From Marc Duldig, President of the Australian Institute of Physics
Welcome to my bulletin for those with an interest in physics news and events for February 2012 and beyond.
I am pleased
to announce the 20
th Australian Institute of Physics Congress incorporating the 36
th Australian Conference on Optical Fibre Technology will be held from 9-13 December 2012 at
the University of NSW, Sydney. Visit
www.aip2012.org.au to register your interest to receive further information.
The Australian Mathematical Sciences
Institute is holding a national forum in Canberra on 7-8 February focused on securing future mathematical and statistical skills for Australia. More information
here.
Around the country this month you can dig down into the secrets of the Large Hadron Collider in a talk in Tasmania, intersect with policymakers in Canberra, hear Dame Julia Higgins on
neutron scattering in Sydney, and learn about designing robots for NASA in Melbourne and space junk in Perth.
It’s a great pleasure to announce that Ben Eggleton from the University of Sydney is
the winner of the 2011 AIP Walter Boas medal, awarded for excellence in physics research carried out in previous five years. Congratulations to Ben for his ongoing contribution to photonics—the technology
that translates information into light and back again.
And congratulations to three physicists recognised in the Australia Day honours list: the AIP’s Hans Bachor and Rod Boswell and former member,
John Penrose.
There is more information on all their achievements
below.
I’m also pleased to announce that you can now keep up with news from the AIP by following our new Twitter feed
@ausphysics. If you would like to contribute your own physics events or news, please include @ausphysics, #physics or #ausphysics in your tweets. Please
also let us know of people we should follow.
We’ve also added a Facebook ‘fan’ page which complements the existing group. We’ll explore the best way to use these in a future bulletin. The
Facebook group is open to anyone. We also have a ‘members only’ Linked In group which we encourage members to join.
In our most recent edition of Australian Physics, we had a review of the
brilliantly titled text book “Condensed Matter in a Nutshell”, as well as popular science books on the search for alien intelligence, the abstractions of theoretical physics and the discovery of the neutrino. If
you come across a relatively recent book that you think may be of interest to people in the physics community, I encourage you to contact John Macfarlane, our book review editor, to suggest that we review
it in the journal. If you like, you can volunteer to review it at the same time. John is at
jcmacfarlane@netspace.net.au.
During recent solar storm
activity, I talked to The Age in Melbourne about the nature of the storms. Find the story (and great images)
here. And you can find other recent
physics-related stories here.
And we have a job ad –
physicists needed for oil
and gas exploration challenges.In this bulletin:
- AIP events across the country
- Activities for the general public, students and teachers
- AIP Walter Boas medal awarded to Ben Eggleton, University of Sydney
- Hans Bachor, Rod Boswell and John Penrose honoured for services to physics on Australia Day
- 2011 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Category winners announced
- Australian physics research of note
- Graduate Jobs: DownUnder GeoSolutions seeking applicants
- Books available for review for Australian Physics
- Prizes,competitions and grants
- Seminars
- Conferences
- Submissions to the bulletin and journal
1. AIP events across the country
Free public lectures by Allan Clark, CERN, UTAS and AIP Tas branch
TITLE: The Large Hadron Collider: Revealing the fundamental nature of our world
SPEAKER: Allan Clark, CERN
| Date and time |
Venue |
|
| 14 February 8pm |
University of Tasmania, Centenary Lecture Theatre, Grosvenor St., Sandy Bay, Hobart |
RSVP by 13 Feb |
| 15 February 5.30pm |
Vos Construction-Rory Spence Lecture Theatre, School of Architecture + Design, Inveresk, Launceston |
RSVP by 14 Feb |
Allan Clark, a graduate of UTAS, is the Director of the Department of Particle Physics at the University of Geneva and a Fellow at CERN, the home of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
In a 27
kilometre-long circular tunnel beneath the Franco-Swiss border the LHC aims to uncover some of the remaining secrets of our Universe, illuminating the nature of the fundamental forces and particles that
make up our world. Allan’s talk will outline the Standard Model, currently our best physical theory of matter and forces, and then describe some of the first physics results from colliding protons close to the
speed of light inside the LHC.
