Event Horizon

The Australian National University

Event Horizon

Research School of Physics

Weekly newsletter | vol 51 no 3 | 26–30 January 2026

Director's Message

Dear Colleagues,

I'm back from holidays and wanted to start by thanking those who stepped in as Acting Director while I was away. Hoe Tan covered the first week of the year and Patrick Kluth took over for the rest of January, and I'm genuinely grateful to you both for keeping everything running so smoothly. From what I can tell, there was quite a lot happening even for what's typically a quiet time of year, and I appreciate you both stepping up.

As you know, I've now officially started my three-year term as Director and I'm looking forward to continuing to work with you all as we build on the school's strengths and navigate whatever opportunities and challenges lie ahead. Thank you for the many kind messages I've received since the announcement – I am truly honoured to take up this role.

This week's paper comes from Jessica Wierbik, a PhD student in the Department of Materials Physics, whose work on fission tracks in minerals has been published in Physical Review B and selected as an Editor's Suggestion. The research revealed that an ion track's cross-sectional shape depends on its alignment with respect to the crystal's axes. The work was also featured in APS Physics.

Next week we have our first school executive meeting of the year, where we will discuss the school's input into the University Strategy Co-design process. Last year we started this process with presentations from each department, the technical teams, EMCRs and students addressing 'Who We Are and Why We Matter' and 'How We Deliver on ANU's National Mission'. That work has been distilled into a document that forms our foundation. The next stage asks us to consider “what we need to do over the next three to five years, identifying critical actions, investments, or changes required to maintain excellence and seize opportunities”. I'll be asking Heads of Department and Associate Directors to engage with their cohorts on this question over the coming weeks after we kick off the discussion at the School exec meeting.

PS Apologies for the late publication of this week’s EH. A combination of Nikki and I both being away!

Jodie

From Coal To Nuclear: Poland's Energy Transformation | Feb 2

What does it take for a country with the EU's largest hard coal reserves to pivot entirely to nuclear power?

Join the hybrid seminar with Robert Rybski, in which he explores Poland's remarkable journey from zero nuclear capacity to constructing it's first nuclear power plant (three AP1000 reactors), which will fundamentally reshape the nation's energy landscape.

This isn't just about technology—it's about navigating the complex policy and regulatory frameworks required when a country commits to nuclear energy for the first time. From securing regulatory approvals to building institutional capacity, Poland's experience offers fascinating insights for nations worldwide considering similar transitions.

Date: 2 Feb 2026
Time: 11am - 12pm
Location: Hybrid Event - Physics Auditoirum, Bldg. 160, ANU & Zoom

_{Co-organised by the ANU Nuclear Stewardship Network and Women in Nuclear Australia (WiN Australia)}

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HR Support For CoSM SharePoint

The People and Culture division have re-aligned work within functional teams to improve consistency and quality of advice across the University.

This includes re-aligning recruitment support to the People and Culture recruitment team for CoSM. Information to assist CoSM Schools and areas, and to provide some clarity on who to contact for support, can be found at the HR Support for CoSM SharePoint.

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Job Opportunity | Science Adviser

The Science Adviser is a key member of the Academy’s Science Networks and Advice team, contributing to the delivery of priorities outlined in the Academy’s Policy and International Strategy. The role provides expert support to advance science and public policy in Australia by collaborating with leading scientists, government, industry, and other stakeholders.

How to apply
Please apply via Seek or apply directly to hr@science.org.au

Applications close 5.00 pm AEDT Tuesday 27 January 2026

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MSI Lecture | Jan 29

'Comprehending Large Numbers'
Ian Le, Australian National University

Date: Thurs 29 Jan 2026
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Location: Seminar Room 1.33 7 1.37, Hanna Neumann Bldg 145

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Job Opportunity | Governance Administrator

This position is part of a secretariat, accountable to the Academy Council, that works as a team to deliver the priorities and commitments set out in the Academy’s strategic plan.

The Governance Administrator supports the governance and administrative functions of the Academy’s 19 discipline-based National Committees for Science, who provide advice to the Academy’s Council on discipline-specific matters relating to emerging scientific developments, and capability needs relevant to Australia and the region.

How to apply
Please apply via Seek or apply directly to hr@science.org.au

Applications close 5.00 pm AEDT Wednesday 28 January 2026

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