357##1994

No. CSI RO AUST RALIA STOP PRESS MARCH 25 iean fungus brought in Keating raises to fight American weeds A fungus from Mexico has been released in the wct summer months,' said Dr Northern Territory to help control a weed that Forno. 'We hope it will do the Science to Cabinet scientists from CSIRO's Division of Entomology call same here.' Initially the fungus is being 'one of the most alarming threats to conservation in Just as this issue was going to press the news came released on the Adclaide River northern Australia' - Mimosa pigra. Iloodplains near Durwin. It has over the air that Science had a new Minister, Senator Mimosa pigra is a pricldy dense stands uninhabitable. been extensively tested over Peter Cook, and that, under him, Science was again shrub from tropical America Fire, herbicides and machines rive years to ensure that it is to be a Cabinet portfolio for the first time since which the Division says has have been tried against safe to release. The tests show Clyde Cameron was made Minister for Science and invaded Australian wetlands at mimosa. but lacking expensive that it attacks only Mimosa a terrifying rate, gaining a follow-up, this has only made pigra. Consumer Affairs in J975, under the Whitlam stranglehold over 800 square matters worse by clearing the Six biological control agents administration. kilometres of the 'Top End' way for new growth. have already been released ­ and posing a serious threat to Mimosa pigra is the subject of two seed-feeding beetles, a In the list released by the Prime Minister today (Friday March 25), Kakadu National Park. a biological control program in stem-feeding beetle, two stern­ Science ranks seventh out of the 18 Senior Ministries, just below CSTRO's CLIMEX pcst- northern Australia involving boring moths and a nowcr­ Finance, and just above Immigration and Ethnic Affairs. mapping computer package CSJRO and the Northern feeding weevil. Although some The new Ministry is called Industry, Science and Technology predicts a potential distribu- Territory Department of of these insects have had an (formerly Industry, Technology and Regional Development, or tion of Mimosa pigra covering Primary Industry and Fisheries. impact on the pest, herbicides DITARD), and retains Senator Chris Schacht as its Junior most of the coastal areas of the Dr Wendy Forno, the Division are still having to be applied Ministcr. Northern Territory, of Entomology scientist in regularly to slow the rate of Senator Schacht is now Minister for Small Business, Customs Queensland and northern charge of the program, says the spread. and Construction (formerly Science and Small Business). NSW. As yet, it is limited to newly released fungus attacks CSrRO ecologist Dr Mark Though he has lost Science, and therefore CSIRO, to the Senior the Northern Territory. the leaves of the plant, Lonsdale says the need [or Minister, Senator Schacht has acquired responsibility for the Co­ The weed out-competes other sometimes with dramatic effective control is urgent. He operative Research Centres. So there will be a continuing relation­ plants and restricts access to results. says scientists and conserva­ ship between CSIRO and its fonner Minister. floodplains for native animals. 'In the Gulf Coast of Mexico tionists are conce1l1ed because The Organisation's Chief Executive, Dr John Stocker, said Waterbirds have suffered the this fungus devastates Mimosa infestations can double in area 'CSIRO welcomes and applauds the elvation of Science to Cabinet most as they find the,weed's pigra, particularly ,during the in a single year..:. level. We are looking forward to working effectively with SenatOt Cook.' 'J aln delighted,' he said, 'to see Industry now officially and directly linked with Science and Technology. It is the pedect Kids>collectfruitfl ies for science partnership for Australian prosperity. 'Minister Cook,' Dr Stocker added, 'has already stressed to me his concern that Australia maintain strength in basic and strategic research,' The Ministerial changes come amid intense media speculation about CSIRO's Budget, decisions on which have been delayed, partly because of controversy over structural changes to the Organisation proposed by Senator Schacht, and inquiries into those proposals. CSIRO has been arguing that as a minimum we should maintain our Budget allocation over the next triennium in real terms at the level of that of the previous triennium. CSIRO's expressed concern is that government forward estimates have the Organisation about $50 million worse off each year over the next triennium. The shortfall, CSIRO financial gurus say, comes from several factors: the ending of funds allocated in the May 1989 Science Statement; the continuing need for catch-up capital infrastructure funding provided in the last triennium; and the cumulative effects of the Efficiency Dividend. However, the government has said frequently that triennium fundino for CSIRO was not vet finalised, and that it would be review~,g the future of the M~y Statement funds and the Capital Program. Remlts are flooding (or is that swarming?) il/ from the Double Helix Science Club~~ natiollal fruit.fly The present fiscal climate in Canberra is a tough one. Ironically, experiment, launched 011 FebrtlwJ' 10 this yew: Two thousand members ofthe club, school childreu .fhJ111 this is because of the economic recovery. The government is under all around Australia, have beel/ out trapping the .flies in.fly traps made from recycled plastic bottles, al/d it pressure to end the budget deficit to prevent the economy ii'om could elld up saving the taxpayer a small fortune. Acconling to experimellt orgalliser Linda Meisel of overheating and going hack into a boom-bust cycle. It has two CSlRO's Educatiol/ Programs, COl/trolling the Queenslal/d Fruit Fly costs Australia more than $18 million main tools for doing this - lowering government expenditure and a year. 'Scientists at CSIRO and the Unil'ersity ofSydl/ey need to compile a genetic .family tree oIIi'uitflies raising interest rates. il/ Australia. The first step is to collect flies fivm all Over the COUl/try,' said Ms Meisel, 'and 2,000 young It is very shy of interest rate hikes because of the experience of membel~' ofthe Double Helix Science Club volunteered to help.' As of noll' (the end of March) 1,247 the late '80s and '90s. membel:~ ofthe 2,000 hape retumed their remIts, and accordillg to scientist Dr Mmlmllle Fl'Ommel; those CSIRO has been arguing strongly that it delivers an excellent resnlts are 'velY good'. She is SllllJrised and delighted at the standard ofcare and accuracy the young people return to the nation on its funding outlay, as documented in many hm'e shown, which she says willlllake the data much more use.fitl than might have been expected. Dr cost-benetit sludies, and is therefore not one of the logical choices Frommer is so keen to keep up with what the flies are doing in some ofthe remote areas, results from which for expenditure cuts. are extremely interesting, that she has written to the members in those areas to ask ifthey would like to cOlltinlle trappillg for t/ little 101/gel: Queensland members, as expected, are retllming the mostflies. (7Ite photograph shows DOllble Helix melllber Katlllyl/ Barker ext/lllinillg afrt/itfly.) the task of identifying issues increasing now of demands that that they saw as crucial to the so often, in the perception of future of CSIRO. They the group, demanded busy work gathered the evening beJ'ore the rather tlulIl useful work towards Workshops meeting to prepare some topics, specific objectives. I agreed Letters which they tested against each that this definitely is a danger, other the next day. I joined and in my observation even a to the them through the morning, trend, in the Organisation, and afternoon and evening of the that we will have to be vigilant second day to discuss the issues about resisting it. No doubt some of it is internal, but much Editor they wanted to raise, and then we had a plcasant group dinner of it is the consequence of the where wc doused, in good new growth industry of Victorian red wine, those reviewmunia. Perking up our differences that were still I pointed out to the group that thrashing about. we are now involved in, or have managers? The biggest issue for this recently emerged gasping from, Dear Editor, group was how to make sure 67 different government­ Times are tough for scientific that we have enough flexibility imposed reviews of bits of, or research funding in CSIRO! in both our management aspects of, or all of, CSIRO's 'We must use our existing structures and our attitudes to structure or function. And that resources efficiently and be able to make a real contribu­ diverts the course of our effort effectively.' tion to improving delivery of and energy massively from the What beller way to do this our results. Tiley were particu­ purpose for which we exist. than to train project leaders at larly concerned about the The preparation of submissions the R&D Project Leaders Organisation's reward system, for these endless reviews, and Course! For a mere $1,000 per with some in the group feeling sometimcs the Iack of any participant the Executive and that the terms and conditions of discernible outcomes from their Research Management employment for CSIRO reports and recommendations, Development- Human personnel were too rigid to must make one question their Resources Branch (that can't be encourage the kind of career benetit for cost. It all points up their real name) will put on a step that CSIRO might increas­ our need to have a set of four-day course in each state. I ingly represent in the future ­ indicators against which we think I'll start at the Hyatt a future in which more people measure and report our Regency (Sanctuary Cove, might move in and out of the effectiveness. Life has been running fast and full enough these past QLD) and locus on the tropicul Organisation rather than Another of these future­ aspects of leadership and team­ few weeks, but what stands out most vividly in my regarding an appointment to oriented workshops that I found building on the back nine. No, I recent memory is a number of workshops where I've CSIRO at the age of 23 as a liJ'e profoundly exciting was with go there all the time. Perhaps been part of a fascinating dialogue among CSIRO sentence. the CSIRO Executive I'lIjoin my southern colleagues staff - of all levels - on the subject of the There was also a feeling that Committee. We worked in the Barossa Valley or beller in terms oj' the Divisional and together on a Vision for the Organisation's future. What has made these so vivid still at The Vines Resort (WA) Institute structures we needed Organisation - looking into to sort out munagment styles in is not just the combined gravity and excitement