FREE Publication

AdelaideanNEWS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF Volume 12 • Number 10 • November 2003 inside this issue Concern over drivers’ PAGE 5 Adelaide links into world’s biggest oil and gas company vision: new study

PAGE 6 Chemical Engineering students go the distance

PAGE 9 Meet one of our latest research successes

PAGE 15 Uni spirit still strong 50 years on

PAGE 3 Jazz great premieres Koehne’s High Art

PAGE 4 $450,000 Florey grant awarded to health study Young scientists vie for top prize

PAGE 7 Young lawyers are masters of international New research at the is asking serious experience questions about the quality of older drivers’ peripheral vision. PAGE 8 $10.7m research funding to make an impact According to statistics, older drivers In one of the tasks, on average wide-ranging implications for the PAGE 11 Young entrepreneurs win in , Europe and the United older adults only identified 53.5% testing of drivers. $70,000 challenge States are over-represented in of the targets just outside of their “Peripheral vision is of major crashes at intersections. Worldwide central vision, whereas young adults PAGE 13 Ugly Man pays a visit importance to drivers, as it can help to Adelaide research into the reasons why has identified 85.7%. prevent road accidents, particularly had mixed results. Nevertheless, Ms Corlett also found at intersections,” she said. PAGE 16 Rhodes scholar Research by University of Adelaide Ms Corlett’s interest is the follows in Bob that some adults in the older age Hawke’s footsteps Master of Psychology student Elissa group had excellent peripheral environment and how people Corlett has been looking at the vision, while some in the younger perceive and interact with it. She quality of older people’s peripheral group did not. said she became aware of a lack vision. Her results could have future of research into this area during a implications for drivers’ licence “As we age, everything begins to placement at Transport SA. decay, so it is quite natural to see regulations and road safety. Her studies used a test called these decrements occurring in visual Ms Corlett studied two separate ‘Crowding Across the Visual Field’ ability—that is, the older adults The University of Adelaide groups of adults, and found that the which is believed to measure the is Australia’s third oldest discriminated less objects using young adults (aged 17-37) could underlying central mechanism of the university and is known peripheral vision,” Ms Corlett said. internationally for excellence identify 32% more of the visual Useful Field of View (UFOV), which in research and teaching. targets than the older adults (aged “The results imply that vision is is a good predictor of elderly drivers 70-90), indicating a decline in declining at a very individual and with poor crash histories. www.adelaide.edu.au peripheral vision with increasing age. unique rate, and that could have continued on page 2 Adelaidean News from the University of Adelaide Volume 12 Number 10 November 2003 Adelaidean News from the University of Adelaide Volume 12 Number 10 November 2003

Want to know Concern over drivers’ Jazz great premieres Koehne’s more about Psychology? vision: new study High Art continued from page 1 Australian jazz supremo James Morrison Psychology Week is being held from November Ms Corlett’s research has validated the will perform the home town premiere of a 9-14, with information and activities available to ‘Crowding Across the Visual Field’ test all members of the public. developed in Adelaide by Michael White, a new Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra “Psychology and Families”—a free exhibition former University of Adelaide Psychology by Adelaide composer Graeme Koehne. —will run from 2-5pm on Sunday, November student and now Research Coordinator at 9 in the Equinox, Level 4 of the University of Transport SA. Adelaide’s Union Building. “The test could potentially find its way into a The concert, with the Adelaide Symphony The exhibition will include information about licencing procedure in the future. However, Orchestra, will be the final 2003 Master Series Psychology as a Year 12 subject (a new option additional validation and further research into concert, At the Dawn, on November 21 and 22 at for secondary students starting in 2004) and the peripheral vision is also required,” she said. the Adelaide Festival Theatre. announcement of the Children’s Peace Literature “While my study has identified some important Graeme Koehne, a Lecturer in Composition at the Award for 2003. issues, we were using a relatively small sample University of Adelaide’s Elder School of Music, Books and posters about what psychologists do group of 60 people. Much more work needs to Elissa Corlett said he aimed to cross a musical divide with his will be on display, as well as special exhibitions be done in order to gain a better understanding new work, entitled High Art. of peripheral vision among drivers.” and members of the university’s Psychology staff She presented a paper at the conference “Throughout my life, I have been a sucker for who can talk about “gambling and the family” Ms Corlett’s research has earned her the entitled Now you see it; now you don’t. ‘cheap music’. I find enjoyment in music from the Composer Graeme Koehne Trumpeter James Morrison and “ageing and psychology”. $1000 John Kirby Road Safety Trust Award Preliminary investigation of age-related strangest, ‘lowest’ sources: cartoons, pop, lounge On Friday, November 14, a public marquee will for new researchers at the 2003 National Road decrements in peripheral vision, music and suchlike musical ‘kitsch’,” Koehne said. Safety Research, Policing, and Education co-authored by Michael White. Music at Yale University. There he studied with the the opening to the exuberant finale… tapping be open in Rundle Mall, taking Psychology out “Unlike most of my colleagues in the world of Conference in Sydney. Story by David Ellis doyen of American composers, Virgil Thompson, unashamedly into the musical vernacular that into the community of Adelaide. classical music, I don’t discount this music, but and also worked with visiting Dutch composer underscores our everyday life”. feel compelled to bring the infectious spirit of the Louis Andriesson. musical vernacular into the realm of the ‘classical’. The program for At the Dawn also includes Koehne has been commissioned to write ballet Neilsen’s exotic Aladdin and Shostakovich’s “With the increasing popularity of jazz as an art scores for the Australian Ballet, the Queensland subversive Twelfth Symphony ‘The Year 1917’. form, the fusion of jazz and classical music offers Adelaidean Ballet and the West Australian Ballet, and has The concert is led by one of the world’s most Nobel Prize winner a relatively new platform for composers. This enjoyed a long and fruitful collaboration with exciting young conductors, Kristjan Järvi, Editor: concerto challenges James Morrison to employ David Ellis choreographer Graeme Murphy of the Sydney appearing in advance of his Adelaide Festival both his disciplined classical virtuosity and rich Writers: Dance Company. He has composed music for participation next year. Ben Osborne, Howard Salkow, applauded jazz experience within one major work.” David Ellis theatre and film, and his most recent orchestral Design and Layout: Adelaide receiving a flurry of interest Koehne was born in Adelaide and completed his works include the ever-popular Powerhouse, Master Series Concert 12 - At The Dawn Chris Tonkin The University of from local, national and international undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the Elevator Music and Inflight Entertainment. Contributors: University of Adelaide, studying composition with Helen Simpson, Nicole Stones, Judith Adelaide gained media. Koehne is currently Musica Viva’s Featured Adelaide Festival Theatre Edwards, Kim McBride, Di Kidd Richard Meale. Composer for 2003. Friday, November 21, 8.00pm Printed by: international media Dr Coetzee, who was in the Saturday, November 22, 6.30pm Lane Print Group attention last month United States at the time of the He gained national attention at the 1982 Adelaide Following the recent world premiere of High Art in Tickets $39 adult/$35 concession/ Distribution: announcement, has been formally Festival when he was awarded the Young Sydney, The Sydney Morning Herald described $10 Go Card (secondary students) Lane Print Group Composers Prize, and in 1984 was awarded a the new concerto as “running in one breathless Book at BASS 131 246 Passing Out Distribution Co. —and it was all due congratulated by the University’s Harkness Fellowship to work at the School of arc from the tongue-in-cheek spookiness of Advertising: to one man. Vice-Chancellor, Professor James KRL Media McWha, and the University Council. Tel: +61 8 8231 5433 Fax: +61 8 8212 1238 “We are privileged to have J.M. Email: [email protected] Novelist Dr J.M. Coetzee was awarded the 2003 Nobel Prize for Coetzee as a part of the University Coming Events: Literature. of Adelaide community,” Professor Please send all coming events to the editor McWha said. at the address below. There is no charge Just over 12 months ago Dr Coetzee for coming events, but they must be “To have someone of his standing university related. was appointed an Honorary Visiting associated with the university Research Fellow with the university’s Deadline for next issue: November 20 provides our students with a Discipline of English, and in that Room G07 Mitchell Building, magnificent role model, whose role provides mentoring and support , 5005. achievements they can aspire to and to Creative Writing postgraduate Tel: +61 8 8303 5174 hopefully emulate.” Fax: +61 8 8303 4838 students and staff. Email: [email protected] Dr Coetzee becomes yet another He is regarded as one of the greatest www.adelaide.edu.au/pr/publications/ person directly associated with the Adelaidean/ living writers, and has the distinction university to receive a Nobel Prize, Material may be reproduced without of being one of only two people to permission but acknowledgement must be with past prize winners including win the Booker Prize twice. given to the Adelaidean. Sir William Henry Bragg, his son Sir Registered by Australia Post The announcement of his Nobel William , and Lord No 565001/00046 Prize resulted in the University of .

