street, Acton ACT 2601 GPO Box 783, Canberra ACT 2601 General enquiries: Telephone: + 61 2 6201 9400 www.science.org.au 11
Science diplomacy begins from the premise that scientific values of rationality, transparency and universality are the same the world over. 12
1 Australian science Strong recognition of the value of international scientific engagement and collaboration is a hallmark of Australian science. Led by the Australian Academy of Science and other scientific and professional organisations, this recognition reflects the international culture of scientific practice, the ethical imperative to share knowledge for the good of humanity, and the need to enrich Australian science and society through linkages with the world’s best science. The objectives of the Academy in
by Britain’s Royal Society and the American
promoting international scientific and
Association for the Advancement of Science.
technological collaboration are to improve
The report from that meeting, New frontiers
Australian access to science and technology,
in science diplomacy, published in January
to increase awareness of Australian research,
2010, begins from the premise that scientific
and to enhance research capabilities.
values of rationality, transparency and
There is also an emerging realisation that
universality are the same the world over and
international scientific engagement can make
can underpin good governance and build trust
an important contribution to “soft diplomacy”
between nations.
as the world’s societies address many issues
“Science provides a non-ideological
that require the sharing and implementation of
environment for the participation and free
scientific knowledge.
exchange of ideas between people, regardless
In 2009, delegates from 20 countries on all continents attended a meeting co-hosted
of cultural, national or religious backgrounds,” the report says.
13
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
“The brief is to try to make sure that Australia has greater influence on the work of ICSU, particularly to ensure that science is developed on an equitable basis worldwide.” Prof. Bruce McKellar
“The scientific community often works
in 2006 and based in Kuala Lumpur, ROAP’s
beyond national boundaries on problems of
priority areas are the ecosystem, human-
common interest, so is well placed to support
induced and natural hazards and disasters,
emerging forms of diplomacy that require non-
and sustainable energy.
traditional alliances of nations, sectors and nongovernmental organisations.” With a membership that includes 119 national scientific bodies and 30 international scientific unions, the International Council for Science
To further its interaction with ICSU, the Academy has formed a new committee, chaired by Professor McKellar, to focus on ICSU activities. “The brief is to try to make sure that Australia
(ICSU) is a premier vehicle for strengthening
has greater influence on the work of ICSU,
international science for the benefit of society.
particularly to ensure that science is developed
Because of its broad and diverse membership, ICSU is increasingly called upon to speak on behalf of the global scientific community and to
on an equitable basis worldwide for the benefit of societies worldwide. “If you look at what ICSU has been doing
act as an adviser in matters ranging from ethics
more recently, it has been emphasising the reach
to the environment.
of science into developing countries, building up
ICSU mobilises knowledge and resources to
scientific capacity in developing countries.”An
focus on activities in three areas: international
example of this work is a ROAP workshop in
research collaboration; science for policy; and the
Singapore last year, which brought together
universality of science. This is done though links
scientists from the region with expertise in the
with strategic partners, the scientific community,
fluid mechanics and geomechanics of natural
policy makers and the broader society.
disasters such as earthquakes, tsunami and
The Academy takes advice from its national committees for science to appoint delegates
cyclonic storms. “The people who took part are continuing
to the business meetings of the ICSU and its
to work in collaboration. That is the kind of
member unions. Professor Bruce McKellar of
small-scale contribution we have made in the
the University of Melbourne is currently chair
first few years — we are now trying to move to
of ICSU’s Regional Committee for Asia and
do more coordinated and long-term projects.”
the Pacific, which guides the Regional Office
Another forum for international scientific
for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP). Established
14
diplomacy is the InterAcademy Council,
Australian Science in the international context
created in 2000, which aims to mobilise the
for the exchange of ideas and experiences
best researchers across the globe to advise
among academies. It helps science academies
international bodies such as the United Nations
to achieve greater public presence within their
and the World Bank on the global challenges of
nation and region.
our time. The IAC recently released the reports
The IAP’s flagship program focuses on
Women for Science and Lighting the Way:
capacity building for younger and smaller
Toward a Sustainable Energy Future. Current
science academies, particularly those in
important issues for the IAC are emerging
developing countries. In addition, IAP supports
infectious diseases and water supply and quality.
projects that are coordinated by member
The governing board of the IAC comprises
academies and regional networks. The projects
the presidents of 15 academies of science
include digital knowledge and infrastructure,
and equivalent organisations (including the
science education, water research and
Academy), representatives of the InterAcademy
management, and biosecurity.
Panel on International Issues (IAP), the
The Academy has endorsed statements
International Council of Academies of
by the IAP on tropical forests and climate
Engineering and Technological Sciences,
change and on ocean acidification, joining over
and the InterAcademy Medical Panel of medical
50 academies from around the world to express
academies, plus the African Academy of
their concern over these issues.
Sciences and the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World.
The Federation of Asian Scientific Academies and Societies (FASAS), founded in 1984, brings
The goal of the IAP, a global network of over
together 15 scientific academies and societies
100 of the world’s science academies, is to help
from the Asian region. For the period 2010 to
member academies work together to advise
2012, the AAS is providing secretariat services
citizens and public officials on the scientific
to FASAS and the AAS president has assumed
aspects of critical global issues.
the presidency of FASAS.
Networks and links created by the IAP allow
FASAS emphasises the importance of S&T for
academies to raise both their public profile
development in the region, and the integration
among citizens and their influence among policy
of S&T into national development planning
makers. IAP organises international conferences,
and policymaking processes. To achieve these
sponsors workshops and serves as a forum
aims it focuses on the promotion of good
15
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
The Australian Academy of Science website, www.science.org.au
teaching practices at all levels of science and
and knowledge of techniques that will stimulate
the importance of science and technology in
and advance Australian research, and to be
governance, business and everyday life.
involved in large international projects. The Academy’s international exchange
Bilateral engagement builds on the work of multilateral scientific organisations and
programs comprise scientific visits and
enables focused cooperation between scientists
exchanges to Asia, Europe and North America,
to address issues specific to national needs and
and also short-term, long-term and postdoctoral
capacities. The Academy’s bilateral activities
fellowships to Japan. Funding for the program
are substantially supported by the International
is derived from a variety of sources. The
Science Linkages (ISL) — Science Academies
Australian Government is a major contributor
Program, which is funded by the Department
through the DIISR-ISL program, which
of Innovation, Industry Science and Research.
contributes travel and living costs to support
A key component of the program is a series of
collaborative research between Australian
scientific symposia and workshops on global
scientists and technologists and their colleagues
issues, conducted in Australia and overseas.
in Europe, the US, Canada, Mexico, China,
The program gives Australian researchers the opportunity to collaborate with overseas
Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Scientific collaboration and engagement
colleagues, to widen research perspectives and
ultimately relies on relationships between
experience, to exchange ideas, to be recognised
individual scientists, and Australia’s long history
in the international arena, to gain information
as a provider of education in the sciences and
16
Australian Science in the international context
Scientific collaboration and engagement ultimately relies on relationships between individual scientists and offers a basis for enhancing its role in international collaboration.
other disciplines offers a basis for enhancing its
of southeast Asian alumni who studied under
role in international collaboration.
the auspices of the Colombo Plan, which was
The Academy’s immediate past-president,
established in 1949 by the seven founding
Professor Kurt Lambeck, has noted that
nations of Australia, Canada, Ceylon, India,
Australia is highly successful in attracting
New Zealand, Pakistan and the UK, to be
international students at the postgraduate
later joined by Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia,
level, a large proportion of whom study in
Japan, Laos, the Philippines, the US, Vietnam
science and engineering.
and Thailand.
“Australia could significantly expand its sphere
“With the benefit of hindsight, the Colombo
of influence in global science through a more
Plan could be seen as an opportunity for
systematic cultivation of the science alumni of
investment in not only intellectual capital, but
Australian universities,” Professor Lambeck says.
also soft diplomacy,” Professor Holmes said.
This opportunity was highlighted by Professor Andrew Holmes, the Academy’s Foreign Secretary, in an address to a conference hosted by the Royal Society in June 2010 on “Science Diplomacy — applying science and innovation to international challenges”. Professor Holmes said Australia has benefited in recent years from the very large numbers
17
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Lighting the way for Australian research The Australian Synchrotron is helping Australian scientific and industrial researchers to achieve and retain positions at the forefront of their fields. Synchrotron science enables users to study the structure and properties of materials at unprecedented levels of detail. These technologies surpass conventional methods and help drive innovation across many areas of pure and applied research and industrial development. Enhanced access to synchrotron technologies is boosting Australia’s reputation in global scientific circles, enabling a stronger national contribution to the international development of advanced research capabilities and techniques, and attracting experts from around the globe to live and work in Australia. The Australian Synchrotron supports a broad array of scientific disciplines, including biosciences, medical research, drug development, environmental science,
The Australian Synchrotron supports a broad array of scientific
agriculture, minerals exploration and processing,
disciplines. Photo: Sandra Morrow.
advanced materials, engineering and forensics. In addition to supporting research by users who
a great combination of very high energy resolution,
visit from around the world, facility staff collaborate
high spatial resolution and large intensity”.
nationally and internationally in their own right. Research conducted at the Australian Synchrotron has contributed to the assembly of nanomaterials,
The Australian Synchrotron’s medical and imaging facility is being upgraded to become the most advanced instrument of its kind in the world.
improved cancer detection methods and alumina
The infrared microspectroscopy beamline is widely
extraction processes, progressed the development of
considered one of the world’s best in terms of its ability
advanced materials and antimalarial drugs, and helped
to obtain detailed nano-scale information on chemical
advance the understanding of processes involved in
bonding. A separate branchline, also considered
bacterial infection.
world-leading, has high resolution and far-infrared
The Australian Synchrotron’s nine world-
capabilities suited to studies of atmospheric gases.
class beamlines are all highly regarded by users.
The Australian Synchrotron is playing an important
A Melbourne-based scientist credits the high-
role in training the next generation of Australian
th ro ug h p ut m a c ro m o l e c u l a r b e a m l i n e w it h
scientists. The facility organises educational tours
revolutionising his research by providing access to
and professional development workshops and has
new methods for structure determination. Overseas
successfully embedded synchrotron science into high
researchers note that the microcrystallography
school curricula. This work provides inspiration to
beamline “takes 10 minutes to provide data that
budding scientists and has a positive effect on the
would otherwise take two to three days, and wouldn’t
broader community.
be as good”, and the soft x-ray beamline “offers 18
Australian Scientist
TURNING BRIGHT IDEAS INTO BRILLIANT OUTCOMES The Australian Synchrotron’s world-leading capabilities provide unique tools for analysing human tissue, plants, proteins, artefacts, fibres, fluids, gases, minerals, metals and many other diverse materials. Thousands of researchers from around Australia and New Zealand, along with others from further afield, are already using our facilities to advance their work. To find out how the Australian Synchrotron can help you achieve your
Artwork by Chris Henschke
objectives, visit our website.
www.synchrotron.org.au
19
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST MINERALS AND ENERGY | HEALTH | ICT AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES | SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT curtin.edu.au
Big expectations on a miniature scale. From within the spectacular new Resources and Chemistry Precinct at Curtin, Professor Julian Gale is rebuilding the fundamental structures of some of nature’s most complex creations to see what makes them tick. Throw the word ‘nanotechnology’ into polite conversation, and you’re likely to get a variety of reactions, many following a general pattern of apocalyptic prophecy and the ‘grey goo’ theory. But, as Professor Gale describes, there’s much work to be done on even understanding the fundamentals of how our world is put together on a molecular level. Our conversation conjures up a world in which scientists have been forced to see problems only on a macro scale – the smallest visible grain of sand still a monolith compared to the infinitesimal scales generated on Curtin’s custom software. “Working on a scale of individual atoms, we’re looking at how we can use virtual models and computing to solve physical science problems,” he explains. “Broadly, what we do is computational nanoscience. Within that, we have three main foci; clean energy, minerals and water.” These three areas are some of the most hot-button topics in the scientific world right now. From solid-state batteries to technologies for a hydrogen economy, the computer simulations developed by Gale and his team have the potential to instigate new developments in hundreds of future technologies. “The beauty of computer models is that you can look at hypothetical possibilities,” he explains of his work’s potential. “The experimentalist might say you’re living in cuckoo land, you’re off looking at fantastical things that can’t be made; but occasionally you come up with ideas that inspire them to go away and do something different and actually make these things in the real world. Experimentalists traditionally like a good challenge, and if you set a realistic one they’re pretty good at achieving it.” The disconnect between physical experimentation and virtual simulation has long been constrained by two important factors: computing power and the age of the field itself. Compared to hundreds of years of scientific experimental process, computation has barely existed before the 1950s, and is only now gaining the necessary processing power to render an accurate picture of extremely complicated natural systems, even for tiny fractions of a second. But Professor Gale is excited by the many recent successful applications of virtual computer models to real-world experimental science, and expects a surge of this technology in the coming years. In the meantime, the pioneering work done by the team in studying crystal growth – for which Professor Gale was recently awarded 20
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J BRAND CUCC0473
an Australian Research Council Professorial Fellowship – is already showing practical possibilities in the field. “Where computational nanoscience is starting to come into its own is in its application to specific real-world problems. Take the desalination plant at Kwinana. We have a situation where impurities in the seawater can collect on the reverse osmosis membrane. For example, dissolved carbon dioxide can grow into a limestone scale. This means the filter needs downtime to be cleaned, and more electricity to run it because the water needs to be forced through these blocked pores. But if we can understand how this problem occurs on the tiniest molecular level, we could potentially design a better membrane to suppress this process, or prevent it completely. It’s about being smarter about how we do things through thinking small.”
Australian Scientist
Dr Katherine Trinajstic Senior Research Fellow Department of Chemistry School of Science phenomenon of viviparity — or
has important implications for
reproduction by sexual activity
oil and gas exploration.
D r K a t h e r i n e Tr i n a j s t i c i s
and live birth, as opposed to
internationally known for her
the laying of eggs — occurred
research success is partly due
landmark discoveries in the
200 million years earlier than
to her application of recently
field of vertebrate palaeontology.
previously thought. She has
developed analytical methods
Her research involves analyses
also discovered fossils of
not previously used in fossil
of fossils she has recovered
primitive sharks and jawless
analysis. Her application of
from
Gogo
fish in the Canning Basin of
synchrotron methods (using
geological formation in the
Western Australia — discoveries
synchrotron radiation for imaging)
Kimberley region of Western
important not only for the
and computerised tomography
Australia, and may lead to the
knowledge they provide about
(CT scans) to the study of fossils
formation soon being listed as
Australia’s past biodiversity, but
is significant because it avoids
a World Heritage Site.
the
renowned
Notably,
Dr
Tr i n a j s t i c ’ s
also because they have enabled
damage to the fossil samples during
Her examinations of placoderm
other geological formations in
analysis, which previously was an
fossils have revealed that the
Australia to be dated, which
accepted risk.
Professor Igor Bray Director Institute of Theoretical Physics Faculty of Science and Engineering Stelbovics. The research solved a
known, means that physicists will
fundamental scattering problem
no longer rely on approximations
that had perplexed physicists for
to describe atomic collision
Professor Igor Bray has produced
more than 60 years. The CCC
systems. The reformulation of
breakthrough research in the
theory now provides a basis for
the underlying scattering theory
field of quantum mechanics,
advances in diverse scientific
provides a unified approach
specifically in the area of atomic
fields and industries — including
to such collisions, and applies
collision theory, which governs the
astrophysics, plasma displays,
generally across atomic, molecular,
ubiquitous interactions of particles
lasers, lighting and fusion energy.
nuclear and high-energy physics.
on the atomic scale.
Most recently, Bray’s team
The breakthrough was published
An Australian Research Council
within the Institute of Theoretical
in
(ARC) Professorial Fellow, Bray
Physics has resolved a foundational
of Annals of Physics, with an
became internationally known in
problem that has plagued quantum
editor’s foreword by the 2004
the 1990s for the convergent close-
mechanics since its inception in the
Nobel Prize-winning physicist
coupling (CCC) theory he developed
1920s. Resolving “the Coulomb
Professor Frank Wilczek.
with colleague Professor Andris
three-body problem”, as it is
a
special
2009
issue
21
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Partner with our experts to create your health solution
National Centre for Adult Stem Cell Research Director Professor Alan Mackay-Sim; the Eskitis Institute Director Professor Ron Quinn; the Institute for Glycomics Director Professor Mark von Itzstein; the Griffith Health Institute Director Professor Lyn Griffiths and Pro Vice Chancellor (Health) Professor Allan Cripps.
At Griffith Institutes of Health, many of Australia’s leading scientists are working collaboratively to find integrated solutions for healthcare. From drug discovery through to clinical trials, the institutes’ expertise includes natural products, vaccines, carbohydrate chemistry, medicinal chemistry, the genetic basis of disease and healthcare economics.
To partner with Griffith Institutes of Health, visit griffith.edu.au/gih, email griffithenterprise@griffith.edu.au or call +61 7 3735 5489 22
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Australian Scientist
Professor Ron Quinn Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies Griffith University After obtaining his PhD from
leadership, the Institute established
novel compounds with drug-like
the University of New South
Nature Bank, a globally important
properties. Professor Quinn has
Wales (1970), Professor Quinn
biological resource with enough
attracted major partnerships in
completed postdoctoral work
biota to last 100 years of drug
natural product drug discovery,
at Arizona State University,
discovery activity. Nature Bank
including AstraZeneca, Pfizer,
University of Hawaii and the
provides fractions pre-selected
Actelion, Medicines for Malaria
Australian National University.
for favourable physicochemical
Venture and Drugs for Neglected
He started at Griffith University
properties. The resulting screening
Diseases initiative. Professor Quinn
in 1982 and was appointed
set has over 200,000 high
was elected Fellow of the Australia
Professor in 1994. Professor
quality natural product fractions
Academy of Technological Sciences
Quinn was appointed Director of
derived from a library of more
& Engineering (2003) and received
the Eskitis Institute for Cell and
than 45,000 samples of plants
the R ACI Adrien Albert Award
Molecular Therapies in 2003.
and marine invertebrates from
(2004). In 2010, Professor Quinn
His research interests include
tropical Australia, Papua New
was honoured with the award of a
developing an understanding of
Guinea and China. The Nature
Member of the Order of Australia
molecular interactions involved
Bank platform enables faster and
for service to scientific research.
in biological processes. Under his
more successful identification of
Dr Rohan Davis Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies Griffith University
Dr Rohan Davis obtained his
at the Eskitis Institute of Cell and
Bachelor of Science with Honours
Molecular Therapies.
Dr Davis’ significant research contributions involve preserving
from the University of Melbourne
He has authored 59 publications
and continuing to develop Nature
(1992), and subsequently gained
in the fields of natural products and
Bank, discovering new anti-
several years of industry experience
medicinal chemistry, and currently
malarials and anti-trypanosomal
working for AstraZeneca. Awarded
holds one patent.
agents, and potential
lead
a PhD from Griffith University
Like his colleague and mentor
compounds in drug discovery
in 2001, he then obtained two
Professor Quinn, Dr Davis’s
programs. Dr Davis is establishing
years post-doctoral experience at
research
include
an international reputation and has
the University of Utah, Salt Lake
developing an understanding of
been an invited speaker at natural
City, USA. Returning to Griffith
molecular interactions involved in
product meetings in China (2009)
University in 2003, Dr Davis is
biological processes via the Esktitis
and in the US (2010).
currently a Senior Research Fellow
Institute’s Nature Bank.
interests
23
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Professor Leigh Sullivan Professor of GeoScience Director of Southern Cross GeoScience, Southern Cross University Professor Leigh Sullivan is a
have on the health of the coastal
leading geoscientist with a high
areas around the globe that contain
Professor Sullivan is co-leading
international profile. He is a
acid sulfate soil. The research
an Australian team that is leading
co-director of Southern Cross
includes major field projects within
the world in the development
GeoScience. Professor Sullivan’s
tropical and temperate Australia,
of secure, low cost solutions
two key areas of research activity
as well as in the low-lying Mekong
to reduce global CO2 emissions.
are acid sulphate soils and
Delta of Vietnam where 20 million
These practical solutions work by
the health of waterways, and
people reside and grow crops and
enhancing the production of carbon
developing secure and practical
fish and shrimp on acid sulfate
trapped within the naturally-
carbon biosequestration solutions
floodplains. He is also leading major
produced microscopic silica
to reduce global CO2.
inland wetlands and rivers.
research projects in the Murray-
particles — known as plantstones
Professor Sullivan has instigated
Darling Basin examining the
— in crops, pastures, forestry and
research that is examining the likely
impacts of drought and acid sulfate
horticulture.
impacts that rising sea levels will
soil on the health of thousands of
Associate Professor Anja Scheffers Coastal geomorphologist Southern Cross University Australian Research Council Future Fellowship Dr Scheffers is particularly
and storms and the development
Associate Professor Scheffers,
interested in processes that shape
of long-term records of tsunamis/
a coastal geomorphologist at
and modify coastal landscapes over
cyclones from geological and
S o u t h e r n C ro s s U n i v e r s i t y ,
a variety of length and time scales
biological proxy evidence as
was named one of 200 Future
and the coupling and feedback
well as historical documentary
Fellows in 2009. Dr Scheffers
between such processes, their rates,
records.
is the recpient of an Australian
and their relative roles, especially in
Her work is exploring linkages
Research
Fu t u re
the contexts of variation in climatic
between Late Quaternary climate
Fellowship for a project which
and tectonic influences and in light
and landscape change focusing
will look at tropical cyclone
of changes due to human impact.
on past sea levels and the response
Council
activity that has taken place
Dr Scheffers is investigating
over the past 7000 years in Western
past and modern marine physical
Australia.
natural hazards such as tsunamis
24
of coastal ecosystems, particularly coral reefs.
Australian Scientist
Making a world of difference
At Southern Cross University we believe solving global challenges begins at home.
Inspired by our region, we are undertaking innovative research in fields such as geoscience, plant genetics, environmental science, tourism and regional development. Working in partnership with communities, government and industry, we are helping to build a strong and sustainable future for Australia.
www.scu.edu.au/research
25
CRICOS Provider Nos: NSW 01241G, QLD 03135E
“Less than 250 years ago, it was astronomy that provided them with the impetus to end their long isolation from the rest of the human species.� 26
2 Challenges
& opportunities
The story of Australian science is interwoven with the continent’s natural history and the history of its human societies. Modern humans arrived in Australia at
wherever they set foot. They invented hunting
least 40,000 years ago, around the same time
technologies to catch the prey they needed to
their counterparts ventured into Europe.
survive; they used fire to do what we would
But the colonisers of the great southern land
now call natural resource management.
found different challenges and opportunities to their cousins in the distant north. No Neanderthal rivals, no cloven-hoofed
Astronomy is a science that beguiles humans, wherever or whenever they live. Australian Aboriginal societies developed systems of
animals, no canine or feline predators, nor the
astronomy to explain what they saw in the skies
grasses that would enable northerners to develop
and guide their travel on land and sea. Less than
rice, wheat and other cereals as staple food
250 years ago, it was astronomy that provided
crops.
them with the impetus to end their long
Life had evolved differently on a continent which had been an island for at least 50
isolation from the rest of the human species. Europeans began encountering the great
million years since breaking from Gondwana
southern land more than 400 years ago,
and finally from Antarctica to push north
but its shape and size defied explorers and
towards the equator. This was a land largely
cartographers for almost two centuries, despite
populated by marsupials and reptiles living in
some scientific theories that a huge southern
dry rainforests, desert, grasslands and eucalypt
continent was necessary to balance the known
groves. Over many generations, the first
continents of the north. European science
Australians caused changes in the mix of flora
had deduced that the Earth was one of several
and fauna in their country, just as humans did
spherical planets that orbited the Sun. It was
27
Australian SCIENTIST
also able to predict that Venus would cross
Within two decades Arthur Phillip would
between Earth and Sun on 3 June 1769, and
lead the First Fleet to formally colonise
that timing the event from three points on the
Australia. Cook’s long voyage of scientific
Earth’s surface would enable astronomers to
and geographic discovery had instigated a
calculate the distance to the Sun.
second wave of human colonisation that would
So Captain James Cook was sent to the south
establish a new Australian society and science,
Pacific with a crew, including the first scientists
and again transform the continent’s landscape.
to ever encounter Australia. Cook’s mission observed the transit of Venus
Science would drive an unfolding discovery of the nature of the Australian continent and its
from Tahiti on the appointed day, while other
climate, as the transplanted society explored and
observations were made in Scandinavia and
settled into its new domain.
Canada to provide the data required for a major
That society and its science would slowly
scientific achievement and a big step towards
evolve from its British inheritance to develop
understanding the solar system.
a more distinctively Australian character in
After sailing west and circumnavigating
response to Australia’s distance from the rest of
New Zealand to establish that it was two
the world and the realisation that much about
islands, Cook’s ships encountered the southeast
Australia was unique. The roots of Australian
coast of Australia. On 28 April 1770 they
society and its science would nevertheless
anchored in a sheltered bay, which they explored
remain strongly recognisable while science
for a week. Cook recorded that the waters
contributed to the shaping of the early colonial
abounded with fish and the land was “diversified
societies and to the eventual establishment of
with woods, lawns and marshes”. The mission’s
Australia as a prosperous nation.
botanists, Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander,
The legacy of Joseph Banks would provide a
had found such a wealth of new plant species
foundation for high excellence in the disciplines
that he named the place Botany Bay.
of botany and biology as scientists studied a
Back in England after almost three years
“New World” of life forms, worthy of study for
at sea in an expedition which had cost
their own sake as much as for their relationship
the lives of more than 30 crewmen, Cook
with the rest of the living world.
said in a report to the Admiralty: “I flatter
Agriculture involved importing European
myself that the discoveries we have made,
models of herding and cropping, models
although not great, will apologise for the length
which still dominate our agricultural landscape.
of the voyage.”
Australian agricultural science has thus
28
Challengences and Opportunities
“Medical research… [a field] where excellence begets excellence. Clever people are attracted to where other clever people are.” Sir Gus Nossal
faced remarkable challenges and has
of science where Australia originally enjoyed
responded strongly, developing systems
no particular advantage, but in which our
and technologies to optimise output from
research achievements currently shine brightest
thin soils in capricious climates.
on the world stage.
Science has always underpinned the
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute was
prosperity of the nation’s agricultural sector,
established in Melbourne in 1915 to undertake
from early innovations such as the stump-jump
medical research, funded by a bequest from
plough through to the work of contemporary
the estate of Walter Hall, who had migrated
molecular biologists who are modifying the
from England and made his fortune partly
genomes of plants to improve functions such
by investing in the Mount Morgan gold mine
as drought and salinity tolerance. In more
in Queensland. A few years later, the Baker
recent times, the scientific emphasis has been on
Institute was also established in Melbourne,
the need to ensure the long-term sustainability
funded by donations from Thomas Baker,
of agriculture by developing methods and
a qualified pharmacist who had made
technologies to conserve the environmental
his fortune by pioneering the supply of
assets that make agriculture possible.
photographic films in Australia and eventually
Discovering and extracting the mineral wealth beneath the continent’s ancient crust
forming Kodak Australia. With the benefit of hindsight, it can be said
also presented scientific and technological
that the establishment of the Hall and Baker
challenges that required particular Australian
institutes — both now at the forefront of global
solutions. The continent’s weathered regolith
medical research — seeded a synergistic
and its vast size meant that mining methods
process and a professional culture, which has
developed in other countries were either of little
enabled Australians to make four Nobel Prize-
use or required major modification.
winning discoveries in the fields of medicine
Australia’s first export was 50 tonnes of coal shipped to India from Newcastle in 1799.
or physiology. “A tradition grew up, and medical research
More than two centuries later, our minerals
is one of those fields where excellence begets
sector is Australia’s largest exporter, testimony
excellence. Clever people are attracted to
to the scientific and engineering expertise
where other clever people are,” says
developed over that time.