of to keep breaking down barriers, the next century - and a the wine industry. that topic, but a strong sense that we have really been bec.ause these had a nasty strategy for its realisation. We After that I'm going to need a getting somewhere with it. tendency to grow if left invited a number of CSIRO break, though I think I'll avoid unchecked, reaching heights people to prepare papers on The genesis of this present Organisation to help think the NSW Rum Corps Resort at such that lower staff couldn't future scenarios for particular family of meetings can be about these big issues. One of Windsor. Sounds really tough. see over them. Another issue areas of technology, and their traced back to a Board the most recent of these was a (lthought we made those that many people raised was the presentations were superb. workshop convened and workshop held in Melbourne people redundant last century.) question of the integrity of Graeme Pearman spoke on the presided over by Adrienne for younger CSIRO staff Lincoln Downs at Bateman's CSIRO's strategic research base environmental issues oj' the Clarke in mid- 1993. The main members, under the masterly Bay sounds like just the place and how we would maintain 21st Century; Bob Marshall on item on the agenda was to look supervision of Martin Smith of to write up my 'Learning and build on this vital store of socio-economic trends to tlle back at the last fjve years and the Human Resources Branch. Contract', Hold on, there's no intellectual capital in an age Year 2020; Gerry Haddad on see how the Organisation had The term 'young' includcd course in Victoria (or Tasmania where we would be increasing­ trends in physical technologies, performed since its restructur­ anyone under 35. All of them and the Northern Territory). So ly subject to scrutiny about Phil Jennings on biotechnology ing - against the objectives set had been nominated by I ask the question - why is external earnings and about and the biological industries in out in our Act. Divisions and Institutes as this so'? Surely these states winning contract research. In the 21st Century, and Bob Our conclusion was that being people with something to must have appropriate venues particular there was concern Frater on technology in CSIRO had done a creditable coutribute, people who had ~ even Victoria. that the time and effort industry. job in many areas of its thought deeply about the Now where's the brochure on involved in generating external It was such a stimulating set business, but now needed to Organisation and people who the Stress in Management earnings might threaten and of presentations that I think we look forward into the next were at an age where they Course? even maim the Organisation's could make a really important century, to work out our role in would perhaps be expected to In Sincerity Yours ability to do strategic research public statement as an organisa­ Australian society. As one of have views slightly different Ross TelJam in the future. tion about these issues by the key centres of technology, from those that are current Division oj' Tropical Animal Several people within the collecting and refining the how could we make that among the most senior levels of Production group thought that one vital papers for a major publication. technology available to an management, who tend to be response to thi s challenge was In any case, once the principles Australia whose success older. (l leap forward, as Dear Editor, to manage the costing and from our workshop have had a depended on emerging as a youthfully as possible, at this I believe Art Raiche's letter in pricing of our research better, chance to be discussed within technologically competent point, to say that I am aware the December '93 issue oj' making sure we demand J'ull, the Organisation, and with the nation in a highly competitive that the readers of this column CoResearch went too far in its realistic funding for short-term Board, I intend to convene a world? scrutinise it for any signs of sarcastic comments about projects. This, they felt, would national workshop in which Taking on that challenge, we latent sexism, heightism, management. While help to keep the right financial CSIRO will take the have held several Committee widthism, regionalism and, management is an easy target balance between those and the opportunity to demonstrate our workshops looking at a new possibly, Satanism. I therefore J'or the barbs of disgruntled long-term, strategic research Organisation's central role in enunciation of our Vision, and know in this instance that I am cynics, we should not forget the that was othcrwise so easily Australia's future. particularly our commitment as squarely risking a legitimate important, difficult and pushed into subsidising its an organisation to delivery of charge of ageism. My head is thankless tasks they are asked more urgent and imperative useful results to people who blushing but unbowed.) to perform, such as: re­ rival, to the eventual cost of need them. Anyway, the young people organising, restructuring, both. For my part, I've also decided who came to the Melbourne relocation, visions, missions, Another issue that many to take some different and workshop showed a stimulating redundancy, PPE, Flight Deck people identified was the rather more unconventional group vitality. They quickly set support, filibustering, budget danger of increasing bureau­ slice groups through the up working groups, each with cratisation, with its ever- letters continued 011 page 6

357-1994 CSIRO SHORT SHOTS UNIDO-CSIRO 'Clean Clean-air cars Australia now has an agency whose aim is to have 10,000 electric vehicles on our roads by the year Production' Conference 2000 - just in time to make Olympic athletes breathe easier, and to help repair Australia's recently by Nick Goldie dented green image. CSIRO's Dr David Rand is Chairman of the Australasian Electric Vehicle Clean industrial production, according to CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Devclopment Task Force, which plans to build awareness of electric vehicles in niche markets, such as John Stocker, leads not just to less pollution, but also to more profit. At urban bus services, hospitals, inner city courier services, the food industry and company fleets. The tlle end of the UNIDO-CSIRO conference, he called on tlle international Task Force, which brings together private businesses, industry bodies, Sydney University, CSIRO and community to recognise the 'Melboume Principles of Clean IndusUial other government agencies here and in New Zealand, believes there is export potential for the design Production.' and supply of components to world electric vehicle manufacturers who must soon meet zero--emission The Melbourne Principles came out of three days of conferencing, standards. debate, and workshop, held at the World Congress Centre in Melbourne Soil monitorfor sugar cane in Febrmuy. During 1993, CSIRO had been asked by the United Nations Industl'ial Development Organisation to orgllilise tlle 1994 conference in Soil in sugar cane costs thc Australian sugar cane industry more than $30 million every year. It Australia. damages milling machines, disrupts process streams, lowers sugar quality and increases transport costs. Among the many delegates - there were some 120 speakers in all Dr Bill Mathew and his team at the CSIRO Division of Mineral and Process Engineering have now -were Ministers for the Environmentlrom Indonesia, Kusimaatmaclja developed and successfully field-tested a soil monitor for the quality control of sugar cane. The monitor Sarwono; and Germany, Dr Klaus Topfer; President Bill CI inton's accurately measures the soil content of sugar cane on a conveyor belt moving hundreds of tonnes per Environment Chief of Staff Ms Cathy Zoi; Dr Bong-Suh Lee, Vice­ hour. It works by measuring traces of natural radioactivity in the soil and using this to compute soil President of the Asian Development Bllilk, llild Toyota's Project General content. The monitor was produced by a collaborative project involving CSIRO, the Bureau of Sugar Manager Mr Masazumi Tanazawa. Experiment Stations (Qld) and the Tully Sugar Mill. Notable Australians included CSIRO Chairman Professor Adrienne Good news for greenhouse Clarke, John Ralph of CRA, (then) Environment Minister Ros Kelly, New observations by a team of scientists from Australia, the US and the UK suggest that levels of Science Minister Chris Schacht, and Ms Patricia Caswell, Executive atmospheric methane are rapidly approaching stabilisation. Dr Paul Steele, a Principal Research Director ofthe Australian Conservati~n Foundation. Scientist of CSIRO's Division of Atmospheric Research, said the observations had great significance to After a subdued statt - at one point there was even talk of catlcelling the scientists studying the greenhouse effect, as atmospheric methane is responsible for about twenty per conference due to lack of interest - tllere was bolh a late lUsh of delegatc cent of the human-caused warming effect. The team's recent observations suggest that atmospheric registrations, and a surge of media interest. The commercial firm methane may stabilise much sooner than scientists had expected, but Dr Steele pointed out that there is Conference Australia, who were running the event, actually ran Olll of no guarantee that this will happen. conference 'kit~', llild the Media Room W~L~ constlliltly and intensely busy Assault on lohne's disease dming tlle IUn ofthe conference. UnfOitunately but chllillcteristically, tlle commercial elecU'll1ic media CSIRO has begun a major research collaboration with the state agricultural departments of New South were not interested in the conference or the delegates to it: they did Wales and Victoria. The research is aimed at controlling Jolme's disease, or paratuberculosis, which pat1icipate in a ritual feeding fi'Cnzy at'Ound Ros Kelly, llilCl tlley did film affects cattle, sheep and goats, and was identified as an urgent animal health problem last November by some demonstrators heckling the Indonesiml Minister about rnin-fOl'Csts, Australian meat producers. Sydney's Royal Easter Show is banning entries from any property that has but serious media attention came from print and the ABC in its many had thc disease in the last five years. Cattle suffering from Johne's disease waste away from severe manitestations (Radio National, Radio Australia in vmious languages, diarrhoea. Even when they recover there are production losses, and the surviving animals can be The Law Report, Regionals, CounU'y Hour, Science File, and most lifelong carriers of the bacterium, making the disease difficult to wipe out. CSIRO scientists of the notably environment specialist Alan Tate of ABC TV News). Division of Animal Health believe their expertise in the