2 3 Adelaidean News from the University of Adelaide Volume 12 Number 10 November 2003 Adelaidean News from the University of Adelaide Volume 12 Number 10 November 2003 $450,000 Florey grant awarded to health study A collaborative research team headed by the University of Adelaide has been awarded the $450,000 Florey Research Grant to undertake a major study into the health and ageing of Australian men.

The project, which aims to study 1000 men in Adelaide’s north-west suburbs, is believed to be the first of its kind in Australia to attempt to Some of the research leaders (from left): identify the wide range of factors Associate Professor Gary Wittert (Department that contribute to Australian men’s of Medicine), Dr Peter O’Loughlin (Institute of health (reproductive, physical and Medical and Veterinary Science), Professor emotional), and their relationship Janet Hiller and Dr Megan Warin (Department of Public Health) with the ageing process. The winning research team is headed “All chronic conditions such as “Identifying the reasons for men’s Research Fund, the major fundraising by Associate Professor Gary Wittert obesity, cancer, diabetes and poorer physical and mental health arm of the University of Adelaide’s from the University of Adelaide’s is an imperative,” he said. Medical School, and the university’s Department of Medicine, and involves cardiovascular disease occur more Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). researchers from the university’s frequently in men and their life “We hope that measures could then Department of Public Health and the expectancy is five years less than be developed and implemented The grant is named after one of the School of Molecular & Biomedical that of women. Men are less likely to promote a healthy and active Adelaide’s greatest graduates, Lord Science, as well as the Royal Adelaide to use health services, especially in lifestyle, eventually prevent diseases, Howard Florey, who won the Nobel relation to preventative services and and guide the development of Prize in Medicine for his pioneering Adelaide links into world’s Hospital, SA Department of Human Services, Institute of Medical and early intervention, and the quality of appropriate health services work in the development of penicillin Veterinary Science, Hanson Institute, their mental health is below that of and policy.” for clinical use. CSIRO and Glenside Hospital. women’s. In addition, some diseases The three-year grant was announced The grant aims to support research biggest oil and gas company “Compared with women, Australian that exclusively affect men, such as at the Florey Medical Foundation’s teams looking for better solutions men of all ages are less healthy and prostate cancer, are insufficiently annual fundraising dinner held to major health problems in South therefore do not enjoy as good a understood—screening remains recently in . Australia, and promotes stronger The University of Adelaide and the world’s largest oil and gas Above: Esso geophysicists in a 3D seismic quality of life as they should,” Dr controversial and there is little data The Florey Research Grant is partnerships between researchers in visualisation centre. The centre assists Wittert said. regarding prevention. jointly funded by the Florey Medical different disciplines in Adelaide. company, ExxonMobil, have established a new joint program geophysicists to visualise and analyse seismic data. for collaboration in educational and scientific research projects. Photo courtesy of Esso Australia

Senior executives from ExxonMobil’s “By association, this link provides an “Esso Australia, which had been Esso has committed initial funding of US headquarters and its Australian even stronger connection between involved with NCPGG for some nearly $500,000 over the next three Young scientists vie for top prize subsidiary, Esso Australia, were in University of Adelaide students years, welcomed the merger as years towards the first projects to be Adelaide last month to sign a formal studying petroleum engineering an indication of the University’s supported under the scheme. A diverse range of exciting – and potentially life- agreement with the university and and geoscience with an outstanding intention to build a broadly based Projects already begun and the newly formed Australian School industry leader,” said Professor John petroleum centre in Adelaide. The supported through the arrangement altering – research by three of South Australia’s of Petroleum. Kaldi, Head of the Australian School School of Petroleum Engineering with ExxonMobil cover many best young talent will be on show this month. The agreement provides a of Petroleum. and Management was originally aspects of petroleum geoscience general framework that endorses established with a generous gift from and engineering. Professor Kaldi said the university’s Santos, and the new School has taken The 2003 Young Investigator Award finals On the night, the three finalists will present the university as a potential Australian School of Petroleum initiative in establishing the School that collaboration with Australian will be held on Friday, November 14 in their work to a panel of media judges and participant in collaborative research sabbatical programs will also provide in July this year had encouraged the and global companies an important the University of Adelaide’s Napier members of the public. and educational projects with opportunities for industry managers Lecture Theatre. new arrangement. step further. The finalists are: John Bromfield (Obstetrics & ExxonMobil and its affiliates. to participate in specialist courses, The award recognises the best in science Gynaecology), Jonathon Hutton (Child Health ExxonMobil will provide in- “The new School was formed by “While South Australia is not the work on specific projects in its and science communication among Research Institute) and Amanda Sferruzzi- merging the School of Petroleum young researchers studying women’s, Perri (Obstetrics & Gynaecology). kind support including software largest petroleum producing state, laboratories and gain access to highly children’s or young people’s health. The and equipment from its global Engineering and Management and the excellence of its education and qualified computer modelling teams winner will receive a prize of $1000 plus For more information about the finals night information network, to assist the National Centre for Petroleum research in oil and gas has obviously and facilities. In turn, teaching and the BioInnovation SA Conference Prize contact Dr Edna Bates: (08) 8161 7165. transfer of data and technical Geology and Geophysics (NCPGG) to been recognised. This agreement research staff will be able to gain of $1500, and will become the South information. The funding provide a rare blending of geoscience with ExxonMobil reinforces further practical industry experience Australian “Young Investigator of the Year”. www.health.adelaide.edu.au/yia2003/ Jonathon Hutton, Amanda Sferruzzi-Perri and John Bromfield arrangements will also support and engineering teaching and Adelaide’s vision to build a world- to stay in touch with new production postgraduate research scholarships. research,” he said. class petroleum school.” needs and techniques.

