Distances in the Universe, even those in our solar system, are beyond the comprehension of most people. This lecture aims at leading the audience through the cosmic distance scale, from our own Earth to the neighbouring planets, the nearest stars, our own Milky Way galaxy, and beyond, to the nearest as well as more distant galaxies, and the edge of the observable Universe. This is done using recent, cutting-edge images, animations and results, informed by Richard’s own research in this field.
Advanced materials from wild silk protein, targeted nano-medicines to treat autoimmune diseases and the energy source of active galaxies are among the research ideas honoured with 49 new Australia-India Fellowships awarded by the Australian Academy of Science today. The Australian fellowship recipients have been selected from a competitive pool to work with leading Indian research institutions,” said Academy President, Professor Suzanne Cory.
The 6 November public lecture in the Caring for the Australian Countryside series was given by Professor Margaret Alston OAM, from Monash University. She focused on rural people and places, noting the changes and uncertainties relating to climate, policy, population movements and socio-economic factors.
The Academy has joined with other science academies around the world to promote research integrity. The new report on responsible science has been issued by the InterAcademy Council and the IAP – the global network of science academies. It provides clarity and advice in forging an international consensus on responsible conduct in the global research enterprise.
View the full press release.
The Australian Academy of Science today welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of the medical research grants awarded by the National Health and Medical Research Council for the coming year.
"The Academy is very pleased that Australia’s excellent medical research effort will continue to be supported by the Federal Government," Academy President Professor Suzanne Cory said.
Science in Asia will be more visible and effective under a merger between the two groupings of Asian science academies, brokered over several years with leadership from the Australian Academy of Science.
Professor Kurt Lambeck, President of the Federation of Asian Scientific Academies and Societies (FASAS) and immediate past President of the Australian Academy of Science, has been instrumental in bringing about a merger with Association of Academies of Sciences in Asia (AASA).
The Australian Academy of Science, a fellowship of Australia’s most eminent scientists, wishes to express its concern about the liability apportioned in the case involving six scientists who gave advice prior to the earthquake in L’Aquila, Italy, in 2009.
The Australian Academy of Science today welcomed the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper’s recognition that international scientific collaborations are crucial to Australia’s relevance internationally.
"The White Paper is consistent with the position taken by the Academy in its 2011 paper, Australian science in a changing world: innovation requires global engagement, which calls for strategic national co-ordination to complement and optimise the taxpayer’s investment in science and innovation," said Academy President, Professor Suzanne Cory.
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The Academy's educational program Interviews with Australian Scientists has a new interview available with Dame Bridget Ogilvie in conversation with Robyn Williams. The written transcript and teacher's notes are available here.
View interviews with Australian scientists.
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