detection of bacterial infections in cattle may The Contel'Cnce included a small exhibition, mounted by commercial get the project off to a flying start. firms such as CRA, DEC, and Kellogg (Aust); and govemment agencies Windfall forfisheries including Melbourne Water, the CRC for Waste Management and New discoveries about the effects of wind patterns on fish in south-east Australian waters could offer Pollution Control, CEPA, and ofcourse CSIRO. better predictions and profits, and sCbeller chances of SUI'viiiai, for some Australian fisheries. In the late 1980s the scallop catch plummeted from 30,000 tonnes to 5,000, and gemfish from 5,500 tonnes to 132, and now both show signs of-recovery. It seems over-fishing is only one factor in the size of fish stocks. Research by Dr Ron Thresher of the CSIRO Division of Fisheries shows a close link between strong westerly winds and peak production of these and other marine stocks, including redfish and rock lobsters. Honollrfor Environmental Mechanics Trinity College, Cambridge, has given a Vistiting Fellow Commonership (VFC) to Dr John Philip, CSIRO Fellow Emcritus at the CenU'e for Environmental Mechanics in Canberra. During the six-month tenure of the VFC, Dr Philip will enjoy the rights and privileges of a resident Fellow of Trinity, where he will pursue his researches on the mathematics and physics of flow and transport with special reference to the natural environment. Trinity has been Cambridge's, and the United Kingdom's, leading college in mathematics and r1uid dynamics since the 17th Century. Isaac Newton was one of its Fellows. Dr Philip was the first Chief of CSIRO's (then) Division of Environmental Mechanics, from 197 I to 1992, and the first CSIRO Fellow. He is also a Fellow of the Austral ian Academy of Science and London's Royal Society. Re-llsing our refuse A survey by CSIRO's Division of Building, Construction and Engineering has revealed a surprising level of recycling of Australian building materials. In the Melbourne central business district, for example, 69 pcr cent of materials from demolished office buildings are recycled, 11 per cent for re-use and 58 per cent for re-processing. Up to 95 per cent of steel products are used again, 80 pel' cent of concrcte rubble, and 70 per cent of roofing. The findings of the survey will be delivered at the First Intel'l1ational Conference on Buildings and the Environment in the United Kingdom in May. On the lirst day or the Melbourne UNlDO-CSIRO Clean Production Corporate Planning restructure Conference, Seicnce Minister Senator Chris Schacht announced a major CSIRO's Corporatc Planning Office in Canberra, headed by Dr Don MacRae, has been dismantled. It agreement between CSIRO, the Australia Wool Research Promotion will be replaced with a group to be called Strategic Planning and Evaluation, which will be part of the Organisation, and ICI Valchem, to develop and market two new Directorate of Corporate Business under Peter Bradfield at Head Office in Melbourne, though some innovative and environmentally Il'iendly wool-processing technologies. members may remain in Canberra. Mr Tim Healy, formerly Planner for the Institute of Plant Production According to CSIRO's Pat Naughtin, who represented CSIRO at the and Processing, is now Executive Chairman of the committee set up to give management direction and Exhibition, Sirolan-LTD is a method of dyeing wool at a low tempcmture, determine the structure of the new group. and Sirolan-CF is a metllOd of recovering valuable by-products fmm tllC Commercialisation gets serious washing of wool. Last year the Organisation had some legal problems with business deals, but the commercialisation task 'These m'e telTitic technologies,' said Pat. 'They've proved themselves in force set up during that year has now produced its commercialisation manual and distributed it to high­ AusU'alia llild New Zcalmld. Now we'll be mlli'keting them in Asia, and level staff who will be involved in business negotiations.While some of the information in the manual is we're gearing up for a huge European demand. We're offering softer 'commercial in confidence', and therefore not to be released publicly, CSIRO staff themselves will be wool, brighter colours, longer-lasting gmmenls - mld llil immense benefit able to get hold of the manuals through their Business and Program managers, and are being encouraged to the environment.' to do so. The Organisation has begun a series of workshops training staff in the commercial practices and The photo ofPat Naughtin, above, was taken by Nick Goldie. procedures that will constitute its new policy, which it hopes will make it more effective in its business The Melbol/rne Prillciples ofCleall Productioll are available ill dealings.Workshops will also soon be organised by Institutes and Divisions. fullfrolll CSIRO Corporate Public Affairs, 06-2766478

357-1994 CSIRO tells the world about sharks, seals and weevils " ,. " Sharks and Rays of Australia The title is a slight understatement - the worl, includes entries on three Families of chimaeras, sometimes called ghost shari,s, which are related to sharks and rays but cannot be classified with them. Tbe monograph is, as far as is and so well explained that the known, an exbaustive catalogue book will be very attractive to of representatives of tbe Class lay enthusiasts. Cbondrictbthyes - carti lagi­ As a catalogue, the only thing nous finned fisbes - found in it lacks is 'best buy' advice. Australian waters. The list From my reading of the te~t I comprises 296 species -- 166 would recommend the Port sbarks, 117 rays and 13 Jackson shark ancl the skate for chimaeras - including 97 the table, and the mako for species not identifiable from tbe sport; but I would advise current literature, many 0[' punters to leave the white which appear to be new to pointer severely alone. It is science. known that pointers subscribe to The introduction establishes their own consumers' guide, in cartilaginous fish as 'one of the whi.ch people are classed as a two major groups of contempo­ Good Buy. rary lfinned] fishes' world­ wide, and offers notes on tbeir Sharks and Rays of Australia evolution (earliest known forms was writ/en by Dr Peter Last In the Autumn issue of Ecos, CSIRO's magazine on the environment, science late Silurian, 400 million B,C.), and Dr John Stevens of the writer, Wayn~ Deeker, describes the life of the New Zealand fur seal in Australian their variety (950 species), CSIRO Division of Fisheries, waters. anatomy, physiology and with colour illustrations by According to Wayne, these animals wcre once bunted to near extinction, but a five-year study of the habitat, among otber categories. Roger Swainston and line seals, led by Dr Peter Shaughnessy, of CSlRO's Division of Wildlife & Ecology in Canberra, has found It dividcs the Class into two illustrations by Georgina that thcir population is about 35,000 and rising. sub-groups: Elasmobranchii Davis, The project was funded Dr Shaughnessy and his team have identified all the breeding sites and the seal numbers at each site. (sbarks and rays) and by a research grant from the (They monitored populations around Kangaroo Island in South Australia duriug five summers since Holocephali (cbimacras) Australian Fisheries Research 1988.) The seal numbers have shown a sh,u'p increase in the Southern Hemisphere. Elasmobranchii arc then divided and Development C01]JOration, Assessing fur seal numbers is no easy task, as Wayne Decker describes in his article. He says, 'pups into three superorders of 'true The book is retailing for arc chosen for the survey because they arc tile, oilly age class 'lshoreal!. at Oilce, and are easily sharks' and one of rays. $59.95, bat the CSllW staff recognised by tlleir small size and black fur'. The main text comprises 45 discount of 25 per cent brings The photo ahove, taken by Liz Poon, shows Chris Bald, of tbe South Australian National Parks and short chaptcrs, each devoted to that down to around $45, Wildlife ServJce placing a New Zealand fur seal in a hag for weighing by Mr John Libke of the CSIRO a separate family, and D.ivision of Wildlife & Ecology. describing all the known species Copies are available from If you are interested in reading more about Dr Shaughnessy's work and the New Zealand fur seal, in that family. All species are CSIRO Publications, PO Box Ecos will be available on 25 Marcil, and copies can be obtained from Tracey Lockwood at CSlRO, 314 depicted in highly detailed half­ 89, East Me/boume, Vic 3002, Albert St, East Melbourne, Tel: (03) 4187265 or Fax: (03) 419 0459. tone drawings, with line drawings showing distinctive features. New monographs on Text sub-headings are 'alternative names', 'field Australian insect diversity characters', 'distinctive The CSIRO Division of Entomology has launched two features', 'colour'. '~izc', 'distributIOn', 'remarks', 'local new monographs - Australian Weevils, by Elwood C. synonymy' and 'references'. Zinunerman, and OecophoriJle Genera ofAustralia, by Ian For each species, a map F.B. Common. The two family groups dealt with, weevils showing world-wide distribu­ and maDee moths, are the most species-rich in Australia, tion is included. Each species and thus a large component of our biodiversity.The also appears in the colour plates "tthe back. monographs are the fU'st modern stmlics of the groups. Departments include 'how to usc this hook', a glossary, a key Who's Who in travel funding to families, a checklist, and indcxes of scicntific and CSIRO's International Affairs gl'OUp has jnst common names, Attention to produced a book, for the use of CSIRO staff only, fidelity and accuracy is called Funds for Intemational Scientific Activities: a meticulous: uncertainties and directory of funding sources for use by csm,o staff inconsistencies arc carefully noted. and their prospective visitors. The text covers 513 pages, As the title suggests, the book offers a detailed inventory of the 31 X23cm, and there arc 84 various bodies providing funding for overseas visits, along with colour plates. All is attractively such information as the size and duration of the grant olTered and presented on coated paper, with your chances of getting it (for example, 'intense competition', or hard cover. The hook is very 'probably quite good for CSIRO staff with convincing proposals'). well made, and, at 3kg, it takes Of course tbe basic information is also given for each grant, a good man to lin it. including closing dates and other restrictions, contact points, collab­ As a reference work, this will orating countries or institutions, and subject areas. The directory is he a sine qua non for specialists, well-organised and easy to usc. but the text is so easy to read For more information contact John Burdett on phone 06 276 6299 or fax 06 276 6292.