4 5 Adelaidean News from the University of Adelaide Volume 12 Number 10 November 2003 Adelaidean News from the University of Adelaide Volume 12 Number 10 November 2003

Chemical car goes the distance Young lawyers are masters of for engineering students international experience Five Adelaide lawyers have commenced their studies in the unique Master of Comparative Law degree jointly conducted by the universities of Adelaide and Mannheim, Germany.

Adelaide’s Master of Comparative Law is the only program of its kind between an Australian and a German institution. Students complete one semester at Adelaide and one semester at Mannheim, combining coursework with a research thesis. Mannheim is a leading university, referred to as the “German Harvard” by the German newspaper Die Zeit. The program provides students with Winning team the rare opportunity of experiencing (from left) a European lifestyle and culture Henry Huang, while deepening their knowledge in Thoa Nguyen, the comparative and international Daniel Duffy law area. Subjects offered include and David To From left: Program coordinator Cornelia Koch with Masters students Indradeep Bhattacharya, Photo by European Union law, international Brendan Grigg, Sharon Kelsey, Ellie Palmer and Yasmine Mirza Ben Osborne criminal law and diplomatic and consular law. The five students departed Adelaide Brendan Grigg has worked at the at the University of Adelaide. He The Masters program coordinator is for Europe in early October after Making a car travel 16.5 metres and “We had done a lot of test runs which gave us a South Australian Crown Solicitor’s was a member of the 2002 Jessup Ms Cornelia Koch. Her background being awarded scholarships by lot of data about how much air we might need Office since 1998 in the native title serves her well in this role as she then stop sounds simple enough. the German Academic Exchange International Law Moot team, to put in the bag for certain distances and loads, section. He speaks German and is a native of Mannheim and holds Service (DAAD) and the University representing Australia in Canberra so once we knew how far we had to go and how Italian, and lived and studied in Italy law degrees from both Germany of Mannheim’s International Office. in the semi-finals. He has a strong much the load was, we could calculate how for a year. In September 2001 he and Australia, including a Master of But for a group of third-year University of In the competition, teams must prepare a car The scholarship includes travel costs, focus on developing a career in much air we needed,” one of the team members, travelled to New York to undertake Comparative Law degree from the Adelaide Chemical Engineering students, this with the specifications mentioned above. The accommodation, and living expenses, international law, is particularly Daniel Duffy, said. an internship with the United University of Queensland. In 2001 task wasn’t so easy. cars must carry a load of water a prescribed with additional scholarships to interested in European laws and Nations. and again this year she conducted For starters, their “car” is a model that has distance—but the teams only find out how much “Getting the car moving wasn’t the main study German language courses also aspires to work at the English Bar. research at Mannheim’s law school. to fit in a normal-sized shoebox. The car has water and the exact distance one hour before the problem—it was getting it to stop!” said another offered. Ellie Palmer has a keen interest Indradeep will commence working competition starts. member, Henry Huang. “Because it had no in international law and aspires to for Kelly & Co early next year. He Apart from Australian and German no steering, and no brakes. And lastly, it has Master of Comparative Law student brakes we knew we had to be able to control the work for the International Court of speaks Indian and will study the candidates, Ms Koch said the no conventional engine, instead relying on a The Adelaide team managed to get their entry Yasmine Mirza has a keen interest in chemical reaction, and using the plastic bag as a Justice. She worked for the Southern German language in Mannheim. program had so far attracted chemical reaction for its propulsion. to carry 300ml of water to within 14cm of their alternative dispute resolution and has reservoir of air definitely made this a lot easier.” Cross Group on issues involving the lawyers from Ireland, the USA, But Thoa Nguyen, Daniel Duffy, Henry target of 16.5m. professional experience at Phillips Sharon Kelsey’s background is mobility of Australians overseas. She Nigeria, China, Poland and Bulgaria. Huang and David To were more than equal Their car was based around a model aeroplane ChemECar organiser and Chemical Engineering Fox Lawyers and Cowell Clarke occupational health and safety, was offered an internship with the This international composition to the challenge recently, when they won the engine, and was powered by the combustion Lecturer at Adelaide Dr Peter Ashman said the Commercial Lawyers in commercial having studied in Australia, Japan Group in Brussels where she lived of candidates gave students the ChemECar Downunder competition for 2003. reaction between methanol and air. This students did an excellent job. litigation. She will specialise in and the USA. She undertook a and worked on European Union opportunity to make invaluable reaction then powered a small propeller at the “The overall package was very impressive,” he Insolvency law. In addition to Bachelor of Laws to gain an insight They defeated five other teams of chemical issues for 12 months last year. In international contacts and get a front of the car. said. “The students worked very hard on their speaking German, she is fluent in into the legal complexities of engineering students from Australian and New addition to studying the German deeper understanding of various project and thoroughly deserved to win—and to Italian and speaks Indonesian. She occupational health and safety and Zealand universities at the final hosted by the The “secret” to their success was using a plastic language in Germany, she also cultures, she said. do it on ‘home soil’ was an extra bonus!” lived and worked in north-eastern hopes the Master of Comparative University of Adelaide as part of the national bag as a “reservoir” of air that controlled how speaks French. Italy for almost two years and is Law will enable her to bring a The cut-off date for applications to Chemeca conference. much air was used in the reaction. Story by Ben Osborne planning on establishing herself in Indradeep Bhattacharya is currently valuable international perspective to the Masters program in semester one Adelaide upon her return. completing his honours thesis in law her specialised field of work. 2004 is November 30.

6 7 Adelaidean News from the University of Adelaide Volume 12 Number 10 November 2003 Adelaidean News from the University of Adelaide Volume 12 Number 10 November 2003 Brent has four times the research success The latest round of ARC funding has brought four times the joy to one University of Adelaide researcher.