Follow the links in the table for more information and to book.
DATE: 2 March
TIME: 4-5.30pm
VENUE: GP-OP-449 at QUT’s Garden Point campus
More info from Till Weinhold on
t.weinhold@uq.edu.au.
2. Activities for the general public, students and teachers
DATE: Friday 24 February
TIME: 8.30am – 5.00pm
VENUE: The Shine Dome, Australian Academy of Science, McCoy Circuit, Acton, ACT
We recognise it is difficult to establish sound
policy that meets the needs of modern societies in the absence of the scientific evidence base. Improving communication and information flow between experts who generate evidence and policy makers who
use it can assist to formulate sound, accurate and timely policies as well as assist in the delivery of meaningful advice to politicians.
Science & Technology Australia in partnership with the HC
Coombs Policy Forum will take a closer look at the intersection between the scientific evidence base and the formulation of policy.
Registration is free but numbers are limited, Register by 3 February.
DATE: 7-8 February
VENUE:
University House, ANU, Canberra
A national forum proposing strategies to secure mathematical and statistical skills for Australia will be held in Canberra on 7-8 February to identify policies and actions to secure future mathematical and
statistical skills for Australia.
The forum comes at a time when the Australian Government has commissioned the Chief Scientist to examine methods of boosting mathematics and science
enrolments following the withdrawal of HECS discounting.
STA has been involved in formal consultations with the Chief Scientist. This forum is another way in which we can make our voices heard.
Professor Celia Hoyles, former mathematics advisor to the British Government, will speak about the UK experience.
Other speakers include:
• Christopher Evans (Minister for Science and
Research)
• Ian Chubb (Chief Scientist)
• Christopher Pyne (Shadow Minister for Education)
Nobel prize winner Brian Schmidt will be guest speaker at the conference dinner
Register your interest by contacting enquiries@amsi.org.au or go here:
http://www.amsi.org.au/events/forthcoming-events/773-maths-for-the-future-keep-australia-competitive
Registrations close 12pm, Friday 3rd February
ANSTO Distinguished Lecture Series 2012
Free public talks
DATE: Monday 6 February
TIME: 11am
TITLE:
Polymers and neutron scatteringSPEAKER: Professor Dame Julia S. Higgins, Imperial College, London
VENUE: ANSTO, New
Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights
Public talks @ VSSEC (Victorian Space Science Education Centre)
Free public talks from 6.30 – 7.30pm, preceded by a tour of VSSEC 30 mins prior to the session. Seats are limited, so follow the link to book a seat.
VSSEC is at Strathmore Secondary College, Pascoe Vale Road, Strathmore.
CAS public lectures (Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University)
The Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing holds regular free public lectures on the Hawthorn campus at 6.30pm. For more info go to the
Swinburne public astronomy lecture website.
VENUE: Swinburne University, Hawthorn campus
Free, but booking required.
Contact: Liz Thackray on
ethackray@swin.edu.au or (03) 9214 5569, or book
online.
Tools of Science Lectures (Physics Museum, University of Queensland)
The University of Queensland Physics Museum is holding talks on Tuesday evenings at 6pm through-during 2012. This program may change, so please check
http://www.smp.uq.edu.au/tos
| Date |
Speaker |
Title |
| 13/3/12 |
Dr Amelia Brown |
Ancient Greek Technology and Astrology |
| 17/4/12 |
Dr Marion Diamond |
Sir Thomas Brisbane’s Scientific Work |
| 15/5/12 |
Dr Colin Kennard |
The Digital Revolution |
| 19/6/12 |
Col Gladstone et al |
Gustav Dalen Nobel Prize 1912 |
| 7/8/12 |
Stuart Irwin |
Armstrong and the regenerative receiver |
| 11/9/12 |
Lorayne Branch |
Henry Sutton – Victorian Inventor |
| 16/10/12 |
Anthony Roberts and Norman Heckenberg |
Thomas Murday and his inventions |
DATE: 16 February
TIME: 8pm, but gates open at 6.30pm so you can enjoy a picnic before the talk
SPEAKER: John Kennewell, Australian Space Academy
VENUE: Perth Observatory,
337 Walnut Road, Bickley
John will discuss the artificial debris that surrounds our Earth. What hazards is space junk causing? What are the chances of being hit by space junk and what’s Australia
doing about this growing problem?