Sir Gus Nossal, a former director of the
Australia’s mineral wealth also played a part in fostering medical research, an area
Eliza Hall Institute and later president of the Australian Academy of Science. However,
29
Australian SCIENTIST
Australian science is fully responsive to these national challenges… developing innovative technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of energy production and other human activities.
while the philanthropic spirit that gave birth
such as the Cooperative Research Centre
to this tradition was certainly generous, its
program and tax incentives have been shaped to
munificence is not matched when it comes to
engage scientists and entrepreneurs more closely
funding Australian science today. Australia
and encourage Australian enterprises to invest in
performs poorly internationally on measures
research.
of private donations to scientific research, as
They have had some success — the
it does when it comes to commercialising its
performance trends are positive — but there
own innovations, leaving science more reliant
is still more to do before Australia matches
on public funding in Australia than in most
its counterparts on these measures. There
comparable economies.
is also much for science to do as Australia
This can be attributed to some unique
addresses the challenges of the 21st century.
Australian characteristics — its relative youth
The Australian continent is one of the most
as an economy, the fact that many of its major
vulnerable to the effects of global warming,
enterprises are branches of multinationals
yet its economy is highly dependent on fossil
headquartered overseas, a relatively small
fuels as a source of energy and export revenue.
domestic market, and the large distances
Australia is also a major exporter of food as the
to overseas markets. Over recent decades,
world’s rapidly increasing human population
governments have concertedly fashioned science
threatens the integrity of environmental systems,
policy to overcome these obstacles. Initiatives
which support food production in many regions.
30
Challengences and Opportunities
As in the past, Australian science is fully responsive to these national challenges. Our atmospheric scientists, climatologists and meteorologists are at the forefront of global efforts to understand the world’s climate and the trajectory of change as greenhouse gas emissions increase. Australian researchers in many fields are developing innovative technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of energy production and other human activities in ways that must be affordable to all societies. And our agricultural scientists are leading the world’s effort to produce more food while using less land, water and fertiliser. The Australian scientist certainly is a valuable member of the national team.
31
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Seed you can bank on The flora of the Australian Alps is facing an
focus will be making an important contribution to our
uncertain future because of the impacts of climate
effort to manage climate impact on alpine flora.
change. Now, researchers from the ANU Research School of Biology are leading a wide-ranging investigation on the reproductive ecology and demography of alpine flora with a focus on seeds.
Connecting water with wetland health
Part of what they learn will help managers establish
How much water does a wetland need to stay
repositories of seed (seed banks) to preserve genetic
vital? It’s far from an academic question because
diversity and assist with ecological restoration.
many of Australia’s inland wetlands no longer receive
“ Very little is known about the demographic,
the natural flooding that has sustained them over
physiological and genetic changes that will occur
thousands of years. And it’s a question that Sue
in Australian alpine plant populations as temperature
Powell has been grappling with for many years,
and CO 2 concentrations rise,” says Dr Adrienne
first as a scientific officer with the NSW government,
Nicotra, the lead researcher on the project. “Nor
and more recently as a PhD scholar with the
do we know the characteristics of species that will
Integrated Catchment Assessment Management
be most affected, or how we might manage for
Centre (iCAM) at ANU.
these impacts.”
Using satellite imagery and applying remote sensing
While the project is still in its first year it’s already
techniques, Ms Powell has been studying flood
collected seed from around a third of the plant species
dynamics out on the wetland and analysing how the
found in Australia’s alpine region. Given the serious
vegetation responds. She then models this information
threat climate change poses to flora of the Australian
to explore what might happen given different amounts
Alps, there’s a real urgency in the task. However,
of environmental flow. The investigation will ultimately
the researchers are confident their work and its seed
inform policy development and how decisions are made on water allocation. There’s a lot at stake when it comes to decisions on water allocation across most of regional Australia, and especially along the Gwydir. Water is the key environmental variable in this region. It’s the lifeblood of the wetlands but it’s also the key input to the profitability of the surrounding cotton industry. The analysis and modelling Ms Powell is carrying out will enable managers of the nation’s valuable water resources to be more confident about the impacts of the allocations they make.
32
Australian Scientist
Julie Smith Health Economist and Research Fellow Australian Centre for Economic Research on Health, Australian National University Dr Julie Smith, a health
will involve asking employers to
Such a policy would help prevent
economist and research fellow
describe the advantages gained
disease and help mothers reconcile
at the Australian Centre for
b y p ro v i d i n g f l e x i b l e w o r k
labour force participation with
Economic Research on Health at
arrangements designed to enable
protecting their own and their
the Australian National University,
breastfeeding mothers to return
children’s health from premature
is working with a team of researchers
to employment gradually, and to
weaning.
and the Australian Breastfeeding
take time off during the work day
T h e re s e a rc h p a r t n e r s h i p
Association (ABA) to generate new
to express milk for their baby or
also involves adapting a highly
knowledge on how to strengthen
breastfeed their baby.
successful series of knowledge
community and policy support for
assisting
exchange seminars run by ABA
mothers combining breastfeeding
employed mothers to continue
Smith
believes
each year for health professionals
with employment.
breastfeeding will reduce adverse
in cities and regional centres
The study, which is being
impacts of genetic, social and
around Australia to engage with
supported by an Australian
environmental factors predisposing
human resource managers and
Research Council Linkage Grant,
infants and children to ill health.
childcare workers.
Jamie Pittock PhD scholar Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University Institute of Medical Research
Climate change is invariably
mitigation and adaptation policies
committed to tackling climate
described as a major policy problem.
that may greatly increase impacts
change. He says government officials
Most decision makers immediately
on water resources and freshwater
largely accept that climate change is
think of the challenging task of
ecosystems, as evidenced by rising
real, while politicians in many other
justifying the significant short-
levels of hydroelectricity and biofuel
countries are still debating the issue.
term costs of taking action to avoid
production. To test his theory,
Pittock observes that China, like
global calamity for the welfare of
he has been conducting research
Australia, does struggle often to
future generations. Jamie Pittock,
into the best ways to integrate
implement policies that address
a PhD scholar at the Fenner School
climate, river management and
climate change. However, he is
of Environment and Society at the
water policies, based on six WWF
hopeful that current academic
Australian National University,
projects in China, India, Tanzania,
endeavours will lead to a solution.
sees another side to the problem.
lower Danube, Mexico and Brazil.
Pittock believes many govern-ments
Pittock is convinced that China’s
are advocating climate change
scientists and authorities are 33
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Dr Chris Lidman ARC Future Fellow Australian Astronomical Observatory After completing his PhD at the
astronomical instrumentation
awards, including the 2007
Australian National University
and in developing observatory
Gruber Prize in Cosmology.
in 1994, Dr Chris Lidman moved
operations at both observatories.
Even though a decade has now
to Chile to work at the European
In 1996 Dr Lidman joined the
passed since the effects of Dark
Southern Observatory (ESO),
Supernova Cosmology Project
Energy were first noted, its
first as an ESO fellow based
(SCP), in which he now plays a
physical nature is still unknown.
at the La Silla Obser vatory,
leading role. In 1999 the SCP
It is one of the biggest mysteries of
then
modern physics.
first
published a landmark paper
astronomers to work at the
as
one
of
the
showing that the universe is
In 2010 Dr Lidman returned
ESO Very Large Telescope, located
dominated by an unknown form of
to Australia to take up a Future
on Cerro Paranal in Northern Chile.
energy (now called Dark Energy),
Fellowship at the Australian
During the 15 years he worked
which is causing its expansion to
Astronomical Observatory.
at the observatories, he played
accelerate.
a central role in commissioning
The discovery has led to many
Dr Gayandhi De Silva Researcher Australian Astronomical Observatory
European Southern Observatory
stars. It forms the basis of the field
Born in Sri Lanka, Dr Gayandhi
(ESO) in Chile, supporting science
of “galactic archaeology”, which is
De Silva migrated to Australia
operations at the Cerro Paranal
uncovering the origins and travels
in 1994. Initially, Dr De Silva
observatory. She moved to ESO’s
of the stars that make up our
w a s i n t e re s t e d i n p u r s u i n g
headquarters in Germany in 2008.
galaxy.
mathematics, but after enjoying
While at ESO, Dr De Silva and
Dr De Silva returned to Australia
a summer vacation at the Siding
her colleagues used the ESO’s
in 2010 to take up a position
Spring Observatory in NSW she
Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle
with the Australian Astronomical
chose observational astronomy as
Spectrograph to investigate the
Observatory. She is the Project
her professional career.
chemical composition of star
Scientist for HERMES, a high-
clusters.
resolution spectograph being built
Dr De Silva obtained her PhD in Astronomy from Mount Stromlo
De Silva’s work validated the
by the AAO, which will be the next
Observatory, part of the Australian
technique of “chemical tagging”
major instrument for the Australian
National University. Following her
of stars—that is, obtaining unique
astronomical community.
PhD studies, she worked at the
chemical identifiers for individual
34
Australian Scientist
The Australian Astronomical Observatory. New name, same starring role. In the 1960s, scientists and politicians in the United Kingdom and Australia took the farsighted decision to build the first major modern telescope in the southern hemisphere. At the time it was commissioned, the Anglo-Australian Telescope was arguably the most sophisticated optical telescope in the world—a landmark in the technological development of both countries. In 2008, an independent review found that it was still the most productive 4-metre telescope in the world, and one of the top five telescopes of any size. The observatory that operates the telescope is now entering a new chapter in its history. On 1 July the Anglo-Australian Observatory became the Australian Astronomical Observatory, a division of the Commonwealth Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. But although now under the sole stewardship of Australia, the AAO continues to welcome astronomers from all around the globe for partnerships in discovery.
35
www.aao.gov.au
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Dr Zenobia Jacobs Centre for Archaeological Science University of Wollongong Doctor Zenobia Jacobs is an
reliable timeline for modern human
on the important turning points
archaeologist and Australian
evolution in South Africa, but
in human evolution and what
Research Council (ARC) Queen
her current interests also include
factors triggered the first wave of
Elizabeth II Research Fellow in
archaeological questions in other
human migrations out of Africa
the Centre for Archaeological
parts of Africa and the world,
to populate the rest of the world,
Science and School of Earth
as well as geological topics such
including Australia.
and Environmental Sciences.
as sea-level change for one of her
Her technical speciality is
ARC-funded projects,
In 2009, Dr Jacobs was the recipient of a L’Oréal Australia
geochronology, with a focus on the
Dr Jacobs is generating
For Women in Science Fellowship
development of optically stimulated
high-resolution chronologies
and was awarded the Sir Nicholas
luminescence dating methods
for when and where Homo
Shackleton Medal for outstanding
for individual sand-sized grains
sapiens first showed signs of
young Quaternary scientists by the
of quartz and their application
symbolic behaviour, and whether
International Union for Quaternary
to archaeological questions of
Neanderthals developed similar
Research (INQUA).
global significance. Her work
behaviours independently. Such
has concentrated on providing a
information will help shed light
Professor Gordon Wallace Intelligent Polymer Research Institute University of Wollongong Professor Gordon Wallace’s
(ARC) Federation Fellow, is
named NSW Scientist of the Year
research interests include organic
currently Research Director of the
(Chemistry) in 2008; appointed
conductors, nanomaterials and
ARC’s Centre of Excellence for
as a Professor in the World Class
electrochemical probe methods of
Electromaterials Sciences (ACES).
University by the South Korean
analysis and their application in the
Gordon received the Inaugural
Government in 2009; and received
development of intelligent polymer
Polymer Science and Technology
the SPIE Smart Materials Research
systems. A current focus is the
Award from the Royal Australian
Lifetime A chievement Award
development of biocommunications
Chemical Institute (R ACI) in
(USA) in 2009.
from the molecular to skeletal
1992; the R ACI Stokes Medal
Gordon is an elected Fellow
domains in order to improve
for Research in Electrochemistry
of the Australian Academy of
human performance via medical
in 2004; and the HG Smith
Science, the Australian Academy
bionics. He is recognised as a
Memorial award from the RACI
of Technological Sciences and
pioneer in the emerging field of
in 2008. He was awarded an ETS
Engineering, the Institute of
nano bionics. Gordon Wallace,
Walton Fellowship by the Science
Physics (UK) and the RACI.
an Australian Research Council
Foundation Ireland in 2003;
36
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Australian Scientist
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3 CSIRO ?
39
Australian SCIENTIST
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CSIRO
41
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Dr Ivan Greguric Head of Research and Innovation ANSTO Life Sciences
Dr Ivan Greguric graduated with a BSc
doubled in size to over 20 members, and significant
(Hons) in Chemistry prior to being awarded a PhD
investment was made in radiochemistry equipment,
in synthetic chemistry at University of Western
alongside the development of 18F radiolabeling
Sydney. After completing his doctorate, Dr Greguric
and automation.
was employed by Schering-Plough Animal Health
During his decade at ANSTO, Dr Greguic’s
in animal health care research, where he formulated
role has evolved into that of a facilitator and
and developed animal pesticide products. His duties
builder of core radiopharmaceutical competencies
included HPLC methods development and validation,
in infrastructure, radiolabelling mythologies/
drug feasibility trials, pharmacokinetics, drug safety
techniques and staff training. He has been involved
trials, protocol report preparation and scale-up
with collaborations specifically linked to French
of lead/final formulations for plant manufacture.
organisations, most Australian universities and
After working at Schering-Plough, Dr Greguric
key nuclear medicine and PET centres.
participated in radioisotope research as an
Dr Greguric’s research activities include participating
executive post-doctoral fellow in the ARI research
in the PBR project led by Andrew Katsifis with a
group at ANSTO (now known as ANSTO Life
CRC in biomedical imaging development. He is the
Sciences), under the guidance of Bill Burch, on the
primary inventor of a melanoma imaging agent [18F]
Recovery of 201Tl at the National Medical Cyclotron
MEL050 (CRCBID), the first human study of which
during 2000.
was conducted at Peter Mac Cancer Centre in June A N S TO
2010. He has also assisted with the development of an
radiopharmaceutical group led by Andrew Katsifis,
Dr
Greguic
then
joined
the
amino acid radiotracer [18F]-FPM (CRCBID) which
working primarily as a synthetic chemist in the
is headed for its first human clinical study, in late 2010.
drug targeted synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals
At present his research time is focused in the
for use in imaging and therapeutic applications
development of Iodobenzamides compounds for
in cancer and neuroscience. He subsequently
melanoma therapy (CRCBID), development of
developed skills in radiolabelling I123, I125 and
caspase-3 (apoptosis) radioligands and the broad
Tc99m with proteins, peptides and small molecules
development of metallo chelation ligands for Ga68,
and made the transition from synthetic chemist
Lu177 and Zr89 complexation in partnership with
to competent radiochemist.
Peter Barnard at the La Trobe University.
Over the next five years, Dr Greguic focused on the development of the ANSTO radiochemistry team’s capability. During this period, the group 42
Australian Scientist
www.ansto.gov.au
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation • OPAL research reactor • Neutron scattering • Nuclear medicine for medical treatment and diagnosis • Material stresses and strains • Managing radioactive waste • Managing national facilities • Medical research • Air pollution monitoring • Fruit fly irradiation • Radiation detection • Silicon irradiation • National security • Climate change research • Carbon dating • Nanotechnology • Water dating 43
For more information about ANSTO visit www.ansto.gov or call 02 9717 3111
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Professor David Tissue Centre for Plants and the Environment Professor Tissue is an international
around the world. He operates
determine the mechanisms that
expert on the effects of climate
a precipitation manipulation
re g u l a t e a n d i n t e g r a t e t h e
change on ecosystems. His current
experiment in the desert at
developmental and physiological
research on plant response to
Big Bend National Park in Texas
processes that influence leaf
changes in global climate primarily
and is a close collaborator with the
level carbon balance and plant
considers the interactive effect
USDA, working on water stress
growth from the cell to the
of elevated CO 2 and associated
response in crops including peanut.
ecosystem level. This information
e n v i ro n m e n t a l f a c t o r s ( e . g .
In addition, Professor Tissue
will be used to determine the impact
temperature, nutrients and water)
was a founding member of
of climate factors on carbon and
on leaf level physiology and its
Pre c i p N e t , a n i n t e r n a t i o n a l
water flux and ultimately, on growth
implications for plant growth.
consortium of scientists studying
and in natural and agricultural ecosystems.
He has worked at Free Air
the impact of variable rainfall on
CO 2 Exchange (FACE) sites in
native and agricultural ecosystems.
forest and desert environments
Professor Tissue’s goal is to
Associate Professor Ian Anderson School of Natural Sciences University of Western Sydney
Associate Professor Ian Anderson’s
a Life Sciences Research Award
microscope facility established
work centres on the molecular
from the NSW Office for Science
within the Centre for microbial and
ecology of soil micro-organisms.
and Medical Research.
plant sciences research. Associate
He has particular interest in soil
In collaboration with Professor
Professor Anderson was named
fungi, including those that form
Cairney, he is also developing
ProSPER.Net-Scopus 2009 Asia
mycorrhizal associations with
innovative approaches, based
Pacific Young Scientist of the
the roots of plants.
on fluorescent in situ hybridisation
Year in the area of agriculture and
and
natural resources and received the
His current research is focused
laser
microdissection
on determining the effect of climate
microscopy,
determine,
NSW Young Tall Poppy Science
change on the structure and activity
at the cellular level, the nature of the
Award in 2008 for his excellence in
of eucalypt forest soil microbial
interaction between basidiomycete
research achievements and passion
communities, and the potential role
fungi and roots of Australian
for communicating science.
of soil microbes in increasing soil
Ericaceae. This research will utilise
carbon sequestration. It is funded by
a PALM laser microdissection
44
to
Australian Scientist
Climate Change and Energy Research at the University of Western Sydney
UWS has established one of Australia’s largest and most comprehensive research facilities, following the awarding of a $40 million grant in 2009. This project is an initiative of the Australian Government, being conducted as part of the Nation-Building Economic Stimulus Package. It supports Australia’s response to climate change – assisting the nation to adapt to a carbon-constrained economy and driving innovation in developing energy alternatives. The new national Climate Change and Energy Research Facility (CCERF) at UWS will act as a beacon for the best and brightest climate change and energy researchers from around Australia and the world. The integrity of excellent teaching and research, the initiative to explore new horizons and the responsibility to create an environment where innovation thrives are key drivers in advancing the University’s mission. If you have any enquiries about the Climate Change and Energy Research Facility – perhaps45you are interested in joining or collaborating with UWS – please email cpeinfo@lists.uws.edu.au for further information. 04/08/2010 CHS2061
Cross-disciplinary collaboration will be crucial to achieve technological advances, particularly in the health and allied health fields. 46
4 A world of research The world is changing rapidly, as is the way we conduct research and development. Australian Science demands more collaboration, especially international collaboration. Recently, Australia’s Commonwealth
To ensure successful outcomes and
Science and Industrial Research Organisation
achieve impact in these endeavours, we will
(CSIRO) undertook a global foresight activity.
need much stronger collaboration between
The report from this project, “Our Future
research groups. Particular emphasis will
World: An analysis of global trends, shocks
be on both cross-disciplinary collaboration
and scenarios”, identified a number of global
and international collaboration. Cross-
research trends that could be amalgamated into
disciplinary collaboration will be crucial to
five “megatrends”. One of these trends was
achieve technological advances, particularly
summarised as “More from Less” and relates
in the health and allied fields. A good
to a trend of increasing demand for a depleting
Australian example of the impact that cross-
natural resource base due to population and
disciplinary collaboration can yield is Bionic
economic growth. It will become paramount
Vision Australia, which is a partnership of
that these natural resources (such as energy,
Australia’s leading researchers whose aim
minerals, water and land for food production)
is to develop a bionic eye. This requires a
be used in the most efficient manner. Their
team of experts from a number of different
utilisation will be increasingly constrained by
disciplines and brings together the leading
the impact of a changing climate. Thus, the link
experts in such fields as vision science,
between energy, water, food and climate will be
materials biocompatibility, wireless integrated
a dominant strategic research theme.
circuits, ophthalmology and bio-engineering.
47
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
4.00
50
3.50
Relative Citation Impact
3.00
European Union
40
2.50
USA 30
2.00
Asia Pacific
1.50
20 1.00 0.50
04
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
Collaborations with USA (not involving Europe)
00 1990
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
0.00
Collaborations with Europe (not involving USA) Source: Thompson Scientific National Science Indicators
Collaborations involving both Europe and USA Australian Publications with not International Collaborations
Figure 1. Relative citation impact – science citation index publications 1991–2005
Figure 2. Contribution of the USA, European Union and Asia
Source: FEAST 2009, “A Bibliometric Analysis of Australia’s International Research
Pacific regions to World Science output, 1990–2004.
Collaboration in Science and Technology: Analytical Methods and Initial Finding”, Discussion Paper 1/09.
Another example of the need to foster cross-
(SKA) telescope, which will be the largest
disciplinary research is the CSIRO National
and most sensitive radio telescope ever built.
Flagship program. National Research
The SKA project currently involves more than
Flagships are large-scale multidisciplinary
30 institutes in 15 countries, with Australia
research partnerships that harness world-
short-listed as one of the final two countries in
class expertise to tackle national priorities.
contention to host the SKA.
Indeed, in a recent review of the Flagships,
Scientific research and technological
it was concluded “Flagships offer the most
development are, by their very nature,
promising mechanisms yet to drive large-scale
international activities. New research often
activity addressing Australia’s national research
builds on the results of work undertaken
priorities in a collaborative, cooperative and
previously in another country. Australia
intensively managed manner”.
accounts for about two per cent of the World’s
International collaboration is increasingly
research effort. So, international research
important in addressing global challenges and
collaboration is important in order to tap into
for making the most efficient use of physical
the other 98 per cent.
infrastructure and knowledge capital. Some
The relative citation impact of Australian
good examples of large-scale international
research undertaken in collaboration with
collaboration are the CERN Large Hadron
partners in other countries is significantly
Collider (LHC), where more than half of the
higher than research where such collaboration
world’s particle physicists, representing 85
is not involved (see Figure 1).
nationalities and more than 500 universities,
More remarkably, the impact is almost
do research; and the Square Kilometre Array
tripled when there are both European and
48
A WORLD OF RESEARCH
50
Asia Pacific
40
European Union
30 USA
20
04
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
00
Source: Thompson Scientific National Science Indicators
Figure 3. Contribution of the USA, European Union and Asia Pacific regions to World Material Science output, 1990–2004.
USA collaborators. This provides yet another
and France. The Australian Government’s
example of the importance of international
National Innovation Agenda, Powering
research cooperation.
Ideas, notes “Australia has everything
International research collaboration enables
to gain from improving connections within
Australian researchers and their students to
the national innovation system and expanding
acquire new knowledge that may be applied
its participation in international research
in Australia. It also enables the application
and innovation networks”.
of Australian knowledge to the needs of other
The performance of our neighbours in the
countries. This can create opportunities for
Asia Pacific region is changing dramatically.
the export of products and services.
It is therefore important for Australia to
Research equipment and techniques are
collaborate with them. Both India and China
constantly evolving. International research
are emerging as economic powerhouses and
collaboration helps Australian researchers to
much of this future growth will be fuelled by
keep up to date by accessing new techniques
an emphasis on science and technology.
and equipment in other countries. Experience
Indeed, it can be seen in overall science
with new equipment in overseas laboratories
metrics that, whilst the USA and Europe have
helps our researchers to determine what
experienced a decline or plateau in global
is needed here. For example, Australia’s
science output, the Asia Pacific region continues
investment in a leading-edge synchrotron was
to grow (Figure 2). This is further exemplified
informed by a sizeable group of Australian
in the material science domain where the Asia
researchers that had gained experience with
Pacific region is now the dominant global engine
synchrotrons in Japan, the USA, the UK
of research and development (Figure 3).
49
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
“In an interconnected global economy, collaboration between countries and across disciplines will be crucial to achieving success.”
China is emerging as a world leader in science and technology. The challenge for Australia will be to overcome the challenge of different cultures and languages to produce good collaborative outcomes. In conclusion, in an increasingly interconnected global economy, collaboration between countries and across disciplines will be crucial to achieving successful outcomes in our research endeavours, particularly in major strategic issues such as the nexus between energy, water, food and climate. Jason Mitchell, a neuroscientist from Harvard articulated it succinctly when he said: “The most dramatic innovation introduced with the roll-out of our species is not the prowess of individual minds but the ability to harness that prowess across many individuals.” The Dish’ Radio Telescope at Parkes, NSW. Photo by: David McClenaghan, CSIRO
50
One of these young adults may have the power to change the future.
We believe the next generation of Australian scientists are key to the future health and prosperity of this country. To this end, CSL is committed to supporting the medical research community, and to fostering the next generation of medical researchers.
CSL is proud to support the medical research community through our partnerships with NYSF, UROP and AIPS.
51 Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
CSL Limited A.B.N. 99 051 588 348. 45 Poplar Road, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia. CSL is a trademark of CSL Ltd. www.csl.com.au
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Professor Ralph Martins Foundation Chair of Aging and Alzheimer’s Head of the Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care Professor Martins is Edith Cowan
Alzheimer’s disease. He currently
PhD students such as molecular
University’s Foundation Chair of
leads a large multidisciplinary
biologists, psychologists and
Ageing and Alzheimer’s, and Head
team over 40 researchers that
exercise physiologists. Professor
of the Centre of Excellence for
undertakes research into diagnosis
Martins is also Director of Research
Alzheimer’s Disease Research and
and biomarker discovery, basic
for the McCusker Foundation, a not-
Care. One of the world’s leading
science into understanding disease
for-profit organisation established
researchers into Alzheimer’s
mechanisms and development of
to enhance medical research into
disease, his motivation for starting
prevention and treatment strategies.
Alzheimer’s disease in Western
research into Alzheimer’s disease
This dedication to world-leading
Australia. Edith Cowan University
was a result of his father-in-law
research resulted in him being
Vice-Chancellor Professor Kerry
being diagnosed with the disease.
named WA Australian of the Year
Cox said that research undertaken
for 2010.
at Australian universities can have a
In the mid-1980s, Professor Martins was a member of a Perth
Professor Martins finds his
real and tangible impact on the lives
research team that discovered
association with Edith Cowan
and wellbeing of people around the
the beta amyloid protein, which
University provides a wide range
world.
accumulates in the brain of
of specialist skills via academic
sufferers and is the foundation of
collaborators, as well as through
Associate Professor Daniel Galvão Director of the Vario Health Institute Edith Cowan University strengths in areas related to exercise
effects and improve quality of life in
science, health promotion, human
prostate cancer survivors.
A s s o c i a t e Pro f e s s o r D a n i e l
biology, nursing and palliative care,
Internationally, Associate
Galvão is the Director of the
nutrition, occupational therapy,
Professor Galvão has been the
Vario Health Institute, which
psychology and public health
Australian researcher contributing
facilitates collaboration between
to promote a holistic approach
to the writing committee for the
researchers, educators, industry
to understanding health and
influential American College
and government to optimise
lifestyle issues.
of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
health and improve quality of
Associate Professor Galvão
Consensus Statement on Exercise
life for people of all ages, within
was recognised in the 2009
Guidelines for Cancer Survivors,
differing social, cultural, political
New Independent Researcher
which is now the guideline for
and environmental contexts. Vario
Infrastructure Support (NIRIS)
all exercise assessment, and the
brings together a significant group
Awards. His research has facilitated
prescribed model for cancer
of research centres, internationally
the use of exercise as an important
management in North America and
recognised investigators and local
strategy to mitigate physical
much of the world.
industry partners with recognised
function-reducing treatment side
52
Australian Scientist
ReseaRch and innovation at ecU Making a diffeRence At Edith Cowan University (ECU), our focus has only ever been on research that makes a difference. That’s why we continue to develop world-class research and innovation which not only engages with communities, but which creates strong social, economic, environmental and cultural impacts too. Right now, we welcome collaborative research partnerships in the following areas: • Aboriginal Health, Education and Community • Business and Society • Education • Engineering and ICT • Environment and Sustainability • Health and Wellness • Security, Law and Justice • Society and Community • Communications, Humanities, Media and Creative Arts Start the journey and reach your potential. Call 134 ECU (134 328), email research@ecu.edu.au or visit our website.
www.research.ecu.edu.au/ori/
53
303 ECU5219 CRICOS IPC 00279B
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Dr Kathryn Burdon Post Doctoral Fellow Department of Ophthalmology School of Medicine Flinders University Dr Burdon followed her Bachelor
Australia to take up a position in
do so. The work currently covers
of Science degree, majoring in
the Department of Ophthalmology
a variety of diseases, including
biochemistry and microbiology,
at Flinders University in 2005. Her
g l a u c o m a , ke re t o c o n u s a n d
with a PhD at the Menzies Centre
research is currently supported
diabetic eye disease, as well as work
for Population Health Research
by two large grants from the
on cataracts in children.