Dr Kaiser’s projects were: “My Discovery grant involves • a $225,000 Discovery grant working with a researcher in Canada over three years to investigate who uses a cyclotron (particle improving nitrogen use in accelerator) to generate short-lived crop plants; isotopes to study real-time nitrogen transport in plants,” he said. • a one-off $301,921 Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and “The Infrastructure grant is very Facilities grant to purchase: state- exciting, because it won’t be helping of-the-art robotic equipment for just my research. There are a whole high-throughput DNA analysis host of organisations and individual to simplify gene selection and groups, like the new Australian screening, a sensitive nucleic acid Centre for Plant Functional Genomics and protein imaging system, and a and the Australian Wine Research reconfigurable computing platform Institute, who are co-investigators on for bioinformatic research: the grant, that will be able to benefit • a $210,000 Linkage grant over from automating what used to be a three years with chief investigator labour-intensive and time-consuming Dr Brent Kaiser, a lecturer at the biologist who completed a PhD at Professor Margaret Sedgley chore for humans.” university’s School of Agriculture the Australian National University investigating the self-fertility The four research projects come on and Wine (Discipline of Wine and in 1999 and has since worked in his of almonds; Horticulture), is chief investigator homeland, France and now back top of an already hectic schedule • a $450,000 Discovery grant over in two successful projects and co- which includes lecturing and in Australia. three years with chief investigator investigator in another two (one of supervising numerous postgraduate His three University of Adelaide Professor David Day of the students—but Dr Kaiser wouldn’t much importance we place on our which is listed under the institution projects were awarded a total of University of Western Australia. have it any other way. partnerships with industry and other of the chief investigator, the almost $750,000 in ARC funding. Based at the Waite Campus, Dr research organisations, but also how University of Western Australia). “It’s certainly going to keep me busy The projects are also significant Kaiser said he was pleased to receive $10.7m research funding successful these partnerships are for the next few years,” he said. “I It’s not bad going for someone who because they form the “trifecta” of funding for all four projects he becoming.” only started at the university in enjoy my teaching and my research, available ARC funding: a Discovery applied for, and that he was excited February this year! and I’m going to be doing a lot of Some of the major projects funded at grant, a Linkage grant and a Linkage about the partnerships with other both for a while!” to make an impact the University of Adelaide include: Originally hailing from Canada, Infrastructure, Equipment and chief investigators his research • four separate projects underpinning Dr Kaiser is a plant molecular Facilities grant. involved. Story by Ben Osborne the mineral exploration and energy Industry, the environment, the community and culture—they industries with total combined all stand to gain from the latest research projects funded at funding of $1.72 million, including a $696,000 infrastructure grant for It is easy to overlook a project receiving only $33,512 in the latest the University of Adelaide. the South Australian Virtual Reality ARC funding round when other projects receive many hundreds of Centre to be established with thousands of dollars. industry and research partners at The university’s standing as • $1.60 million for infrastructure, Adelaide was also one of only three the University of Adelaide; But the Indigenous Researchers Development grant given to Gender an international-class research equipment and facilities in universities in Australia to receive Studies PhD student Sonja Kurtzer is quite significant. institution has been further four projects to be based at the a special Discovery grant for • a Discovery grant of $625,000 underlined after winning more than University of Adelaide. indigenous researcher development. over five years for an ethnographic It was one of only three given nationwide this year, and Ms Kurtzer is history of the Wik region in the University of Adelaide’s first such recipient. $10.7 million in the most recent The university continues to achieve “We are very happy that the Queensland; funding round from the Australian excellent funding results relative to Australian Research Council She will use the funding to help with her PhD research, which is Research Council (ARC). its size. continues to acknowledge the • a Discovery grant of $224,000 over examining the issues of identity, place and belonging in recent works three years to examine temporary of Australian autobiography, including works by indigenous writers. Adelaide will receive the funding in In addition to receiving the second- exceptional work our researchers are migration’s impact on Australia; three main areas: highest funding for Linkage grants in doing,” Vice-Chancellor Professor “I think these are really important issues at the moment,” she said. • $5.19 million for 16 research the country, the university received James McWha said. • a $490,100 Linkage grant to “For my research, I’m particularly interested in the relationship projects in large “Discovery” grants; the seventh-highest amount of “I am particularly delighted that we deliver quality of service over between indigenous and non-indigenous people and how indigenous Internet provider networks; and writers are interpreting this. • $3.75 million for 13 research funding for Infrastructure grants. have performed so well in the area of projects in partnerships Adelaide also performed well at a Linkage grants. • a $261,400 Linkage grant to “Writers such as Kim Mahood and Fabienne Bayet-Charlton are still with industry and research State level, winning 13 out of 18 “To receive the second-highest develop a new model to assess feeling the need to speak about these issues because, like a lot of organisations, known as Linkage grants and 16 out of 35 amount of Linkage grant funding in the support needs of people Australians, they are personally affected by them.” “Linkage” grants; Discovery grants. the nation highlights not only how with disabilities.

