The Australian National University

Event Horizon

Research School of Physics

 

Weekly newsletter | vol 49 no 13 | 8–12 April 2024

 

Director's Message

Vale Em/Professor Robert (Bob) Dewar FAA

It is with sadness to report that last week Bob unexpectedly suffered a stroke and passed away. He had been visiting Cambridge on a 6 month sabbatical at the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences, such was his energy and passion for theoretical plasma physics. He had not long celebrated his 80th birthday.

Bob joined the ANU in 1992 and in addition to his academic leadership he took on several roles including; Head of the Plasma Research Laboratory (1995 – 97), Interim Director, National Plasma Fusion Research Facility (1996 – 97), Head of Department of Theoretical Physics (1998 – 2001). He retired in 2011, becoming Emeritus in Physics until transferring to the Mathematical Sciences Institute in 2018. He was highly regarded for his contributions to the field of magnetohydrodynamics which spans over 50 years, and he remained an active contributor to the Fusion Plasma Theory Group in MSI.

Bob is survived by his daughter Sophie Dewar and granddaughter Dara, and his son-in-law Brendan, and will be deeply missed by friends and colleagues of the ANU and international community. Colleagues from MSI will be arranging an opportunity to celebrate Bob’s life at a later date. (Photo credit: Academy of Science)

Regards,
Tim

 

EoI For HDR Convenors In Physics

We are seeking to add to our convenor team which looks after the Higher Degree Research students in physics. 

Convenors play an important role in optimizing the HDR experience and enhancing student wellbeing as well as supervisor development. Additionally, they contribute to developing HDR university processes at the School and College level.

If you wish to discuss what the role entails please contact the Assoc Director (HDR), Prof Vincent Craig or the School Director. Details on how to express your interest are available here

Expressions of Interest close on Tuesday 30th of April 2024

 

Schmidt Science Fellows For 2025 Award

Applications are open for Schmidt Science Fellows for 2025 award.

Interested candidates should provide:

  • current CV with details of relevant publications, and academic history;
  • a letter of recommendation from the HDR Program Convenor;
  • a personal statement outlining their motivations aligning with the selection criteria; and 
  • a brief description of their PhD research including PhD topic title.

In addition, to the HDR Program Convenor must provide confirmation (via email) that the nominee is of ‘good academic standing’ – see further details below.

Please send your nominations, and any further questions to Alison Scott (CoS) via hdr.cos@anu.edu.au by COB Thursday 18 April.

» read more

 

MSI Public Lecture - 11 April

 A "Dearest Childhood Dream", 180 Years Later
Public lecture with Robin Zhang, MIT

Date: Thursday 11 April 2024
Time:
5:30 - 6:30pm
Location:
MSI, 145 Hanna Neumann Bldg. & Via Zoom

» read more

 

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. 

» read more

 

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!

» read more

 

2024 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards

Nominations are now open for the annual Young Tall Poppy science awards that recognise and celebrate the achievements of Australian scientists. Closing date for nominations is 22nd April 2024. Please visit the website for more details.

 

Dress For STEM Photo Competition

To show support for Women* in Science we want to see you working (it) in your purple!

The Dress for STEM photo competition is open to all those working in or related to STEM at ANU– academic staff, technical staff, administrative staff, and students of any gender identity.

This year’s theme is #InspireInclusion, participants should take a photo working in their roles in purple.

A prize of $200 will be awarded to the group photo judged to be the most in line with this year’s theme of inclusion.

The deadline for submissions is 3pm, 15th April, 2024. Photos can be submitted to this link https://forms.office.com/r/wsYQnCyScS

Please contact Lara or Neelima (co-chairs of WiPAE) if you have any questions.

 

RSB Director’s Seminar Series - 15 April

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

» read more

 

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

 

Physics Parents Room

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.

 

Defence Innovation Network Forum On Nuclear-Powered Submarines

ANU will host the Defence Innovation Network Forum on Nuclear-Powered Submarines – For further information and registration details 'read more'.