357-1994 Parkville's 'Medical Rust-proofing plants Mile' gets $6 Scientists at CSIRO's Division of Plant Industry have uncovered the first clue towards solving the mystery of how plants resist rust diseases. Rust disease~ are a major currently in vest $1.4 million overcome the resistance and we million milestone concern to Australian annually, through the Grains would stand to lose a bill ion­ agricullLlrc, causing great Research and Development dollar crop.' by Christian Peterson damage to cereal crops such as Corporation, on breeding The team of researchers tested CSIRO reached another biochemistry milestone wheat, barley, rye and oats, as programs to protect crops 200.000 flax plants before they well as crops like soybeans. ag.ainst rust infection. 'At successfully isolated the rust­ when Dr John Stocl{er, CSIRO's Chief Executive, sunl'lowers. ancl peanuts. In present Australian cereal­ resistance gene. opened the Division or Biomolecular Engineering's 1988 the Australian wheat growers protect their crops by 'Now that we have isolated the new wing in Parkville, Melbourne, last month. industry suffered a loss of $390 investing in breeding programs rust-resistance gene from a flax Dr Stocker said the opening of the $6-million wing highlighted million from various rust to produce rust-resistant plant we can understand how CS[RO's commillnent to helping Australia build an internationally diseases. varieties containing nalural thcse genes work. We now aim resistance genes,' Dr Ellis said. competitive pharmaceutical industry. Drs Jeff ElIl>. Jean Finnegan to create more efficient and 'CSlRO is committed to a strong and vigorous research effort in and Greg Lawrence have 'This research is vital because effective means of breeding for support of the emerging Australian pharmaceutical industry,' he said. aebieved a world-first the protection is economical and rust resistance and extend 'The investment in the Parkville site of the Division of Biomolecular breakthrough IJ1 isolating a rust­ environmentally friendly - no control of rusts to crops like the Engineering is a signal to the industry and to governments that we resistance gene from a flax chemicals are used,' Dr Ellis sunflower. soybean and peanUl. are prepared to back this industry development.' plant. said. 'If the breeding effort was where control has been [n the late 1980s CSIRO recognised the potential benefits to According to Dr Ellis, growers relaxed the rust would inadequate,' Dr EllIs said..,. Australia of the Organisation's supporting a research-based phanna­ ceutieal industry. They saw an immense global market for manufactured health-care Research Vessel Albedo - products in the pharmaceutical, medical-device and diagnostic industries. On [990 the tnta[ world market for pharmaceuticals was more than $ 175 billion, with an annual growth rate of l2 per cent, bless her and both who sail in her faster than the growth rate of the world economy.) CSIRO has launched its littlest research vessel, the 3.5 metre long RVAlbedo. There was also an opportnnity to reduce Austm1ia's trade deficit, as Alhedo is an aluntinium punt, Ecology, knowing how Research Data Centre at the pharmaceuticals component of the deficit had increased by five with a crew of two, which reqective these lakes are makes Gungahlin and from there be times from 1976 to 1989 (though the Federal Government's Factor F travels between bodies of water it possible to nse them to freely available to all interested program is changing this trend). on the roof of a 4WD vehicle. calibrate the daily images of parties,' said Dr Graetz. 'We are In addition, CSIRO had significant expertise from agricultural On January 20 this year, Australia acquired by orbiting going to work damned hard to research to add to the diverse skills in the medical research institu­ Director of CSIRO's Office of satellites. ensure that these data outlive us tions that already existed in Parkville. Space Science, Dr Brian 'This research vessel is a small and are around to inform futnre So, in 1989, the Division of Biomolecular Engineering changed its Embleton, formally annointed part of a very much larger and generations about the state of research emphasis from the biochemistry of wool and hides to that of RV Albedo's bow with comprehensive CSIRO program the nation in 1994 and human medicines. Australian champagne and designed to provide Australians onwards.' Dr Stocker also acknowledged CSIRO biochemistry greats such as wished good fortune to the crew with the best possible data on The methodology is expected L.G. Lennox, Gordon Crewther. Lyndsay Sparrow and Bruce Fraser, and equipment that would sail global change. What we find to cause worldwide interest and whose work had led to the Division's present stre'\gth in structural in her. will drive our rescarch as well tn be used by other countries biology. Though small, the RV Albedo as support decision-making by a involved in climate ellange The opening of the new wing marks the half-way point in the $13­ will provide a critical very wide range of public and research. RV Albedo's first trip mill ion re-development of the site, which is to be completed in 1995. connection from Australia's private authorities,' said Dr will be on Lake Menindee in inland lakes through space to Graetz, the scientist responsible Kinchega National Park the rest of the world with for RVAlbedo. followed by repeated New test for safety of unique benefits to Australia on 'lt is a small but very expeditions to Lake Frome and the way. significant step in the long haul Lake Argyle. RV Albedo will carry of describing how our continent The equipping of RV Albedo lupin seed in food instruments to measure the responds to climates as well as was made possible by collabo­ Dr John Edgar, a Principal Research Scientist with reflectance (or albedo) charac­ land use. I have no doubt it will ration between the Division oj terisllcs of inland lakes, hoth contribute to untangling the Wildlife and Ecology and the CSIRO's Division of Animal Health, has announced the salt and fresh, that are scaltered complex story of Greenhouse OITicc of Space Science, as part development of a simple test for toxins in lupin seeds. across the continent. According climatic change. of the Climate Change program 'Lupin flour is being increasingly used to raise protein and fibre to Dr Dean Graetz of CSIRO's 'All our data will be archived in CSIRO's Institute of Natural levels in bread and other human foods,' said Dr Edgar. 'The new Division of WilclJil'e and in CSIRO's Australian Land Resources and Environment. .:.. test will help ensure the safety of these foods.' Dr Edgar said that CS lRO manufactures the test ingredients and provides them to the Academy of Grain Technology at Werribee, wllere all testing is carried out. What is a CASAC, anyway? Lupins are worth more than $200 million to Australia each year, he said, but the benefits of lupin grazing can be greatly reduced by a No, it's not a secret society. It's the CSIRO engineering - suggesting thm toxic disease, lupinosis, which causes heavy animal loss. The toxin Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee. CASAC is the Organisation should perhaps is produced by a fungus growing on the grain. one of sevel'al advisory committees that help CSIRO be an advocate, though not a strident advocate. The new lupin test means that grain authorities and food manufac­ set up links with potential users of its research. Its 12 turers now can quickly and accurately monitor the level of the toxin Their 1I10st recent meeting, at phomopsin in grain lupins. The Director of the Academy of Grain members give advice on research priorities to the Geelong on February 21, again Technology, Dr Ron Wills, said that the Academy can provide test Dh·ectors of the three CSIRO Institutes that have dealt with big issues. They results within 48 hours. research programs in the agricultural sector. recommendecl that CSIRO The new test benefits both the human and the animal nutrition should apply a 'business field. For example, bakeries using lupin bran as a fibre component Advice isn't all they give, basis of the current CS[RO system' analysis to priority­ can now be assured that their bread is completely safe, said Dr however; they also act as policy on extension of agr,eul­ setting for its agricultural Edgar. apostles for CSlRO, letting tural research ['esults, and they research. On the question 01' The test also allows animal products to be monitored for contami­ agricultural industries know have been an important part of tropical agriculture they urged nation where animals are potentially exposed to the lupin toxin in what CSlRO can do for them. two workshops thut have set CS[RO to do more research in their feed. 'This may include milk and meat products,' said Dr Given thut these 12 apostles priorities for the whole agricul­ the north, insteacl of less as in Edgar. have been meeting two or three tural sector in CS1RO. recent years. They also The development of the test has been helped by grain producers times a year since 1989, what They have twice put forward advocated improved alliances through the Grain Research and Development Corporation have they achieved? their views about CS fRO's role and co-location with State (GRDC). The test is being used for this year's harvest. .:. Well, they came up with the in biotechnology and genetic agencies and universities..:.