8 9 Adelaidean News from the University of Adelaide Volume 12 Number 10 November 2003 Adelaidean News from the University of Adelaide Volume 12 Number 10 November 2003 Nutrition, health to benefit from Young entrepreneurs win $70,000 research links challenge “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Five young South Australians have taken This maxim, by Greek physician “This new research is the latest a major step closer to Hippocrates, the founder of modern development in a long and proud medicine, is being taken into the 21st tradition of research on food and seeing their business century by the University of Adelaide nutrition in South Australia. dreams become reality. and CSIRO thanks to a visionary “From the research of the Adelaide research partnership designed to Botanic Gardens in the 19th advance the understanding of the century on new crop plants, to the relationships between nutrition efforts of Professor T. Brailsford and health. Robertson who produced the first The five are members of a business The new alliance aims to use insulin in Australia in the 1920s, to team called Genii, which has modern scientific techniques such as Professor Basil Hetzel’s research on believe that diet may also be modified and vulnerability to or protection won the University of Adelaide’s genomics (the study of all the genes thyroid disorders and human iodine to treat chronic disease,” Professor from disease. $70,000 Entrepreneurs’ Challenge of a living organism) and proteomics deficiency, Adelaide has been at the Cornish said. “Definition of the activities of food (EChallenge) for 2003. (the study of proteins produced by forefront of research in this field,” “It is known, for example, that an components will allow improvement The EChallenge is a competition in cell type and organism) to develop she said. excess of certain types of dietary in health through dietary modification which teams—including at least one novel nutritional approaches for the More recently, in 2002 the University fats may increase the risk of heart and fortification, the production of University of Adelaide student—come management of disease. of Adelaide and CSIRO Health disease and cancer, while others may novel foods, and development of up with new business ventures that “The alliance brings together the Sciences and Nutrition jointly funded be protective. Many of the foods we ‘nutraceuticals’, or ‘functional foods’ have real commercial value. eat produce active compounds that, (foods designed to have specific From right: Winning team members Austin, Rebecca Schwartz, Andrew Hardacre, expertise of both institutions to the establishment of the $200,000 Genii’s business idea is a location when tested in the laboratory, appear health effects),” she said. Monique Bowley and Jason Watson, with EChallenge project manager Marissa Haltis enable us to better understand the Brailsford Robertson Award to device no bigger than a 20-cent coin Photo by Phil Martin to be beneficial in reducing the risk effect of different foods in our bodies promote collaborative research in the The first new project under the that could help improve safety at of bowel cancer.” —at the level of protein molecules life sciences with particular emphasis Adelaide-CSIRO alliance involves ski resorts. It could also be used as Watson. The other team members The runners up were GeneSense, the finalists, our three winning teams being expressed in cells and tissues,” on food, nutrition and health. It is now possible to identify, using CSIRO funding of a post-doctoral a cashless point-of-purchase for all are Andrew Hardacre and Austin. winning $17,000 for second place, have made a remarkable effort,” Ms said Professor Edwina Cornish, the new technologies, the relationship fellow for three years to drive “While the importance of diet to locations within the resort, freeing “Winning the EChallenge is a great and Bioprotective Innovations, with Haltis said. University of Adelaide’s Deputy Vice- between genetic make-ups, research into nutrient-proteome maintaining good health has long consumers of the worry of carrying stepping stone for Genii,” Austin $6000 in cash and prizes for third. “We hope that EChallenge will be Chancellor (Research). responsiveness to food components interactions. been recognised, researchers now cash and credit cards. said. “The prizes supplied from The Sahara Lounge won the $1000 the catalyst these teams need to go “With our product, there is no search [major sponsor] Hewlett-Packard, People’s Choice Award. out and succeed with their business and rescue—only rescue,” said Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and the EChallenge project manager and ventures, and we are proud that the winning team member Austin. other fantastic sponsors will enable University of Adelaide Commerce/ competition has helped to develop Among the five-member Genii Genii’s dedicated and talented team Law student Marissa Haltis said entrepreneurial skills in a new Deputy VC takes senior job at Monash team are two current University of to take the next important steps in its the winning teams represented generation of South Australians. Adelaide students and one graduate: development.” South Australia’s best and newest “We wish Genii all possible success Monique Bowley, studying for a As winners of the 2003 EChallenge, entrepreneurs. with their new venture, which has The University of Adelaide’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Media Studies degree, Commerce/ Genii receives $50,000 in cash and “When you consider the calibre of the the potential to make a huge impact Law student Rebecca Schwartz, prizes, and a chance at taking their competition, with 60 teams originally on resort operations and patron (Research), Professor Edwina Cornish, has been appointed and Commerce/Law graduate Jason business idea to the next level. competing and the overall quality of safety worldwide.” to the equivalent role at Monash University in Victoria.

“Her contribution to this university, particularly “These three years at Adelaide have been a Free Public Lectures through her leadership on a number of great source of pride for me, not just in terms collaborative research ventures and in research of the many high-profile achievements that I’ve 3.30pm, Wednesday, 5.30pm, Monday, November 12 November 17 A leading biotechnologist, Professor Cornish commercialisation, will have a lasting impact on witnessed over that time but also because I has been DVCR at the University of Adelaide the University of Adelaide in the 21st century.” know that the quality of research and research “Dedication to Innovation in Science Free public lecture as part of “Trev education at the University of Adelaide is of an and Technology: the Chinese Fest”, a Symposium in Honour of since February 2000. She joined the university Professor Cornish’s key achievements in international standard,” Professor Cornish said. Academy of Sciences” Emeritus Professor Trevor Wilson from Melbourne-based biotechnology company her time at Adelaide include: a 33% increase Florigene Ltd. “It has been a pleasure to see the successes of so by Professor and Dr Ing Lu Yongxiang by Robin Prior (Head, School of in research revenue (from $59.3 million to (Vice Chairman of the Standing Humanities and Social Sciences, “Over the past three years, Professor Cornish $78.9 million); an increase in enrolment of many talented staff and students, and to oversee Committee of the National People’s Australian Defence Forces Academy) the beginnings of new research collaborations Congress of the People’s Republic of has played a leading role in the advancement of domestic research students; a restructure of Napier Lecture Theatre 102, research and research education programs at the commercialisation activities at the university; that will enhance Australia’s reputation for China, and President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences) Napier Building University of Adelaide, and in South Australia’s a restructure of the Faculty of Sciences; and quality research and innovation.” University of Adelaide research community generally,” Vice-Chancellor improved collaboration with other South Professor Cornish will remain at the University Council Room, Level 7, Kenneth Wills Building Professor James McWha said. Australian and national research bodies. of Adelaide until the end of the year. University of Adelaide

10 11 Adelaidean News from the University of Adelaide Volume 12 Number 10 November 2003 Adelaidean News from the University of Adelaide Volume 12 Number 10 November 2003