(now the Menzies Institute) at
NH&MRC.
In 2009, Dr Burdon received a
the University of Tasmania, in
Dr Burdon’s research aims to
Young Tall Poppy Science Award.
the newly formed Department of
determine the genetic risk factors
The award recognises the achieve-
Genetic Epidemiology. She then
for common blinding diseases.
ments of South Australian scientists
spent two years working on the
More specifically, it is attempting
under 35. They are selected on the
genetics of heart disease in diabetes
to identify which genes can cause
basis of their research revelations
at a large medical school in North
which blinding diseases and
and their passion for communicating
Carolina, USA, before returning to
ultimately to understand how they
their work.
Dr Amanda Ellis Senior Lecturer in Chemistry/ Nanotechnology School of Chemical & Physical Sciences Flinders University After completing her PhD at the
her carbon nanotube modification
Dr Ellis’ research involves the
University of Technology Sydney
work was for conductive films
study of science at the nanoscale
seven years ago, Dr Ellis took up
and solar cells. Awarded a
(less than one billionth of a metre).
two postdoctoral positions in the
New Zealand Foundation of
Her work primarily involves
United States.
Research Science and Technology
the modification of surfaces for
The first was at Rensselaer
fellowship at Industrial Research
applications in desalination,
Polytechnic Institute (RPI),
Ltd, New Zealand, she worked
forensic science and biosensing.
where her nanotechnology work
on microfluidics (in particular
She has projects focusing on
pertained to carbon nanotube
switchable surfaces) and carbon
fingerprinting using quantum
functionalisation and surface
nanotubes. An academic at Flinders
dots, carbon nanotubes for water
modification for microelectronic
University since 2006, Dr Ellis has
filtration and DNA profiling in
device applications for IBM. The
54 peer-reviewed publications, five
forensic terrorist and crime scenes.
second position was at New Mexico
full patents and attracted over $4
State University, where the focus of
million in research funding.
54
Australian Scientist
g n i t s Inve n
s a e id i
Robust research is vital to understanding our world. It will help unlock the answers to the medical, environmental, economic and social challenges we will face in the future. At Flinders University we are making a major investment in the next generation of young researchers, giving them the knowledge and skills to rise to those challenges Supporting young researchers
Harnessing new talent
Flinders has programs specifically designed to nurture and mentor young researchers, encouraging their growth and development, and turning ideas into outcomes.
More broadly, Flinders University continues to build on its excellent reputation for research with an accelerated employment program for emerging leaders in academia, supporting staff to become more research-active, expanding industry and academic relationships, and strengthening international research collaborations.
The University recently recognised the outstanding results, and future potential, of nine young men and women with the Vice-Chancellor’s inaugural Awards for Early Career Researchers in which cash rewards accompanied the accolades. They included medical scientist Dr Kathryn Burdon (pictured) who is researching the genetic causes of diabetes-related eye disease.
Family Friendly Fellowships It is a feature of active research and engagement with one’s peers that young researchers travel to attend conferences and add to the pool of ideas, from which solutions can emerge.
A vibrant, supportive and sustaining culture is fundamental to successful research. With innovative programs that bring out the best in its young men and women, Flinders University is making the investment in ideas that will deliver dividends for society at large.
www.flinders.edu.au
Flinders University has introduced a bold new concept of Family Friendly Fellowships. These Fellowships allow staff who are carers to travel and alleviate the stress of conference participation on families by facilitating travel for partners and children or providing support for family members who remain at home while a carer is away. The Fellowships will also facilitate re-entry to the workforce after parental leave.
55
inspiring achievement CRICOS Provider Number: 00114A
All participants operate in an environment shaped by the culture and broader political economy.
56
5 Australia’s scientific research system “The national innovation system is an open network of organisations interacting with each other in an environment that stimulates and regulates their activities and interactions.” The Australian Innovation System Report 2010.
Australia has a long history of successful
the workings of the engine room of Australian
innovation, from the boomerang to wireless
innovation and plot its development and
local area networking, from the stump-jump
performance, primary components of the system
plough to the black box flight recorder. The
are businesses, universities, publicly funded
spark that ignites innovation is ultimately
research organisations and governments.
provided by people, but their new ideas can
On the second tier are education, finance,
only be developed into products and services
infrastructure and other organisations that
for social or commercial benefit if they are
facilitate networks and provide financial and
supported by a national innovation system.
human capital.
According to the Innovation System Report, the first of an annual series designed to reveal
“All participants operate in an environment shaped by the culture and broader political
57
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
“We are near the top of OECD when it comes to government funding of research. What we don’t have is generous funding from the philanthropic sector and the private sector.”
58
AUSTRALIA’S SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SYSTEM
economy, which influences the scale, direction
39.1 per cent of Australian companies reported
and relative success of all innovative activities,”
undertaking innovation, a rise of 6.4 percentage
the report says.
points compared to the previous year.
While innovation provides the spark, the fuel that drives this engine is money. Expenditure by Australian businesses on
This trend is buoyed by the Commonwealth, which allocates around a quarter of its innovation spending to encourage business investment,
research and development (BERD) generally
including R&D tax incentives. The remainder is
accounts for around 60 per cent of Australia’s
shared across universities, research agencies and
gross expenditure on research and development
programs that support international collaboration,
(GERD), followed by the Commonwealth
and largely distributed via the Australian Research
which contributes around 30 per cent,
Council and the National Health & Medical
with the remainder coming from state and
Research Council. In 2009-10 the Commonwealth
territory governments, overseas sources and
budgeted $8.6 billion for science and innovation,
philanthropic support.
a 25 per cent increase compared to 2008-09.
For a number of reasons, particularly the fact
“Successive governments of all political
that Australia is a relatively young economy,
persuasions have actually funded research
private investment in innovation accounts for
generously in Australia,” says Professor Bob
a lower proportion of the national total than in
Williamson, Science Policy Secretary for the
most comparable developed economies.
Australian Academy of Science.
The latest available data cited by the
“We are near the top of OECD when it comes
Innovation System Report shows that Australia’s
to government funding of research. What
BERD to GDP ratio of 1.27 per cent in 2007-
we don’t have is generous funding from the
08 was just 80 per cent of the OECD average
philanthropic sector and the private sector.
of 1.58 per cent, but a marked improvement on
“This is partly a reflection of the fact that
the 1998-99 result of 46 per cent. In 2007-08,
industry in Australia has never been heavily involved in research.”
GRAPH Key
The Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) model, introduced in 1990 to address the
- Defence - General advancement of knowledge: - R&D financed from other sources than GUF - General advancement of knowledge: - R&D financed from General University Funds (GUF) - Agriculture - Health
shortfall in private R&D by supporting research partnerships between publicly funded researchers and end-user companies, is a unique aspect of Australia’s innovation system. Over three decades, 185 research ventures have
- Industrial Production and technology
been supported by the CRC program, receiving
- Energy + Environment
more than $3.3 billion from the Commonwealth
- Transport, telecommunication and other infrastructures - Exploration and exploitation of space - Exploration and exploitation of the earth
and $10.8 billion in cash or kind from other participants. While this indicates that the CRC program has encouraged a resilient cultural
59
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
change in the attitude of businesses to investing in innovation, there is much further to go before
Contribution to absolute increase in GERD by source of funds, 1984-85 to 2006-07
Australia’s innovation system matches optimal 4%
3% State Government
Other Australian
24%
3%
Australian Government
Overseas
international paradigms. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that 84 per cent of businesses that undertook innovation in 2006-07 did so with no collaborative arrangements. Maturity and size were key indicators, with 60 per cent of large, innovation-active mining firms engaged in collaboration, compared to only 13 per cent of innovation-active manufacturing SMEs. This profile led the World Competitiveness Report 2009-10 to classify Australia as competitively disadvantaged on measures of networking and linkages.
66% Business
Percentage of the total GERD increase over 22 years Source: ABS (2008), Research and Experimental Development, All Sector Summary, Australia, 2007-07, cat. no. 8112.0; special ABS data request and DSSIR caculation
“It is troubling that collaboration and networking are consistent weaknesses in the Australian innovation system, particularly in comparison with the world’s most innovative countries,” the Innovation System Report says. “Australia lags significantly behind leading OECD countries in collaboration for innovation,
60
AUSTRALIA’S SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SYSTEM
“It is troubling that collaboration and networking are consistent weaknesses in the Australian innovation system, particularly in comparison with the world’s most innovative countries.”
particularly between large firms and higher education institutions.” Our innovation system is also characterised
Over the same period the share allocated to industrial and energy research rose from around 21 per cent to 35 per cent, signalling a stronger
by low levels of international engagement.
commitment to applied research and the need
Research funding from overseas accounted
to respond to climate change, while health
for around 2.4 per cent of GERD in 2006,
and environment research also showed modest
the latest available figure, ranking 25 out of
gains. The biggest winner in 2009-10 was
29 OECD countries. We earned the same low
research into low carbon and renewable energy,
ranking for patented products or processes
which received slightly more than $1 billion,
invented in Australia in collaboration with at
a 290 per cent rise from the previous year’s
least one foreign inventor, while only 1 per
allocation of $270 million.
cent of Australian businesses collaborated with
These outcomes reflect the hard decisions
overseas partners in innovation, placing us
required when even the historically
second last in the OECD.
unprecedented 25 per cent increase in overall
While the private sector is playing a more important role in our innovation system, the last decade has seen a fall in emphasis
Commonwealth funding in 2009-10 could not meet the demands of all sectors. “In the 21st century no country can be
on basic research, shown by the proportion
good at everything, even the US focuses on its
of public funding allocated to “general
strengths,” Bob Williamson says.
advancement of knowledge”. In 2009-10
“But it should not be a backward-looking
this accounted for around 30 per cent of the
focus on strengths. We shouldn’t be looking at
Commonwealth’s research funding, down
what we were good at five or ten years ago; we
from almost 50 per cent ten years earlier.
have to look at what is going to be important.”
61
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Dr Ilya Budovsky Section Manager, Electricity National Measurement Institute Dr Ilya Budovsky heads the
and microamps. His work in
distorted waveforms to quantum-
electricity section at Australia’s
applying thermal converters to
based standards, thus ensuring
National Measurement Institute.
the measurement of wideband
quality for providers and consumers
He received his PhD in electrical
electrical power resulted in the
of electrical energy. Dr Budovsky
engineering in 1995 from the
world’s first electrical power
has coordinated key international
Mendeleyev Institute of Metrology,
standard for frequencies up to
comparisons of AC-DC transfer
St Petersburg, Russia. Ilya com-
200 kHz.
standards and assessed metrology
menced in 1991 as a research
Presently, Dr Budovsky’s team,
laboratories in Australia and
scientist, assumed responsibility for
together with Japanese, German,
overseas. He is a Senior Member
the low frequency standards team
French and American scientists,
of IEEE, represents Australia on
in 1997, and was appointed to his
i s d e v e l o p i n g q u a n t u m AC
the Consultative Committee for
current role in 2009.
standards which generate voltages
Electricity and Magnetism and
Dr Budovsky’s research has
with precise values in terms of
chairs the Asia Pacific Metrology
improved the accuracy of thermal
fundamental constants of nature.
Program’s Technical Committee
converters and extended their
The new standards will allow direct
on Electricity and Magnetism.
usage from volts to millivolts
traceability of both sinusoidal and
Dr Catrin Goebel Research Manager, Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory National Measurement Institute Dr Catrin Goebel has a degree
based blood substitutes. She has
in industrial chemistry and has
a particular interest in improving
been working in the National
detection and quantification of
34 World Anti-Doping Agency-
Measurement Institute’s Australian
peptide hormones such as insulin
accredited laboratories to develop
Sports Drug Testing Laboratory
using mass spectrometry. Her work
world’s best practice anti-doping
( AS D TL ) i n S y d n e y s i n c e
has enabled the implementation of
methodologies. She regularly
2000. During that time, she also
improved methods with which to
presents her work at international
completed her PhD in medicine
detect these agents. Analysis of
conferences. Most recently, at
and, since 2009, has been ASDTL’s
multiple residues of several different
the annual Cologne Doping
Research Manager.
classes of banned substances
Conference, she presented her
Dr Goebel’s expertise lies in
in sports is difficult at best. Dr
work on the detection of luteinising
using LC — mass spectrometry
Goebel’s work lays the foundation
hormone (LH) in urine as a marker
for the analysis of performance-
for screening methods that detect
for anabolic steroid doping and
enhancing agents such as diuretics,
multiple substances simultaneously.
the identification of doping with
corticosteroids, narcotics, peptide
As ASDTL’s Research Manager,
recombinant LH.
hormones and haemoglobin-
she works closely with the other
62
Australian Scientist
National Measurement Institute
The breadth of our work is impressive but its impact is far greater. The National Measurement Institute is responsible for all disciplines of measurement in Australia – analytical, biological, chemical, legal and physical. We have the expertise to offer a wide range of measurement solutions to industry, government and the community. We help industry improve product quality by developing instruments that determine the exact surface temperature in the manufacturing of metal sheeting. We conduct proficiency testing programs to help bread manufacturers meet folic acid levels in Australian-made bread. In the fight against cancer, NMI is developing measurement techniques to help with early diagnosis.
To help curtail the illicit trafficking of drugs, NMI analyses drug samples for police thus enabling them to identify country of origin and trafficking routes. NMI also supports contaminated site remediation, metals production and emissions reporting by analysing for extremely low levels of dioxins and other pollutants. We could go on, but you get the idea. In summary, we offer a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to measurement challenges. So if you’d like to know more about our capabilities, contact us on 61 2 8467 3600 or email info@measurement.gov.au.
National Measurement Institute A division of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
www.measurement.gov.au
63
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Professor Peter Drummond Professor of Theoretical Physics, ARC Centre for Quantum-Atom Optics, Swinburne Centre for Atom Optics and Ultrafast Spectroscopy Professor Peter Drummond is
Professor Drummond’s joint
where temperatures are reduced
from Swinburne University of
research with theoretical colleagues
to less than a millionth of a degree
Technology’s Centre for Atom
at Swinburne in relation to ultra-
above absolute zero.
Optics and Ultrafast Spectroscopy.
cold atoms and quantum optics
The importance of Professor
He has been a fellow of the
has led to the development of
Drummond’s work is evidenced
Australian Academy of Sciences
new theoretical calculations in
by exceptional citation rates, even
since 2003. He was awarded
both fields. This theoretical work
within the relevant field of research,
the 2005 Harrie Massey Medal
has been characterised by testable
indicating a high degree of visibility
and 2008 Walter Boas Medal
predictions and consequently this
for the theoretical work.
from the Australian Institute
has been adopted by a range of
As well as ultra-cold atomic
of Physics.The latter medal is
experimental groups. This has led
physics — both fermions and
awarded for original research
to recent high-profile experiments
bosons — Professor Drummond
that makes the most important
in ultra-cold atomic physics at
also
contribution to physics carried
Swinburne, which has one of the
information, foundations of
out in the five years prior to the
world’s leading laboratories in this
quantum measurement, genetics
date of the award.
exciting new field of physics —
and computational physics.
works
on
quantum
Professor Alex Babanin Swinburne Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure, Faculty of Engineering & Industrial Sciences Professor Alexander Babanin
1997 to 2000; and in the University
is from Swinburne University
of Adelaide from 2000 to 2004. He
of Technology’s Centre for
has worked at Swinburne University
climate. Results of his research have
Sustainable Infrastructure. He has
of Technology since 2004.
revealed new physical mechanisms
a degree in physics and a master
Alex’s areas of expertise and
in the processes of small-scale
in physical oceanography from the
research involve wind-generated
air-sea interaction, wave breaking
M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State
waves, air-sea interactions and
and spectral dissipation of wave
University in Moscow, Russia.
ocean turbulence (including
energy, upper-ocean mixing.
He worked as a research scientist in
spectral modelling of the wind-
His work is particularly relevant to
the Marine Hydrophysical Institute
generated waves); dynamics
the modelling of extreme weather
in Sebastopol in Russia from 1983
of surface ocean waves; wave
conditions and ocean circulation,
to 1996, where he also completed
breaking and dissipation; surface
including climate change.
his PhD; in the Australian Defence
and bottom boundary layers;
Force Academy in Canberra from
extreme waves; ocean mixing; wave
64
Australian Scientist
HOW DOES BEING HELP US GET BIGGER RESULTS?
Some call us small. We call it fat-free. It’s research focus, coupled with research agility. As such, our ability to turn ideas into commercial partnership opportunities is exceptional. Just ask Boeing, Ford and Cisco Systems. And despite our size, citations of Swinburne’s research have grown 250 per cent since 1999, a rate of growth that outstrips all the Go8 universities.* Combine this with a major investment of $250 million over four years, and our quest for research excellence is unparalleled.
ReseaRch at swinbuRne
1300 275 788
swinburne.edu.au/research * ISI Thomson 2009
65
CRICOS Provider: 00111D
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Laureate Professor John Ralston Director, Ian Wark Research Institute University of South Australia
Professor John Ralston is a physical chemist,
and technology transfer to industry) with more than 30
specialising in colloid and surface chemistry, with
highly-reputed research institutions in Europe, North
complementary training in metallurgical engineering
and South America, Asia and southern Africa and
and technology. He has established a very strong
informal links with many others.
international reputation in research, particularly in
Professor Ralston is and has been a member of
the physical chemistry of mineral flotation, static and
numerous national and international associations
dynamic wetting and the stability of colloidal systems.
and committees, including the College of Reviewers,
Professor Ralston is the creator and foundation
Canada Research Chairs Program; the International
Director of the Ian Wark Research Institute (The
Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC),
Wark™), which incorporates the ARC Special
Physical and Biophysical Chemistry Division
Research Centre for Particle and Material Interfaces
(2002-2004); the International Association of Colloid
and the headquarters for the Australian Mineral
and Interface Science; and the Australian Research
Science Research Institute (AMSRI), at the University
Council’s Advisory Council.
of South Australia.
Professor Ralston’s work in both fundamental
The research outcomes of Professor Ralston and his
and applied science has been recognised by his
team create enormous improvements to productivity,
peers in Australia by his election as a Fellow
profitability and environmental sustainability for
of both the Academy of Technological Sciences
industries in the mining, materials, specialty chemicals,
and Engineering (in 1993) and of the Australian
pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
Academy of Science (in 2005).
Professor Ralston’s research outcomes have been
The significant contribution, and impact, of Professor
documented and published in over 350 refereed journal
Ralston’s research has also been recognised through
articles and textbook chapters, plus numerous refereed
numerous awards. During 2007, he was named South
conference papers and industry reports.
Australian Scientist of the Year and South Australian of
In The Wark, Professor Ralston has assembled a
the Year. This was followed by the award of an Officer
team of researchers with backgrounds in chemistry,
of the Order of Australia in 2008 and the Australian
physics, engineering, mathematics and biotechnology.
Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
They collaborate internally and with their colleagues
Clunies Ross Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.
elsewhere in Australia and around the world. They have formal links (strong collaborative research 66
Making the world micro. Researchers at the Ian Wark Research Institute (The Wark™), led by Laureate Professor John Ralston AO FAA FTSE, are developing a range of real world applications for microfluidic chips, such as extraction of metals, chemical recovery and biomedical diagnostics. Faster reaction rates, greater process control and a smaller process footprint provide an excellent vehicle for ‘process intensification’ which also benefits from minimal contamination risks. The Wark™ hosts the South Australian node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, a $12million state-of-the-art micro fabrication facility. The Wark™ team has successfully demonstrated proof-of-principle capabilities of the microfluidic chip approach and is now focussed on the wider implementation of the technology such as ‘tailoring’ the surfaces in the microchip channels. This research program, with a significant international component has attracted strong interest from key players in the mineral and chemical processing industries. It’s another example of The Wark’s world-class research in interfacial science and engineering and demonstrates why it remains an international leader in its field of research. For more information about The Wark™ visit unisa.edu.au/iwri
A microfluidic device prototype is being designed at The Wark™ to efficiently capture cancer cells from patient’s blood, which are present in ratios as low as 1 to 10 per billion blood cells.
In the minerals processing industry, ‘lab on a chip’ technology has been developed to enhance solvent extraction selectivity and increase transfer rates by factors of 100 to 1,000.
67
JAM USA/0616/22 CRICOS PROVIDER NO 00121B
Australian Scientist
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Professor Fritz Geiser Professor of Zoology Coordinator of the Research Centre for Behavioural and Physiological Ecology Professor Fritz Geiser has worked
perception that many mammals and
hibernate without feeding for up to
in Zoology at the University of New
birds use it for energy conservation.
one year.
England since 1988. He conducts
He has estimated that 43 per
Professor Geiser has contributed
research into the ecological
cent of all Australian terrestrial
significantly to knowledge about
physiology and biochemistry of
mammals use torpor, and has
metabolic fuel use during torpor,
mammals and birds, especially
shown that the rate of extinction
chronobiology of hibernation,
with regard to hibernation and
in mammals worldwide is strongly
interrelations between torpor
daily torpor. He has discovered
reduced in those that employ
and reproduction, mechanisms
torpor in many Australian species,
torpor. He was the first to discover
of animals’ thermal tolerance,
including tawny frogmouths and
that dietary fats can substantially
and the evolution of endothermy
kookaburras.
modify hibernation patterns, that
and torpor. He has published
Professor Geiser’s work on the
torpid desert marsupials bask
170 scientific papers that are
diversity of species that employ
during rewarming from torpor to
frequently cited, and his work
torpor has substantially contributed
minimise energy expenditure, and
is recognised worldwide.
to the current international
that marsupial pygmy-possums can
Dr Pierre Moens Senior Lecturer School of Science and Technology University of New England Dr Pierre Moens gained his PhD
(Institute for Molecular Bioscience,
degree from the Catholic University
Queensland).
the interactions between proteins
of Louvain after investigating —
Working at the University of
involved in cancer aggressiveness
in collaboration with Dr Terence
Bordeaux in France and then
and the cell membrane with the aim
Partridge — the function of
with Professor David M. Jameson
of developing better, more cost-
dystrophin in a murine model of
in Hawaii, Dr Moens gained
effective drugs against cancer.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
experience in molecular biology
To achieve these goals, Dr Moens
Then, in a postdoctoral position
techniques and the application
and his collaborators are combining
with Professor Cris dos Remedios
of fluorescence to biological
many different approaches – including
at the University of Sydney, he
systems. Since arriving at the
biochemistry, structural biology, cell
was introduced to fluorescence
University of New England in
biology and biophysics. They are
spectroscopy and biophysics
2003 he has established continuing
also taking advantage of cutting-
and met several of his current
collaborations with world leaders
edge developments in molecular
collaborators — Professor Enrico
in Europe, the United States and
imaging and image analysis.
Gratton (University of California,
Australia, and has applied advanced
Irvine) and Professor Glenn King
biophysical techniques in studying
68
Australian Scientist
69
6 Strength in partnership In August 2010 the 30th anniversary of the China-Australia Agreement on S&T Cooperation was celebrated at the Shanghai World Expo with a program highlighting the scope of the relationship and key challenges facing science and society in all nations. An astronomy roundtable and workshops
so an energy-hungry world can avoid the worst
on climate change, biotechnology and
effects of climate change, which would hit
nanotechnology drew leading researchers from
Australia harder than most.
Australia and China, led on the Australian side
“We can’t do it on our own so we need the
by Chief Scientist Penny Sackett and her two
skills of our traditional European and north
immediate predecessors, Professor Jim Peacock
American partners, but we also need to engage
and Professor Robin Batterham.
with the emerging world, particularly China,
This high-level presence underlined
which is leading the world in renewable energy
the importance for Australia of scientific
research, and India, which is putting money on
collaboration with China and other strategic
the table to do it,” Holmes says.
partners with whom Australia has formal science
One example of this engagement was
and technology agreements – the United States,
announced in July between CSIRO and the
the European Union, France, India and Indonesia.
China United Coalbed Methane Corporation.
Interwoven with these bilateral agreements
The jointly funded $10 million demonstration
is a rich fabric of collaboration defined by
project aims to capture up to 2000 tonnes of
research themes.
CO2 from a coal fired power station, sequester it
Professor Andrew Holmes, Foreign Secretary of the Australian Academy of Science, says none is more important than the challenge of developing carbon-neutral energy technologies
70
in coal seams unsuitable for mining, and harvest methane displaced by the CO2 for use as fuel. This is one of more than 3500 collaborative research agreements between Australian
Australian Pavillion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010.
research institutions and overseas counterparts,
“We have to have a commitment to small
which focus on research themes and specific
exchanges because they are the sprat to catch
projects under the umbrella of government-
the mackerel,” says Andrew Holmes.
level agreements. Despite this extensive network of international
“There is a kind of entry criterion: getting a small grant to show that you can collaborate,
research collaboration, there is still much to
then using that demonstration as a mechanism
do. Compared to other developed countries,
to help you gain entry to larger collaborations.”
Australia has a relatively low level of
Australia’s multicultural strengths will
international collaboration when measured
also enhance our ability to contribute to the
by R&D-funded overseas scientific publications
emerging emphasis on establishing science
co-authored with overseas researchers, patents
as a more powerful platform for diplomacy.
with foreign co-inventors, or firms involved
In January 2010 a Royal Society publication,
in international cooperation on innovation.
New Frontiers in Science Diplomacy, noted that
The prospects are good for improving our
a long tradition of operating across national
performance on these metrics, notably through
boundaries has left science well placed to support
the internationalisation of our knowledge
emerging forms of ‘soft diplomacy’, identifying
base. The proportion of our population
relations between Western and Islamic cultures
with tertiary qualifications earned overseas
as a key area for science to play a role.
is the second-highest in the OECD, and
In this context, the Australia-Indonesia Treaty
Australia has the sixth-highest proportion of
for Cooperation in Scientific Research and
international students enrolled in advanced
Technological Development, signed in 2005
research programs. This raises the potential for
with the world’s most populous Islamic nation,
Australia’s international scientific collaboration
could become Australia’s most important
to be enhanced via the establishment of links
international research partnership by the time
by individual researchers.
it, too, celebrates its 30th anniversary.
71
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Collaboration
the essence
An Antarctic under-ice landscape of smoothly rolling plains, large mountain ranges, deep valleys and sub-glacial lakes was “seen” for the first time by an international team of scientists operating out of Australia’s Casey station in January 2009.