DATE: Saturday 31 March
VENUE: Curtin University
Check out the night sky by observing through dozens of telescopes and meet with local astronomers and stargazers! At 8.30pm join in the
fun of Earth Hour and see how dark we can make the sky by turning out all the lights!
Gingin Observatory, Gingin
Gingin Observatory runs a variety of public events, many suitable for families, as well as regular stargazing tours. More info is available at the
Observatory
website or by contacting Carol Redford or Donna Vanzetti on (08) 9575 7740 or
stars@ginginobservatory.com. Contact Carol or Donna to book into
events.
The Gravity Discovery Centre is open every day of the school holidays, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Special events include:
| Date |
Time |
Event |
| 3,4,10 February |
8pm |
Marvellous Moon stargazing |
| 11,17,18 February |
8pm |
Dark night stargazing |
| 14 February |
8-10pm |
Valentine’s starry night |
| 24,25 February |
7.30pm |
Dark night stargazing |
| 2-4,9,10,30,31 March |
7pm |
Marvellous Moon stargazing |
| 11,16,18,23-25 March |
7pm |
Dark night stargazing |
| 17 March |
7pm |
St Patrick’s Day dark night stargazing
|
3. AIP Walter Boas medal awarded to Ben Eggleton, University of Sydney
It is testament to the calibre of his original research and his scientific output that the selection committee was able to come to a unanimous decision, despite an extraordinarily strong field of nominations, to
award the 2011 AIP Walter Boas Medal to Prof Ben Eggleton from University of Sydney.
The Walter Boas medal is awarded for excellence in physics research carried out in the previous five years.
Ben’s fundamental research in the physics of nonlinear optics and the application of this work to the development of practical devices and disruptive technologies in optical communication, data storage
and information processing, is unquestionably world-leading. To provide just a couple of highlights: the development of chalcogenide materials for nonlinear optics applications and the ability to precisely
control the flow of light via innovative photonic-crystal structures are particularly impressive achievements.
And Ben’s establishment and leadership of the ARC Centre for Ultrahigh Bandwidth Devices
for Optical Systems (CUDOS) and the Institute of Photonics and Optical Science at the University of Sydney (IPOS) augurs well for the future of this exciting work.
4. Hans Bachor, Rod Boswell and John Penrose honoured for services to physics on Australia Day
Hans-Albert Bachor, Rod Boswell and John Penrose were made Members (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia, in last week’s Australia Day honours.
AIP Fellow Hans Bachor, Director
of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Quantum-Atom Optics at the ANU, was honoured for his service to science in the field of quantum optics as a researcher and educator, and to the
Australian Youth Science Forum. His citation noted the roles he has had with the AIP, Australian Youth Science Forum, Australian Academy of Science, International Conference on Atomic Physics and the
Institute of Physics.
Rod Boswell, a member of the AIP, and a Professor in the Space Plasma, Power and Propulsion Group, Plasma Research Laboratory in Research School of Physical Sciences and
Engineering, ANU, was honoured for service to science in the field of plasma physics as an academic and researcher and through contributions to the international scientific community. Rod’s international
collaboration in research and academia, and his research achievements were noted, along with his roles in the biennial Gaseous Electronics Meetings conference series, the Australian Academy of Science, the
Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and the American Physical Society.
And another physicist, former AIP member
John Penrose of Western Australia, was honoured for his service to the community through the Volunteer Task Force of Western Australia, and to education in the field of marine science and physics. John’s
citation recognised the achievements of the Volunteer Task Force and his academic achievements in marine physical science, including a wide range of advisory committee memberships.
