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Director's Message
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome back after a perfect Easter weekend. A huge thank you to Nikki Azzopardi for arranging the delicious hot cross buns last Thursday, and to the Physics Centres of Excellence for generously donating copious baskets of Easter Eggs.
Last Thursday I also had the pleasure of sitting on the selection panel for our new Department Heads, joined by the Directors of the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science and of the Research School of Earth Sciences respectively, Professors Joan Leach and Dorrit Jacob. My thanks to Dorrit and Joan for their diligence and fine company. I speak for the panel when I say it was an immensely enjoyable day engaging with so many capable advocates for the role. Personally, I could not have been more pleased in seeing the depth of leadership in our School. We are in good hands now and into the future. I would like to thank all applicants for their considered submissions and conversations on Thursday. After speaking with all applicants, it is a delight to announce the following colleagues to lead the new Departments;
Prof Jodie Bradby for “Materials Physics & Characterisation”
Prof Cédric Simenel for “Computational & Theoretical Physics”
Prof Lan Fu for “Device and Materials Engineering”
Prof Andrew Truscott for “Photonic & Quantum Systems”
Prof Andrew Stuchbery for “Accelerator Science”
While this is a critical step, the actual transition to the new Departments is still a little way off. This announcement triggers the next phase in moving towards the new School structure, specifically, choosing Department names. I have asked the existing Heads to kindly assist the incoming Heads to gather consensus around proposed Departmental names. Once names have been discussed in the School Executive they will be proposed to the Dean, and onward to the VC. Over this period I will also be confirming with you your preferred Department affiliation.
While we await the new structure to be formalised, the smooth operation of the School will still very much rely on the existing Heads. Needless to say, I am very grateful to the existing Heads in this transition period. Until we establish an official date of transfer please continue to refer all leave, grants and purchase requests to your existing supervisors/Heads.
My thanks to Samara Thorn, the TMOS Engagement Manager, who snapped this wonderful pic as the Roulettes roared over our building site last Wednesday during the flyover commemorating the centenary of the Australian Airforce.
Have a nice week,
Tim | 