Photo above: This 60km section of radar signals over Aurora Basin shows the lower half of the East Antarctic ice sheet. The strong bedrock reflection is seen through about four kilometres of ice, and internal layers in the ice can be seen sweeping over an 800m change in bedrock height. Image by Roland Warner and Jason Roberts, Australian Antarctic Division © Commonwealth of Australia
72
Australian Scientist
John Gunn, Chief Scientist, Australian Antarctic Division
e of Antarctic science Austr alian Antarctic Division (AAD)
contributors to setting research directions in Antarctic
scientists worked with colleagues from the United
science’s peak organisation, the Scientific Committee
States, Scotland and France aboard a Basler aircraft-
on Antarctic Research (SCAR).
turned-airborne-sensor lab to examine the East
The Australian program draws from a broad range
Antarctic ice sheet and the landscape hidden thousands
of disciplines and institutions and is strengthened by
of metres beneath it.
collaboration with renowned international scientists. In
On board the aircraft, high resolution ice-penetrating
2008/2009 the program supported 119 projects, which
radar provided images of the underside of the ice
were led by scientists from 31 institutions and involved
sheet and layers within the ice; a gravity sensor and
collaboration with a further 242 institutions from 28
magnetometer measured the density and composition
countries. Over the past five years, the program has
of the rock lying beneath the ice; a laser altimeter
also supported 141 higher degree students, including
mapped the ice surface and digital cameras captured
98 PhD students.
images of the surface features.
A new Australian Antarctic Science strategic plan
This groundbreaking work typifies the spirit of
(www.antarctica.gov.au) seeks to encourage, guide
cooperation fundamental to Antarctic scientific
and focus program research over the next 10 years,
research. Collaboration is important in any scientific
with key thematic areas designed to provide input into
endeavour, but nowhere is this more apparent than
government policy and environmental management
in Antarctica, with its difficulty of access, expensive
priority areas. Thematic areas will examine the roles of
logistics, vast distances and inhospitable weather and
Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in global change;
terrain. The Antarctic Treaty enshrines the notion of
terrestrial and ocean ecosystem change; natural
international cooperation in order to explore, discover
resource management and wildlife conservation; and
and protect the greatest wilderness on the planet.
approaches to minimizing the impacts of an increasing
Australia has played a leading role in Antarctic
human footprint on the Antarctic continent. A ‘frontier
science since Sir Douglas Mawson’s expedition to
science’ theme will support less policy-focussed science
the magnetic South Pole almost 100 years ago. Since
that is aligned with national science priorities.
that heroic era of exploration, the AAD, on behalf of
The program is open to researchers from around
the Antarctic science community, has developed and
the world who wish to pursue studies in line with the
supported a comprehensive science program that
strategic plan. I would encourage those with relevant
has earned a reputation for excellence in discovery,
expertise, a commitment to solving these global issues
innovation and delivery on national and international
and, perhaps most importantly, a sense of adventure,
goals. Our scientists led many projects in the recently
to examine the plan and make contact with the AAD.
completed International Polar Year and are strong
73
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Professor Fritz Geiser Professor of Zoology Coordinator of the Research Centre for Behavioural and Physiological Ecology Professor Fritz Geiser has worked
international perception that many
that marsupial pygmy-possums
in zoology at the University of New
mammals and birds employ torpor
can hibernate without feeding
England since 1988. He conducts
for energy conservation. He has
for up to one year.
research into the ecological
estimated that 43 per cent of all
Professor Geiser has contributed
physiology and biochemistry of
Australian terrestrial mammals
significantly to knowledge about
mammals and birds, especially
use torpor, and has shown that
metabolic fuel use during torpor,
with regard to hibernation and
the rate of extinction in mammals
chronobiology of hibernation,
daily torpor. He has discovered
worldwide is strongly reduced
interrelations between torpor
torpor in many Australian species,
in those that employ torpor. He
and reproduction, mechanisms
including tawny frogmouths
was the first to discover that
of animals’ thermal tolerance,
and kookaburras.
dietary fats can substantially
and the evolution of endothermy
Professor Geiser’s work on
modify hibernation patterns, that
and torpor. He has published
the diversity of species that
torpid desert marsupials bask
170 scientific papers that are
employ torpor has substantially
during rewarming from torpor to
frequently cited, and his work
c o n t r i b u t e d t o t h e c u r re n t
minimise energy expenditure, and
is recognised worldwide.
Dr Pierre Moens Senior Lecturer School of Science and Technology University of New England Dr Pierre Moens gained his PhD
King (Institute for Molecular
degree from the Catholic University
Bioscience, QLD).
the interactions between proteins
of Louvain after investigating —
Working at the University of
involved in cancer aggressiveness
in collaboration with Dr Terence
Bordeaux in France and then
and the cell membrane with the aim
Partridge — the function of
with Professor David M. Jameson
of developing better, more cost-
dystrophin in a murine model of
in Hawaii, Dr Moens gained
effective drugs against cancer.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
experience in molecular biology
To achieve these goals, Dr
Then, in a postdoctoral position
techniques and the application of
Moens and his collaborators are
with Professor Cris dos Remedios
fluorescence to biological systems.
combining
at the University of Sydney, he
Since arriving at the University
approaches – including biochemistry,
was introduced to fluorescence
of New England in 2003 he
structural biology, cell biology
spectroscopy and biophysics
has established continuing
and biophysics. They are also
and met several of his current
collaborations with world leaders
taking advantages of cutting-edge
collaborators — Professor Enrico
in Europe, the United States and
developments in molecular imaging
Gratton (University of California,
Australia, and has applied advanced
and image analysis.
Ir vine) and Professor Glenn
biophysical techniques in studying
74
many
different
Australian Scientist
Australian Science in Antarctica Celebrates 100 Years
Australia has been at the leading edge of scientific research in Antarctica since Sir Douglas Mawson’s epic expedition to the icy southern continent in 1911. Today, research institutions from all over Australia and around the world contribute to the Australian Antarctic Program, which is at the forefront of scientific research on climate change, ocean acidification, conservation and human impacts on the environment. A new Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Plan is providing research directions for the future. Refer to our website for further details: www.antarctica.gov.au
Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Australian Antarctic Division 75
antarctica.gov.au
Conference
76
7 International research Over the past 20 years, Australian scientific output has become increasingly international as the problems being tackled by our researchers become larger in scale, scope and complexity. This trend will only accelerate, which
Key to international collaboration
means that Australian scientists will need
Most scientific collaboration occurs on an
increasing support to build and maintain the
ad-hoc basis. For example, two researchers
relationships required to make this happen.
who have met at a conference decide to share
International collaboration is the major driver of Australia’s increased scientific output. FEAST’s bibliometric analysis of scientific journal publications involving Australian authors
insights and data and ultimately publish a joint paper on their findings and arrange to spend time in each other’s laboratory. Further down the track these researchers
clearly shows that the increase in publications
may formalise their collaboration with a joint
is being driven almost entirely by internationally
proposal for funding. A prior relationship and
co-authored papers, predominately with Europe
development of trust is a necessary pre-requisite
and the USA (see FEAST Discussion Paper
for minimising the risks and maximising the
1/09, http://www.feast.org/index/document/1).
success of this more rigorous engagement.
One of the major factors contributing to this
When it comes to international funding
statistic is the rise of increasingly complex global
programs, the importance of trust is further
issues being tackled by researchers (population
accentuated as researchers are often engaging
health, climate change, biodiversity, etc.) that by
with foreign programs that have vastly different
their nature require international cooperation.
rules and expectations to domestic programs.
77
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
International Collaborations in Australian Publications, Science Citation Index, 1991–2005.
In a recent survey (FEAST Discussion Paper
— different national environments, funding
3/10, http://www.feast.org/index/document/3)
regimes, cultures, problem formulation, etc.
of Australian participants in the European
— the experience has a multiplying effect that
Union’s Seventh Framework Program for
enables them to think about and tackle scientific
Research and Technological Development (FP7)
problems with an array of new mindsets.
— which is a €50 billion multilateral research
Additionally, by spending quality time in
program — FEAST confirmed that almost
overseas laboratories they are building strong
all engagement occurred through pre-existing
social capital with their counterparts.
relationships with European colleagues, most
Nations across the globe have expressed
of which had been cemented via lab visits or
concern for a long time about ‘brain drain’ —
overseas sabbaticals.
that is, the movement of talent from their home nation to abroad. Whilst a simple catchphrase
Multiplying and circulating
that has been used to rally domestic support for
When researchers spend time in an overseas lab,
scientific research, it fails to capture the essence
they clearly stand to gain scientific knowledge
of modern research — which is a global game!
and know-how, thereby adding to their already
More recently, the phrase ‘brain circulation’
existing capabilities.
has been used in some parts of the world to
Conversely, they are also able to contribute
encourage domestic researchers to pursue
to the scientific base of the laboratory they are
international opportunities and experiences with
visiting as well as expose their own research
the understanding that they will, at some point,
to wider audience. More subtly, however,
return to their home country with enviable skills
when exposed to other research environments
and professional connections.
78
INTERNATIONAL Research
An investment Traditionally, when we think about public funds being awarded to researchers to spend time
spend important time overseas building their professional links. One of the smartest investments we can make
overseas, we generally relate it to an investment
in Australian science is developing the global
in knowledge. However, as discussed above,
presence of our researchers.
we should increasingly consider the opportunity
About FEAST
as an investment in social capital — the more we invest in researcher mobility, the greater
The Forum for European-Australian Science
the accumulation of social capital in the global
and Technology cooperation (FEAST)
research system, and the greater access we will
highlights, promotes, and facilitates research
receive to cutting edge research not available
collaboration between Europe and Australia.
in Australia.
More information about FEAST can be found at
In the recent House of Representatives
www.feast.org.
inquiry into Australia’s international research collaboration, it is noted that amongst the key impediments to Australia’s international engagement are issues relating to researcher
Acknowledgements: Certain data included herein are derived from the Web of Science® prepared by THOMSON REUTERS®, Inc. (Thomson®), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA: © Copyright THOMSON REUTERS® 2006. All rights reserved.
mobility. These include difficulties encountered by foreign researchers seeking to enter Australia to pursue their careers, and the difficulty domestic researchers experience in securing (or re-resecuring) funds to enable them to
79
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Professor Brenda Happell Director of Institute of Health and Social Science Research, Professor of Contemporary Nursing Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Health Professor Brenda Happell is from
Melbourne, Professor Happell
coercive practices, and physical
CQUniversity’s Institute for Health
established a highly successful
health associated with mental
and Social Science Research and
and innovative centre. She was
illness. During her career she has
School of Nursing and Midwifery.
responsible for the implementation
obtained more than $5 million in
She is qualified as a general and
of a world first academic position
competitive funding, published
mental health nurse; she is also a
for a consumer of mental health
more than 200 articles in refereed
qualified secondary school teacher,
services, and has maintained a
journals, authored two books and
with postgraduate qualifications,
long-standing interest in consumer
several book chapters. She has
including a PhD, in Education.
participation in mental health.
also established an impressive
She is an internationally recognised
Professor Happell is a strong
record as the Editor-in-Chief of
leader in mental health nursing. As
advocate for the human rights
the International Journal of Mental
inaugural director of the Centre
of people diagnosed with mental
Health Nurses, including its recent
for Psychiatric Nursing Research
illness and her research interests
ERA reclassification from B to A.
and Practice at the University of
include seclusion and other
Dr Corneel Vandelanotte Acting Director, Centre for Physical Activity Studies, NHNMRC & NHF Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Centre for Physical Activity Studies, Institute for Health and Social Sciences Research Dr Corneel Vandelanotte is an
Conference on Physical Activity
such, applying a population health
NHRMC & NHF Post-doctoral
and Health organised by Sports
approach to behaviour change.
Research Fellow and acting director
Medicine Australia in Melbourne.
Dr Vandelanotte is also involved
of the Centre for Physical Activity
In 2007, he was awarded a four-
in research evaluating the efficacy
Studies at the Institute of Social
year NHMRC & NHF post-
of interactive telecommunication
Sciences Research, CQUniversity.
doctoral research fellowship.
technology (e.g. smart phones)
He completed his PhD in 2004 at
In early 2009, Dr Vandelanotte
to improve chronic disease self-
Ghent University in Belgium. In
commenced his appointment with
management.
2005 he moved to Australia where
CQUniversity in Rockhampton.
As Australia is facing an ob
he first worked at the Cancer
Dr Vandelanotte’s areas of
esity epidemic, Dr Vandelanotte’s
Prevention Research Centre at
expertise and research involve the
work is crucial to reducing the
the University of Queensland in
development and evaluation of
burden of disease and health care
Brisbane. In 2005, he was awarded
website-delivered and computer-
costs related to physical inactivity
an Early Investigator Prize for
tailored physical activity and
and overeating.
the best presentation at National
dietary interventions, and, as
80
BE INSPIRED
Australian Scientist
CQUniversity Australia has a focus on research that makes a difference. Research that addresses the issues affecting our communities. Dynamic research from real people like… » Dr Mitch Duncan who, with funding from the Heart Foundation of Australia and New Zealand, is examining physical activity levels and associated health outcomes. » Dr Kerry Reid-Searl, our Nurse Educator of the Year, who is literally changing the face of nursing education with her innovative approach to teaching and curriculum development. » Dr Brenda Happell, a leader in mental health nursing and patient advocacy, investigating the links between our minds and our bodies when it comes to health. » And Dr Corneel Vandelanotte, a recipient of the prestigious NHMRC Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship, who is undertaking groundbreaking research into the development and evaluation of web-delivered physical activity interventions.
CRICOS Codes: QLD 00219C; NSW 01315F; VIC 01624D
CO12720
CQUniversity Research… making a difference.
‘We are building one of Australia’s truly great universities.’ Professor Scott Bowman Vice-Chancellor CQUniversity Australia
81
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AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Professor Cheryl Praeger School of Mathematics and Statistics The University of Western Australia A Winthrop Professor in the
focuses on the theory of groups,
staff, ARC postdoctoral research
UWA School of Mathematics
which can be regarded as the
staff, research students, honours
and Statistics and an Australian
mathematical representation of
students, and a regular stream of
Research Council Federation
symmetry. Her work has resulted
international research visitors.
Fellow, Professor Praeger is in
in theoretical and computational
Prof e s s o r Pr ae g e r is a l so
the top 1 per cent of highly cited
advances that have opened up new
w e l l k n o w n f o r p ro m o t i n g
mathematicians in the world.
mathematical areas now studied by
the involvement of women in
She is recognised for adapting
mathematicians worldwide.
mathematics and for her work
a 19th century theory by a now
Named 2009 WA Scientist
with the Australian Mathematics
celebrated rebel French teenager,
of the Year, Professor Praeger
Trust, which encourages the study
Evariste Galois, for use in today’s
runs two ARC-funded research
of mathematics by primary and
information technology revolution.
programs which involve a team
secondary school students.
Professor Praeger’s research
of UWA teaching and research
Associate Professor Kevin Pfleger Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory Western Australian Institute for Medical Research The University of Western Australia Associate Professor Kevin Pfleger
to respond to particular hormones
is head of the Laboratory for
in an appropriate manner.
Molecular Endocrinology – GPCRs,
Associate Professor Pfleger
awards in his field and been invited to speak at numerous conferences
which is a world-leader in its field,
studied
having developed technology which
(Pharmacology) at Cambridge
In addition to being head of
places special light-emitting labels
University in the UK and
his WAIMR laboratory, Associate
on proteins of interest, allowing
obtained his PhD in Molecular
Professor Pfleger is Chief Scientific
interactions between proteins to be
Endocrinology from the University
Officer of the WAIMR/University
studied. Advances demonstrated by
of Edinburgh. In 2002, he joined
of Western Australia spin-out
him and the laboratory have enable
the Western Australian Institute
company Dimerix Bioscience.
these interactions to be monitored
for Medical Research as a research
In December 2009, he was named
in real-time in living cells for
fellow and was awarded a Peter
Western Australian Young Scientist
longer time periods than previously
Doherty Fellowship by the National
of the Year at the Western Australian
possible. His work focuses heavily
Health & Medical Research
Science Awards.
on G-protein coupled receptors,
Council beginning in 2005. He
which are proteins that enable cells
has won national and international
82
Natural
Sciences
and universities all over the world.
Australian Scientist
Achieve international research excellence.
BC&YUNWG430 CrICos Provider Code 00126G
Join us.
If you want to achieve world-class results and work with researchers who are already doing just that, we invite you to join The University of Western Australia. As a member of Australia’s Group of Eight research-intensive universities, our focus is on working with the brightest and the best. We continue to attract international award-winning teachers, researchers and students whose individual reputations have helped to build ours. To explore the exciting opportunities available visit www.uwa.edu.au
83
84
8 Medical research International research collaboration is a cornerstone of both basic and applied research in Australia. A key question for Australian policy
Australians are also well connected throughout
makers is whether and how Australian
the globe. Over 36 per cent of publications
researchers can meet pressing national health
derived from NHMRC-funded research have
issues, step up their engagement with international
one or more international authors. Half of these
partners in order address global health, and ensure
collaborations are with the USA, and 16.5 per
we generate the best outcomes from Australia’s
cent with the UK.
excellence in research.
As part of the global community, Australian
Australians are proud of their track record
is a growing recipient of external funding
on research. One often-quoted research mantra
derived from industry and philanthropic
is that “despite having only 0.3 per cent of
sources.In a major economic analysis of the
the world’s population, Australia contributes
impact of Australian research in 2003, Access
3 per cent of the OECD’s medical research
Economics noted one measure of Australia’s
publications”. Australia has been home to six
attractiveness internationally is the amount
Nobel laureates in medicine: from Howard
of overseas funding it receives, which then
Florey’s involvement in the discovery of
amounted to around $121 million (4 per cent)
penicillin through to Barry Marshall and Robin
of Australian R&D spending.
Warren’s discovery of the Helicobacter pylori
Between 2004 and 2008 Australia’s National
bacterium. The ground- breaking vaccine
Health and Medical Research Council provided
for human papilloma virus was the result of
563 grants, totaling almost $400 million, which
Australian medical research.
leveraged over $200 million from international
85
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
sources. In 2008, Australia was fourth on the
For example, the George Institute has
list of NIH funding recipients (behind Canada,
established a research centre in China, in
South Africa and the UK), receiving 50 grants
partnership with Peking University Health
amounting to over $14 million.
Science Centre, to address the threat of chronic
The pharmaceutical sector is a major investor, contributing in excess of $700 million p.a. to research and clinical trial activity in Australia and much of this is sourced from overseas. Australia is increasingly being recognized
disease. This marks an important milestone in improving health care in this booming nation. The Queen Elizabeth Research Institute, University of Adelaide, University of Philippines, Monash Medical Centre and Perak College
by overseas philanthropic granting agencies.
of Medicine Malaysia are collaborating in
For example, Australian universities and research
the construction of an evidenced-based
institutes were the recipients of seven of 76
maternal health research program in southeast
grants awarded by the Bill and Melinda Gates
Asia. Disorders related to pregnancy and
Foundation to combat disease in the developing
childbirth represent one of the biggest health
world under the Grand Challenges Explorations
risk differences between the developed and
program. These grants reflect Australian
developing worlds. By establishing a network
expertise in immunology and drug development.
of researchers and teachers of evidence-based
Australia is also contributing to regional
health care across four southeast Asian countries
development through collaborative research,
supported from Australia, this collaborative
training, education and health programs.
project aims to improve the clinical treatment
86
MEDICAL RESEARCH
“Research Australia’s submission to the enquiry presented a range of principles for international engagement.”
of pregnancy and childbirth related disorders
exposure and experience,and improved visa
and the health outcomes of mothers and infants.
and immigrationprocesses to enable uptake
The Australian Government established
of research positions within an Australian
a parliamentary enquiry into Australia’s
setting from international experts.
international research collaboration. Research
In its June 2010 report, the enquiry noted
Australia’s submission to the enquiry presented
that collaboration at an international level is an
a range of principles for international
absolute necessity. Recommendations focused
engagement. These included:
on the mechanics of building partnerships,
• Building Australia’s knowledge base through
and the opportunity for Australia to develop
transfer of skills, expertise, knowledge and
a strategic approach to help it to build on its
resources within the domestic economy
scientific strengths and explore opportunities
• Providing government, industry and the
for new collaborative partners.
research community with more economic
There is no doubt that the future will offer
information, a business case and the cost
exciting prospects for Australian researchers.
benefits of international collaboration • Better national information regarding the depth and breadth of collaboration • Capacity building to support travel, exchanges, and international fellowships to provide Australian researchers with international
Note: Research Australia is the nation’s largest alliance working to make health and medical research a higher national priority. Research Australia is supported by 170 organisations that together represent the voices of research institutes, universities, industry, hospitals, philanthropic groups and the community. www.researchaustralia.org
87
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Professor Shaun Jackson Professor of Haematology Australian Centre for Blood Diseases Monash University
Professor Shaun Jackson is a co-
In 2010, Professor Jackson was
Research Institute in San Diego
founder of the Australian Centre
awarded an NHMRC Australia
in the USA. He has established a
for Blood Diseases (ACBD),
Fellowship to advance his team’s
large multidisciplinary research
a Monash University centre located
work on the development of new
program involving scientists at
at AMREP. The ACBD is the
approaches to treat heart disease and
Scripps, the Walter & Eliza Hall
nation’s pre-eminent blood centre
stroke. The Australia Fellowships
Institute, Monash and RMIT
with internationally recognised
are Australia’s most prestigious
University to examine innovative
research, treatment and educational
award for excellence in the fields
new approaches to the treatment
programs. Professor Jackson’s
of health and medical research. In
of blood clotting diseases, focusing
research group is renowned for its
addition to his role at Monash,
on biomechanical mechanisms that
work on blood clotting diseases,
Professor Jackson has an adjunct
activate the blood clotting system.
relevant to heart attacks and stroke.
professorial position at the Scripps
Associate Professor Josephine Forbes Glycation and Diabetes Laboratory Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute
Associate Professor Josephine
communication and research and
only slow down the progression
Forbes is from the Baker IDI
a Young Researcher Award in 2002
of diabetic kidney disease.
Heart and Diabetes Institute.
from the International Diabetes
In particular, she studies the
She is currently involved in
Federation as one of the most
biochemical process of advanced
establishing the Australian
promising young scientists in the
glycation, which irreversibly
Academy of Young Scientists.
Western Pacific Region.
modifies proteins both within our
A s s o c i a t e Pro f e s s o r Fo r b e s
Associate Professor Forbes’
bodies and during modern food
was awarded the Commonwealth
area of expertise and research
preparation techniques. These
Health Minister’s Award for
is within diabetes and its devastating
modified proteins cause damage via
Medical Research and an NHMRC
complications, including kidney
a number of pathways, including
excellence award in 2010, each
disease, which affects more than
interruption of energy production in
of which recognises emerging
400,000 Australian individuals and
cell power stations (mitochondria)
medical researchers in the middle
costs billions of health care dollars
and via “caramelisation” of blood
of their careers. She has also
per annum. Her research focuses
vessels, causing stiffening.
received a Young Tall Poppy
on identification of new targets for
Award for excellence in scientific
therapy, since current medicines
88
EXCELLENCE THRoUGH CoLLABoRATIoN Australian Scientist
Located on the site of The Alfred hospital, Melbourne, the Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct AMREP is one of Australia’s leading centres for medical research, offering modern facilities and outstanding opportunities for research collaboration. AMREP is a partnership between Alfred Health, Monash University, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, the Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health (Burnet Institute), La Trobe University and Deakin University. New AMREP research and education buildings were opened in 2002, attracting new groups and greatly stimulating research activity on the site. Increasing numbers of research staff, largely due to mergers of the two medical research institutes with smaller institutes, and the need for expanded and upgraded clinical facilities for Alfred Health and educational space for Monash, were the main drivers for AMREP’s latest, innovative development. Stage 2 of The Alfred Centre, a 17,000 square metre project, was completed in early 2010. The extensive, new state-of-the-art research facilities include the Burnet Institute’s nine PC2 laboratories, PC3 facility and X-ray crystallography suite, and Baker IDI’s Healthy Lifestyle Research Centre, incorporating a research gymnasium. In 2010, located at AMREP are: • The Alfred hospital (Alfred Health) • Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute • Burnet Institute • Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine • Monash University Central Clinical School (Departments of Medicine, Immunology and Surgery) • Australian Centre for Blood Diseases (Monash University) • Nucleus Network (including an early phase clinical trials facility) • National Trauma Research Institute • Australian Centre for Health Innovation • Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre • La Trobe Alfred Clinical School of Nursing Major research programs at AMREP: • Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity • Infectious diseases, immunology, allergy and respiratory disease • Trauma, critical care and anaesthesia • Blood diseases • Mental health and neurosciences • Public health and preventive medicine • Global health For further information about AMREP or to request a copy of the annual AMREP Research Report, contact the Alfred & Baker IDI Research Office, Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004 Telephone: +61 3 8532 1771 Email: researchoffice@bakeridi.edu.au
89
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Prof. Brien Holden, PhD DSc OAM Chief Executive Officer Brien Holden Vision Institute
Professor Brien Holden OAM has
in the US. He was also behind
was developed by Brien Holden
been a major figure in international
the development of soft toric
and partners through the Vision
eye health and vision care for
contact lenses for the correction
CRC (which he helped establish)
nearly 40 years. His influence
of astigmatism, one of the most
and has been recently released
extends across science, research
successful toric designs ever.
across the world.
and development, professional
Professor Holden’s research
Brien has long been involved
and academic education and
focus is now on myopia (short-
in humanitarian efforts to
international public health.
sightedness) and presbyopia (old
provide eye care to indigenous
He has initiated and guided
sight) — refractive conditions
Australians and developing
projects involving international
that affect the sight of billions —
communities throughout the
researchers and industry that
and has engaged an international
world. His contributions have been
developed the silicone hydrogel
team of partners to develop
acknowledged through a host of
contact lens — a revolutionary
novel technologies to solve these
national and international awards
advance for the contact lens
problems. The first spectacle
and honours, including the Medal
industry that today captures more
design demonstrating an ability to
of the Order of Australia and six
than 50 per cent of the market
control the progression of myopia
honorary doctorates.
Prof. Mark Willcox, BSc PhD Chief Scientific Officer Brien Holden Vision Institute
Pro f e s s o r M a r k W i l l c o x i s
Institute of Dental Research. In
ways of preventing or controlling
renowned internationally for his
1993, he joined the Cornea and
this disease. Microbial keratitis is
steerage of basic and translational
Contact Lens Research Unit of the
a serious but rare infection of the
research and for establishing
School of Optometry and Vision
front surface of the eye (the cornea)
successful partnerships between
Science at the University of New
and is the only contact lens-related
academic research and industry.
South Wales.
condition that is potentially sight
Following the completion of
Professor Willcox specialises in
his PhD in medical microbiology
the areas of ocular microbiology,
Amongst many awards, Professor
at Manchester University in
tear film biochemistry and corneal
Willcox was recently named the
1987, Professor Willcox took up
immunology. his particular field of
British Contact Lens Association
a fellowship in Australia at the
research is microbial keratitis and
Medalist for 2011.
90
threatening.
Australian Scientist
91
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
LUDWIG INSTITUTE FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Professor Andrew Scott Director, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Director, Centre for PET, Austin Health Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne Professor Scott has been Head,
based therapy and recombinant
a chief investigator of NHMRC
Tumour Targeting Program,
antibodies. This has culminated
program and project grants, and
Ludwig Institute for Cancer
in six antibodies being taken from
funding from NIH, state and federal
Research (LICR) since 1994,
discovery to humanisation and
governments, and philanthropic
Director of the Centre for PET,
first-in-man trials with Professor
sources.
Austin Health, since 1996, and
Scott as Principal Investigator,
The importance of Professor
was appointed Director LICR
and all of these antibodies have
Scott’s contributions to medical
Melbourne (Austin Branch) and
been licensed to pharmaceutical
research is reflected in over 210
Member of LICR in 2005.
or spin-out companies for
publications with more than 4300
Professor Scott’s areas of
further development. As Director
citations in prestigious journals
research interest include tumour
of Centre for PET, Professor
such as New England Journal of
immunology, targeted therapies,
Scott leads the largest academic
Medicine, Lancet Oncology, PNAS,
and molecular imaging of cancer.
m ol ec ul ar imaging pro gram
Journal of Experimental Medicine,
At LICR, he has led a basic and
in
Journal of Clinical Oncology and
translational oncology research
internationally renowned program
program focused on immune
for novel imaging tracers. He is
Australasia,
with
an
Journal of Nuclear Medicine.