357-1994 Letters to Caption Competition the Editor CMSS workshop 'It t CSlRO's Division of Water Resources will hold a hands­ continuedfrom page 2 on training workshop in Canberra on May 4-6 to miscalculations, fingers-in-pies, demonstrate the Catchment Management Support car industry support, bungee System (CMSS) software. jumping, memo-shuffling and de-afforestation ... to name just CMSS spokesperson Trevor FlU'ley says that O,e workshop will be ofgreat a few. interest to anyone involved in land and water management. Rob Dobson 'Over O,C past few yem's, catchment mmmgement auOlOl1ties have been Division of Animal Health set up in a number of Australiml states, but O,ey have been expected to McMaster Laboratory operate with little data, no calibrated water models, ,md little in O,e way of scientit1c or computer resources,' said Mr Fmiey. 'However, there is often a great deal of local knowledge mId local expeltise. Confusing moves 'CMSS is a simple computer program which cml make use of Olis local Dear Editor, knowledge and can produce an analysis of the likely impact of lmld and Under the heading'Animal water management policies.' Sltlprisingly, the photograph of Robyn Williams didtl't ;I}ark Health and Animal Production much creative etlthusiasm among you; there were disappoitltitlgly join forces' (CoResearch few entries. The best otle came from Lyntl Pulford of Edtlcation December '93) you stated that Programs (again/), who did, however, complaitl that it was a 'Staff numbers will rise to 230.' difficult photograph, Her entry was - 'In New Zealatld, areas How was the 'rise to 230' contamitlated by the disease are marked with signs as itl the determined? Currently numbers picture. The disease is so widespread that it has caused a drop in are 49-52 at McMaster Lab, the statldard ofNew Zealand cricket'. 12-15 atlhe Poultry Centre and Nick Goldie of Public Affairs was a close reumer-up, with ' ... approximately 165 at Prospect and as our guest on the Scietlce Show this week, we welcome the to give a combined pool of CSIRO scietltist whose cleverly disguised ball trap has almost 226-232. The uncertainty in the wiped Otlt Australiall Rules. Dr Myers, do yOlt expect the same figures depends on whether you weleome success with Rugby League?' count people employed under Nick also submitted' ... and this week the Science Show visits the Australian Traineeship Wagga. Dr Myers, will you explain how the effluent is used, Ilot scheme. By my rough ollly to fuel the mUllicipal barbeclle, but also to provide lighting calculation staff numbers will for the football field, power heat lamps for tanning legs, alld cure remain static? the common cold?' Rob Dobson Barrie Hutlt of Atmosplterie Research offered a little gem, as Division of Animal Health always - 'What are you like at tiddly winks?'. McMaster Laboratory David Harris of Education Programs sent in 'Watch this Bob, quickly, while nobody's looking ... I'll Cali/lOll the pink ball Otlto A spokespersollfi"om the the red atld then, hopefully, with a bit ofluck, it'll go dowll in the Divisioll ofAnimal Productioll bottom right{locket/' cOllfir1l1s that staflnumbers at Barbara Haslam, Division of Horticulture, offered 'After staff the Prospect site will indeed consultatiotl, we decided it wasn't workitlg - playing squash rise to 230, as stated in the duritlg the Divisional barbecue'. article. Followillg the 1 haven't worked out what the secret is for choosing a completioll ofthe new photograph that will itlspire lots ofetltries, but whether it's a good buildillgs, the sta/fjrom the choice or not I couldll't resist tlte one below. It certaillly illspires McMaster Laboratory at memories ill me, if 1I0t creativity. Fire away / (By the way, can Sydney Uiliversity, and the staff allyone pick who it is? ) fi'01ll the Poultry Laboratory at Ryde, will1l10ve to Prospect to swell the numbers from the preselltI67 to 230. The combined CSlRO stafl'nLlrnbers will ho'vvever remain static. So"'~yfor any ambiguity. -Ed. World energy information You've gotjnst under four months to fossick through, and take away whatever you fancy from, the wodd's main bibliographic data base on energy-related scientific and technical information. It's called the International Energy Agency's Energy Technology Data Exchange, or ETDE, and use at' it is normally restricted to those countries that are signatories to it and contribute data. At the moment tbese countries are the USA, the UK, Japan, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Italy .and Switzerland. But now Australia is to be allowed a trial access period of seven months, from January I to July 31,1994. During this period any person or organisation in Australia can use the data base througb either of the on-line hosts, STN (file Energy) and Dialog (file !O3 Energy Science and Technology). CSJRO's Information Services will help the ERDC, during the seven months, to assess the data base's value to Australian engery industry and R&D sectors. The purpose of the assessment is to find out whether the data base is useful enough to warrant Australia's joining the ETDE and thereby havll1g constant ready access to the data base and the other services available through membership. So, if you have a specific information need, or a general interest in the accessibility of such information, take the chance to try the data base now. If you are interested in helping with the evaluation, or in tbe broader issue of making energy information more readily available in Australia, we would like to hear from you. The person to contact is Joy Sutton at CSIRO information Services at PO Box 89, East Melbourne, Vic 3002, or by phone (03) 418 7333, or fax (03) 419 0459, or AARNetjcs@isb.csiro.au.

357-1994 Tuna News Barry Jones congratulates The CSIRO Division of Fisheries in Hobart has produced a colourful and very readable one-off newsletter highlighting both the potential and the Student Research Scheme problems of Southern Bluefin Tuna fishing. The ilIustl'ations are striking and tbe information fascinating. The newsletter, Tuna Ne1l's, fishing quotas throughout the deals with the role of science in mid to late 1980s. helping the ILll1a-fishing industry ·It is in the interests of all achieve its goals, but offers parties the industry, items of int·erest to the casual managers and the community ­ reader too. For example, it that this issue is addressed.' seems that tuna flesh may get Dr Young said the CSIRO had 'burnt' if the fish struggle been Icading research into the during capture, because of the Southern Bluefin Tuna since the acid they produce when they arc early 1960s. This effort had made to shift from using the been stepped up in response to muscles adapted for calm, the crisis in the 1980s. More, continuous swimming to those and better, research had been adapted for fight or flight. So if conducted on the SBT than on you're catching a tuna for any other tuna species in the dinner, kill it softly; no rough world. It was now the most stuff, or it might get back at you. comprehensively researched fin Dr Peter Young, Chief of the fish in Australia. Division, said the newsletter In the pursuit of knowledge was the result of a about the SBT, scientists from Science-Il1llustry-Management the Division of Fisheries have workshop on Southern Bluefin developed some ground­ certijicate of participation in CSlRO's Student Tuna (SBT) that was Ileid in breaking (or is that wave­ Research Scheme to Dieter Gebauer Aquinas College, Perth, Western Australia. f-Jis project, Tasmania at the end of 1993. breaking?) techniques. These supervised by Mr David Baldy ofCRA Advanced Technical Development, was on the use ofan artijicial 'The Southern Bluerin Tuna is include an archival tag, a neural network to analyse vibration data ji-om faulty wheel bearings on iron are trains. Mr Jones spoke a precious resource,' he said, miniature electronic device that of the importance ofthe program as a way ofstretching the imaginations of students with real-world 'both in terms of its economic is inserted into the body cavity problems. The Scheme is co-ordinated by CSlRO's Education Programs group, and operates around value and as a unique member of the tuna where it collects data Australia. In Western Australia last year it involved 44 students and 41 scientists and engineers ji-om 14 ofour marine environment.' at regular intervals for up to research institutions. Shown at ieji in the photograph is Ms Lesley Bremner. former Manager of the , 'Currently, the Australian SBT nine years, and an innovative Western Australian CSIROSEC (CSIRO Science Education Centre), who organised the presentation. industry is worth about $94 methOd of studying the SBT's million a year. With careful carbone, providing critical management and the further information on its growth development of value-adding patterns. Divers help CSIRO map processes, it could be worth Dr Young said the newsletter double that amount in years to had been produced with the come. support of the Tuna Boat the meadows 'But to achieve these figures, Owners' Association of there must be enough parent Australia and the Australian Divers will play an important role in mapping detailed studies on the area's stock to ensure a sustainable Fisheries Management Australia's seagrass meadows, in a project designed underwater vegetation. fishery for the longer tel111. Authority. It reflected, he said, Dr Kirkman said the deep-water 'Scientists are very concerned the united approach that was to help protect the coastal environment. expedition would be followed by about the existing low level of now being taken to ensure the Work on a detailed map of water. According to Dr Kirkman, similar in-shore studies and a SBT parent stock. The number fishery was managed on a long­ seagrass around Australia will the waters otT Western Australia series of surveys that would see of fish reaching breeding age is term, sustainable basis. {, begin off Esperance, Western contain the most diverse all of the nation's seagrass beds still falling, despite cuts to Australia, early next month, seagrasses and the most extensive mapped. according to Dr Hugh Kirkman of meadows found anywhere in the Data from the project will Ibl111 the CSIRO's Division of world. an impOlillnt part of the national Genetic mapping Fisheries. Information gained would be inventory of natural resources 'We'll use the latest satellite and invaluable in the cvent of an oil which is being put together by the CSIRO scientists led an international research team navigational technology to pin­ spill or similar environmcntal CSJRO's Division of Wildlife and that has developed a 'genetic linkage map'. It should point the expected location of disaster, said Dr Kirkman. In Ecology. The West Australian seagrass meadows,' said Dr February 1991 when the Sanko segment of the research is being help produce better quality beefat lower cost. Kirkman. 