Plant biotech cultivates brain Evening concerts leave Ugly Man pays a 2003 with Whitman- gain: new director inspired classic The final concert in the Elder School of visit to Adelaide Music’s Evening Concert Series will be held South Australia’s international reputation for on Saturday, November 29 at 8.00pm in research into plant biotechnology is resulting A dramatic feast is in store with the University Elder Hall. The entire program will consist of Ralph in a “brain gain” for Adelaide. of Adelaide Theatre Guild’s final production Vaughan Williams’s Symphony No. 1, A Sea Symphony. This is the only large-scale That’s according to the newly of a brain drain to Australia. Dr for 2003, The Ugly Man. choral orchestral program presented in appointed Director of the Waite Mark Tester from Cambridge has Adelaide this year. Agricultural Research Institute, the received a Federation Fellowship farm one oppressively hot stormy summer. The concert will feature the Elder University of Adelaide’s Professor from the Australian Government Unacknowledged passions and desires surface, Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, the Geoff Fincher. and will be based at the new $35 a dark repressed savagery is exposed and pent- Elder Conservatorium Chorale, Adelaide million Australian Centre for Plant up frustrations reach flashpoint. Voices and Bella Voce conducted by the The Waite Institute, established in Functional Genomics at the Waite, Elder School of Music’s resident conductor, 1924, has long been recognised as The Ugly Man is the second play Mr while Professor Wayne Powell from Keith Crellin. the premier agricultural research Crowhurst has directed with the Guild in 2003, the Scottish Crop Research Institute precinct in the southern hemisphere. and follows on from his success with Equus. The text for Sea Symphony is taken from has been appointed the new Head of Director of the Waite Agricultural Research Institute, He describes the play as “black comedy Walt Whitman’s collection Leaves of As its new Director, Professor the School of Agriculture and Wine. Professor Geoff Fincher peppered with shock and schlock”. Grass, which encompasses everything from Fincher is charged with the task “At the Waite, our reputation for descriptions of ships at sea, daring explorers “Despite the Gothic humour of the murder, of further enhancing the research agricultural technology is not just a and innovators, introspection on the meaning and education capabilities of the gore and vengeance, there is a serious core historic one—it continues to flourish Prior to his appointment as Director continue to provide world-leading of progress, the Second Coming, and a University of Adelaide’s Faculty to the play and with the intrigue and tension, and grow with every new student and of the Waite Institute, Professor research and teaching in a host of transcendent final voyage to the afterlife! of Sciences on the Waite Campus, the audience is never quite sure where it’s staff member who comes here, and Fincher spent 10 years as Head of agricultural disciplines—including Williams’s piece was his first symphonic and extending the strong linkages heading,” he said. with every new discovery,” Professor the university’s Department of plant breeding technologies, plant work and had its premiere in the Leeds between the university and its co- Fincher said. Plant Science. functional genomics, integrated The Ugly Man cast comprises Nick Bennett, Festival in 1910. located partners at the Waite. Irena Dangov, Scott Edwards, Tamara Lee, “Our reputation is bound to attract Professor Fincher has a distinguished pest management, earth sciences, The Chorale-Orchestral Finale of 2002 sold Directed by Geoff Crowhurst and written by Emma Marshall, Roger Priess and Tim Ross “Our strong track record in some of the best people in the world, research career in cereal science horticulture, oenology (winemaking) out, so please book early to ensure a seat, as Canadian playwright Brad Fraser, The Ugly and features original music by Ben Flett. agricultural research and and Dr Tester and Professor Powell and technology both in Australia and viticulture,” said the Executive this concert promises to be just as popular Man is a darkly-humoured and occasionally biotechnology is having a major are certainly among them. and abroad, and he was one of the Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, The Ugly Man will be performed at the Little and is a fitting conclusion to this year’s effect, with key international Professor . shocking play which marks the Theatre Guild’s Theatre on Saturday November 1, Tuesday- Evening Concert Series. “There is often much discussion principal applicants for the Australian scientists being attracted to debut into the Feast Festival. Saturday November 4-8, and Tuesday-Saturday about ‘brain drains’ from Centre for Plant Functional “This is an exciting time not just for Tickets are $22 adult/$14 concession/ Adelaide,” Professor Fincher said. November 11-15. Tickets are $20/$15 and Australia, but we know that further Genomics (ACPFG) based at the the University of Adelaide but also Based loosely on the 17th century tragedy $8 student from all BASS outlets or Waite Campus. He is now Deputy The Changeling, The Ugly Man is set are available from BASS on 131 246, or the In fact, the recent appointment of developments in agricultural our campus partners, industry and dial’n’charge on 131 246. CEO of ACPFG Pty Ltd. somewhere in the south of the USA, where Theatre Guild on (08) 8303 5999 or online at two leading researchers from the UK biotechnology will only lead to government, as the Waite continues University of Adelaide staff at concession an enigmatic and scarred man drifts onto a www.adelaide.edu.au/clubs/theatreguild sparked a story last month in The a ‘brain gain’ for Adelaide and “Under the directorship of Professor to show the world what we are prices on presentation of Staff Card. Guardian newspaper with fears Australia,” he said. Fincher, the Waite Campus will capable of.”

Coming Events

Sunday, November 2 Seminar Rm 1, 4th Floor, Reiger Building, “Living descendants of fossil genera” with Thursday, November 13 6pm Young Investigator Awards: finals Imaging Centre, Hanson Institute). O&G- (School of Chemistry & Physics, University Thursday, November 27 11am Waite Arboretum guided walks: Women’s & Children’s Hospital. Professor Bob Hill (School of Earth and 1pm Centre for Molecular Genetics of presentations, featuring guest speaker Pharmacology Seminar Rm, Level 6, of Adelaide). Seminar Rm 1, 4th Floor, 1pm Chemical Pathology seminar: Environmental Sciences). Urrbrae House, Tony Agars (News Director, National Nine Medical School North, Frome Rd. Reiger Building, WCH. “Waite Arboretum eucalypt collection” Friday, November 7 Development seminar: “Metastable “Source to the Sea, the story of the with Dean Nicolle (PhD student, Flinders). Waite Campus (enter from Fullarton Rd). epialleles in mammals” by Associate News, Adelaide). Napier Lecture Theatre 5.30pm “Trev Fest” Free Public Lecture: Murray River boats” by Ian Doyle 1.10pm Elder Hall Lunch Hour Concert: Friday, November 21 Urrbrae House, Waite Campus. Professor Emma Whitelaw (University of 102, Napier Building. RSVP required by Robin Prior (Head, School of Humanities (documentary maker & historian, Benjamin Martin (piano). Elder Hall. Tuesday, November 11 Sydney). Seminar Rm 1.02, Molecular Nov 5: phone Edna Bates on 8161 7165. and Social Sciences, Australian Defence 1.10pm Elder Hall Lunch Hour Concert: Managing Director, Doyle Media Monday, November 3 Tickets $5 at door from 12.30pm. 1.10pm Student Workshop: Life Sciences Building. Forces Academy). Napier Lecture Theatre David Galliver Memorial Awards. Elder Services). Seminar Rm 1, 4th Floor, 1.10pm Wine and Horticulture research “Meditation”. Counselling Centre, ground Sunday, November 16 1pm Pharmacology seminar: Research 1pm Chemical Pathology seminar: 102, Napier Building. Hall. Tickets $5 at door from 12.30pm. Reiger Building, Women’s & seminar: “Improving the resolution of ion floor, Horace Lamb Building. 11am–5pm Waite Arboretum 75th Colloquium. O&G-Pharmacology Seminar “Nano Technology, the way of the Children’s Hospital. transport measurement” by Dr Matthew Anniversary celebrations: guided Rm, Lvl 6, Medical School Nth, Frome Rd. Future?” by Dr Martin Johnston Tuesday, November 18 Sunday, November 23 Gilliham (Plant Sciences, Cambridge). Wednesday, November 12 walks (11.30am and 2pm), musical (Chemistry, Flinders University). Seminar 1.10pm Student Workshop: 11am Waite Arboretum guided walks: Saturday, November 29 Tuesday, November 4 Plant Research Centre Auditorium, Waite. 3.30pm Free Public Lecture: “Dedication performances, art and craft displays, Rm 1, 4th Floor, Reiger Building, “Meditation”. Counselling Centre, ground “Trees for streets” with David Lawry 1.10pm Student Workshop: 4pm Obstetrics & Gynaecology seminar: to Innovation in Science and Technology: fossil plants, heritage roses, plant and 8pm Elder School of Music Evening Women’s & Children’s Hospital. floor, Horace Lamb Building. (founder, TREENET). Urrbrae House, “Meditation”. Counselling Centre, ground “Small and large encounters where forces the Chinese Academy of Sciences” book sale, food and drink, and more! Concert Series: Elder Conservatorium by Professor Ing Lu Yongxiang (Vice Friday, November 14 Waite Campus (enter from Fullarton Rd). Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, floor, Horace Lamb Building. act” by Professor John Ralston (Ian Wark Free admission. Urrbrae House, Waite. Thursday, November 20 Institute, UniSA). Seminar Rm N229, Chairman, Standing Committee of 1.10pm Elder Hall Lunch Hour Concert: Adelaide Voices and Bella Voce. Elder Thursday, November 6 Monday, November 17 Tuesday, November 25 Level 2, Medical School North, Frome Rd. the National People’s Congress of the Adelaide Voices, Adelaide Chamber 1pm Chemical Pathology seminar: Hall. Tickets $22adults/$14concession/ 7.30pm Musicological Society, SA 1pm Chemical Pathology seminar: People’s Republic of China, and President Singers, with Carl Crossin (conductor). 1pm Pharmacology seminar: Dr A. “Interrogating Low Volatility Compounds $8student from BASS: 131 246. Sunday, November 9 Chapter: Mark Smith and Richard “Groundwater - its impact on the River of the Chinese Academy of Sciences). Elder Hall. Tickets $5 at door from Bruce Lyons (Melissa White Leukaemia in the Gas Phase using liquid micro jets” University of Adelaide staff at concession Hornung. Rm 1107, Schulz Building. Murray” by Russell Martin (DWLBC). 11am Waite Arboretum guided walks: Council Rm, Level 7, Wills Building. 12.30pm. Research Laboratory and Detmold Family by Associate Professor Mark A. Buntine prices on presentation of staff card.