Associate Professor Matthias Ernst Interim Director, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (Parkville Branch) Associate Professor Matthias
Associate Professor Ernst’s
Ernst was appointed in 1998
research involves a number
as joint-laboratory head of the
of international collaborations
Colon Molecular and Cell Biology
and embraces reverse genetics
tumour formation and research
Laboratory at the Ludwig Institute
in the mouse to dissect molecular
efforts are now focused to translate
for Cancer Research (LICR)
mechanisms regulating epithelial
these findings into new therapeutic
Parkville Branch and is currently
h o m e o s t a s i s i n t h e g a s t ro -
opportunities.
the Interim Director of the LICR
intestinal tract in health and
The importance of Associate
Parkville Branch.
disease. His investigations have
Professor Ernst’s work is evidenced
Associate Professor Ernst is
recently identified epithelial Stat3
by more than 3400 citations and
an NHMRC Senior Research
hyperactivation as a molecular
publications in prestigious journals,
Fellow and Chief Investigator on
mechanism linking inflammation
including Nature Medicine, Nature
a $20 million NHMRC program
of intestinal tumourigenesis. His
Immunology, Cancer Cell, Journal
grant. Recently, he was promoted
group’s complementary interest
of Experimental Medicine, PNAS,
to Member of LICR. He holds
in canonical Wnt signalling
Journal of Clinical Investigation
an honorary appointment at the
genetically established permissive
and Gastroenterology.
University of Melbourne.
signalling thresholds for intestinal
92
Australian Scientist
“I am persuaded that eventual mastery of cancer will come only from intense and unremitting scientific exploration over many decades” Daniel K. Ludwig December17, 1974
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research The largest international academic non-profit institute dedicated to understanding and controlling cancer. A global network of ten Branches with leading Affiliates and clinical trial sites. Mission: To improve patient outcomes through integrated programs that translate basic laboratory discoveries into patient benefits through conducting its own clinical trials. Australia: Over 250 scientists, post-doctoral research fellows and students work alongside clinicians and research nurses in the two Melbourne sites embedded in the Parkville and Austin research precincts.
LUDWIG INSTITUTE FOR CANCER RESEARCH
www.ludwig.edu.au
The MeLbouRne–PARkvILLe bRAnCh has an outstanding track record in basic research into the biology of solid tumours with a particular focus on colorectal cancer. The Branch supports stateof-the-art platform technologies, including forward and reverse genetics in different model organisms and complements the human cancer genetics research supported through the Ludwig Colon Cancer Initiative. The Melbourne Branch is one of six founding partners of the Parkville Comprehensive Cancer Centre. The MeLbouRne–AustIn bRAnCh located at Austin Health, is the principal translational and clinical research site for LICR global programs. Laboratory research focuses on cancer immunology, antibody-based therapeutics, signalling pathways in cancer, epigenetics of colon cancer, and tumour biology. Clinical oncology involvement is achieved through the unique joint arrangements with Austin Health in Medical Oncology and Positron Emission Tomography. LICR is a founding partner of the Olivia NewtonJohn Cancer Centre, and will have 93 new laboratories in this facility completed in 2012.
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTISTS
Associate Professor Ricky Johnstone Pfizer Australia Research Fellow Co-Head of Cancer Therapeutics Program Assistant Director Cancer Research Associate
Professor
Ricky
more than $17 million. Reflecting
trials of two HDACi in the treatment
Johnstone is Assistant Director
this success, he was promoted to
of T cell lymphoma.
of Peter Mac Cancer Research
NHMRC Principal Research Fellow
and co-head of Peter Mac’s
in 2009.
Associate Professor Johnstone uses genetically manipulated
Cancer Therapeutics Program.
Associate Professor Johnstone is
tumour models to identify which
To date he has published over 110
seeking to understand the molecular
apoptotic proteins and pathways
peer-reviewed manuscripts.
events underpinning cancer cell
are necessary for the therapeutic
In 2005, Associate Professor
death initiated by chemotherapeutic-
effects of HDACi. Using microarray
Johnstone was appointed as an
drugs and to decipher how tumours
gene expression profiling, he
NHMRC Senior Research Fellow
become multidrug resistant. He
has identified genes involved
and awarded a Pfizer Australia
focuses on inhibitors of the enzyme
in apoptosis that are regulated
Senior Research Fellowship.
histone deacetylase (HDACi) —
differently in tumours and normal
He has since leveraged the outcomes
novel chemotherapeutic drugs
cells, providing a molecular basis
of his fellowship-related research,
that regulate gene transcription by
for the selective effect of HDACi on
being named as chief or co-chief
altering the structure of chromatin
tumour tissue.
investigator on grants totalling
— and recently initiated clinical
Dr Belinda Parker Peter Mac Research Fellow Metastasis Research Laboratory Dr Belinda Parker is an early career
therapies for patients with
scientist at the Peter MacCallum
advanced breast cancer.
Cancer Centre. She was awarded
One of her research projects
University, USA. In addition to
a Career Development Award
has revealed the contribution of
the work on proteases, Dr Parker’s
(CDA1) in 2009 and currently
a specific group of proteases,
research group recently revealed
holds a number of grants, including
the cathepsins, to the spread of
a novel mechanism whereby
one as chief investigator on an
breast cancer to bone and the
cancer cells escape recognition
NHMRC project grant.
potential for blocking cathepsin
by the immune system to be able
Dr Parker’s primary research
activity using specific protease
to survive and grow in bone.
f o c u s i s o n b re a s t c a n c e r
inhibitors as targeted therapeutics.
The results of this study reveal
metastasis. She aims to utilise
This work has been supported by
a novel mechanism of cancer
models of breast cancer to identify
crucial international collaborations
cell outgrowth from dormancy
ke y m o l e c u l a r m e c h a n i s m s
with two leaders in the cathepsin
and an exciting new therapeutic
of spread to distant tissues,
field, Professor Matthew Bogyo at
opportunity to prevent secondary
and to target these mechanisms
Stanford University and Professor
tumours in breast cancer patients.
with the aim of developing novel
Bonnie Sloane at Wayne State
94
Australian Scientist
Colin House and Dr Andreas Moeller, Cancer Genetics & Genomics Lab
Australia’s only public hospital solely dedicated to cancer, Peter Mac is a leader in multidisciplinary cancer care and a national and international leader in laboratory, clinical and translational research. Fundamental to Peter Mac’s excellence and leadership in cancer research is the fusion of an integrated, sophisticated research facility within a world-class cancer hospital, providing unique opportunities for medical advances to be accelerated and tested and for clinical questions to guide the research agenda. Peter Mac research has experienced an unprecedented and sustained period of growth and development over the past decade. Underpinned by scientific excellence and research leadership, Peter Mac employs 450 laboratory and clinical researchers, a quarter of its total workforce. Former Director of Research Joe Sambrook is emblematic of Peter Mac’s research excellence. His election to the Australian Academy of Science in 2000 recognised his significant contribution to understanding the processes underpinning cancer development. Recent success through our research leadership includes: • Access for Peter Mac patients to many novel therapies and early phase clinical trials. • Driving and nurturing collaborative research programs (AOCS, ASSG, VBCRC, Pfizer TORCH, kConFab, Melbourne Melanoma Project) across Australia. • 20 prestigious peer-reviewed fellowships (Australia Fellowship, NHMRC, ARC, CCV, NBCF, VCA, Viertel, VESKI) awarded to Peter Mac researchers. Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre The best in cancer care, accelerating discovery, translating to cures. For more information about research at Peter Mac: web www.petermac.org/Research email researchinformation@petermac.org
95
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Professor Andreas Strasser Joint head Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Dr Strasser and his team are
cells have two distinct signalling
Dr Strasser and his team discovered
investigating the control of
pathways leading to apoptosis,
novel regulators that are essential
apoptosis, the cell death program
one triggered by ligation of cell
for initiation of programmed cell
essential for development and
surface “death receptors” and the
death and showed that they function
homeostasis. By using transgenic
other by certain developmental
as sentinels for damage to various
mice over-expressing the cell death
cues, cytokine deprivation or stress
vital intra-cellular structures,
inhibitor Bcl-2, and knockout mice
signals. Using genetically modified
such as the cytoskeleton.
lacking one of its antagonists, they
mice, they could determine
demonstrated that abnormalities in
signalling mechanisms that are
major implications for cancer
the control of apoptosis can cause
responsible for killing useless
research, developmental biology
autoimmune disease or cancer and
or potentially dangerous cells at
and immunology and suggest
render tumour cells refractory to
the different checkpoints during
novel therapeutic strategies for
anti-cancer therapy.
lymphocyte development.
tumours, autoimmunity and
Dr Strasser and his co-workers established that mammalian
Using
biochemical
and
These
discoveries
have
degenerative diseases.
molecular biology techniques,
Dr Wai-Hong Tham Postdoctoral Researcher Infection and Immunity Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Dr Tham’s post-doctoral research
which then initiates a cascade
has focused on how the malaria
of signalling events required for
extremely low levels of this host
parasite Plasmodium falciparum
invasion.
receptor. Currently, Dr Tham is
invades red blood cells, a process
Dr Tham’s work focuses on
involved in studies elucidating the
critical for parasite survival and
the function of the parasite
effects of this receptor deficiency on
malaria pathogenesis. This deadly
l i g a n d P f R h 4 i n re d b l o o d
parasite invasion. Understanding
parasite inflicts the highest rate of
cell recognition and invasion.
the function of parasite invasion
human mortality, partly due to its
She has recently identified the
ligands is paramount in developing
utilisation of multiple pathways for
host erythrocyte receptor of PfRh4
rational designs for a blood-stage
invasion into erythrocytes.
and shown that this interaction
malaria vaccine to alleviate the 300
mediates a new invasion pathway
million infections a year caused by
utilised by malaria parasites.
Plasmodium falciparum.
For the malaria parasite to enter erythrocytes, parasite ligands must recognise their cognate receptors
I n t e re s t i n g l y , i n m a l a r i a -
on the surface of the erythrocyte,
endemic regions erythrocytes have
96
Australian Scientist
Celebrating 95 years of medical research For 95 years the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute’s scientists have pursued the mission of Mastery of Disease Through Discovery. Master Mastery of Disease Through Discovery. The institute is home to more than 550 researchers who are working to understand, prevent and treat diseases including cancer – particularly blood cancers and breast cancer – type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, hepatitis and malaria. We are doing this because: ▶▶▶This year, more than 534,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australia
and more than 43,000 Australians will die of cancer.
▶▶▶Breast cancer is the second highest cause of cancer death in Australian women.
One in nine women will be diagnosed with the disease by the age of 85.
▶▶▶More than 140,000 Australians have type 1 diabetes. ▶▶▶Malaria kills up to 3 million people each year.
More than 30 clinical trials based on discoveries made at the institute are currently underway. These include trials of vaccines for type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease and malaria; and trials of a new class of anti-cancer drugs, called BH3 mimetics, for treating patients with leukaemia. To follow our journey as we master disease visit our website www.wehi.edu.au or contact us: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research 1G Royal Parade Parkville Victoria 3052 Tel: (03) 9345 2555 Email: reception@wehi.edu.au
Support Our Research www.wehi.edu.au
97
Mastery of Disease Through Discovery
98
9 Global leaders Australian science punches above its weight, as is evident in the extraordinary achievement of scientific heroes like Howard Florey or, more recently, expats Sir Marc Feldmann and Elizabeth Blackburn. This chapter celebrates scientists whose
Jennie Brand-Miller, Biochemist
achievements are of such magnitude that the
Suzanne Cory, Molecular Geneticist
Australian Academy of Science believes they
Peter Doherty, Nobel Laureate
are not only leaders among Australia’s scientific
Ian Frazer, Immunology & Cancer Research
fraternity, but also eminent voices in the global
Martin Green, Solar Energy Researcher
community. One has won fame as a Nobel
John Hopwood, Lysosomal Diseases Researcher
Laureate. Another can point to praise from
Terry Hughes, coral reef researcher
peers, but also sees her work used every time
Kurt Lambeck, Professor of Geophysics
she opens a box of breakfast cereal. A third
Jim Peacock, Geneticist
has changed thinking about clean energy and
Barry Marshall and Robin Warren,
a fourth is not only a prodigious scientist, but
Helicobacter pylori researchers
is also cited as an example of Australia’s
Mike Raupach, Climate Change Research
success as a multicultural nation. The Global
Brian Schmidt, Astronomer
Leaders are candidates to become our next
Terry Tao, Professor of Mathematics
scientific heroes. These are the fifteen scientists
Bob Vincent, Solar-Terrestrial Physics
chosen by the Australian Academy of Science:
John Zillman, Meteorologist
99
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Jennie Brand-Miller BiochemisT
Good eating, good science, good health
Jennie Br and-Miller is unusual. She is a
papers. Her book The New Glucose Revolution is an
practising scientist with an impressive list of academic
international best seller.
publications, and a best-selling author of popular books on diet and health.
Recent population studies by Professor BrandMiller and her team have looked at groups of 5000
“When they made porridge into instant porridge,
people over a decade, and assessed the prevalence
and when they made rice into instant rice, they
of particular diseases while monitoring the diet
made it into food with a high glycaemic index,”
of the subjects.
she says. “Natural uncultivated foods usually have a low glycaemic index.”
“The low-glycaemic diet is actually the traditional diet of most human beings,” says Professor Brand-
The concept of a glycaemic index (GI) came to
Miller. “For example, the Mediterranean diet is low
Jennie Brand-Miller while she was doing research
GI, with pasta, legumes, fruit and vegetables. Vinegar
into Australian Aboriginal diets. The GI ranks the
dressings and alcohol also lower the glycaemic response
carbohydrates in food according to their effect on
to food. This is one element of the Mediterranean diet
blood sugar, a significant driver of general health,
that makes it so healthy.”
but especially important to sufferers of diabetes.
The Indian diet, with lentils, pulses, and basmati
In 2010, Professor Brand-Miller was presented
rice, is also a “low GI star performer” says Professor
with the 2009 Sir Kempson Maddox Award by
Brand-Miller. “High GI diets are a product of modern
the NSW branch of Diabetes Australia. Initially
processing methods, which provide light, fluffy,quick-
attracting a hostile reception from researchers
cooking food.”
and food manufacturers, Professor Brand-Miller’s
Pro f e s s o r B r a n d - M i l l e r s a y s t h a t w h a t
work on nutrition and carbohydrates is widely
contemporary medical practitioners refer to as
acknowledged today.
a “normal” glucose response is actually an abnormal
The Glycaemic Index, an unknown concept only
response to an exceptional diet of processed
two decades ago, is recognised worldwide as an
carbohydrates. “Aboriginal bush foods give an
important tool for maintaining good dietary health.
amazing insight into what was the standard diet for
Professor Brand-Miller has written a number of
humanity,” she says. “And these natural foods have
popular books, as well as more than 200 academic
a low glycaemic index.”
100
Global Leaders
Suzanne Cory Molecular Geneticist
Looking into the dark heart of cancer
I’m amazed at the strength and breadth of
Professor Cory was born in Melbourne, and studied
Australian science,” says Professor Suzanne Cory,
science at Melbourne University, Cambridge and the
and suggests that isolation and the harsh Australian
University of Geneva. Returning to Australia in 1971,
environment have contributed to this. “We had to
she joined WEHI, becoming the director in 1996. She
learn to stand on our own feet, and our investment in
became the Professor of Medical Biology at Melbourne
science helped us to do this.”
University (1996-2009) and was on the board of
However, she says, Australia is certainly internationally competitive in the sort modern, high-tech research which can be done anywhere in the world.
CSIRO from 2002 to 2007 when she became deputy chairman. As well as the Australia Prize, she has been awarded the Charles S. Mott Prize of the General Motors
“It would be quite wrong if Australia were only to
Cancer Research Foundation, the Royal Medal of
tackle the sorts of science where we have a natural
The Royal Society and a L’Oreal-UNESCO Women
advantage,” she says. “We need knowledge on all
in Science Award. She was elected to the Australian
fronts in order to have a successful and economically
Academy of Science in 1986 and the Royal Society
prosperous society. It is encouraging that a very high
in 1992. She is also an elected member of the US
proportion of Australians have been recorded in surveys
National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy
as being very interested in scientific issues. As science
of Arts and Sciences, the French Academy of Sciences
educators, we should be able to tap in to that interest.”
and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. In 1997 she
Molecular geneticist Professor Cory was awarded
became a Companion of the Order of Australia and in
the 1998 Australia Prize for her work at the Walter
2009 was appointed Chevalier de l’Ordre National de
and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI), with her husband
la Légion d’Honneur by France.
Professor Jerry Adams, on the genetic origins
In May 2010 Professor Cory was elected to succeed
of cancer. Cancer, she says, is the result of an
Professor Kurt Lambeck as President of the Australian
accumulation of slight genetic errors; and in order
Academy of Science. She is continuing her cancer
to understand and combat cancer, we need to have
research at WEHI and is a Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow of
an intimate understanding of the life and death of
the University of Melbourne.
the normal cell.
101
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Peter Doherty Nobel Laureate
On the shoulders of giants
Peter Doherty won the Nobel Prize in 1996,
working with nuts and bolts,” he says. “We were
with his colleague Rolf Zinknagel, for “their discoveries
very good at innovation, and I am afraid that this
concerning the specificity of the cell mediated immune
may be declining.”
defence”. In his Nobel Lecture, Peter Doherty described
However Professor Doherty looks forward to
the debt that he owed to his predecessors in Australian
a new era in science, in which dealing with huge
immunology, “a direct consequence”, he said, “of
datasets is only possible through advanced computing.
themes developed in Australia” by Sir MacFarlane
“For example, we’re looking at the genomics,
Burnet, Frank Fenner, and later Gus Nossal, Jacques
proteomics and lipidomics of early influenza virus
Miller, Gordon Ada and others.
infection: these are massive datasets that we can only
Professor Doherty says that, of the awards and
handle through high-powered computing.”
honours which he has achieved as well as the Nobel
“Even if you start out with a clear hypothesis, often
Prize, he particularly values his election to the Australian
you end up by reacting to the huge datasets,” he says.
Academy of Science, to the Royal Society, and to the
“That’s going to be characteristic of 21st century
US National Academy of Science. And he is especially
science.”
proud of the 1986 Gairdner International Award for
Traditional laboratory science is still vital, says
Medical Science, Canada, and the Paul Erlich Prize for
Professor Doherty, but a lot of young researchers
Immunology (1983).
are coming in from mathematics and statistics
Australian science, he says, has a history of dealing
and are bringing a whole new and different approach
with Australian issues, but because of the relatively
to biological sciences like cancer researchand
limited science funding, we have needed to be “a bit
immunology.
cleverer” and have developed a highly cooperative
“ What’s happening in science is a tremendous
ethos. But, he warns, we may be losing the proverbial
convergence, looking at very complex issues,”
Australian ability to improvise and innovate.
he says. “How smart are we? We’re still very limited
“As we abandon our manufacturing industries, we are increasingly losing people who are good at
102
in our approach, and there are hugely important problems to solve.”
Global Leaders
Ian Frazer Immunology & Cancer Research
Recognition is due to the science that shapes society
When Ian Frazer started his research career,
The vaccine is now produced commercially,
a clunky PC and the back of an envelope were the
and to date more than six million doses have been
best of research aids. Today, he says, computational
distributed in Australia, with more than 54 million
power allows the assembly of such vast quantities
doses given to girls aged 13 to 17 worldwide.
of data that researchers can conduct almost “hypothesis-free science”.
Professor Frazer has received more than 20 national and international awards for scientific research. Among
“We’ll be finding more and more information,
them was Queenslander of the year and Australian of
then writing programs to try and make sense out
the Year in 2006, the International Life Award for
of it,” he says. “It is beyond the ability of an
Scientific Research in 2007 and the Prime Minister’s
individual human being to encompass all the available
Prize for Science in 2008.
information.”
Professor Frazer says that he values the
Ian Frazer was born in 1953 in Glasgow,
awards that he has received, not for himself,
Scotland, and studied medicine at Edinburgh
but for the science: “It’s nice to get the recognition
University. In 1974, he spent three months
for science. I think it’s very important to show the
at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical
community at large that science contributes to society,
Research in Melbourne, and returned there in
and the interaction between science and society is
1981 when he became particularly interested
vitally important.
in human papilloma viruses (HPV). In 1985
“We live in a very scientific world. Understanding
he took up a teaching position with the
how science in fact shapes society is something that
University of Queensland and decided to
people are perhaps not yet prepared to accept,” he says.
continue his work with HPV and cervical cancer
“Communicating as scientists with the community is
with his colleague, the late molecular virologist
becoming more and more challenging.”
Dr Jian Zhou. This led to the development
Professor Frazer is currently director of the
of a vaccine that prevents infection with HPV
Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology and
and cervical cancer.
Metabolic Medicine at the University of Queensland.
103
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Martin Green Solar Energy Researcher
Letting the sun shine in
Seldom has the development of a technology
worth of sales made under licence to UNSW,
been more timely. The citation for the Eureka Prize
with this figure soon to be exceeded annually.
for 2010 describes photovoltaics innovator Martin
Research is an ongoing process, and Professor
Green as “a shining light” in the battle against global
Green has developed what is called “third
warming and climate change.
generation” solar cell technology, tapping into
Professor Martin Green is known internationally for
the full thermodynamic potential of photovoltaic
his work on solar cells at the University of New South
conversion. Having created the world’s leading
Wales. He and his UNSW group have spent the past three
photovoltaics research centre, Professor Green has
decades investigating solar cell performance,and have
also been colleague and mentor to many of the
achieved a remarkable success rate.
most distinguished international solar researchers
“It was regarded as a mature technology when we
and industrialists. “Globally, we need a clean,
started,” says Professor Green, “but we were confident
cost-effective, electricity generation option. Photovoltaics
that this was just the beginning. And we were very
provide a solution, provided that we can increase the
conscious that what we were doing was exactly what the
volumes and get the costs down dramatically,” says
world needed, exactly when the world needed it.”
Professor Green.
Professor Green and his team have since improved
Professor Green’s global leadership has been
the performance of this apparently mature technology
recognised by his appointment as chair of the panel for
by over 50 per cent and have been inventors of
review of the US Department of Energy’s photovoltaic
several technologies that have revolutionised the
program, and membership of the United Nations
solar industry.
Industrial Development Organisation Consultative
Professor Green says that commercialisation
Group on Solar Energy Research and Applications.
of his innovative work has always been a priority,
Professor Green has received two Eureka Prizes,
and the team’s early work has been adopted under
a Clunies Ross Award (1992), the Australia Prize (1999)
licence by BP and put into production in Australia,
with Stuart Wenham, and the 2004 World Technology
India and Spain. In association with UNSW,
Award for Energy. He has received several international
the world’s largest manufacturer of solar cells
awards, including the 2002 Right Livelihood Award,
is now in China. Cumulatively, says Professor
commonly known as the Alternative Nobel Prize, and the
Green, there have been more than a billion dollars
2007 SolarWorld Einstein Award.
104
Global Leaders
John Hopwood Lysosomal Diseases Researcher
Taking the research results into the community The greatest challenge for scientists is
recognition of scientific research is not always
to make sure that they can apply their research
as positive as it might be, especially in the practical
and their knowledge where it is most needed
matter of funding.
by the community, according to Professor John
In 2006, Professor Hopwood and his team
Hopwood, head of the Lysosomal Diseases
announced successful trials of a new treatment
Research Unit based at the Women and Children’s
for two childhood lysosomal diseases, and two
Hospital in Adelaide.
drugs were approved by the USA Food and
Professor Hopwood won the 2008 South
Drug Administration for clinical use. Professor
Australian of the Year Science Award for his
Hopwood has over 380 peer-reviewed scientific
three decades of research into genetic disorders
publications, over 30 international patents and over
that affect children. He leads the 10-member
$30 million in competitive research funding. He is an
committee charged with directing the research
affiliate professor in the Department of Paediatrics
of the new South Australian Health and Medical
at the University of Adelaide and Department of
Research Institute (SAHMRI) being built in
Pharmacy at the University of South Australia.
Adelaide. An extremely ambitious project set
Professor Hopwood has been honoured with
to open in 2013, SAHMRI will house some
the Lemberg Medal for Excellence in Biochemistry,
600medical researchers under the motto “from
a Member of the Order of Australia, a Fellow of the
the research bench to the bedside”.
Australian Academy of Science, Honorary Fellow
“My passion as a scientist is interacting with patients
of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia,
and their families, when we’ve actually made some
the South Australia Premier’s Science Award for
difference in their quality of life,” says Professor
Excellence in Commercialisation of Research,
Hopwood. “It is a very focusing and rewarding aspect
South Australia Scientist of the Year, ATSE Clunies
of being a scientist in this genetic area. It has kept me
Ross Award and, most recently, was awarded the
motivated for 30 years!”
prestigious 2009 CSL Florey Medal for significant
Professor Hopwood stresses the vital importance of “translating” the work of research scientists
achievements in biomedical science and human health advancement.
into clinical practice and into the community. But at the same time, he suggests that the
105
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Terry Hughes coral reef researcher
The human context
Coral reefs have to be seen in context, says
devastating and far-reaching effects, which are
Professor Terry Hughes. Natural ecosystems cannot
almost impossible to predict.
be treated in isolation, as if they were not part of
“A great deal of the recent literature describes the loss
the human world, the animal world, the oceans
of coral, the decline of the reefs,” he says. “These are
and the atmosphere.
depressing facts, but they shouldn’t be seen in isolation.
Professor Hughes is Director of the ARC Centre
If we ask what are we going to do about it, we can’t
of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook
ignore questions like food security for coastal human
University in Townsville.
populations, or options for future development. People
“In recent years I’ve wandered into what is strange territory for a marine biologist,” he says. “Increasingly
in the vast majority of countries which have coral reefs actually depend on the reefs for their livelihood.”
I’ve been working with social scientists and reef
Because of the links between natural ecosystems
managers, and looking more at the human dimension
and human populations, says Professor Hughes, science
of coral reefs.”
is increasingly adopting a multidisciplinary approach
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is unusual, says
involving the social sciences as well as ecology.
Professor Hughes, because it is part of a wealthy
“Many researchers,” he says, “including myself,
country, and does not suffer the degradation caused in
are referring to social ecological systems, where people
developing countries by subsistence fishing, subsistence
are not separate from the ecosystem, and everything
farming and deforestation.
we do has an ecological footprint.”
“The Barrier Reef model is admirable, but it’s not
When it comes to encouraging people to modify
a model that is easily exported,” he says. “Effective
their behaviour, Professor Hughes says “the solution
reef management has to be tailored to local conditions
is to stop paying subsidies for more or bigger, but
and availability of local resources.”
to recognise and subsidise change for the better!”
Professor Hughes has a special interest in
Professor Hughes remains optimistic that good
understanding the processes that govern the scarcity
science and good management will save coral reefs in
or abundance of species, and has travelled widely
the long term, especially Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
in the Pacific and Caribbean to observe reefs in
— arguably the best-managed reef in the world.
decline. The loss of biodiversity, he says, can have
106
Global Leaders
Kurt Lambeck Professor of Geophysics
Understanding how the Earth works
Kurt Lambech is interested in the big questions:
The scientific community is not standing up to this
how the Earth works, why it works the way it does,
as perhaps it should.”
the role of the oceans, the future of the Earth’s inhabitants.