5. 2011 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Category winners announced
The Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC) has announced the category winners of the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize. This prize offers an Australian university student the opportunity to attend one of three 10 week NASA
Academy programs, or participate in a
NASA affiliated summer program, and work with a lead scientist or engineer on a current NASA project.
NASA will review the five category winners below and announce the overall winner in March.
For a description of each of the winners projects and their response to winning their category visit www.vssec.vic.edu.au/tertiary/vssec-nasa-australian-space-
prize/
Lyle Roberts (The Australian University)
High-Speed Digitally Enhanced Heterodyne Interferometry
Lyle is also the recipient of the Engineers Australia Undergraduate Prize in Space
Engineering
Geology and Planetary Geology:
Cynthia Rathini Mahendran (University of Technology Sydney)
Modelling the Age Relation of Impact Crater Profiles on Mars
Space Physics and Astrophysics:
Paul Stewart (The University of Sydney)
Postcards from the Edge of the Solar System: Cassini’s Ringside View of Mira
Data Processing and Electronics:
Anthony Cheetham (The University of Sydney)
Cophasing JWST’s Segmented Mirror Using Sparse Aperture Interferometry
Biology and Human Physiology:
Amy Spark (Monash University)
Injectable tissue scaffolds: using hollow nanofibres to form hybrid gels
6. Australian physics research of note
Each week, Science in Public’s Tim Thwaites identifies the most interesting and important new research published by Australians – and below are some of the physics-related stories from the past month.
Other research of note can be found here:
http://www.scienceinpublic.com.au/category/storybook/oz-research
Smart probe detects termites by ‘hearing’ them eat
West Australian researchers have come up with a sensitive acoustic device that can detect termite infestation by ‘hearing’ them chewing through timber. Once detected, the device can immediately send an
SMS or email to a pest control firm—with the termites’ GPS location—so they can take appropriate action to protect the property. The device can also detect termite activity in timber bridges and wooden power
poles. The developers are looking to commercialise the device in Australia within the next 12 months and say it has the potential to revolutionise the pest control industry. The device is called WiSPr (short
for ‘wireless smart probe’) network for acoustic detection.
A/Prof Adam Osseiran, Edith Cowan University, Perth
http://www.sciencewa.net.au/3794-smart-probe-detects-termites-by-hearing-them-eat.html
Planets outnumber stars in our galaxy
New research has found planets around stars are the rule rather than the exception – there are more planets in our galaxy than there are stars. An international team including five Tasmanian astronomers
made the discovery. The team searched for exoplanets (planets outside the Solar System) using gravitational microlensing. This method can detect planets over a much wider range of masses, and
distances from their parent stars (stars that give the planets light and warmth), than other methods. In six years of observations, the Probing Lensing Anomalies NETwork (PLANET) and the Optical
Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) researchers discovered three exoplanets on their own, and seven more in co-operation with other survey teams. Although the number of planets that were detected is
small, statistical analysis of the microlensing process shows that it is a truly impressive haul. To detect these planets, astronomers have either hit a jackpot against huge odds, or planets are so abundant in
the galaxy that their discovery is almost inevitable.
Dr John Greenhill, School of Maths and Physics, University of Tasmania
Nature; http://www.utas.edu.au/tools/recent-news/news/planets-outnumber-stars-in-our-galaxy
Australian-US collaboration leaps ahead in catching spooky light
Experiments with entangled photons have led the way in the burgeoning fields of quantum information, communication and computation in the last decade. Their biggest drawback has always been low
photon-detection efficiencies, which has limited their potential applications. Now, a joint experiment by Australian and US labs has fixed this problem, doubling the previous record in entangled photon-
detection ratio to 62 per cent, and closing the detection ‘loophole’ in the strange phenomenon of quantum steering.