12 13 Adelaidean News from the University of Adelaide Volume 12 Number 10 November 2003 Adelaidean News from the University of Adelaide Volume 12 Number 10 November 2003

Obituary Alumni News

James Hamilton (Jim) Newland (1913 – 2003)

The University of Adelaide James Newland was a passionate Uni spirit still strong 50 years on Roseworthy community was Roseworthy Agricultural College saddened to hear of the recent death graduate. On display in his home Mr of Mr James Newland. He graduated Newland had an art print of the Main with a Diploma of Agriculture in Building, which he said constantly 1935, after which Jim established reminded him of the absent clock. a successful farm in the South In late 2002, James decided that he East near Naracoorte. During his was going to make a gift of the clock time at the Roseworthy Campus he to the university. The installation of was actively involved in the Social this state-of-the-art Swiss precision Committee, assisting with the clock, which adjusts automatically College’s jubilee year dinner in 1933, by a global positioning system athletics and a longstanding member connected to Greenwich Mean Time, from the Alumni offi ce, visited Mr gifted by their parents and view the of the Intercollegiate Rifl e Team. Jim together with the bell system, took Newland at his aged care facility plaque on the Main Hall honouring was also a trooper in the College’s place in March this year. and presented him with the video. this gift. Andrew Newland, James’s Light Horse Mounted Machine James was delighted to see the clock grandson, said one of the last things Above: Adelaide graduates Lois Dyster and husband Tom (BA 1953) at the Due to failing health, James Golden Jubilee, and a photo taken on Tom’s graduation day with Lois and Gun Section. unfortunately was unable to (pictured above right) and asked for his grandfather asked him was: their eldest daughter, Jennifer – all graduates of the University of Adelaide. Jim and his wife Mildred had four participate in the inauguration the video to be replayed to ensure “How’s that clock going?” Left: More than 100 University of Adelaide graduates are joined by children: Clive, Ian, Brian and ceremony of the clock on March that he did not miss anything. He Mr Newlands’s commitment to and university staff and guests for the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Helena. Both Clive and Ian are 12. However, the ceremony was was thrilled at the prospect of being involvement with the University of able to keep the video to show to Roseworthy graduates and his videotaped and the day before Jim’s Adelaide is highly visible today at They were all graduates of 1953, Dr Jeanette Linn OAM provided the The biographies and memories of his family. grandson Andrew and his wife Kath 90th birthday, Bernard Arnold of the Roseworthy. He will be remembered More than 100 making this year the Golden Jubilee Golden Jubilee address highlighting university days sent in by graduates carried on the Roseworthy tradition, Roseworthy campus, who had been On Wednesday, November 12, with great respect for his dedication of their graduation. the unique community that existed for the reunion booklet highlighted the a generation later. Mildred died in instrumental in the commissioning members of the Newland family will to the completion of the Main University of In all, 105 alumni were welcomed on campus during that period and in vibrant campus culture that brought January this year, aged 84. of the clock, and Judith Edwards visit Roseworthy to see the clock Building at Roseworthy. Adelaide graduates back to the University of Adelaide for particular the wonderful blending of together students from different the celebration on October 10. returned servicemen and women and disciplines, and the signifi cant impact returned to their recent school leavers. The graduates, in full academic those graduates have made. This alma mater last dress, were re-presented to the Graduates and their guests rekindled impact has occurred not only in their month to celebrate Vice-Chancellor, Professor James old friendships and reminisced about chosen professions but also through Alumni Events McWha, during the Commemoration their days at the university during a many spheres of society in so many a milestone. Ceremony in Bonython Hall. reunion luncheon. ways over the past 50 years.