Date: Thursday, 17 October 2024
Time: 11.00-14.30
Location: ANU

» read more

 

 

 

» read more

 

New Reimbursement Process

» read more

 

College Hot Desking In Physics

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

 

EVENTS

 

Departmental seminars

Dr Jeremy Inglis - 8 April
Forensics, Instruments, Chronometry & Turtles: The Role of an Isotope Geochemist at LANL
» read more

Ms Bianca Rae Sambo-Fabricante - 9 April
Probing the coherence of trapped exciton-polariton condensates
» read more

Dr Jean-Baptiste Raina - 10 April
Quantifying chemotaxis in situ
» read more

 

Director's Colloquium - 24 April

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

» read more

 

Know your administrators...

Julie Arnold, Nikki Azzopardi, Belinda Barbour, James Campbell & Petra Rickman

» read more

 

Know your School team...

Joseph Hong -
Stores/Purchasing Team Leader

Goran Radovanovic -
Stores Services  

Patrick Romero - Stores/Purchasing Services 

purchasing.physics@anu.edu.au

Purchasing - RSPhys Intranet
Stores - RSPhys Intranet

 

Know your student admin...

Liudmila (Luda) Mangos -
Higher Degree Research admin
C3.02C, Cockcroft bldg (Mon-Fri 9:30-5pm) hdr.physics@anu.edu.au

Siobhan Ryman -
Physics Education Centre admin and HDR
1.05, Bldg 38A (Tues 8.30-4pm) ; C3.02C, Cockcroft bldg (Mon,Thurs-Fri 8.30-4pm) pec.physics@anu.edu.au

 

Know your school team...

Phil Dooley -
Manager, Marketing and Communications (part time)
phil.dooley@anu.edu.au
0414 945 577

http://philuponscience.com.au/

 

Free Media Training For ANU Researchers

Sick of the same old boring headlines? Make your own!

ANU Media runs free, hands on media training workshops throughout the year.

» read more

 

Social Media 'Self-defence' For Researchers

Dealing with the media can be a challenge. Find resources here to make it easier.

» read more

 

Statistical Support For HDR Students

The Statistical Support Network is available to Masters and PhD students for their research projects. Statistical support is available for design of experiments and surveys, data management, exploratory data analysis, statistical modelling and data presentation. Students and their supervisors are welcome to book an initial consultation with the SSN lead. Consultations are free.

» read more

 

VC Award For Reconciliation

Nominations for the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Reconciliation are currently open, with closing date Monday 29 April 2024. Please encourage nominations from your area. 

The Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Reconciliation aims to encourage and recognise ANU staff members for initiatives and activities that support the pursuit of reconciliation, within the University or beyond. 

For further information and how to apply visit here. Please direct any queries about this award to awards@anu.edu.au.

 

The Ninth Pacific Rim Conference in Mathematics

The Ninth Pacific Rim Conference in Mathematics (PRCM) is a high-profile mathematical event that covers a wide range of exciting research in contemporary mathematics.

» read more

 

Australian Academy of Science 2025 Awards & Funding Opportunities

The Australian Academy of Science 2025 awards and funding opportunities are now open. Nominations for the Academy’s prestigious honorific awards for scientific excellence close on 1 May 2024. Nominations and applications for research awards, travelling fellowships and research conference funding close 1 June 2024.

» read more

 

» read more

 

Free Flu Vaccinations

To provide more flexibility for staff in 2024, the University is offering three options for receiving the flu vaccination:

1. ANU Medical Centre (by appointment – available from 2 April)  

2. University Pharmacy (walk-in – available now)  

3. Off campus by accessing a voucher code to be used at a Terry White Chemist in Canberra and interstate 

» read more

 

What To Do If You Test Positive For COVID-19

If you test positive to COVID-19, please:

1. Inform your supervisor or course convenor. 

2. Alert the University through this online form.

It is no longer required to report positive RAT tests to ACT Health

» read more

 

WHS SharePoint

» read more

 

Physics @ ANU

 

 


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