Director's Message

Dear Colleagues,

I was so pleased to see the third and final phase of water appear last week, on cue, completing the run of glorious physics-y views from the new building.

My congratulations to Raghda Abdel Khaleq (FTP) on her award of the 2023 Robert and Helen Crompton award. For two decades, this generous gift of Bob and Helen has been assisting postgraduate students to undertake collaborative research overseas for 3 to 6 months. Raghda will use her travel award to spend four months at the Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Canada. My thanks to the panel (A/Prof Vanessa Robins (Chair, HDR Convenor, FTP/MP), Dr Sam Legge (QST), Dr Nico François (MP)) for their review of the submissions this year.

Please note in your calendar a morning tea to celebrate IDAHOBIT Day in support of our LGBTQI+ colleagues and friends, and ANU Ally training on Friday (please register).

It was a pleasure to be at the annual Chief Minister’s Honour Walk dedication last Monday to see Professor Michael Gore remembered among Canberra’s most distinguished contributors. Seen below is Mike’s daughter, Sue, proudly assisting Andrew Barr, MLA in the dedication. Mike’s plaque captures his lasting achievements, and you might like to see the company he now keeps the next time your near the Canberra Times fountain in Civic Square.

Hope you have a great week,
Tim

ANU Ally Network Training At Physics

Do you consider yourself an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community or would like to know more? The Physics Equity & Diversity Committee invites you to attend free ally training on Friday 19 May at 11am in the new Physics building.

Register now!

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School Morning Tea On Wednesday - IDAHOBIT

Don't miss the upcoming morning tea - with cakes - to celebrate IDAHOBIT Day in support of our LGBTQI+ colleagues and friends. On Wednesday May 17th from 10.30am in the foyer of the new Physics building (#160). Vegan and gluten-free options are available. All welcome!

The HDR Team are inviting HDR students to participate in the 3 Minute Thesis Competition 2023!

3MT is an international competition for higher degree research candidates to showcase their research. Candidates present to an audience on what their research is and why it is important in plain language for three minutes, with only a single PowerPoint slide! 3MT is a hugely popular and thoroughly enjoyable annual event and we encourage our students to have a go!

Students can compete in the School and the College 3MT rounds. The winners of the College round will progress to the ANU 3MT Final.

RSPhys 3MT round will be held on Thursday 8 June 2023 at 11am in the Physics Auditorium. 

Students wishing to present in the RSPhys 3MT round should email hdr.physics@anu.edu.au to register their interest by 31 May. 

Everyone is invited to attend to support the presenters! Prizes will be on offer for the winners.

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A surprise observation of negative mass in exciton-polaritons has added yet another dimension of weirdness to these strange light-matter hybrid particles.

Dr Matthias Wurdack, Dr Tinghe Yun and Dr Eliezer Estrecho from the Department of Quantum Sciences and Technology (QST) were experimenting with exciton polaritons when they realised that under certain conditions the dispersion became inverted – equating to a negative mass.

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Pathfinder – Speed Mentoring & Alumni Career Stories

What's your next career move? Let our alumni community help you work it out!

Date: Friday 19 May 2023
Time: 8–9.30am
Location: HN1.33 Seminar Room (ground floor), Hanna Neumann Building 145, Science Road, The Australian National University

Register here

Australia India 'Unnati' Research Collaboration - Grants Now Open

For further information about the Unnati Research Collaboration Grants, please see the ARCH-India platform via this link.

Please contact the College Research Office if you intend to apply. Closing 15 May 2023.

Defence Innovation Network Pilot Project Funding Scheme - Funding Opportunity

The Defence Innovation Network (DIN) has opened their Pilot Project funding scheme. This is an annual, competitive program that supports cross-discipline university collaboration in New South Wales and ACT. ANU has recently joined DIN and is now eligible to partner with a NSW-based DIN member university where we have specific capabilities. 

Up to four pilot projects will be funded with up to $150,000 per project for projects scoped for 6-12 months, and require researchers from 2 DIN universities.

Please contact the College Research Office if you intend to apply.

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WiQO - Women in Quantum Optics Postdoc Program

A two-year postdoctoral fellowship based at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics 

Applications can be submitted via this link until May 15th 2023.

Letters of reference must be sent to the following email address: miriam.lorenz@vw.mpq.mpg.de

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ASPIRE Prize 2023 - Nominations Now Open

The call for nominations for the 2023 APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education (ASPIRE Prize) has now opened. The closing date for nominations is 5pm Wednesday 17 May 2023.

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Preparing Competitive Tenders For Industry And Government

Thu, 25th May 2023, 3:00pm–4:00 pm

This information session for ANU research, academic and professional staff provides an introduction to tendering, including finding out about tender opportunities for Category 2 and Category 3 research funding. 

Register here

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Research Funding Opportunity: (Kraft Heinz) Barrier Solutions For Sustainable Food Packaging

The funding is proposal-dependent starting with proof-of-concept, typically ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 for a six month length project with the potential for expansion based on results and opportunities. The deadline to submit a proposal is 31 May 2023.

Interested researchers can register for a webinar on 1 May here.

Please contact the College Research Office if you intend to apply.

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Measuring Metabolism Across Scales RFA - Now Open

The Measuring Metabolism Across Scales RFA will support two-year collaborative research projects focused on measuring and understanding metabolism across organelles and cells. 

The maximum (total costs) budgets for the proposed projects are $500,000 for Expanded Projects and $250,000 for Focused Projects. All project awards will be for a 24 month duration.

Please contact the College Research Office if you intend to apply. Closing 1 June 2023.

2023 Wall Planners

EVENTS

Public Lecture - 24 May

How nuclear science can help address global challenges - Director Deputy General Najat Mokhtar

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