Cornell Chapter Annual Dinner and AGM Flight of Ideas Chamber Choir - Seminar with Mr Tom Phillips, PRAISE O’ DO’SET CEO Mitsubishi Australia Featuring the ASQ performing a Brahms quartet, and Robyn Layton QC speaking on “Child Protection: End the season with a very special event – the evocative Date: Wednesday 19 November Everybody’s Business”. poems of Dorset poet William Barnes, set to music Time: 6pm Big attendance at Crawford Lecture (Vaughan Williams’ Linden Lea is the most famous) and Venue: Seminar Room, Level 3, Security House, Date: Friday 7 November 2003 read aloud by the incomparable Tom Burton, in the 233 North Tce Alumni chapter news The Annual General Meeting of the Time: AGM 6.30pm, Dinner at 7.00 for 7.30pm stunning Reading Room of the Barr Smith Library. Unwind Cost: $10 West Malaysia Chapter was held Venue: Ball Room at St Mark’s College, after work with this short, sweet performance and join the RSVP: Monday 17 November to on October 31, at the Royal Lake 45 Pennington Terrace, North Adelaide choir afterwards for a complimentary glass of bubbly. [email protected] Regional Chapters International Chapters Club, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Cost: $45.00 (incl. GST), BYO Date: Friday 28 November Professional Development Seminar on Professional Development A Consular Affair in New York City! This follows the Chapter’s RSVP: Bookings must be made by Monday, 3 November Time: 6pm to the Alumni, Community Relations and Operations Excellence in Port Augusta involvement in the inaugural James Venue: Reading Room, Barr Smith Library (Entry to the Monday, November 3 is the Crawford Lecture. The lecture, Development Offi ce. Ph 8303 5800 or email concert via the Library’s Eastern Door) (Speakers from Hills, Holden, Ratbag and The University of Adelaide) The Port Augusta alumni network University of Adelaide’s fi rst coordinated by the University of [email protected]. Cost: Single tickets: $15 full / $12 conc / $10 Friends recently held a successful gathering of alumni living and Date: Saturday 29 November , was linked of the University of Adelaide Library. Tickets Professional Development working in the United States Florey Chapter AGM and Time: 1.30pm - 4.30pm (or 5pm) using video-conferencing facilities available at the door on the night or pre-book workshop entitled Leadership, of America. Medical Vignerons Luncheon Venue: Seminar Room, Level 3, Security House, from Adelaide to the theatrette of by phoning Celia on 0414 014 144 or emailing Change Management and with Dr Lindsay Barrett fl [email protected] 233 North Tce Vice-Chancellor Professor James the Australian High Commission, Management. Cost: $25 McWha will attend the reception at Kuala Lumpur. The Florey Medical Chapter invites staff, students and MBA Alumni Association – RSVP: Wednesday 26 November to The event involved alumni from all the Australian Consulate General, The event was very well attended friends to join them for a delicious luncheon, wines from Professional Development Sessions [email protected] three South Australian universities, New York City, generously hosted Barrett Limited Edition Wine and a presentation by and rounded off with a cocktail Dinner with Dr Malcolm Guy speaking on Architecture Chapter – Face to Face Series and is an annual addition to the by the Honourable Kenneth C. Dr Barrett, “From Water to Wine”. Corporate Social Responsibility Port Augusta network’s calendar Allen, Australian Consul-General party hosted by the High “Architecture of the World” Commission (pictured, above right). Date: Sunday 16 November 2003 Date: Thursday 6 November of events. in New York. The Hon. Ken Allen Time: AGM 11.30am, Lunch 12.30pm Time: 7pm for 7.30pm start Dr Samer Akkach, Senior Lecturer in the School of For more information about the is an economics graduate of the Pictured (below, from left) is Venue: Glenelg Golf Club, James Melrose Drive, Glenelg Venue: Martini Cafe, 59 The Parade, Norwood Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design activities of the Port Augusta University of Adelaide. Professor Crawford in Adelaide, will be giving a seminar discussing Islamic design on Cost: $40 (includes Wine and GST) Cost: $50 (includes entrée, main and network, please contact Alumni For more information about the with Professor Paul Fairall, Dean Wednesday 26 November. RSVP: Friday 7 November to the Alumni, Community non-alcoholic drinks) Relations Offi cer Benjamin Leske event, or the activities of the alumni of the Adelaide Law School, and Relations and Development Offi ce. RSVP: Monday 3 November to For further information please contact Alison Wood at the on (08) 8303 3317 or via email: network in the USA, please contact Vice-Chancellor Professor James Ph: 8303 5800 or email [email protected] Alumni, Community Relations and Development Offi ce on [email protected] [email protected] McWha. [email protected]. Places are limited to 20 so book early! 8303 3306 or [email protected].

14 15 Adelaidean News from the University of Adelaide Volume 12 Number 10 November 2003 Rhodes scholar follows in Bob Hawke’s footsteps Phillip Killicoat from Bordertown, South Australia, has become the latest University of Adelaide student to receive the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.

Phillip, 23, is the second person from he was awarded the Citigroup Bordertown to become a Rhodes Australia Prize for being the top Scholar, the first being former Prime graduate in Economics. This year Minister Bob Hawke (Rhodes Scholar he is completing his Honours in for Western Australia, 1953). Economics. This year is the 100th year of the Phillip is a former State Rhodes. During that time more than Triathlon Champion and national 90 University of Adelaide students representative in Duathlon. He have been recognised with Rhodes has also contributed to a number Scholarships. of community organisations and The scholarship, to study at Oxford charities through volunteer work. University in the UK, is one of the “It is a great honour to win the world’s most prestigious scholarships Rhodes Scholarship, not just because and is offered annually in every State I’ll be representing South Australia in Australia, plus three for Australia but also country South Australia,” Adelaide also has an active campus University of Adelaide Vice- at large. Winners of the Rhodes are Phillip said. life, and I’ve thrown myself into it, Chancellor Professor James not only gifted students but must also especially the triathlon club and the McWha congratulated Phillip on his He said living at St Mark’s College demonstrate excellence in sporting debating society. scholarship win. had not only been of “tremendous and/or community endeavours. help” to his studies but has also been “Those extra-curricular activities “The award of a Rhodes Scholarship Phillip Killicoat is a graduate important “in maintaining the kind of have been all-important in helping is a very significant achievement of Bordertown High and also well-rounded experience that Rhodes to develop a range of skills and which reflects on the all-round completed some Year 12 subjects required of his scholars”. experiences. For me, going to attributes of the awardee and also on by correspondence through university is not just about earning a the institutions where studies were The campus life of the University Open Access College. He won degree.” undertaken,” Professor McWha said. of Adelaide has also been a major the prestigious C.A.S. Hawker contributor to his success. Thanks to the Rhodes Scholarship, “The University of Adelaide is proud Scholarship, which allowed him in 2004 Phillip will study for a of its Rhodes Scholars and I am to become a resident at St Mark’s “The academic standing of the Masters degree in Economics at sure that Phillip will be a worthy College while studying at the university is very high, with Oxford. Prior to that he will take up successor to the long line of Rhodes University of Adelaide. outstanding teachers that have made a three-month internship with the Scholars from this university, some my learning experience all the more He has already graduated with United Nations’ Food and Agriculture of whom are currently among our rewarding,” he said. two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts Organization in Rome, which aims to fine academic staff.” (International Studies) and a “As well as being strong alleviate world hunger and improve Bachelor of Economics, in which academically, the University of nutrition in Third World nations. Story and photo by David Ellis String quartet ends the year with passion

Fresh from their successful seven- 10, the quartet will be joined by week tour of Europe, the UK and two special guests—Brett Dean 7pm Monday, November 10 Asia, the Australian String Quartet (viola) and David Pereira (cello)— Adelaide Town Hall is finishing the year in Adelaide in a performance of Schoenberg’s wine-tasting from 6pm, with power and passion. emotionally charged Verklärte pre-concert talk at 6.10pm Nacht (Transfigured Night). The ASQ is Australia’s only phone BASS on 131 246 or professional full-time string Haydn’s Opus 33 No 6 quartet— visit: www.bass.net.au quartet, and is quartet-in-residence which inspired Mozart to return to at the University of Adelaide’s Elder writing for quartets—and Brahms’ ASQ season 2004 is now on sale. School of Music. glowing String Quartet in A, Call 1800 040 444 or visit: www.asq.com.au For their final concert in the 2003 written in the autumn of his life, subscription season on November complete the concert.

16