OSMR - NSW Office for Science & Medical Research
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Issue #10 - December 2008

In this Issue:
First NSW Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer appointed
NSW Universities win big in federal funding round
Young Tall Poppies announced
eResearch institute the way of the future
Announcements
NSW making headlines
Research News
Kids eyeball career choices at Science EXPOsed
Calendar of Events
  Executive Director's Message

Welcome to the 10th e-newsletter of the Office for Science and Medical Research.

The last few months of this year have seen many exciting initiatives put in place for NSW researchers, most particularly, the appointment of NSW’s first Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer, Emeritus Professor Mary O’Kane. In this new role, Professor O’Kane will be consulting widely with academia, industry and government to ensure that scientific knowledge and research is adapted and used to benefit NSW.

In October, hundreds of young students descended on Sydney’s historic centre to take part in Science EXPOsed and learn about the immense number of scientific career opportunities available in science. Science EXPOsed is OSMR’s highly successful, annual science careers fair, run in partnership with the NSW Department of Education and Training.

Finally, I wish you all the very best for the holiday season and I look forward to working with the science and medical research communities in the New Year.

Kerry Doyle
Executive Director
NSW Office for Science and Medical Research

News
First NSW Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer appointed

On 23 October 2008, the Premier of New South Wales announced the appointment of Professor Mary O'Kane as NSW's first Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer to help stimulate innovation and ensure the State’s research capacity keeps pace with the needs of the NSW economy, environment and the community.

 
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NSW Universities win big in federal funding round

NSW university research facilities have received a major boost from the Federal Government’s $4.7 billion Nation Building Package, with $245 million in contributions to four major NSW university research projects under the first round of the Education Investment Fund.

 
Read more >>

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Young Tall Poppies announced

The State’s best young scientists have been recognised for their outstanding research in areas ranging from the impact of the drug ‘ice’ on young people to the mechanisms that aid decision making in ants.

 
Read more >>

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eResearch institute the way of the future

The NSW Government is investing $2.8 million to help develop the Institute for Transdisciplinary eResearch Services and Technology (INTERSECT), a new peak body established to promote eResearch technologies and skills.

 
Read more >>

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Announcements
NSW making headlines

Cane toad smoothie to protect predators (Cosmos Magazine)
Australian scientists are serving up mashed cane toad with a dash of poison to put predators off eating the toxic aliens.

Heavens smile on us (The Australian)
Last night the ubiquitous smiley face went cosmic as Venus, Jupiter and the waxing crescent moon formed a spectacular three-way kitsch-fest.

Current Crisis is an old problem (The Australian)
Everyone has a story about the time they were caught in a rip. Rob Brander has heard more than his fair share, and shakes his head at how ignorant beach-loving Australians are about this common hazard, correctly referred to as a rip-current.

Sun's impact on rainfall 'predictable' (ABC Science)
The sun's magnetic fields may have an impact on weather conditions such as El Niño, and could be an effective tool in long-term rainfall predictions, an Australian geographer says.

Red algae immune to bleaching (Science Alert)
The key to better understanding coral bleaching has surfaced in a common red alga that produces defensive compounds against the phenomena affecting reef environments worldwide.

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Research News
Kids eyeball career choices at Science EXPOsed

Solving murders using DNA evidence, building lie detectors out of electronic components and staring at the sun through a powerful telescope were just some examples of the fun activities offered at Science EXPOsed this year.

1800 high school students from across the state visited the historic centre of Sydney to learn about career opportunities in the scientific world and explore the latest in science and technology. They took part in interactive exhibits, workshops, science shows, panel discussions and competitions. The famous Dr Karl Kruszelnicki also inspired students with a presentation on ‘Great Moments in Science’ at the Australian Museum.

At an Expo in Hyde Barracks, exhibitors showcased a variety of scientific career options in fields that included forensic science, zoological science, photovoltaic science, sports science, archaeology, and nanotechnology. The Taronga Zoo booth allowed students to get up close to a number of live ‘exhibits’ including a cuddly ring-tailed possum, an enormous snake and the world’s largest cockroach!

Science EXPOsed aims to show students that science and engineering careers can take them anywhere in the world, that science operates at the cutting edge of innovation and that scientists have the capacity to change the world and contribute to a better future for humankind.

View media release (PDF) >>

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Calendar of Events
 
NSW Government Crest

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