Professor Lambeck is confident that the scientific process is robust. Scientists, he says, are not all
Professor Lambeck was President of the
prima donnas, but at the same time no scientist is
Australian Academy of Science in 2006-2010;
interested in repeating work which another scientist
he was elected to the Academy in 1984, and to
has already done. Research results are published,
the Royal Society in 1994. His international
the work is validated by other researchers and
recognition is shown by his membership of the
becomes part of the accepted body of knowledge,
academies of the Netherlands, Norway, France
or is refuted.“The process is still alive and well,”
and the United States, and the Academia Europaea.
he says. The planet under stress has interested
His international prizes and awards include the
Professor Lambeck in recent years. “The unifying
Tage Erlander Prize from the Swedish Research
theme to my recent work has been the reaction
Council, the Prix George Lemaitre (Belgium)
of the Earth to stress,” he says. “There is a range
and the Eminent Scientists Award from the
of techniques to measure the response of the
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
planet to stress, and to predict the response
Professor Lambeck worked in the US and French
to new stresses. We are particularly interested
space science communities before returning
in developments in plate tectonics, and in the
to Australia.
effects of diminishing ice sheets and the ‘rebound’
Professor Lambeck is concerned by what he sees as a “loss of confidence” in the whole culture of science throughout the wider community.
effect as ice disappears.” Asked about his view of the planet’s immediate future, Professor Lambeck admitted that he oscillates
“For example, most of the public accepts the
between admiration for mankind’s capacity for
realities of climate change,” he says. “But through
cleverness, and the reverse. But by and large, he
the activities of some who wish to minimise
thinks, humanity will rise to the challenge and ensure
the perception of the consequences, the public
a viable future for the planet and the species.
is beginning to doubt the authority of science.
107
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Jim Peacock Geneticist
Chief among scientists
It is a binding obligation that scientists should
a global leader in plant science. In 2000, he and his
communicate what they are doing and why, says Dr
colleague Dr Liz Dennis were awarded the $300,000
Jim Peacock.
Prime Minister’s Prize for Science for their work in the
“Scientists have to point out what their work
discovery of the flowering switch gene, a key gene in
could mean in the future, to the environment, to the
determining when plants end their vegetative growth
community, or to the economy,” he says. “And it’s
phase and begin flowering. This discovery will help
important that they communicate in a way which
boost the productivity of the world’s crops. They are
can be understood.”
also working to increase the nutritional value of crops
Although Dr Peacock is recognised around the world
eaten by billions of the world’s poorest people.
for his plant genetics research, he has also devoted
Dr Peacock was chief of CSIRO’s Division of
much of his time to achieving “scientific literacy”
Plant Industry, which he built into one of the world’s
among Australian children. He was instrumental
foremost plant science institutes, from 1978 until
in developing the Academy’s Primary Connections
he retired from the role in 2003. In 2002 he was
program, in which the teaching of science is integrated
elected President of the Australian Academy of
with the teaching of basic literacy in primary schools.
Science. His many other honours include election
“Science is a way of thinking,” says Dr Peacock,
to the Royal Society in 1982, the BHP Award for
and he is proud too of CSIRO’s Scientists in Schools
Science Excellence in 1988, and election to the
program, in which some 1800 working scientists are
US Academy in 1990.
‘paired’ with science teachers across Australia. “It’s
In 1994, Dr Peacock was made Companion of the
been an amazing success for the scientists and the
Order of Australia (AC), and in 2006 he was appointed
teachers as well as for the children,” he says. “The
Australia’s Chief Scientist.
scientists can’t resist the eagerness of the children,
“People are very attracted to the truth,” says Dr
and the teachers enjoy working with the scientists,
Peacock. “The skill is to remove the mystery and
gaining more confidence in teaching science. It’s been
misinformation and bring the truth to them in ways
a wonderful success.”
they will understand.”
Dr Peacock has long been acknowledged as
108
Global Leaders
Barry Marshall and Robin Warren Helicobacter pylori researchers
Winners of the Nobel Prize
Helicobacter pylori is one of a handful of
a culture of the bacteria.
bacteria which are known to the general public by
“A fter a few days I was vomiting,” says
name. Just as well known are the names of Nobel
Dr Marshall. “The bacteria had indeed started
laureates Robin Warren and Barry Marshall.
attacking the lining of my stomach. And, after
Everyone once knew that stress causes ulcers;
that, people became a bit more convinced!”
it was regarded as a medical “fact”. But two researchers
Dr Marshall is confident that great and original
quite independently had their doubts. In 1981 they
scientific discoveries still come from academic or
met, compared their quite different approaches to
curiosity-driven research.
the problem, and agreed to cooperate on the novel
“The Helicobacter discovery was a reminder that
research program, which led to Barry Marshall and
bacterial infectious diseases were not something
Robin Warren being awarded a Nobel Prize in 2005.
out of the nineteenth century,” says Dr Marshall.
The two scientists had each become interested in
“They are still very much around, and I think that
the probable role of H. pylori in human gastric ulcers.
there may be viral infectious diseases waiting to be
Pathologist Professor Robin Warren was studying
investigated. For example, what causes Alzheimers?
gastric bacteria at the Royal Perth Hospital, where
We don’t know. Even obesity has been linked to
Dr Barry Marshall was the gastroenterology registrar.
gastric bacterial causes.“
“When I met Barry, I was just finishing a paper
Dr Warren and Dr Marshall later collaborated
for publication,” says Professor Warren. “I had a
on a major study showing the beneficial effect of
suspicion that H. pylori was more than just associated
eradicating H. pylori on the relapse rate of duodenal
with ulcers, but was actually the cause, while he was
ulcers.
looking for a suitable clinical research project. So we
As well as the Nobel Prize, the two researchers have
started a joint study, where I did the pathology and he
jointly received the 1994 Warren Alpert Foundation
did the clinical work.”
Prize (Harvard Medical School) and the Paul Erlich
When their research initially met with profound s ke p t i c i s m f ro m t h e m e d i c a l c o m m u n i t y ,
and Ludwig Darmstaedter Award (1997), as well as many individual prizes and awards.
Dr Marshall took the radical step of drinking
109
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Mike Raupach Climate Change Research
Global leader in carbon cycle research
Mike Raupach deals in cycles. In his 35 years as
influenced climate change, and is the author of
an active researcher, he has worked on five or six
a number of papers on the subject.
major topics. “These are the great cycles, the cycles
“The large-scale functioning of the Earth and the
of energy, water, carbon and nutrients, which sustain
biosphere have been an inspiration throughout my
the Earth’s systems. Humans are changing these
career,” says Dr Raupach. “It is fascinating that
cycles and interacting with them,” he says.
we have come through a time when we regarded
Dr Raupach was elected a Fellow of the Academy
ourselves as the dominant species, but we are slowly
of Australian Science in 2009, after a long career
realising that our relationship with nature is deeper
with CSIRO, culminating in his present position
than that. It’s a two-way cycle.”
of Leader of the Continental Biogeochemical
Dr Raupach says that his philosophical approach
C y c l e s R e s e a rc h Te a m a t CSIR O M a r i n e
does not in any way detract from the integrity of
and Atmospheric Research. He was a contributing
the science. A central element of the discipline of
author of the IPCC Working Group One Report
science is that one always remains the servant of the
in 2007, and was an inaugural co-chair of
data, always subject to what the observations and
the international Global Carbon Project. His
measurements reveal. However, says Dr Raupach,
main research interests include the movement
good science is not in any way inconsistent with
and storage of heat, water and carbon in
viewing the world as one in which human beings
landscapes; global and continental change,
and the natural world are partners in the great
especially the effects of climate and human land
cycles of nature.
use on terrestrial cycles; the global carbon cycle
“The big challenge today is to meet the enormous
and the ways it is influenced by human activities;
demand for scientific information at every level,
and the mechanics of turbulent flows, such
from the backyard barbecue to the political debate,”
as wind and weather over vegetation.
says Dr Raupach, “while at the same time being
Dr Raupach is recognised around the world as a major contributor to the science of human-
110
entirely rigorous and maintaining an absolute respect for the scientific process.”
Global Leaders
Brian Schmidt Astronomer
Dark energy in an accelerating universe
Brian Schmidt believes that pure research,
the SkyMapper project, using an automated optical
especially cosmology, can lead to a revolutionary
telescope, situated at Coonabarabran in NSW,
understanding of the world and humanity’s place
to survey the entire southern sky to a resolution
in the universe.
a million times fainter than what is visible to the naked
Dr Schmidt, of the Australian National University’s
eye. At the heart of the system is a 268-million-pixel
Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics,
digital camera, designed at the ANU, able to detect the
was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Australian
age, mass, temperature and position of the billions of
Science, and a Fellow of the US National Academy
stars visible and invisible. Because images are repeated
of Science, in 2008. Among a long list of awards and
a number of times, movement and changes will also
prizes, he won the major Gruber Prize for Cosmology
be detected, and it is hoped that more “dwarf planets”
in 2007. According to the Gruber Foundation report,
such as Pluto will be found in the solar system. The
it was a “crazy result” which delivered the $500,000
southern sky is particularly interesting, says Dr
prize jointly to Dr Schmidt and his team, and a team in
Schmidt, because the galaxy itself cuts through it, and
the US led by Professor Saul Perlmutter.
because southern skies are relatively clear, clean and
The “crazy result” which both teams independently
cloud-free.
discovered was that the expansion of the universe
Dr Schmidt, originally from Montana, pays
is accelerating, not slowing as cosmologists had
tribute to the scientific culture in Australia. “There’s
previously predicted. The expansion of five billion years
less power hierarchy in Australia than in the US
ago was slower than the rate of expansion today, and
or Europe,” he says. “For example, it was possible
driving this expansion is the mysterious force of dark
for me as young researcher in Australia to lead an
energy. Einstein’s Cosmological Constant, regarded
international research team, which probably would
by Einstein himself as a blunder, has achieved a new
not have been possible elsewhere. It’s that ability to
significance.
give everyone a go, which really gives Australia the
Dr Schmidt and his colleagues are continuing to work towards understanding the accelerating universe, concentrating their attention on exploding stars or supernovae. Dr Schmidt is also active in
ability to do interesting science. It’s quite different to the way the rest of the world does things.” And, says Dr Schmidt, there’s an additional satisfaction in vindicating Einstein.
111
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Terry Tao Professor of Mathematics
Mathematician extraordinaire
When a two-year-old is discovered expounding
I want to see what happens if I make some changes;
mathematics to his fellow toddlers, it’s reasonable
will it still work? If you experiment enough, you get a
to anticipate a bright future for the boy. So it is no
deeper understanding. After a while, when something
surprise that Australian-born Terence Tao was, at
similar comes along, you get an idea of what works and
24, the youngest full professor ever appointed by the
what doesn’t work. It’s not about being smart or even
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
fast. It’s like climbing a cliff: if you’re very strong and
According to his father, Adelaide paediatrician Billy Tao (himself born in Shanghai), the young
quick and have a lot of rope, it helps, but you need to devise a good route to get up there.”
Terry taught himself numbers and letters by
Among mathematicians, Terry Tao is recognised
watching Sesame Street. And from then on his
alongside Dr Ben Green for the Green-Tao theorem on
progress was remarkable: the University of
the occurrence of prime numbers. At a less theoretical
Adelaide at 14, bachelor’s degree at 16, doctorate
level, his work on “compressed sensing” could
at Princeton University at 21, and then joining
revolutionise digital camera technology.
the faculty of UCLA.
In 2010 commentary he wrote for CNN.com,
Now 34 and married with a young son, Professor
Terry Tao explained that he has become a United States
Terry Tao teaches, gives public lectures to packed
citizen, but retains dual nationality: “Of course, my life
audiences, and has gathered an array of the top
is more than just my work. I am a husband and a father
awards, including the Fields Medal, regarded as the
and a proud citizen of two countries; my homeland of
Nobel Prize for mathematics.
Australia and my adopted country here in the United
Terry Tao, believed to be one of the very best
States. I identify with them both.” He went on: “I enjoy
mathematicians alive today, is a phenomenal solver of
a good meal, a good vacation or a good movie, much
problems, many of them regarded as virtually impossible.
as anyone else would. But mathematics is both my
To explain his ability, he uses a rock-climbing analogy:
profession and my hobby, and the place where it seems
“Before I work out any details, I work on the strategy.
I am best able to make a contribution; so if I had to
Once you have a strategy, a very complicated problem
answer the question ‘Who am I?’ I would have to say,
can be split up into a lot of mini-problems. I’ve never
‘a mathematician’.”
really been satisfied with just solving the problem.
112
Global Leaders
Bob Vincent Solar-Terrestrial Physics
Making waves in the middle atmosphere
The Earth’s atmosphere is criss-crossed by waves,
As well as working with radar, he has collaborated
moving horizontally and vertically, and Bob Vincent
with a French research group using specially
of Adelaide University is tracking them. Atmospheric
designed balloons, which maintain a pre-determined
waves range from the largest scale planetary waves
altitude near 20 kilometres. “Campaigns using
to gravity waves with scales as short as a few tens of
these free floating ‘super-pressure’ balloons have
kilometres.
proved particularly fruitful in helping to determine
“The important thing is that waves transfer
gravity wave sources in remote regions, such
energy and momentum from one part of the atmosphere
as the Antarctic,” he says. “The momentum
to another,” says Professor Vincent. “These gravity
generated by the breaking waves can be transferred
waves are very similar to the waves of the ocean, except
to the atmosphere, with significant consequences. This
that they travel vertically as well as horizontally. They
research helps us to understand the behaviour of the
are a very efficient mechanism for carrying momentum
atmosphere, and underpins current climate science.”
from the lower atmosphere to higher regions. When
Professor Vincent talks with enthusiasm about
they ‘break’ they can drive large-scale circulations
the sort of ‘field work’ that his research entails.
which need to be incorporated into climate models.
“Designing a wind measuring radar in the laboratory,
“And gravity waves (or more accurately, buoyancy
then going out to remote sites in the Pacific,
waves), which have been studied for more than
or Antarctica, or the Northern Territory, and
150 years, are not to be confused with gravitational
installing and setting up the radar, tuning it,
waves,” he says.
and making sure that it is working properly is fun.”
Professor Vincent is President (2010) of the
Professor Vincent’s research has had a number of
Scientific Committee for Solar-Terrestrial Physics, was
practical applications, including the development of
elected to the Academy of Science in 2004, and is a
radar used for weather forecasting by the Bureau of
member of the Australian Antarctic Science Advisory
Meteorology. Climate change, he says, is an extremely
Committee. Much of his work using radar to detect
serious issue, which requires an immediate response
winds high in the atmosphere has been carried out at
from the community. “Adaptation is not going to be
Davis Base in Antarctica.
easy. The world we are leaving for our children and
Professor Vincent’s research involves measuring the momentum of gravity waves in the atmosphere.
grandchildren is going to be very different to the one that we enjoy,” he says.
113
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
John Zillman Meteorologist
Climate, weather and courteous discourse After a distinguished career that has included
hydrologists, oceanographers and other earth system
stints with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and
scientists and service providers. He has an especially
as President of the World Meteorological Organization,
optimistic view of future developments in his own field
John Zillman AO knows the difference between weather
of meteorology.
and climate.
“The next thing over the horizon is detailed local
Dr Zillman has been one of the most influential
weather forecasting and warning,” he says. “Models
figures in shaping climate science in Australia,
will have the ability to extract the last little bit of
and was a leading figure in the establishment of
information from the observed data, and then provide
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
an almost limitless amount of forecast information, for
(IPCC). Dr Zillman has a scientist’s respect for
any location, up to six or seven days ahead. It’s already
scepticism and alternative views, but says that he has
gone far beyond what I expected to happen in my
a total commitment to the concept of the IPCC and
professional lifetime, and we’re just at the beginning
its ability to give an objective and balanced view of
of the process.”
the science.
Dr Zillman was Director of the http://en.wikipedia.
Dr Zillman believes that Australian science,
org/wiki/Australian_Bureau_of_Meteorology from
in particular the earth sciences, has a remarkable track
1978 to 2003 and was Permanent Representative
record and an established international reputation,
of Australia with the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
despite Australia’s comparative lack of scientific
WMO “WMO” World Meteorological Organization.
resources. He singles out the Antarctic and Southern
He was elected a Fellow of ATSE in 1980 and
Ocean climate, and the considerable body of work
served as President of ATSE from 2003 to 2006.
carried out by Australians in the Southern Ocean as
He was President of the National Academies Forum
one of the important drivers of world climate research.
2005-06 and President of the http://en.wikipedia.
“We pioneered the use of satellites and drifting buoys
org/wiki/International_Council_of_Academies_of_
for synoptic analysis over the Southern Ocean,” he says,
Engineering_and_Technological_Sciences (CAETS)
“and we managed to squeeze every drop of information
in 2005. He was also a member of the Prime
from sparse Southern Ocean shipping.”
Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation
Dr Zillman looks forward to a renewed Australian commitment to space science, and enhanced cooperation between space scientists, meteorologists,
114
Council (PMSEIC). In 2005 he was awarded the 50th International Meteorological Organization Prize.
Global Leaders
115
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Associate Professor Dissanayake Reader and Associate Professor, School of Psychological Science Director, Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University A s s o c i a t e Pro f e s s o r C h e r y l
for Research in Child Development
development and autism spectrum
Dissanayake joined La Trobe
and the Australian Psychological
disorders. Her work incorporates
University in 1996, having spent
Society. In 2005 she co-founded
studies of both autistic and normal
three years as a postdoctoral
the Australasian Autism Research
populations and she enjoys
researcher, most of them in
Alliance, and in 2008 established
collaborations with colleagues in
the Department of Psychiatry’s
and was appointed Director of the
Australia, the USA and the UK.
Neuropsychiatric Institute at the
Olga Tennison Autism Research
Current research projects include
University of California in Los
Centre. The Centre has attracted
identification of early markers of
Angeles. A registered psychologist,
large amounts of funding from
autism in infancy (both social-
she is a member of multiple
private and government sources for
cognitive and biological); co-
professional bodies, including the
research into the nature, causes and
morbidity of autism and Fragile X
International Society for Autism
treatment of autism.
Syndrome; self-other relations in
Research, American Association for
Dr. Dissanayake’s research
Psychological Science, The Society
interests are in early social-cognitive
autism; pretend play, and a new area of research, autism in girls.
Jamie Pittock School of Molecular Sciences Director, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Sciences La Trobe University A Fellow of the Australian Academy
boards of eight high-profile
of Science since 2003, Professor
international scientific journals,
recognised as a landmark in cancer
David Vaux is Director of the
which currently include Apoptosis,
research. He continues to play
La Trobe Institute for Molecular
Cell Death and Differentiation,
a leading role in the field, with his
Sciences, an NHMRC Australia
Disease Models and Mechanisms and
work on the IAP family of proteins
Fellow and a recipient of more than
EMBO Reports.
(cellular inhibitors of apoptosis)
a score of prestigious honours and
Professor Vaux is renowned for
and the mammalian antagonists
awards, including the Gottschalk
his discoveries that the oncogene
of IAPs (Smac/Diablo and HrtA2/
Me dal , t h e G l a x o-We l l c om e
Bcl-2 promotes cell survival, and
Omi). He serves on the scientific
(Australia) Prize, the Roche Medal,
that it is a functional homologue
advisory board of TetraLogic Inc., a
the Victoria Prize, the ANZSCDB
of the nematode gene ced-9.
small pharmaceutical company that
President’s Medal, the Lemberg
These findings provided the first
has developed an IAP antagonist
Medal and, most recently, the
experimental evidence implicating
drug that is currently undergoing
MacFarlane Burnet Medal. He has
failure of cell death as a cause
clinical trials for the treatment of
served as a member of the editorial
of cancer in humans and are
cancer.
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LA TROBE INSTITUTE FOR MOLECULAR SCIENCE
Australian Scientist
Architectural render
The future of science is already here. World-class research with partners in more than 50 institutions around the globe, investigating: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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New world-class facilities now under construction: • AgriBio, the Centre for AgriBioscience, will be one of Australia’s premier research facilities, whose mission will be to support Victoria’s $11.8 billion agricultural sector through improved productivity, better disease protection and reduced environmental impact. • The $94.3 million La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) – turning research in molecular science, biotechnology and nanotechnology into medical solutions, and educating a new generation of scientists. Want to join us? 1300 135 045 latrobe.edu.au/scitecheng
117
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Professor Anthony Thomas Australian Laureate Fellow School of Chemistry & Physics The University of Adelaide has
returned to the University of
the American Physical Society.
become a major centre for global
Adelaide to lead the recently formed
Professor Thomas has served as
research into nuclear and particle
Research Centre for Complex
President of the Australian Institute
physics after winning a highly
Systems and the Structure of
of Physics, Vice-President of the
prestigious Australian Laureate
Matter. Before taking his position
Australian Academy of Science,
Fellowship from the Australian
at Jefferson Lab in 2004, he was
Secretary of IUPAP Commission
Research
( A RC ) .
Director of the University’s ARC
C12 and is the inaugural Chair
The Fellowship, one of only 15
Special Research Centre for the
of the IUPAP Working Group
awarded nationwide in 2010,
Subatomic Structure of Matter and
on International Cooperation in
was awarded to internationally
Elder Professor of Physics. Professor
Nuclear Physics (WG.9). Under his
renowned physicist Professor
Thomas’s many awards include the
leadership, WG.9 provided expert
Anthony Thomas FAA, Chief
Harrie Massey Medal (UK Institute
advice to the OECD Global Science
Scientist and Associate Director
of Physics), the Thomas Ranken
Forum Working Group on Nuclear
for Theoretical and Computational
Lyle Medal (Australian Academy
Physics, which prepared a global
Physics at Jefferson Lab, the US
of Science) and the Walter Boas
roadmap for research in nuclear
Department of Energy’s Thomas
Medal (Australian Institute of
physics.
Jefferson National Accelerator
Physics). He is a Fellow of the
Facility in Virginia, USA.
Australian Academy of Science,
Council
Fo l l o w i n g re c e i p t o f t h e
the Australian Institute of Physics,
Fellowship, Professor Thomas
the UK Institute of Physics and
Professor Tanya Monro ARC Federation Fellow School of Chemistry & Physics Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing Professor Tanya Monro is an ARC
& Research Council, a Bragg
2007-2008 she was the ‘Women in
Federation Fellow and Director
Fellow of the Royal Institution
Physics Lecturer’ for the Australian
of the Institute for Photonics and
of Australia, a Fellow of the Australian
Institute of Physics and in 2006
Advanced Sensing (IPAS) at the
Academy of Technological Sciences
was presented with a Bright Spark
University of Adelaide. The vision of
and Engineering (ATSE). In 2010
Award by Cosmos magazine.
IPAS is to pursue a transdisciplinary
she was a finalist in the Scopus
Professor Monro came to the
research agenda, bringing together
Young Researcher awards and in
University of Adelaide in 2005
physics, chemistry and biology to
2009 was named Emerging Leader
as inaugural Chair of Photonics.
create knowledge and disruptive new
in the Science category in The
She has published over 330 papers
technologies, and solve problems
Weekend Australian Magazine’s
in journals and refereed conference
for health, the environment, defence,
Emerging Leader awards. In 2008
proceedings, and raised over $65
food and wine.
she won the Prime Minister’s
million for research, including
Professor Monro is a member
Malcolm McIntosh Prize for
funding for a building for IPAS.
of the SA Premier’s Science
Physical Scientist of the Year, in
118
Australian Scientist
119
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Dr Kiran Ahuja School of Human Life Science University of Tasmania The flavour-potent chilli could
showing there is a beneficial
also pack a punch in the future
relationship between the chemicals
standard dose of aspirin on platelet
prevention and treatment of
and the formation of fatty deposits
aggregation and will be followed
diabetes and cardiovascular
on the inner wall of arteries —
up with a dietary intervention study
disease — the leading causes
a precursor to many cardiovascular-
with human volunteers.
of chronic illness and death in
related health issues.
developed countries.
Dr Ahuja says it is possible that,
Most recently Dr Ahuja and her
one day, chillies could replace aspirin,
UTAS School of Human Life
co-researchers have found that
or be combined with aspirin, as a
Sciences research fellow Dr Kiran
capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin
medication for the prevention and
Ahuja is investigating the biological
inhibit platelet aggregation,
treatment of cardiovascular disease.
activity of the two active ingredients
which can lead to thrombosis or
This work on blood coagulation
of chillies — capsaicin and
blood clots.
follows on from Dr Ahuja’s earlier
dihydrocapsaicin — and whether
This year, Dr Ahuja’s research
investigations for her PhD thesis that
chillies could replace aspirin in
will assess the comparative
showed chilli intake improves post-
preventing blood clots.
effects of aspirin and chilli on
meal glucose and insulin response
Dr Ahuja’s research has focused
platelet aggregation. The study
and hence may play a role in diabetes
on the antioxidant properties of
will investigate what amount of
prevention.
these two chemicals, with results
chilli gives the same effect as a
Dr Jane Sargison School of Engineering University of Tasmania
Dr Jane Sargison is one of the
attended Oxford University with
She has also conducted consultancy
few active female engineering
this scholarship for three years.
studies for such organisations as
researchers in Australia.
She then returned to Hobart and
Hydro Electric Corporation, Rolls
started as a Research Fellow at
Royce and the Australian Maritime
UTAS in 2001.
College.
Dr Sargison’s ability was recognised as an undergraduate student and she was a University
Dr Sargison’s areas of research are
Dr Sargison co-supervises many
Medallist at the University of
experimental and computational
PhD and masters students in the
Tasmania when she graduated
fluid dynamics, thermodynamics
School of Engineering and teaches
in 1997 with a Bachelor of
and heat transfer. She is chief
some undergraduate courses.
Engineering, first class honours.
investigator in three Australian
She was also a Rhodes Scholar and
Research Council Linkage grants.
120
In 2009 she was awarded a Rising Star Award from UTAS.
If losing your albatross becomes a pain, take two chillies and see us in the morning.
Australian Scientist
As a hub for globally significant research, Tasmania continues to put runs on the board. Our unique, isolated situation and our focus on distinctive research make UTAS one of the top 10 research universities in Australia. In fact, UTAS continues to be recognised for research results that are international in quality and scope, in areas such as Antarctic and marine studies; sustainable primary production; environment; community place and change; population and health; and frontier technologies. For instance, by tracking Shy Albatross juveniles across the Southern Ocean, UTAS researchers are revealing why they are not surviving long enough to breed. Chillies have been flagged by the UTAS School of Human Life Sciences as a replacement for aspirin in the treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A study led by theTasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research has created a “scab-free spud” – using cell selection techniques in the pursuit of the perfect potato. And researchers at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies have discovered that microscopic plants that support the ecosystem are unlikely to survive the predicted warmer winters due to climate change. If you’re interested in the kind of spectacular outcomes that research in a global laboratory test bed can provide, log on to www.research.utas.edu.au or www.utas.edu.au/graduate-research, and to find out more about the Tasmanian research sector, go to www.development.tas.gov.au
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2504
122
10 Young Australian scientists The Australian scientists profiled show that the 20s and 30s can be a time of extraordinary productivity. All were selected by the Australian Academy
Stephen Blanksby, Mass spectrometry
of Science as among the Australians most-likely
Marnie Blewitt, Epigenetics researcher
to make significant global impact in coming
Sean Connelly, Coral reef researcher
years. Most also demonstrate how a youthful
Vanessa Hayes, Professor of genomic medicine
perspective can add significantly to our research
Daniela Rubatto, Earth scientist
capabilities. These are the Australian Academy
Ron Smernik, Soil scientist
of Science’s ten rising stars:
Nicole Webster, Marine scientist James Whisstock, Computational biologist David White, Marine geologist Stuart Wyithe, Astrophysicist
123
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Stephen Blanksby Mass Spectrometry
Blood, sweat, tears … and roofing iron
A good tool has many uses, says Stephen
“We have been trying to understand the molecular
Blanksby, and researchers from a diverse range of
structure of tears,” says Dr Blanksby. “The familiar
disciplines are requesting that the mass spectrometry
‘dry eye’ sensation that some contact lens wearers
unit at the University of Wollongong becomes a part
feel may be associated with the lipids in tears. It’s
of their projects.
exciting research.”
“Mass spectrometry (MS) means being able to
The challenge for the future, according to Dr
identify molecules by their weight,” says Dr Blanksby.