'But we'll need field f-Jarvest ran aground near done in collaboration with the The map is a world first for the livestock industry, and may enable work by divers to see whether Esperance, disgorging tonnes of West Australian Departments of callIe breeders to design cattle for specific requirements. shaded areas shown in satellite fertiliser and oil into the sea, the Land Administration, 'Parents pass on traits to their offspring through genetic images are in fact seagrass, and to potential for environmental Environmental Protection, information or genes. A genetic map is an important tool we can collect samples of the plants.' damage from the spill was not Transport, Fisheries and Planning usc to locate the genes for important production traits,' said project Seagrasses live and flower under known, because tllerc had been no and Urban Development.•:. leader Dr Jay Hetzel. The CSIRO group has embarked on several ambitious projects Australia-Philippines climate monitoring program which will usc the map to pinpoint genes for disease resistance, opcrated by CSIRO's Division parasite resistance and meat quality traits. The CSIRO Office of Space Science and Applications of Wildlife & Ecology in 'Although the research using the linkage map will not reach thc (COSSA) and the National Mapping and ResoUl'ce Canberra, where data from market place for some time, the work has already resulted in some Information Authority ofthe Republic of the Philippines Australian ground stations in useful spinoffs for producers, such as a test for Pompe's Disease (NAMRIA) have announced the renewal of their major Casey (Antarctica), Darwin, and DNA fingerprinting,' Dr Hetzel said. Hobart, Townsvillc and Perth The CSIRO Division of Tropical Animal Production took the lead international agreement on climate monitoring. arc also kept as part or a world­ in developing the genetic linkage map in 1991 and established an Under the agreement, the area covering the Philippines, wide program to study the international network of 23 scientists from six countries. CSIRO Australian-built station in Kalimantan, Irian Jaya, east effects of human activities and co-ordinated the project through an International Bovine Reference Manila will obtain daily China and south Japan. The data climate change on vegetation Family Panel, similar to a strategy used in human gene mapping. environmental satellite data until will be sent to the Australian 30 Septcmber 1994, over an Land Research Data Centre and land covel'.

357-1994 There's putting Ollt the fires, Wilt Crane Crescent, and then there's answering CSIRO, Canberra As a tribute to the late Dr Will' Crane, the csmo the questions ... Division of Forestry has given the name Wilf Crane Crescent to the main road through its YarralumJa site in Canberra. Therc was a ceremony on March 7, at which Dr Crane's widow. Colleen Crane, unveiled the I!ew road sign. Chief of the Division, Dr Glen Kile, told of how Will' Crane had championed the cause of rcjuvenating Australia's degraded landscape with trees. 'Wilf was a great and unforgettable Australian, a lateral thinker, all enthusiast, a man of conviction, action, humility and simplicity,' said Dr Kile. The Yarralumla site has a history long connected with tree-plantl!lg and I()restry. It is part of Westbourne Woods - the area of Canberra where Weston and others planted and tested trees suitable for the bush Capital. It was, until 196B, the place where nearly all foresters in Australia were trained, and Wilf Crane himself graduatcd l"rom the Australian Forestry School on the site in 1962·:, Chief Executive's Study Awards This year's Chief Executive's Study Awards have been 3nnounced, and appear below. Mr Bruce Blundcn, Division ofSoils - to invcstigatc tlle distribution ofstresses imposed by a full-scale tIClctnr tyre using tlle Advanced Soil Bin facility at Silsoe College, Cnmetield College, Englimd. The fires that hit CSIRO's Sydney sites at Lindfield and NOl"th Ryde in January Mr Andrew Bryce, Division of Petroleum ResoulL'CS this year did little harm to buildings, though a lot of greenery was lost. Part of this - to visit tilC Geological Slllyey of Omada in Ottawa to gain IIlsights and was luck, part of it the efforts and expertise of the professional lire-fighters, and experience into 101 opemtionalliLscr ablation system 10KI apply til is knowledge part of it the commitment of CSIRO staff and other volunteers who pitched in to to aid ti,C detennination of the chronology of petroleum migration and protect the CSIRO prope."ty. At the time it was a lot of hard work, but the work entI,lpment in tilC seclimcntaty basins of offshore AUStI,11 ia, Mr Douglas Burgess, Division or Applied Physics didn't stop with the quenching of the last embers. - to study techniques used to calibrate precision high-voltage and high­ For one group in particular, 'The phones were hot, literally, to concerns about equipment and current meilluring equipment at tile National Rese1O'Ch Council, Institute for CSlRO's Information Network, with bushfire enquiries,' said Ms materials that didn't perform to National Me,Lsurcment Starldmds, Ottawa. the work was just beginning, Mercer, 'TIley remained constant specification. Ms JIe.1ther Burrow, Division oflhJpiclll Animal Production According to Frances Mercer, a for about three weeks and arc 'Many hopeful inventors wrote - to enhiulCe her knowledge of research in Genetics theory by visiting trainee Information Officer with slowing down now as the and rang in with their ideas.' various resear'Ch gmups at ti,e University of NebriLska, imd ti,e US Meat the Network, they were regrowth begins.' Ms Mercer said that all staff Animal Reseill'Ch CentI'C. Ms Bun'ow will also attend tile 5th World Cong":ss responding to 'hordes of She said information staff have now been given compulsory on Gcnetics applied to Livestock Production imd complete a graduate COlilSC enquirers' throughout January 'quickly became quite firc-fighting training, prompted in QWUltitative Genetics 1l1eo1Y. and February. knowledgable about bush fires , as hy the close call at their site. Ms Lesley Clementson, Division of Fisheries Ms Mercer said the bushFire they were briefed by Divisions The photograph above, of the - to leillll bio-optie tcchniques at the Laboratoil'C de Physique ct Chimie enquiries had started on the first whose key staff were away III the burnt LindJ'ield site, is by Tony Mmines, Universite Piem: et Mmie Curie, FI1mce, 1(,1' studying ti,e absolption work day aller the New Year, as thick of the fires, Sadler. TIle one below is by Rob sfXctra ofpruticulatc maller in seawater. people prepared for the fire, 'We noticed that enquiries Jung, and shows flames and Mr Roger Digby, AppI'Cntice Co-ordinator though the fireball didn't hit the changed from 'how to protect' to clouds of black smoke ncar the - to gain ftrst-hmlCl knowledge on tile implementation of competency-based area until 5.30 p.m. on Friday 'we want you tn collect Lindfield site at around 5 p.m. on training, work-place assessment, training of work-place assessors and January 7. information on our experiences' the 7th..:. recognition of prior bUllinglcllll'Cnt competencies pmctices in tile l'CclUitInent of apprentices. Mr loss Gascoigne, Centre lor Environmental Mechanics -- to cstablish key links Witil otiler communicators in soutil-cast Asia and exarlline the etlcetiveness of national associations of science communicatOl'. Ms Jacinul White, Division of' Biomolccular Enginccring - to develop advanced microscopy techniques Ibr studying biological tissues and molecules, including scanning tunnelling and alolnic force microscopy, mmlIlg otller topics...:'

357-1994 358##1994 CoResearch No. 358 J u ne 1 994 CSIRO's s t af f new s'p ape r CS I RO AUSTRALIA Working out the Budget conseq BRBSS, and working in against them ~U~~~R:94 CSIRO staff have been staging all-night work-ins around Australia to draw attention to what they see as dangerously inadequate support for rural research. The work-ins followed the 'The proposed changes will Science Minister Peter Cook of release of proposals by Dr Alan involve some reductions in jobs,' putting pressure on CSIRO's .:..:..:. Donald, the Director of the Dr Donald said, but he added Institutes, via the budget, 'to cut (Comment from. Dr Stocker Institute of Animal Production that of the 138 over three years overheads and administrative appears 011 fJoge 3. and ext}'act.