Dr Marcelo de Almeida, The University of Queensland; Prof Andrew White, ARC
Centre for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQuS); Prof Howard Wiseman, Griffith University
http://www.uq.edu.au/news/index.html?article=24252
Scientists pinpoint timing of powerful black hole activity
A West Australian radio astronomer is a step closer to understanding how black holes can launch superfast ‘bullets’ of gas into space, by identifying the exact moment when these ‘bullets’ form. Combining
observations from NASA’s Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) satellite and the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) radio telescope, he led the international team of radio
astronomers who made the discovery. Identifying the moment when the ‘bullets’ of gas were launched will assist radio astronomers to better understand the physics of how and why black holes launch fast-
moving flows of material outwards. This, in turn could help reveal more about similar processes occurring around super-sized black holes at the centres of galaxies.
Dr James Miller-Jones, principal
investigator, The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)
http://news.curtin.edu.au/media-releases/scientists-pinpoint-timing-of-powerful-black-hole-activity/
7. Graduate Jobs: DownUnder GeoSolutions seeking applicants
Are you a geo-genius, tech-head or number-junkie? DownUnder GeoSolutions is seeking people qualified in geophysics, geology, maths, physics, computer science or electrical engineering who want to work
at the cutting edge of oil and gas exploration.
PhDs are preferred, but not essential.
Stuart Midgley, the Chief Technology Officer, is travelling to university campuses in the next few weeks to
meet prospective employees. To find out more about the job, or to arrange a meeting with Stuart, go to
http://www.dugeo.com/blog/
8. Books available for review for Australian Physics
John Macfarlane, the book review editor for Australian Physics, is seeking reviewers for the journal, to write a short review (300-500 words). If your review is accepted for publication you may keep the book
for your own use. This month, John has the following book awaiting review:
- "The AHA! Moment: a scientist's take on creativity" by David Jones (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2012)
Contact John at
jcmacfarlane@netspace.net.au if you are interested in reviewing a book or have a suggestion of another book to review.
9. Prizes, competitions and grants
Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science
Nominations are now open for the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, which honour Australians who have made significant contributions to society through scientific achievements and scientific education.
- Prime Minister’s Prize for Science ($300,000);
- Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year ($50,000);
- Science Minister’s Prize for Life Scientist of the Year ($50,000);
- Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools ($50,000); and
- Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools ($50,000).
Note that the Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year is awarded to an early or mid-career stage scientist (within ten years of completing a PhD). Last year’s winner was theoretical physicist
Stuart Wyithe from the University of Melbourne, who was recognised for his work on the formation of the Universe.
Nominations close on 27 April and the Prizes will be announced later in the year.
You can find further information on the Prizes and nominate online by visiting
www.innovation.gov.au/scienceprizes.
Postdoctoral and Invitational Fellowships in Japan 2012-2013
The Australian Academy of Science, in association with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), invites applications from Australian researchers to undertake Postdoctoral and Invitational
Fellowships in Japan. Postdoctoral Fellowships are for a period of twelve to twenty-four months; Invitational Fellowships are either short term, for fourteen to sixty days, or long term, for two to ten months.
Researchers in any field of natural sciences, including technology, engineering and medicine may apply.
Applications close on Friday 16 March 2012.
More information at
http://www.science.org.au/internat/asia/index.html
Experiment on board the International Space Station (ISS)
Australian primary and secondary school students have the opportunity to propose their own experiment to be performed on board the ISS in the Japanese experiment module, Kibo.
What
experiment would you like to perform using only items found on the ISS, such as weights, a yo-yo, balloons, paper, straw and a compass?Deadline: Monday 27
FebruaryMore info at http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/try-zero-g-propose-your-own-experiment-for-the-iss/#more-7828
10. Seminars
Please check the departmental websites for any updates.
The Director’s Colloquium - Research School of Physics and Engineering, Australian National University
The Director’s Colloquium at the Research School of Physics and Engineering is the leading physics forum in the ACT and is focused on presentations by high profile scientists who are also outstanding
communicators. The colloquia are held monthly on Thursdays at 12.30pm in the Leonard Huxley Theatre (Building 56) of the ANU.
More info can be obtained
here or from the Colloquium Chair Dr Dragomir Neshev (
dragomir.neshev@anu.edu.au).
No seminars are currently listed on the website.