Blanksby, is using MS to the greatest advantage,
“This helps us to understand the molecular structure,
applying techniques that are faster, more accurate and
and can be applied to medical research, where we
more selective than traditional MS in order to derive
can observe very subtle changes in cell membranes
more detailed information about molecular structure
associated with diet, exercise, illness or age.
with ever less sample to analyse.
“Using a related technology, we’ve been able to help
Dr Blanksby completed his PhD in 1999 at the
Australian industry by identifying anti-oxidants in the
University of Adelaide, where he undertook mass
polymer coating of roofing iron and fences,” he says,
spectrometry-based studies of highly unsaturated
“and improving these traditional products to cope with
cumulenes of interest in the interstellar medium.
the harsh conditions found on a typical Australian roof!”
He then took up a postdoctoral appointment at the
Dr Blanksby looks forward to a continuing increase
University of Colorado, Boulder, where he worked on
in MS as a research technique, and is proud to find that
using ion-chemistry and spectroscopy to investigate
researchers trained in Australia find a ready welcome
the reactivity and thermochemistry of peroxyl radicals.
in MS chemical and biological laboratories around
Since his appointment to the University of Wollongong
the world, while the Wollongong team is hopeful of
in 2002, he has made significant contributions to the fields
exporting home-grown technologies.
of ion-molecule chemistry and lipid mass spectrometry.
Dr Blanksby and his team have also been
He has published over 70 papers and was awarded the
collaborating with an Australian visual research
2007 Rennie Medal from the Royal Australian Chemical
institute, which has a particular interest in problems
Institute and the 2009 LeFévre Prize from the Australian
associated with contact lenses.
Academy of Sciences.
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Young Australian Scientists
Marnie Blewitt Epigenetics Researcher
What makes the genes go round
As well as being a young mother, Dr Marnie
regarded as being a real asset in any lab. They think
Blewitt leads a research team in epigenetics. Highlights
about things from different angles to try to get to the
of her career include journal articles, conference
answer. It’s not difficult for an Australian scientist to
presentations, and a number of awards and prizes.
find jobs in science overseas.”
In 2009 she was awarded the l’Oreal Australia For Women in Science Fellowship.
Dr Blewitt is enthusiastic about the daily tasks of the laboratory researcher. “Lab work is really exciting,”
“The Human Genome Project identified 30,000
she says. “It’s fun. It’s one of the reasons why I went
genes making up a human. But how do the genes
into science in the first place. It’s a pleasure not to have
know which human characteristic they cause?
to sit at a computer all day, but to go into a lab and
If similar or identical genes produce quite different
perform physical experiments. That part of science is
results, then the reason must be something outside
really enjoyable.”
the gene sequence,” she says. “This is the exciting field of epigenetics.”
Biology is the basis of Marnie Blewitt’s enthusiasm. People, she says, are wired differently, and her interests
Dr Blewitt took her degree at Sydney University,
and talents lie in the biological sciences. She hopes
and studied in Paris and Oxford before gaining
her research will lead to some fundamental insights
her PhD in 2004. She is currently a Peter Doherty
into how epigenetics controls the expression of the
Postdoctoral Fellow at the Walter and Eliza Hall
genes. It may also have some important application
Institute in Melbourne.
to disease.
She is confident that Australian science is very
“When epigenetics goes wrong it can cause cancer,”
highly regarded overseas. “Even though researchers
she says. “If we can understand the molecular
in Europe or the United States may have access to a
mechanisms, then perhaps we can design targeted
far larger pool of money, Australian researchers are
therapies to treat these tumours in the most effective
seen as being very resourceful,” she says. “They are
ways possible.”
125
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Sean Connelly CORAL REEF RESEARCHER
The numbers of biodiversity
Sharks, corals and no-take fishing zones can
works. The more rigorously we confront models
all be better understood through mathematics, says
with data, the more fruitful that dialogue. It’s when
Sean Connolly.
our data depart unaccountably from our models that
Professor Connolly has an ARC Professorial Fellowship in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University in Townsville.
things get exciting. “This is what sparks major theoretical change in ecology,” he says.
He uses complex mathematical models to understand
As well as having a distinguished record of scientific
the processes that maintain biodiversity on coral reefs.
publication, Professor Connolly has been very active in
His research findings have been published in Nature,
communicating the results of his research to the public
Science and Ecology Letters, among others.
at large, and he has made a number of appearances
“My research group integrates mathematical
on ABC Radio’s The Science Show, as well as many
modelling and empirical work to examine the causes
public forums, newspaper stories, and radio and
of large-scale patterns in marine biodiversity,” he says.
TV appearances. He was one of a team of scientists
“Happily, much of the empirical work is done wearing
who wrote The Townsville Declaration on Coral Reef
a wetsuit on the Great Barrier Reef.”
Research and Management (2002), and has published
Professor Connolly says that modelling is becoming increasingly important in the ecological
other papers on the effects of climate change and terrestrial runoff on the health of the Reef.
sciences, and that in recent decades it has become
Originally from the USA (he obtained his PhD from
increasingly good at maximising the information
Stanford University in 1999, and moved to James
that can be gleaned from data.
Cook University in 2000), Professor Connolly remains
“Today we can link, quantitatively, models of
optimistic about the future of coral reefs.
ecological dynamics with observations collected now
“Australians love the sea, and the reef in particular is
and over the past decades. This allows us to make more
a national icon,” he says. “Reefs worldwide are being
definitive statements about the degree of uncertainty
degraded, but I think we can avoid a catastrophic
associated with our understanding of how things work,
collapse if we manage our effects on climate and our
and with our projections about the future,” he says.
extraction of reef resources.
“The scientific process is a dialogue between
“Many people depend on the reef for their livelihoods,
our perceptions — empirical data — and our pre-
so it’s in our own interest to protect reefs for future
conceptions — our theories about now nature
generations.”
126
Young Australian Scientists
Vanessa Hayes professor of genomic medicine
The science of extremes Vanessa Hayes is a geneticist with an impressive record of laboratory research, but her career has
provides not only a glimpse into humanity’s ancient past
included trekking the Kalahari Desert in search of early
as hunter-gatherers and sheds light into its transition
human genetic characteristics, and encounters with
and expansion as farmers, but will contribute to defining
Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Tasmanian Devil,
human phenotypic characteristics.
for the same purpose.
“Australia is unique in the way it celebrates its
“I like to go to the extremes of science,”
scientists,” says Dr Hayes. “I’ve lived in many
says Dr Hayes. “That’s why I went to Namibia. Africa
countries and Australia is far ahead of the game
holds a vast untapped resource, which we haven’t
when it comes to recognition and public coverage
used or appreciated. Identifying extreme human
for local scientific research.
characteristics is a great way of rapidly advancing
“It is therefore up to us as Australian scientists to
scientific knowledge on the genetic basis to human
utilise these opportunities and relay our message to
adaption and human disease.”
the public,” she says. “If we cannot communicate our
Prostate cancer is a major cause of death in
science to the lay person, then we have ultimately
Australia, but nearly all the sufferers are of European
failed. We need to take responsibility for implementing
extraction, says Dr Hayes. It is African men, she
changes.”
believes, who hold the genetic key and who have the
Now a Conjoint Professor of Medicine at the University
greatest incidence of the disease. She believes that all
of New South Wales, and resident in Sydney, Dr Hayes
populations need to be included in DNA databases.
recently accepted a position as Professor of Genomic
Defining the genomic profile of population diversity
Medicine at the J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego,
will facilitate major breakthroughs in understanding
California. Dr Hayes studied in South Africa, and did a
the origins of multiple complex diseases.
PhD in cancer genetics at the University of Groningen,
In 2010, Dr Hayes travelled thousands of kilometres
Netherlands. She received an Australian-American
through southern Africa and the Kalahari Desert,
Fulbright Professional Scholarship (2009); the Ruth
taking blood samples from poorly defined Khoisan
Stephens Gani Medal for Human Genetics, Australian
(click-speaking) and African Bantu populations. Her
Academy of Science (2008); an Australian Young Tall
work identified the most divergent complete human
Poppy Award for Science (2007); the NSW Premier’s
genomes sequenced to date, including that of Archbishop
Award for Outstanding Cancer Research Fellow (2007);
Desmond Tutu and !Gubi, a Kalahari Bushman.
the BNP Paribas Award for Cancer Genetics (2006); and
This data, published in Nature, provided an additional 1.3
has produced 50 peer-reviewed publications since 1996.
million DNA variations to current databases. This study
127
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Daniela Rubatto Earth Scientist
An enquiring mind amongst the mountains
Daniela Rubatto describes herself as an
to move between Australia and other parts of the
earth scientist who is passionate to find out about
world. Australian science, she says, is extremely
the mountains.
international. Much of her research has been done
“Those great big things on the horizon, how did they
in the western alps of Italy, in the Sikkim Himalaya,
get there? Where do they come from? How long have
and in the interior of Australia. She appreciates what
they been there?” she wonders.
she thinks of as the Australian attitude to scientific
Her main research interest, she says, is in geochronology of metamorphic processes, crustal
research: enjoy it, do not take it too seriously, but be very good at it!
growth and mountain building. In 2002, she
“Although I spend time in the mountains, and
discovered a key geochemical signature in the mineral
I love walking the mountain trails, for my research
zircon in metamorphic rocks that experienced extreme
I do not join extreme field trips, and I do most of my
conditions. This geochemical fingerprint allows the age
‘extreme’ work in the laboratory,” she says. “Life is too
extracted from the mineral to be linked with the pressure
precious, and family keeps me from doing rash things
and temperature that the rocks have experienced, and
or being away too long!”
thus to time the path the rocks have travelled at depth. Dr Rubatto has a particular interest in the mineral zircon, indeed she speaks of it with a surprising fondness. “Zircon never lets you down,” she says. “It’s such a solid material to work with, with so much information contained in it. You can follow millions of years of the Earth’s evolution in zircon, if you just know how to read it. It’s a never-ending puzzle which is a joy to work on!” As a scientist, Dr Rubatto enjoys being able
128
Young Australian Scientists
Ron Smernik soil scientist
Covering a wide range of disciplines
All human activities ultimately depend on water
to a very different purpose,” he says. “The result is
and air, and the soils which are such a vital part of the
a new perspective on an important material.”
economy and the environment.
Australian scientists, says Dr Smernik, have
Ron Smernik’s research is focussed on soil organic
a certain informality, which stands them in good stead.
matter, a soil component that affects the physical,
They are willing to question authorities and orthodoxies,
chemical and biological properties of soil.
and not be over-awed by the reputations which their
“I have problems with the term ‘soil scientist’,” says
international colleagues may have.
Dr Smernik. “It has the effect of putting things into
“Soil science is also vitally important in
one basket. In fact soil science covers a wide range of
our context,” says Dr Smernik. “Australia may
scientific disciplines.”
not be at the forefront of some of the research
The organic matter that Dr Smernik studies gives
endeavours, but in soil science we more than
structure to soil by holding particles of sand, silt and
hold our own. Even though some of the actual
clay together; it reduces soil strength, enabling root
knowledge that we gather is specific to Australia,
penetration; it enhances water holding capacity and
our research skills will be welcome anywhere
water infiltration; it comprises most of a soil’s nitrogen,
in the world.”
and about half of its phosphorus; and is the source of
D r S m e r n i k w a s a w a rd e d t h e Fre d e r i c k
energy and nutrients for the soil microbes. Finally, soil
White Prize (for researchers under the age
organic matter represents a bigger pool of carbon than
of 40, engaged in one of the physical sciences)
terrestrial biomass and atmospheric CO2 combined.
in 2008. He has a PhD in organic chemistry,
Dr Smernik uses innovative nuclear magnetic
and recently was granted an Australian Research
resonance (NMR) technologies to characterise
Council QEII Fellowship to carry out research
soil properties.
at the University of Adelaide on the influence
“My approach has been to adapt standard chemistry methodologies, in particular NMR spectroscopy,
of organic matter on the toxicity and movement of organic pollutants in soils and sediments.
129
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Nicole Webster Marine scientist
Sponges, microbes and managers Dr Nicole Webster loves sponges, whether they
Dr Webster, who says that she was interested
are under the Antarctic ice or blooming on the Great
in science even as a child, obtained a postdoctoral
Barrier Reef.
fellowship at the University of Canterbury. This enabled
“Sponges and microbes play such an important role
her to carry out research through the New Zealand
in the sea. There are more species of microbes in the
Antarctic base on the use of sponges as bioindicators
ocean than anything else,” she says. “Microbes actually
in a polluted marine environment. The good news, she
make up a greater mass than everything else in the
says, is that despite very heavy pollution in some areas,
ocean put together!
the sponges and their related bacteria are thriving.
“Microbes are at the base of the food chain, so every
Dr Webster, as a working scientist and a young
living thing depends on them,” she says. “And they form
mother of three children, regrets that her opportunities
an astonishing range of symbiotic partnerships, such as
to do field work are diminishing.
the relationships which are essential for the survival of marine organisms like corals and sponges.”
“My role now involves far more planning and collating scientific results, even if it’s exciting research
Dr Webster says that although sponges in particular
work,” she says. “The actual experimental work at the
are useful as indicators of marine health, they are often
laboratory bench is mostly done by students. As for
the poor cousins to corals and “rarely on the radar”
getting into a wetsuit and diving on the reef, it doesn’t
of science and natural resource managers. Sponges
happen as much as it used to!”
may comprise up to 60 per cent symbiotic bacteria,
Dr Webster is concerned that important scientific
and the various organisms that make up a sponge are
concepts such as biodiversity and ecosystem services
highly sensitive to changes in the environment such as
have not had the recognition that they deserve from land
pollution or rising temperatures.
and marine managers, while the scientific knowledge
“ We know that the marine ecosystem depends
that underpins these ideas has hugely increased.
on sponges, especially as highly efficient filters,”
“Environmental change is occurring, and the
says Dr Webster. “But what we also know is that
rate of change is a real threat,” says Dr Webster,
the sponges of the Great Barrier Reef begin to fail
“but I remain hopeful that most species, including us,
as organisms when sea surface temperatures reach
will be able to cope.”
33 degrees Celsius. With impending climate change, this has huge significance.”
130
Young Australian Scientists
James Whisstock Computational Biologist
Structural and computational biology Professor James Whisstock has been
and in bioinformatics. We use a very big computing
exploring the fundamental shape and structure of
infrastructure to bring all this together.”
components of the living cell, and how they afffect the
One of the most exciting moments of Professor
activities of pathogens and diseases such as cancer.
Whisstock’s research career came when, after 10
The Whisstock Laboratory at Monash University is
years’ work, he and his team were able to determine
internationally recognised for its groundbreaking
the structure of an important protein family belonging
research into the role of proteases and their inhibitors
to the membrane attack complex/perforin superfamily.
in human diseases.
Human deficiency in these proteins may lead to a
In the arcane world of bioinformatics, genomics and protein biology, Professor Whisstock makes a
number of serious diseases as well as an increased susceptibility to bacterial infection and cancer.
surprisingly simple observation: “Shape is a very
“When we worked out the structure, we could
important thing in biology. If you can see what
see, because of its shape, that it was related to a very
something looks like, you can then understand
ancient family of bacterial toxins,” he says. “Perhaps
how it works. And then you can look at changes or
two billion years have gone by, and here are these
mutations, and how they give rise to deficiencies and
two very powerful weapons. One of them is used
ultimately to disease.”
by bacteria against us, and one we can use against the
Professor Whisstock uses x-ray crystallography,
attack of bacteria. It’s a beautiful irony!”
synchrotron light and advanced super-computing
In 2006 James Whisstock was awarded the
to carry out his basic biological research. His early
Science Minister’s Prize for Life Scientist of the
research focus was on bioinformatics and serpins —
Year, in 2008 the Commonwealth Health Ministers
the latter being a group of proteins able to inhibit the
Award, and in 2010 the Australian Academy
proteases that break down proteins and can lead to
of Science Gottschalk Medal. He is currently an ARC
degenerative disease.
Federation Fellow.
“We are lucky to be working in such an exciting
“Australia is a fabulous environment for science,”
period of science,” he says. “There’s been an explosion
says UK-born Professor Whisstock. “Young,
in data, and the increase in computing power permits
enthusiastic researchers are prepared to take risks
so much more to be revealed from the data. Our lab
and be brave … there’s a great ‘can-do’ aspect
deals in pure biology, in genomics, in crystallography
to Australia.”
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AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
David White Marine geologist
Keeping the oil and gas industry on a secure foundation Even deep under the sea, structures need to
to simulate the conditions at the sea floor, and we use
have a good foundation, especially if they are carrying
scale models of foundations, anchors and pipelines to
oil or natural gas. Professor David White has made a
assess their characteristics and their behaviour under
study of the difficult and challenging science of oil rigs
realistic operating conditions — for example, during
and seabed pipelines. “Pipelines may have to be laid
cyclones.” Professor White is also interested in the
for hundreds of kilometres, at great depths beneath the
unique characteristics of the Australian sea floor, which
sea, and be able to carry gases or oil, often very hot
are quite different to the northern hemisphere, where
and at high pressure,” he says. “The pipelines don’t lie
ancient rocks, glaciers and rushing rivers provide the
still. They wriggle around on the seabed. And they get
sediments that make up the seabed conditions of today.
longer as they get warmer.”
Australian offshore soils are predominantly made from
A problem facing oil and gas operators is finding out just what lies beneath the ocean, along the route of any
soft carbonate minerals, which are the fossil remnants of organisms that lived in our tropical seas.
proposed pipeline. This is particularly a problem off the
He started his career as a lecturer at Cambridge
Australian coast, where the variability is much greater
University, but moved to Australia to become one of
than in oil and gas bearing areas elsewhere in the world.
the youngest professors at UWA in 2007 at the age
Some Western Australian gas fields now being exploited
of 31. In 2010 he received the Anton Hales Medal
lie in water that is 1200 metres deep at the foot of what,
from the Australian Academy of Science, recognising
on land, would be a vast cliff some 100–200km off the
his contribution to Earth sciences. He has more than
northwest coast.Marine geologists can learn a lot about
a hundred published papers, and has received the
the seabed by using seismic methods that measure
Bishop Medal, the Telford Premium, the RM Quigley
shock waves from detonations and other similar
Honourable Mention and the BGA Prize (twice).
techniques, says Professor White, but ultimately there
As well as receiving academic recognition, Professor
is a need to take samples, bring them to the surface,
White’s work has resulted in designs and techniques
and analyse their mechanical properties. “We receive
that are widely used in engineering practice, and he has
samples at our lab in Western Australia, where we use
been called in as a consultant to oil and gas operators
a centrifuge to replicate the in situ strength of the soil,”
based in London, Houston and Norway.
says Professor White. “We can ramp up the effective gravity within the centrifuge to 200G. This enables us
132
Young Australian Scientists
Stuart Wyithe Astrophysicist
Back to the Big Bang
Astrophysicist Stuart Wyithe has a
In 2009 he was awarded the Academy’s prestigious
better idea than most about what happened at the
Pawsey Medal for Physics. The citation for this award
very beginning. Astronomy, says Professor Wyithe,
stated that he made “outstanding contributions to
is a cooperative science. The people who make
cosmology, and to our understanding of the likely
observations work closely with the people who try to
structure of the universe as the first stars formed, with
model and interpret them, and he, although he is an
work on the birth of black holes, stars and galaxies”.
astronomer, never actually uses a telescope. The raw
Professor Wyithe says that, although astronomy
materials for his research are numbers, and his tools
has no immediate or predictable commercial rewards,
are normal desk-top computers.
there are occasional unexpected spin-off products
“My main interest is in the first galaxies,” he says. “These are literally the first galaxies formed. We have
such as the Wi-Fi technology patented by CSIRO in 1992.
developed a very good picture of the Universe before
“But the most important spin-off is in terms of
galaxies existed, just three hundred thousand years
training,” he says. “We train a lot of students, and my
after the Big Bang.
students have moved into climate modeling, geothermal
We also have many observations of galaxies as they
research, meteorology and many other very different
existed from a billion years after the Big Bang right down
fields, because they have had a technical training which
to today. However, as yet, we have no observations of
is very transferable.”
the Universe during the important in-between period,
Professor Wyithe is confident that most people find
when the galaxies were forming. Astronomers refer to
science inherently interesting, and most young people
this time as the Dark Ages.”
find it exciting. In recent decades the style of research
After taking a physics degree followed by postdoctoral
has changed with the increase in computing power,
study in astrophysics at Melbourne University,
but there is still an important place for curiosity-driven
Professor Wyithe left Australia to do research at
science.
Princeton University. In 2001 he was awarded a Hubble Fellowship to Harvard. When he returned to Australia he took the position of Australian Research Council Queen Elizabeth II Fellow at the University of Melbourne.
133
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik Associate Professor Biochemistry Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine Associate Professor Sonya
also contributed to the body of
“Validation of novel biomarkers for
Marshall-Gradisnik is one of
knowledge relating to the effect
CFS/ME”.
Australia’s foremost emerging
of doping in sport and she serves
re s e a rc h e r s s p e c i a l i s i n g i n
as Sports Medicine Australia’s
Gradisnik
the area of neuroimmunology
national spokesperson.
collaborating with a number
and has been instrumental in
The vital research conducted
establishing the Public Health and
by Associate Professor Marshall-
Neuroimmunology Unit (PHANU)
Gradisnik has attracted more than
at Bond University.
$1.2 million in grant funding and
Associate Professor Marshallis
currently
or researchers, including: • D r
Donald
Staines,
Queensland Health Southern Area Population Health
Much of her work relates
she has produced 32 peer-reviewed
• P r o f e s s o r N a n c y K l i m a s ,
specifically to immunological
papers, five book chapters and two
Miller School of Medicine,
dysfunction in Chronic Fatigue
provisional patents.
University of Florida, USA
Syndrome sufferers and she
Associate Professor Marshall-
is regularly asked to speak to
Gradisnik was recently awarded
community groups on behalf of
funding of $555,000 through
Queensland Health and NSW
the 2009-2011 Queensland
• Professor Herbert Meisleman,
Health. Her research in the area
Government Smart State Science
K eck School of Medicine,
of exercise immunology has
Research Grant for a project titled
Los Angeles, USA.
• P r o f e s s o r O g u z B a s k u r t , University
of
Antalya,
Turkey
Dr Patrick Warnke Professor of Surgery Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine Dr
an
leading institutions worldwide
internationally-renowned stem
Pa t r i c k
Wa r n k e
is
who are focussed on developing
cell researcher and plastic surgeon
technologies that will enable
who created world headlines
patients to use their own bodies as
years to teaching through lectures,
after leading a research team
“bio-reactors” to grow replacement
clinical skills training and thesis
that succeeded in ‘growing’ a
bones and organs.
supervision, winning an award
new jawbone for a cancer sufferer
Dr Warnke continues his role
in 2006 for the Best Student
using the patient’s own stem cells.
in this groundbreaking medical
Lectures of the Year within the
The jaw was the first larger tissue
field, drawing Bond University’s
Medical Faculty of the Christian
engineered body part to be grown.
Fa c u l t y o f Health Sc ien c es
Albrecht University in Germany.
In 2007, Dr Warnke launched the revolutionary MyJoint program in
and Medicine into the global MyJoint collaboration.
Germany — a cutting edge tissue-
In addition to Dr Warnke’s
engineering network comprising
extensive research and publication
researchers and practitioners from
portfolio, he has devoted many
134
A s Pro f e s s o r o f S u rg e r y , he also designed the new surgical curriculum for Bond’s medical students.
Australian Scientist
BOND UNIVERSITY
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
SPECIALIST RESEARCH
135
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Professor David Adams Health Innovations Research Institute Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Pro f e s s o r D a v i d A d a m s i s
Award from the American Heart
a bid to find new treatments for
Director of the Health Innovations
Association. He is currently the
chronic and neuropathic pain.
Research Institute (HIRi) at
elected President of the Australian
RMIT University. The theme
Physiological Society.
Backed by a $1.4 million Australian Research Council
of the RMIT Health Innovations
Professor Adams’ most recent
grant, Professor A dams and
Research Institute is “translating
research involved the potential
his team work with one of
fundamental science into better
for toxins produced by cone
the world’s leading cone snail
health outcomes”.
snails to better control the
experts, Professor Frank Mari,
Professor Adams has received
chronic pain suffered by one in
at Florida Atlantic University.
a Muscular Dystrophy Association
five Australians of working age.
The collaboration with Mari
of
He
means RMIT can now broaden
America
Po s t d o c t o r a l
leads
the
university’s
Fellowship; a Grass Fellowship
investigation
venom
its investigation beyond Australian
in Neurophysiology, Marine
peptides, the cocktail of agents
species. The team also works
Biological Laboratory, Woods
in cone snail venom that paralyses
with researchers in the University
Hole, USA; a Beit Memorial
prey. His team focuses on isolating
of Calgary and a group based
Fellowship for Medical Research,
peptides that target particular
in Belgium.
U K ; a n d a B ro n z e S e r v i c e
receptors in the pain pathways in
into
Jason Seris Graduate Leadership Development Program Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology American leadership program. Seris
Jason Seris, an RMIT University
recently
for the Joint Strike Fighter.
graduated
Over the five-year program,
with a Bachelor of Engineering
he will complete five rotations
(Aerospace), first-class honours,
across Rolls-Royce sites. Potentially,
and undertook his internship
he may find himself working in
as part of the RMIT International
Washington DC, Singapore, Tokyo
Industry Experience and Research
and at the company’s headquaters
Program
in Derby, UK.
(RIIERP).
He
is
now joining the Graduate
Australia is a leading partner
Leadership Development Program
in the Joint Strike Fighter
with the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter
program, and Seris and his fellow
Engine Team.
RMIT interns are making a vital
graduate, has become the first
The Fighter Engine Team is
contribution to the development of
Australian to be chosen for
developing the F136, the world’s
the F136 engine, which will power
Rolls-Royce’s prestigious North
most advanced combat engine,
that aircraft.
136
Australian Scientist
mitch S1710
GLOBALLY CONNECTED, LOCALLY RELEVANT Research with Global Impact With projects addressing issues of concern at local, national and international levels, RMIT promotes ingenuity and creativity to achieve maximum impact.
to enhance European understanding and engagement with the region, tackling vital issues such as the future of cities, people mobility, border security and climate change.
Ground-breaking success in areas including nanotechnology, engineering, aerospace, complementary medicine and ICT, demonstrate the University’s capacity to make its mark in research and innovation. RMIT research focuses on issues of global importance and encourages collaborative approaches, innovative solutions, and timely and relevant outcomes that benefit society.
Throughout the University, multi-disciplinary projects are carried out in close collaboration with RMIT’s research institutes, other Australian and international universities, industry, government and partner organisations.
The new European Union Centre at RMIT will build bridges with Europe to tackle the complex, difficult problems that impact the way we live. The Centre uses RMIT’s strong links with Asia
>
With globally recognised researchers supported by state-ofthe-art facilities, RMIT offers exceptional opportunities for postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers. For more information visit www.rmit.edu.au/programs/researchprograms
137
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Professor Tim Smith Sustainability Research Centre University of the Sunshine Coast
Professor Tim Smith is a leading
adapt to future climate conditions.