~ and Processing, to consolidate only three would be scientists' costs and slash staffing levels.' from a JUl1e 8 CoResearch the Institute's research from 27 jobs. Inquiries were called for, by interview on this topic with new sites to 17, reducing staff by 138 The major site changes under the Democrats into the Science Mil1lstel; Peter Cook, over three years. consideration are: Government's handling of appear on page 4.) The proposals come as the first • relocation of the Division of CSIRO, and by the Coalition management response to Animal Health's Parkville into CSIRO's handling of rural CSIRO's new triennium funding laboratory into the Australian research. Science Festival announced in last May's Budget Animal Health Laboratory at Eleven 24-hour work-ins at statement, which is about $20 Geelong; CSIRO sites throughout by Karen Robinson million per annum less than the • disposal of the Ryde (Sydney) Australia were organised and The second Australian Science Festival was held in previous triennium. site of Wool Technology, consol­ publicised by the CSIRO's Following the Government's idating wool textile research at union for Thursday June 2. Canberra from April 23 to May 1 this year, with Budget announcement in May, Geelong; They were well attended, with organisers claiming it to be a great succcss. Dr John. Stocker, Chief • disposal of some of the from 50 to 80 staff taking pmt An estimated 80,000 people showing how the pressure of Executive of CSIRO, made a Glenthorne (Adelaide) site of the at each si te, and attracted good visited the Festival's 50 venues international trade is tlu'eatening statement to stnff in which he Division of Human Nutrition; media coverage. during its nine days - 10,000 wildlife witl1 extinction. For the outlined the areas in which • disposal of the Division of Peter O'Donoghue, Secretary more than last year's crowd ll10re adventurous, there was a savings would be made. Tropical Animal Production's of the CSIRO Division of the estimate, according to Science demonstration of snake-handling 'We will have to manage this Long Pocket site in Brisbane PSU, said 'Members are angry Festival Manager Mary-Anne and venom-milking in the 'Snalees new level of funding carefully to with relocation of activities to St at the loss of jobs that has Waldren. Alive' series of talks. protect our research delivery and Lucia (the Division of Tropical occurred in this research area. The Science Festival, Ms The 'CSIRO Green Machine' at infrastructure,' he said. 'We will Crops and Pastures site on the Already, 243 jobs have Waldren said, is a celehration of the Australian National University need to continue to focus our University of. Queensland disappeared in less than three scientific and technological had hands-on research science research programs, to improve campus) and RocklJampton; years in agticultural resem'ch in achievements, with more tllan 100 activities, including structured the efficiency of our administra­ • reduced investment in poultry CSIRO. It will be impossible to events, exhibitions, debates, experiments and activities with tion and to rationalise our production facilities in the replace the knowledge and lectures and seminars. worksheets. There was another propelty assets. Division of Animal Production; expeltise lost to Australia from Visitors to the Festival's CSIRO exhibit at the National The Institute of Animal • more collaborative use of field these retrenchments. centrepiece - the'Amazing Science & Technology Centre, Production and Processing faces stations allowing reduction of 'Members believe that CSIRO World of Science' exhibition at with a number of computer an even more difficult time than CSIRO field stations. management have handled the the National Convention Centre, interactive units showing how most in CSIRO because of the Dr Donald said he believed situation badly,' Mr Donoghue were offered hands-on science, Australia's mineral resources are dramatic fall-off in funding from these changes would 'put said. 'However, the engineering and technology. transformed into valuable the wool industry in the current CSIRO in a strong position to Government must ultimately Experiments, competitions, products. rural recession. support the animal food and talee responsibility for the future displays, workshops, a circus, and Ms Waldren said she had been In a statement to lAPP staff on fibre industries in the future on a of agricultural research in eminent spealeers were supplied to delighted with the attendance for May 25 Dr Donald released sustainable basis'. Australia.' entertain and inform. the 1994 Science Festival. 'There details of options he was The pigeons now perceived this CoResearch approached the At the National Botanical was something for everyone,' she considering 'to meet changing to be a bigger cat than the first, Union, the Chief Executive, and Gardens, one of the many venues, said, 'from school children to industry and CSIRO priorities and there was a wilder flurry of Dr Donald for additional there was a display of products senior citizens'. She said she and the downturn in industry wings. The press responded comments just before going to (not for sale!) made from hoped there would be more funding of research'. 'The enthusiastically with reports of press. crocodiles, whales and elephants, industry involvement next year. .:. options,' he said, 'are for massive job cuts, there were' discussion with staff and consul­ calls in the Senate for Peter Dr Donald said, 'Unfortunately, tation with our stakeholders in Cook to explain his treatment of given ouL' funding setbacks, we industry and Govenunent, before CSIRO, and Democrat Senator don't have the luxury of doing final proposals are placed before John Coulter put out a press nothing'. the CSIRO Board.' release accusing the Government 'We believe that the proposals He said that industry funding of of destroying the Organisation. we have put forward are much lAPP had fallen from about $34 The farmers lobby expressed better for our long-term future million in 1992-93 to a outrage against the cutbacks in than simply cutting activities projected $22.5 million in rural spending, and the CSIRO across the board. They will 1994-95, in large part due to a Division of the Public Service make us more efficient and decline in wool research Union put out press releases competitive, will meet our funding. from the threatened Division of long-term need to be flexible To maintain and maximise its Wool Technology and from their and responsi ve to our research effort, he said, the head office expressing anger and customers, will minimise job Institute proposed to consolidate rejection of the proposals. losses and will protect our its effort from a current 27 sites Senator Robert Hill, newly capacity to start new research. to 17, thereby cutting its appointed Shadow Minister for 'We are very conscious of the overhead and administrative Science, also put out a press disruption our proposed Children discovering a Megalosaurus at the 'Amazing World of costs. release, in which he accused changes would cause to the Science' exhibition during the Austmlian Science Festival CSIRO business Letters to the refine our commercial practice. As a first step training Editor workshops arc being held in Divisions and Institutes as all of us adapt to thc new procedures. Dear Editor, OH&S staff can prevent Two imperatives require us to 1 was enjoying a pleasant REPEATS. nurture our interface with the working week when a caller Mac Story commercial world. The first is poured out a tale of painful eyes Health and Safety OUicer that to justify its existence caused by ultra-violet light Tropical Animall'roduction CSlRO nceds to be seen to be exposure from a laminar flow relevant and competent in cabinet. 'Trust me, I know about Dear Editor, supporting Australian industry these things,' says L 'It I became a proud CSIRO and the public interest. But happened to me 25 years ago. employec several months ago, there's also the issue of our Take him to the doctor. Oh yes, but I still have not been able to formal obligation to meet an the pain does diminish in a figure out the meanings behind external earnings target. It's couple of days,' CSlRO's logo. Can you help? clear that this, as a sale Before the ink had dried on Jason Li performance indicator for Safety and Productivity Mail No. Division of Atmospheric CSIRO, is woefully inadequate, 15 (to WlU'n the rest of the Research a fact that the recent ASTEC CSIRO world that this type of Report has strongly supported. exposure was, sadly, not extinct) CSIRO got its logo in late 1987, So, coupled with this consider­ I had another call about eye following an extensive {(lid ation of our place in the whole problems from a woman who controversial resfl"Ucturing ql' commercial arena must bc the had used a transilluminator with the Orgouisation info ils present consideration of what might be a UV lamp. 'You gct a taxi to the six industry-oriented Institutes. appropriate performance doctor; don't drive if you are ill. The new c';17wrate symbol \tvas indicators against which the I'll report it to Comcare. Oh yes, designedfor the Organisation by Organisation could report. the pain diminishes in a couple the Melbourne consultants We are being helped with this of days.' Cunningham and Cummings. by John Finnigan, Head of The helpful man at Comcare The ratiOlwie ojlered by the Environmental Mechanics in In recent months I've been launching our new listened to my tale about the companyfor the logo was as Canberra, who's working with unusual coincidence for a whole follows: Commercial Practice Manual in a series of meetings the new Strategic Planning and two seconds and said, 'I know 'CSIRO conducts research in with staff in five capital cities around Ausb·alia. Evaluation team to develop a all about that. It happened to me an extraonlinarily wide range ~f The launches were day-long, the working out of the policies set of such indicators. 