Macquarie University Department of Physics & Astronomy Colloquia Series
Department holds regular colloquia series every two weeks on Thursdays from 12 noon - 1pm. These colloquia are, for the most part, non-specialist (i.e. will be pitched at a level where most of the material
will be accessible to senior undergraduate students though each talk will typically spend some time on more advanced material).
http://www.physics.mq.edu.au/colloquia/index_new.html
Australia Telescope National Facility
The Australia Telescope National Facility holds regular colloquia on Wednesdays at 3.00pm in the ATNF Marsfield Lecture Theatre. More info
here or contact Ryan Shannon on
ryan.shannon@csiro.au or (02) 9372 4326.
School of Physics, University of Sydney
The School of Physics holds regular colloquia on Mondays at 3.15pm (refreshments from 3pm) in the Slade Lecture Theatre, School of Physics A28, University of Sydney. More info
here or contact Bruce Yabsley (02) 9351 5970 or
colloquium_chair@physics.usyd.edu.au.
No seminars are currently timetabled for January. Check the
website for details.
School of Physics, University of NSW
The School of Physics holds regular colloquia on Tuesdays at 3-4pm in the School of Physics Common Room, Room 64, Old Main Building, University of NSW. More info
here or contact Julian Berengut on
jcb@phys.unsw.edu.au or (02) 9385
7637.
Physics Department, University of Queensland
The Physics Department holds regular colloquia on Fridays at 4pm (refreshments from 3.30pm) in Room 222, Parnell Building, University of Queensland. More info
here or contact Chao Feng on
uqcfeng1@uq.edu.au or (07) 3346 7719.
No seminars are currently
timetabled for January. Check the
website for details.
Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University
The Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing holds regular colloquia, usually on Thursdays at 11.30am, in the Swinburne Virtual Reality Theatre (Room 104, AR Building). More info
here or contact Felipe Marin on
colloquium@astro.swin.edu.au.
School of Physics, University of Western Australia
The School of Physics, UWA holds regular seminars on Tuesdays at 3.45-4.45pm in Room 2.15 (and also other times and locations, where noted).
More info
here or contact Gay Hollister on
ghollis@cyllene.uwa.edu.au or (08) 6488 2738.
No seminars are currently timetabled for January.
Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW
31 Jan – 03 Feb 2012
The 22nd Australian Conference on Microscopy and Microanalysis (ACMM 22), the10th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC 10) and the 2012 International Conference on Nanoscience and
Nanotechnology (ICONN 2012)
Perth, Western Australia
05 – 09 Feb 2012
AINSE, Lucas Heights, Sydney
15 – 17 Feb 2012
Monash University, Melbourne
17 -18 Feb 2012
Brisbane, Queensland
25 Feb 2012
Sydney, NSW
27-29 Feb 2012
Athens, Greece
12 – 15 Jun 2012
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Victoria
4 – 11 Jul 2012
ANU, Canberra
30 Jul – 3 Aug 2012
Cairns Convention Centre, Qld
5 – 10 Aug 2012
Registration and abstracts open in November. Abstract submission closes 5 Apr 2012. Early bird registration closes 4 June 2012.
Cairns Convention Centre, Qld
12 – 17 Aug 2012
Wollongong, NSW
23 – 28 Sep 2012
Sydney, NSW
18 – 23 Nov 2012
Gold Coast, QLD
2-6 Dec 2012
Sydney, NSW
9-13 Dec 2012
12. Submissions to the bulletin and journal
My next bulletin will come out in late February. We welcome contributions about activities, conferences and announcements by Thursday 23 February. Please send your submissions to Niall Byrne (by replying
to this email) or Margie Beilharz from Science in Public on
margie@scienceinpublic.com.au or call (03) 9398 1416.
You can also submit your
physics events directly to the
AIP Events Calendar—they will be approved and publicly accessible in just a couple of days, and will
also be included in the next month’s bulletin.
If you have an article you would like to submit to 'Australian Physics', please send it to the Editor, Peter Robertson on
prob@unimelb.edu.au or to the Chair, Editorial Board, Brian James on
b.james@physics.usyd.edu.au.
_________________________
For more information on physics events go to the
AIP Events Calendar.