Theme of the National Climate
researcher in the fields of climate
Professor Smith is currently leading
Change Adaptation Research
change adaptation and coastal
the Adaptive Capacity Theme in a
Facility Network on Marine
management and Director of the
similar climate change adaptation
Biodiversity and Resources, and
Sustainability Research Centre at
project for South East Queensland,
the Adaptive Learning Theme of
University of the Sunshine Coast.
which represents Australia’s single
the CSIRO Coastal Cluster. Prior
Along with his research partners he
largest integrated climate adaptation
to his appointment at USC he was
was awarded the 2009 Australian
research initiative at the regional
a senior research scientist with
Museum Eureka Prize for Innovative
scale, and involves the Queensland
the CSIRO. He also led the social
Solutions to Climate Change. The
and Australian governments,
science portfolios of two national
award was based on research he
the CSIRO Climate Adaptation
research centres (Coastal and
jointly led with representatives
National Research Flagship, the
Catchment Hydrology CRCs).
from the Sydney Coastal Councils
University of Queensland and
Group, WWF and the CSIRO
Griffith University. He is also
that assessed Sydney’s ability to
currently leading the Communities
Professor Abigail Elizur GeneCology Research Group University of the Sunshine Coast
Professor Abigail Elizur is a
of the Sunshine Coast to become
Researchers are examining the
leading researcher in the field
an important contributor to the
impact of temperature variations
of aquaculture biotechnology.
Australian Seafood Cooperative
on Atlantic salmon breeding stock
She was awarded the University
Research Centre and other major
of different ages in Tasmania
of the Sunshine Coast’s Vice-
research.
in a bid to improve the survival rate
Chancellor’s Medal for Research
Among Professor Elizur’s current
in 2009 for her involvement in
projects is one aimed at “climate-
Prior to her appointment with
a number of major aquaculture
proofing” Tasmania’s $270 million
USC in 2005, Dr Elizur was
research projects, particularly the
salmon aquaculture industry. This
a senior research scientist with
world-first spawning of southern
project, led by Griffith University in
the Queensland Department of
bluefin tuna in captivity.
of eggs.
partnership with USC and Salmon
Primary Industries and Fisheries
Professor Elizur’s expertise
Enterprises of Tasmania, has
and Head of the Fish Reproduction
in fish reproductive physiology
received funding from the federal
Department at Israel’s National
and advancing genetic studies using
government’s Fisheries Research
Centre for Mariculture.
genomics has enabled University
and Development Corporation.
138
Australian Scientist
Forestry project targets climate change
USC’s climate change research received a boost in May with a $300,000 federal government grant to assess how fast-growing tropical hardwood trees can be better used to combat climate change.
It will enhance the forestry sector’s knowledge of tropical trees adapted to drought, and enable the sector to participate in ground-breaking sustainable carbon pollution reduction schemes.
The large collaborative project—involving USC, CSIRO Plant Industries, and Agri-Science Queensland— establishes the group as the major tropical forestry research provider for Australia in addressing climate change.
The grant from the government’s Forest Industries Climate Change Research Fund was for the Forestry Adaptation and Sequestration Alliance project.
The project will assess the drought adaptation and carbon sequestration rates (the rates at which trees absorb carbon from the air) in tropical hardwood plantations.
Project leader Dr David Lee is Associate Professor of Plant Genetics at USC and a Senior Principal Research Scientist with Agri-Science Queensland in the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.
visit www.usc.edu.au/research University of the Sunshine Coast
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
Tel: 07 5430 1234
Fax: 07 5430 1111
CRICOS Provider Number: 01595D 139
Conference
140
11Future science Bob Williamson
Most scientists are inspired by the excitement of discovering new things. This has been true for the whole of human history. The joy of working out the explanation for the force of gravity, the special law of relativity, the periodic table, the double helix, or telomeres, is extraordinary. Most scientists know moments of great excitement, even though few of us will shine as brightly in the constellation of science as Newton or Mendeleev, Einstein or Crick, Franklin or Watson, or Elizabeth Blackburn. Until quite recently, science was performed
find opportunities overseas, while equally
by small, elite groups in one place, usually one
accomplished scientists from other places come
university, one city, one country. During the
to live and work here. No country, however
past 50 years, science has become a global
rich, has every facility in every subject, and
enterprise. Australian scientists now live and
Australia has focused on some fields (such as
work all over the world, and most leading
astronomy and immunology, to name but two)
scientific teams are international, made up of
in which it is particularly strong.
collaborators from many countries. We used to speak of the “brain drain” when
A world view of the value of science is now found worldwide. Australia needs science if it
a scientists left their home country to live
is to survive as a prosperous country. To this
and work in another, but now we think of
end, it is vital that Australia nurtures engagement
a “brain balance”, where some Australians
and participation in the global science effort.
141
Australian SCIENTISTS
We have a relatively liberal visa and citizenship
supporting early-career scientists to achieve
policy for scientists from other countries
work-life balance alongside a career in science.
who want to carry out research here, but
But is science only for the scientists?
should remain vigilant in practice to minimise
Let’s consider the big issues facing governments
employment barriers. We must introduce
throughout the world. First and foremost,
our own scientists to the international science
climate change, global warming and energy
“When is it ethical to use embryonic stem cells? Are genetically modified foods harmful, or helpful?” arena early in their careers. Some lucky ones
policy. Science stories appear every day in the
are selected to mingle with Nobel laureates
media, but which are true? Can we be skeptical
and thousands of budding scientific elite from
without becoming foolish? How much “margin
around the world at meetings like the one at
of error” is there, and who corrects errors if
Lindau on Lake Constance in Germany in 2010.
they are made? Perhaps more importantly,
We must also ensure that scientists who
how do we ensure that politicians and public
leave Australia to work in other countries keep
servants have enough scientific knowledge
in contact and are in our minds when new
(or can get independent, evidence-based
initiatives are funded at home. After their
information from scientists) to make informed
years abroad, they will return with new and
policy and planning decisions?
different approaches that will help to renew and invigorate Australian science.
What of other issues? When is it ethical to use embryonic stem cells? Are genetically modified
Promoting flexible and sustainable career
foods harmful, or helpful? Is the population
paths for our early career scientists will help
growing at an unsustainable rate? Is nuclear
to ensure that ongoing science capability is
power safe? These debates CANNOT cannot
available to tackle the big issues and drive our
be held without those involved having some
nation’s future. Improving mobility between
level of scientific knowledge. Because of this,
research, university, industry and government
education in the principles of science is a matter
sectors, valuing alternative science-based careers
for everyone, not just for scientists.!
outside of academia, and providing career
Australia is fortunate: we have a wonderful
re-entry opportunities for young scientists who
education system. There has been an increasing
experience interruptions or discontinuity in
emphasis on attending university and about a
their research efforts all go a long way toward
third of Australians now study at one of the
142
Medical Research
30 or so Australian universities, most of which
growing expectation that in future a top-ranking
offer strong science courses. By 2020 I predict
public servant, school principal, politician or
this will rise to 50 per cent, a remarkable
industrialist is likely to have a doctorate.
increase when you consider that a mere
If a doctorate is to be the best qualification for
50 years ago only about 3 per cent of people
any senior appointment, we must ensure that
went on to higher education. In total, there
every PhD is not only trained in depth in his or
are now almost 200,000 students who study
her own subject, but also has a broad knowledge
undergraduate science, engineering, agriculture
of teamwork, media, finance, mentoring and
or information technology in Australian
human relations. Australian universities are
universities. Universities offer exciting new
now responding by ensuring that most PhD
courses combining science with arts or law
students have the opportunity to choose courses
or engineering, creating pathways for a new
that provide these leadership skills.
generation of highly qualified and scientifically literate graduates in a range of professions. However, undergraduate education is only the
For those who are passionate about science, joining the scientific workforce is an important decision. The salaries are not great for junior
beginning. In 2010, anyone aspiring to a career
researchers (although they improve as you
in scientific research would be expected to have
progress). The hours are long, and there is little
a PhD. It is remarkable that about 4000 people
job security, particularly in the university sector.
get PhDs from Australian universities in science,
However, in return, a scientist experiences the
“In future a top-ranking public servant, school principal, politician or industrialist is likely to have a doctorate.” engineering and medicine each year. A doctorate
joy of facing new challenges every day and the
used to be training for a career in research,
reward of solving them using skills that are
usually in a research-oriented university, or
essentially personal, in the knowledge that his
with CSIRO or in a medical research institute.
or her work is a contribution to the future of
Now, however, a PhD trains a young woman
Australian science and the global science effort.
or man for any job that requires a high level
For many scientists, these privileges are
of intelligence combined with the ability to
combined with the wonderful moments of
create, follow and complete a plan of research
participating in the excitement of discovery,
or study. Most students who get a PhD do not
of being at the frontiers of knowledge and
finish up as “boffins” any longer. There is a
blazing new intellectual trails.
143
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Australian innovation patent advantage Ignore it at your potential peril By Caroline Bommer and Peter Treloar
The Facts: In addition to “standard” patents, the Australian patent system offers a unique form of protection called the “innovation patent”. The term of an innovation patent is eight years
“best of both worlds” and thereby strengthen their
compared to 20 years for a standard patent. However,
IP position.
unlike a standard patent, an invention claimed in
The lack of an obviousness test provides a great
an innovation patent does not have to pass the
opportunity for patentees to take advantage of our
test for “inventive step” — rather, it must meet the
innovation patent as a powerful strategic property in its
(lower) test for “innovative step”. Further, in certain
own right and/or to maximise their advantage during
circumstances, it is possible to file innovation patents
litigation. Such was the case in Dura-Post (Aust) Pty
from standard patents and vice versa. With astute
Ltd v Delnorth Pty Ltd [2009] FCAFC 81, where
management, therefore, a patentee can avail of the
the Full Federal Court recently decided to uphold a
144
Australian Scientist
145
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
trial judge’s decision that an innovation patent was not subject to an obviousness test, but rather to the substantially weaker “innovative step” test being something peculiar to Australian jurisprudence. In the Dura-Post case, relating to the simple subject matter of elastically deformable roadside posts, the patentee had filed multiple divisional innovation patents from a standard patent and successfully sued on the innovation patents. The successful innovation patent claims each defined a new, but arguably non-inventive, combination of known features. However, the court concluded,
formalities review. They need not be examined
based on evidence, that in each case the claimed
substantively unless and until the patentee wishes
difference over the prior art, while small, did provide
to establish enforceable rights. In this way, they can
a substantial or “real” contribution to the working of
be both powerful and flexible, as it is clear from this
the invention and as such passed the threshold test.
latest case that minor points of distinction disclosed
The implications and recommendations
within the specification may be sufficient to establish patentable rights. For the same reasons, it is difficult to accurately predict the potential scope of granted but unexamined
The absence of an obviousness test allows
innovation patents of third parties. This arguably
applicants to potentially obtain protection for
provides an added incentive for applicants to attempt
more marginal developments and/or obtain broader
to dominate particular market sectors through
rights for an invention in Australia than would be
innovation patents.
possible in nearly all other jurisdictions. As such,
However, it is worth noting that the innovation patent
we would encourage potential applicants to consider
regime appears to be at odds with one of IP Australia’s
innovation patents as an adjunct to a standard
stated goals — aligning Australian patentability
patent application in order to obtain a fast-to-grant
standards with those of other major jurisdictions such
right with potentially broader claims. They should
as Europe and the US. Such policy considerations
also be considered as an adjunct or alternative for
may give rise to a substantive review or revision of the
developments that would normally at best be protected
regime in due course, although any resultant changes
via the useful, but limited, registered designs regime.
would almost certainly not have retrospective effect.
Importantly, many applicants are already doing this. It
Meanwhile, based on the law as it presently
is undoubtedly preferable to be the holder of innovation
stands, our recommendation is to take full advantage
patents in your particular IP space, than trying to
of the significant strategic and commercial
operate around competitors’ rights, which may prove
benefits that innovation patents currently provide. Your
to be unexpectedly broad and difficult to successfully
competitors may already be doing just that!
challenge. Innovation patents proceed to “grant” after a basic 146
12 Who’s who The Academy’s affairs are conducted by a council of 17 Fellows, elected at the Annual General Meeting, that meets five times each year. It includes the seven-member Executive Committee and other Council members.
Executive Committee of Council President: Professor Suzanne Cory Professor, Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Secretary (Physical Sciences): Professor Peter Hall ARC Federation Fellow and Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne
Secretary (Biological Sciences): Professor Graham Farquhar Professor of Environmental Biology and Associate Director, Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University
Secretary (Science Policy): Professor Bob Williamson Honorary Senior Principal Fellow and Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne
Secretary (Education and Public Awareness): Professor Jenny Graves Director, Australian Research Council Centre for Kangaroo Genomics Head, Comparative Genomics Research Group, Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University 147
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
Foreign Secretary: Professor Andrew Holmes Laureate Professor, School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne CSIRO Fellow, CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies
Treasurer: Professor Michael Dopita Emeritus Professor, Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Australian National University
Council members Professor Andy Gleadow Professor of Earth Sciences, School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne
Professor Chris Goodnow ARC Federation Fellow and Chief Scientific Officer, Australian Phenomics Facility, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University
Professor Doug Hilton FAA, Principal Research Fellow, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne
Professor Richard Hobbs Australian Professorial Fellow, School of Plant Biology, University of Western Australia
Professor Chennupati Jagadish ARC Federation Fellow and Distinguished Professor, Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Research School of Physics and Engineering, Australian National University
Professor Yiu-Wing Mai University Chair, Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Director, Centre for Advanced Materials Technology, School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Sydney
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Who’s Who
Dr Oliver Mayo Honorary Research Fellow, CSIRO Livestock Industries, South Australia
Professor Hugh Possingham ARC Federation Fellow, Professor and Director, The Ecology Centre, University of Queensland
Professor Michelle Simmons ARC Federation Fellow and Professor, Centre for Quantum Computer Technology, University of New South Wales
Professor Mark von Itzstein ARC Federation Fellow, Professor and Director, Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University
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FOCUS copy to come
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INDEX
Index
mi, omnisitiam quaturi buscilitis etur? Quiam, coriosae nem nihicimus dolupta tempore, ut estium, tem dolutas sam et, quatio moloresed quidest pore nonsere, verferem que nonsecta sam, simet atias quiam que deligenditam quas dundicaerio. Doluptiust ipsus dolliatis quuntur? Obit aboreris plia nos que volorec aepellabore, voluptatur sitatemqui repro dolut ommoluptas aut lam ulpari dis ab imporpo repratecum volo mos mi, sit accaborro eveles velluptatur? Posapic temporecea quibus es debit voluptaeptam auditem ipsunt, sum aciatis ciisquam as ex et harit que non cusa dolupta quissitate lit quam, sequidebis ditat. Invelique sim es audipsa ndessit atiasperibus eosandanda sequiate net aute reria corecta consequi utatemp oreptatus rerectis esto delitae qui resti blaboritiam nos excersp eliatem venimi, il moloria vidi sim venimpos aut aut estrunt a digenim lati cum in es dollorit, officate nectur, sequostios eiust, volupta corem idunt que dolest, vent.
Uciandit pro omnimil iument. Aceaquam vent magnatur? Gendis de cum etur, incides rehenda dis et et ea nos assi to dit voluptatia doloritas evelianda voloriorae nihitate magnima gnimeni simagnatus doluptatquam sequi dit as molum ad modi volupta tatene ea nonsent. Dictiaecae. Neque pro bea nos et eicimus tiiscipsunde re, odiatur, se nosandi oreped utem quos sunt faccae prem enihilignam quuntiossi ut omnim ex eventumquia nos sunt ut aspe derferuptat harchitem fugitat aut laute volupit vitatur? Lest et officatum que exeres nos solum is magnis rerfernam same pa dolupietus, quate derro tectecto doluptaeped molupta tiaspere pos con conseque volorest, venimaximet utaturi oreperum ex ex eicipidesto exerumque ea que mos volor moloren istota posOvitaspitat. Hilicab orehenim vel incius, ex ex enes sa que volorep erumque prorem sam eossunt et endae. Is dolores totate rero intessi nullecus, tecto eos elique voluptaspel molorem sus.
Bus eos moluptatet officia doluptur am, qui cor aliciusda venis cum eum inveriatia velesen danist aut aut omnis inveriae nonseniaspid et autem re consecate postrum liquodi pictis ist odi omnistotae quas enis etur seditat estissitat qui offictur repelendel inverum enistis qui necabor estions equiand aercimus. To et ut ut eatio volor si non porem fugit verae nostinv enihillum que cus ma que sitas quis volorrore perchilique venisquidit, totatio rrovide ssinum voluptis alit, tem erit voles ut premo blaborempori idesequo exeroviducim antiam, conem velliquas sanimus, sitae volorro maion pre sim quibus, quia numet, consequatium inullit aut et hiliquia et as ma si dis as aut voluptaturi ra dolorestem verchiti veliatemque ma dolende mquam, sunt qui doloren debisi qui omnis dolupta tionsed icabo. Ut facere corepre, con ne pa consedi taectur archili ciaspidit occab ide dolore et et is sinum cum fuga. Rios ex est et vid ut landi natio. Ehendi doluptatur, sam am rem venet ipsum ne numendandae numNus as151
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audae nonse dolla conse aut litiae. Aritis eatemporis quiberrunt harchit ligniet volla num ea aute vendit qui berum volestota volut ent et diciis et ad untion ra parum qui velecus voluptibust que nonsectiist, sam rae eatioritis eos ea ducilitatur aspidem olorepr aeprovidi volorecus ma prem. Busante doluptasi ut ipis aliquosa sequias cuscien daest, aliquam ut ilit officillab id quam faci solupta tionsed min consequation por audis il mil magnam harum unt fuga. Boremporest inverum aliquaestrum quam aut ped qui doluptur maximus dolupta spedit pratio exerum simaximuscit pratur? Quidebitior anda quam, nonse volupis eos eaquo voluptae quatquo eaquia volupta qui ullabor epudam, aut volore porro optature, con exerciti dolora autem vendae volorerum repro et vid ullabo. Itate corrovid maximil incimolorem fuga. Et offici cuptat. Xero molore num quam volent. Dit, adissit ut optatectate nam, tem laboria delestiis aut omnim eum aut hitatum reicti acearum accusae ctionseque nectem laut moluptatus molore sinto corum fugitem arcidi dolupta sperum susam, sunt eum ut quatium a natationse sum de lantibusae sit etur, consequis sit prerumque quunt duciet et lant quid entibus aliquati nosanda seque apis quias idel invenis eaquibus aciunde ped qui venda in cuptatecus rererer atiatque modi odit es non pa explici llorepta del eos pa volor atquissin proraepro erum velesequi con repuda doluptatene et optatib eaquodit omnimporit magnamet evenditiis es eictatem quam eaquas sum que perferum alique porem re nis magnima gnihic tem dit eum, qui utatemo loreic tectore mporeribus aut pro dolo eicias estis am quae commolo reptatque nat. Exercip iendis audaesequis entemporro cuptasp isinci dolupid erchillaci re omnihil mi, sunt, omnihil itature stiorum endero eici dis quo dit pore,
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simperf ercium rerit eniscitisqui te et que in nus inulparibus ni nimo od quas as non eium deliscia prorum nulpa voluptatur aut porro qui occabor iaepel inimusa cum, sa volesse quidel mo blant, sant omnihit magnit estiund igendae. Ximusci culpa sinis moluptat haruptatur min pos nonsed ulparibus dollantem re dolorehenit re laceatiusam vel in ratur aciam sus deliti bernatibus vere, con et alit undi dellame aut experci rest autempor sunt aute omni dolor re, sum vel maximus et es que num fugit laborpo rruptat uribusa nditate vel moluptas estiber chitisto velestis doluptae remquibus dis id eos remo tet fugiae vit inim que si unt duntia dolo es eveles quat. Et omnissit omniti dent fuga. Am quia delitatur autassini nimo il et ent offic tet aliquiae quiamenti tentia quos comnim fugia consequi offictate voluptas autem aboresequat porpossit adiatiunt dolupictiat pe isi apis rehendus et porumquam etur, que es aut esent lacessim quodit ea quoditatur aut landaerio blant posa non nus et faccabo. Cim conseque pore dus aut et eat. Vid ut eos quia quam et officient aborror epudia cumenim doluptatiore aspel modia ipienes et ut eserem desto modit qui conet harit, cuptas dolest aut dust, quam qui suntiam endiate aut que prepre explaborest, ut veri reptatiorpor alis et lacitio quas culluptiae simo dia que vendandis et quist est pliquis am conseque quam, conet ad ut esedicia nullaccaepe de nonsequam, quam, ullam quiam quis sa volentis volorrum harciis dolesenecum sinti doluptatur reprorunte netur assum assitat emolest iorrum laborup tatius. Elent. Omnisci issimossi aut de et as doluptati vel idellab oriorio offic torem repera dolorum et a nonem nis ressint, occuptaquam adia dolendae velessequo idite lamendiscias nonsendi delenim inusci nim ratus eatium
harumqui voloreceped quam voloria versperate is as sit officimpos que aceri id que quo et evenimus, corectem qui te nullate ssusdae pernam is eaquatia que nam serspel itatur? Otatatem rempelentur, esed maio doluptatem qui blaut vendic tem quia ad quos nimagnate rem exeriae prores as alicim voloria nosti ut odipissunt volum, con nam consequis abor am haruptur aut doloren ihicil ipid etus saperibus adi ute discil et, ventum dente voluptibus sam aut est, ipicia id mint volendi nonsequi odi odia iume autem laborum recepre, tet dendunt ionest aut utem. Nequame re evendis inus et lationsequi iundunti vellige ntendis et il min porem coribea nist, serum quiae. Namet pre que occaectatur, ut labo. Itatios essectio tenderi taeptae debitaquas sus apisquunt fugit laccabo. Uptation con peroris tecearum alitate velest, si ut ilit viditinusam fugit everaes aut auta cum quat etur? Niendanti occae rem as dolorio ribusam, temporrum ea dolumquibus maio. Loribere optissimus, sitem quaspere sequi cuptati in proresed quam vollabo ritatqui te vendunt ioreptatest, sequi re magnis voluptati optium etus doluptur? Pudici voluptatem experio blaute occuscia ereriorit magnima ionsed minis delibust esequid qui berum eos molut quis ditatque opta similiquo bla doluptatur aut et, occum volupta spicti dia autaquame voluptur, quidi nimi, omnimaio invelectus, te volum labo. Que cone pe consequost quassim poreiunt porumenis moluptas quaes excesequi quam ium dolorit, soluptu repernatur sam, quo opta cullecusam faccus nem quae voluptaero tem utemoluptus sunt acercipsunt qui que atiis am sit hiliquias volum dolest, quibus volendantium aborum qui di omnit que consequatia sit moluptis por ad ut ut autem dunt, que nonesequat arum quod mos et veni quiati
INDEX
occusant, con rehenis prem. Ovit es alitia et hil mo quos seque ma vellaccus coratios as sime maximolupta delis sitis eiciam, que cor soluptatio ius et idebit ea percimus min consedis es dolupta quunt. Ibusam entium, ipiende pro blam hitioressim ipsunt moluptiis denimi, aut aniet, ut autatiniste cus vellabo reperch illuptatem la debitam illenit, qui doluptus ut lam, que eatus porro conseque sincti comnimpor aut estis as repudiam nem facerum nonsecerum es et ex exero volorpo ritaepe lendem ut postrum ut laccus ad quodit unti ipient quibus, quia debis exceroresti bla illaut rectiatquo maxim fugiaspernat omnis dessintis volorerum, sus am et volupta tquiasp erchit laciasperum initas magnimo digenihit, eosam aut plab in est eossi bea nonse volor sum qui qui accate ad quaspedis ipsant parum ipsus nat liquia nem ut rest, sed quas sint dolorrum nectatur rem volor sollent es essime alist, im cus. Et, nus simossumquam quodit eium suntoreped et eius arum ut accus nat apiet que se consed quae. Hicipid ullaut facim nonet faccaturepre numquibusa destio quis quo con coribeatem qui nonemol uptati si ant. Minimus autet ut iligenem qui con eaqui tem remperum lat ratus expe nienia peliae. Ut elibus deliciet quias delliqui doluptus et arcium explit uteniamet est, autem voluptius minverupti id quo quidebis arit utem quatur res excepelest iumque imo voluptio berum aut as eaquas eicimi, cullam fugiam, endusap iendae nusandit asperib usdam, nonecer eprehen ditatem ilia dit as adi ut dolenim incimossequi volendi tiorescia quistor iatiosae nimus magnien digent venti omnim endiass imincti tota idus eatis eritiassi omnis et ero volupta temolorehent min pro elest ut occatur? Doluptatem illorat endiciuria ius exerum rernatem faces aut quiaeribust, nonempe rionseque ipis eturem ut
hicae commolesti verovid magnatur as res doluptium suntem est et elit id maximus im quat ulparionsed quis eiundis comnita volores es dolupta volo que endus, tecepe iunt et laccatur? Qui unt. Fic to od estet, siminci tempore hentur? Quides ea con poreium esto quis nis doles consercim verem esti reprenis doluptae libeaquos expelendebis inciet aut re, ut et et, omnis arcit res elit quas alitae ea ne cusam si aut maioreium faceped itaque vernam adit, il maximin ienienda eaque veles ut aniet, nihicimenim dolo temolor aut oditatetur? Esenistinum es el et ut dolorempere quidelignam dolest harchic testis et exped qui repudi dest pari sa imagnim re dolesti omnienis doluptat landam ipsam est modignis sument dolo moluptur sunt quis a adit, ommodi to cusciet repersp erchitat restiorit ullesto occaborempe nonsend untusandi disqui idit, sus quia ipsum unt, omniatis im rem et libus debitia quia dolor autem cor magnimilit quaturem nonsera epudita voluptatis etur aut officae occus ullorib eatiasin poreper undipsumquod earum restios des ut ratempo repudit ut erumque reprovitibus eatiorio quaepudi alitatus, sapis velestiononse quae eritetur? Qui quas doluptate cum fuga. At harum que ent, con pratet vitatum sae siminienet quo quibeariore ende comnihic tor siminim sa si volorem ipsanis minvenis qui blab il inum rehenim agnisin usanit voluptae et adis modist, optur sinum et la dolor molese pa con nam sum ipicitempos moluptat. Evenime veni doluptatus ario. At autem dis seniet lab ipsusae cores adio de atquasit aut ad quas quis coristrum et pro que omnis eium faccum, andandenis eos incte rectatat event adit occabor a que nis aute verum es dolupta sperum fugit eatem apeliqu aecesequi dolore inis re, inciasi tasperistium sum que voluptus estrum
expel earum quiatinci odi dolenihilit volorero intios int volent ut arum aut lite es nos as pratet, suntur as ad exernam naturissitae la velique parumquid ulla vella qui demoluptam quo enem qui remqui delest, odiae pario quunt labo. Uptat. Undae nis de nonsed ut ium volorpo rerovidunt aut minis sime nient exerspe diciantis disti venis volorem vollacc ullupti aecupit que niminimus, od quatatq uasperit laborae volestem faccupt aspersp elique volupis is enis rernate adi aute venim sequid quiat accum reius volende mperibust aut quatem faccati beatur? Derio eos eum et, optatur, odi volore vit od quunt, ut andite neceratiam rest, quiae dolut assin raturis nobit omnit maiost, consendionem et pelectur? Volorer ovidebis secto quis et ut unt enimus, quodi dolutat. Antiumq uiamet eum fuga. Adiscid qui dolo molor siniaernamus dendit volo exerio odicid mollition nest maximag nihicia volor mosae es venis aut harum que ped quiaero etus, qui ut faccabo. Ut eiumque remquibus endandaectem volo mincto blabo. Equis et eseque entotatem ad ulpari comniendam, aut ipsam quibus excea nis et eoste doluptam acest adignim assequibus, erum res nimetur suntectur si qui to debitint ist perferi audaero con et parchitiatet as esti debit porem faceptatint quosam quidigent. As quibusapis aut aut lab inumqui dipidit, cone poria sequae porpore, volorer ioribusti cum fuga. Itatat escim ut aut qui ratecepe vendi aut aborum repedios ditias doloris volestia nonse nem eaqui officia veliquas aciduntios dellorro te voluptatium asperor sitatem exped quasinv erchit quam verisquisquo invellam, evendit et quo ipis rem corum reiuribus parchit iuntum non evellaut esed endem anime endest, aut recae vit invelit autectem ut asinvellenis ad quatum es dolore laut et illaut pa dolenis ea vent iuntem
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