Director's Message

Dear Colleagues,

I hope you had a chance to enjoy the lovely weather over the weekend.

Above, a lively selfie by former CSIRO Chief and current ANU Council Member, Prof Larry Marshall (left) with Dr Julie Tournet and A/Prof Siva Karuturi, both in the School of Engineering. I tagged along on the tour to showcase some of the group’s inspiring hydrogen production research. 

The College of Science is undertaking market research in May that will guide the development of a series of micro-credentials in the program “Stewardship of the Planet”. You are invited to propose industry partners to join in a 45 min workshop to better understand the target audience of such a course. If you would like to know more, including how to register please see here.

Just a reminder that we’re in the final weeks before the PDR census date (May 1st). If you have past reports ‘frozen’ in the system please let HR know and they can free them. For academic staff I can recommend this Word form as an easy way to achieve this task with you supervisor (please note it still needs to be attached to the standard PDR eForm but it helps you bypass much of the eForm). Supervisors, the PDR process is a high priority and I ask that you please make time during your regular staff meetings. It is more than just a courtesy to help your colleagues align personal career objectives within their work schedule. 

Hope you have a great week,
Tim

NSW Physical Science Fund Opportunity Is Now Open

The NSW Physical Science Fund opportunity is now open, please note that projects will be externally led, given the requirement for eligible applicants (university research group to be spun out to a company, or an established company) to be based in NSW.

 Closing 29 April 2024 at 12:00pm.

Please contact the College Research Office if you have any questions or intend to apply. For further information, you may contact Laura Earl (Business Development Officer (NSW Smart Sensing Network)).

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The accidental creation of a tent mere microns in area has enabled a breath test for diabetes, which could change the lives of millions of people with the disease.

The new device, developed at ANU, could supersede the finger-prick that are a daily burden for people with diabetes, who need to monitor their blood glucose, Dr Buddini Karawdeniya said.

“We’ve had very excited feedback from people living with diabetes, which tells me this is something that will make an impact.”

More than half a billion people suffer from diabetes, and nearly seven million deaths a year are attributable to the disease, in which the body loses the ability to control glucose levels effectively. To monitor their glucose and ketones, people with diabetes need to draw their own blood by pricking their finger.

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HDR Roadshow - 10 May

All HDR supervisors and panel members are invited to the HDR Roadshow with Prof Tony Travouillon, COS Associate Dean HDR on 10 May starting at 1.30pm in the Physics Auditorium, bldg. 160.

This event is intended as an information session on HDR related topics including: 

• Milestones
• Scholarships
• Best practices
• Upcoming changes (confirmation of candidature, oral examination, internships)
• Q&A session.

Attendance at this event can count as a renewal activity for HDR supervisor registration.

Light refreshments will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Abstract submissions are now open for the 25th Congress of the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP 2024) to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Australia from 2 – 6 December 2024.

AIP themes will include:

• Astroparticle Physics
• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Condensed Matter and Materials
• Nuclear and Particle Physics
• Physics Education
• Quantum Science and Technology
• Solar Terrestrial and Space Physics
• Theoretical Physics
• General Relativity and Gravitation

The abstract submission deadline is 7 June 2024

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Defence Trailblazer - Entrepreneurial Foundation For Defence

Entrepreneurial Foundation for Defence – Defence Trailblazer – applications are due 19 April 2024 via website Entrepreneurial Foundations for Defence - Defence Trailblazer (dtb.solutions)

This program:

• provides participants with insight into how to build defence, technology and commercial readiness
• access to mentors, technical specialists and like-minded peers
• forum to showcase inventions
• access to protype labs
• grant opportunities up to $10,000 to support travel to in-person session and some early-stage business expenses

Are legumes Different? Origins and Consequences of Evolving Nitrogen Fixing Symbioses
Professor Ulrike Mathesius, Head of Division, Division of Plant Sciences

Date: Monday 15 April 2024
Time: 12.30–1.30pm
Location: Eucalyptus Seminar Room, Rm S205, Level 2, RN Robertson Building (46) & Via Zoom

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Nominate Inspiring Women For ANU Building Names

ANU Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell calls on the community to nominate inspiring women for the building renaming project. Speaking at the Susan Ryan Oration last week for International Women’s Day, she highlighted the need to honour more women, as only five out of 150 buildings across campus are currently named after female leaders. 

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Did you know we have a parents’ room for staff in Physics? This is set up to support you on the days you may have to bring your kids to work. It also has several private breastfeeding/pumping areas, along with lockers to stall equipment and other supplies that might be useful. The room has a variety of books, toys and games for younger children as well as a desk where you can set up to work while you are there. Located in the Cockroft building – room C4.36, next to the walkway above the mechanical workshop – access can be arranged through Nikki at Reception in the Oliphant Building.

Launch of The ANU Industry PhD Framework & Q&A Session On Industry PhDs

Date: Thursday 18 July 2024
Time: 10-11:30am 
Location: RSSS Auditorium, 146 Ellery Crescent

You are invited to the launch of the ANU Industry PhD framework, which has been developed to compliment the Australian Government’s National Industry PhD Program and the CSIRO iPhD. 

Join for an information and Q&A session where you can learn about the three different options of linking PhD projects with a research end-user. 

This will be a key opportunity to ask questions about industry PhDs, talk to the providers and discuss your ideas.

Limited places available. For more information and free tickets please head over to the event website. 

College Hot Desking In Physics

Finance, HR & RM Teams
Thursday Mornings
^{Lv2 Tearoom, Bldg 160}

EVENTS

Director's Colloquium - 24 April

Some applications of laser-based measurements to fluid mechanical problems - Professor Sean O'Byrne

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