18 years ago in CSIRO. My eyes diverse fields, So wide are these workshop-style meetings in and in the marketing of them The process will of course are OK, I think, but it hurt like areas (~rresearL'h thaI there is which I was joined by the through the Organisation. include looking at what's becn hell for a couple of days'. virtually lUi tangible and Directors, Wc cxplaincd the The next phase is going to be a done by overseas organisations. A call to the less sunny states recognisable ~)'mbolism that thi'nking behind the new tricky one: we now have to sort More importantly, whatever revealed, 'Yes, we havc had a enco/'npasses thenl all. manual, answered questions and out the complexities of exactly list we come up with will have couple of those in rccent years. '17w symbolism that does link made a point of stressing at where CSIRO fits in the process to take into account morc than I'm not aware of long-term them is the basic element ~f each meeting how crucial it is of converting ideas to wealth. just commercial returns from damage, but it's very painful for matter ~ the atom - something for the Organisation to have, We certainly have a rich and help we've given industry or the two or three days. which to our understanding and and stick to, a clear set of varied experience of the catch from our hunt for research A remarkably similar story has that (if the public at large is policies and guidelines for our creation and transfer of intellec­ dollars, Fashionable as such also evolved over twenty years recognised as a common commercial practice. tual property, and no dearth of financial indicators are, and with finger tips (eight at Jast element (~l all scientific research, We'vc had a lot of very critics ready to point out our easy as they make it for count) being removed in the whether it be industrial, enthusiastic feedback from deficiencies in this regard, A outsiders to come up with a outlet chute of older style 'Jelleo electronic or agriculturally participants, recent example is the plausible and quick assessment Cutter Grinders', The equipment based. It seems that onc of the most submission by the Australian of our performance, they leave is so solid that it lasts for 30 '771e symbol has therefbre been important effects of the Industrial Research Group to out CSIRO's vital public years, but if the safety standards designed to represent the basis meetings, for many, was the the Industry Commission, interest work in areas like are not updated the machine has ofaf/matter in its three­ bringing together of CSIRO which is enlivened by an environmental research, This plenty of time to repeat its dimellsiona!form. 771e third stall' members across Divisional enthusiastic abundance of can produce a false picture, and surgical tricks. dimension is enhanced by the and Institute boundaries, unsubstantiated negative worse, a picture made more In the past, the one with sore use (~f the vertical lilles that Another result, more delight­ assertions about CSIRO. convincing by the very thing cyes or missing finger tips had a expand and converge tofi:Jrl11 (l fully tangible if no more This, ]' m pleased to say, is that falsifies it, its restriction to lecture on 'common sense' and highlight- or 'hot spot' -thus important, is that my office is balanced by a similar the fashionable 'good number'. everybody was 'careful' for a iffustrating the ~fJect "flight already starting to scc great abundance of positive while, The same process was left r~flecting (~[f a sphericalfiJr/n, improvements to our business statemcnts made to the same to happen in other states, or even '77ze use (~f lines. rather than dealings, in particular in enquiry by companies of all in the same place a few years on, graduated tone, or 'stipples', contract approvals, from the sizes. when a new batch of people enables this highlight to appear application of the practiccs None of this changcs the fact without the hard-won 'common with greater daritv, e,'en when prescribed in the manual. that onc of the tasks wc're knowledge' arrived. the logo is reduced considerably The exercise itself, apart from going to have to come to grips To counter the tendency of in size. its results, has also been a good with to move forward as an 'don'tjust do something, stand 'A dua!fullction (~f these lines. discipline for us, I think, both in organisation is to continue to there!' we now have comput­ which dissect the sphere, is to erised reporting, and arrange­ add emphasis to the process (if ments to exterminate repeats of resewt'/l, analysis and probing the above types. We also have an the elements, in the world of alert system. However, we still science. appear to have a problem about 'The word 'Australia' has been admitting and reporting our near­ incol])()/'llted as an integral part

misscs or accidents, These (~f'the logo tofbrnl (I cons/stem incidents should not happen in and continuing fink with the first place, but if we can resewt'h within. andfbr the pluck up the courage for morc ben~ril oj; tlzis countI),. , open reporting, managers and So there you have it-Ed. continued Oil page 7

358-1994 CSIRO SHORT SHOTS Newresearch Sheep parasite reduction without increased cost CSIRO scientists have come up with a simple way of reducing parasite infestation among sheep in high­ access deal for rainfall areas that should save fanners up to $44 million a year. The triek is to keep parasite drenches in the sheep's stomachs for longer. Drenchcs move through the animal's digestive system with its food, so they are slowed down if the stomach is partly empty, and this makes them more effective. Dr Des Hcnnessy, of the eSIRO andleI Division of Animal Health, said, 'We're advising farmers to keep their sheep off feed for the day before drenching. Pen them up and make sure they have plenty of water, but as far as possihle keep them away from by Christian Peterson Iced.' CSIRO and ICI have formed a strategic alliance that National Engineering Awardfor CSIRO invention may offer research and development opportunities Tile Institution of Engineers, Australia, has given its National Engineering Award for Excellence in Research for up to 15 CSIRO Divisions. and Development to a device developed initially by CSIRO's Division of Applied Physics for the Royal The Memorandum of expect to spend severa.l Australian Mint. The Award went jointly to the Mint, CSIRO and Dynavac Pty Ltd for the developmenl and Understanding is the first of million dollars on specific manufacture of FADS 3000, an Australian breakthrough in super-smooth and hard surface coatings. The two its kind with ICI. It is a projects that will ultimately qualities had formerly proved extremely diflicult to combine. The Royal Australian Mint in Canberra is now broad-access agreement and deliver strong commercial starting to use the equipment to deposit a lilm of titanium nitride on coin dies, the working life of which will will identify research returns to ICI, after further thus be increased more than ten-fold. Applied Physics and The Australian Gaslight Company were also opportunities in both organi­ development by that 'Highly Commended' by the Institution for the development of an ultrasonic gas !low meter for domestic sations. company. use. 'ICI was attracted to CSIRO Existing collaborations Optical sll1face profiling technology exported to US and China because of our ability to between the two will not be In another coup for the Division of Applied Physics, CSIRO will supply award-winning optical technology assemble world-class multi­ affected by the new to the US and Chinese Mints that will improve the qualily of their coins as well as cutting costs .and disciplinary research teams,' agreement. Peter Cable, of the improving efficiency. OSPI30, originally developed by the Division for the Royal Australian Mint, uses said Dr Colin Adam, Director CSIRO Institute of .Industrial optical surface profiling to measure the master tools that mint coins in a fraction of the time taken by other of the CSIRO Institute of Technologies, will be in measuring devices. The Australian Mint said that OSP130 paid for itself in 18 months. Industrial Technologies. charge of the co-ordination of New CSIROSEC for Queensland Over the next five years, he CSIRO's activities under tbe said, the two organisations Memorandum. ,~ The first CSIRO Science Education Centre not in a capital city has opened in Townsville. It is a joint initiative of CSIRO, James Cook University and the Queensland Depmtment of Education, and will provide hands-on experiments for primary and secondary students ouside the normal classroom setting. The Comment from the Chief expetimenls at the Centre reflect the work being done in the scientific community in North Queensland, Executive on lAPP restructure including work on energy consumption, marine research, sugar, nickel and copper refining. The NOlth Queensland Centre is part of the national network of CSIRO Science Education Centres (CSIROSECs) Colleagues, administered by the Organisation's Education Programs group. Vou will be aware, from press coverage and other Second sale ofBoran and Tuli embryos information now circulating, that Dr Donald, Director A second limited release of genes from the African cattle breeds Boran and Tuli were auctioned as in utero of lAPP, in consultation with his Divisional Chiefs has embryos in Rockhampton on May 20. This second sale of 50 pure-bred emb,yos is in response to induslIy proposed a three-year plan to address overall reduced demand for the new genes. The world's first Boran and Tuli embryo sale was held last year and aroused flmding in the rural research sector. Whilst none of us considerable interest among cattle breeders: 38 emblYos were sold at record prices of up to $7,000. Adapted to the harsh conditions of eastem and southern Africa, the cattle combine high fertility with high levels of like the stress inevitably associated with funding cuts, it resistance to heat, ticks, internal parasites and poor nulI·ition. would be irresponsible for CSIRO not to be developing Genetic changes to wheat alternatives aimed at mimimising longer term Wheat has been one of the most difticult plants to transform genetically, but the CSIRO Division of Plant disruption whilst maintaining eore resem'dl capability. Industry has now managed it. The breakthrough is a major advance towards improving disease resistance and I want to reassure you that the CSIRO Board will take any grain quality, and will make it possible to inlI'oduce new methods of crop protection and marketing featnres. decisions on those proposals only arter they have been fully It will also help growers by reducing the lead time for new varieties. Tungsten or gold coated micro-particles considered by stakeholders, staff, and unions, and feedback has containing the genes are shot at high speed into young wheal emblYos with a helium-propelled gas gun. A been obtained and considered. gene for herbicide resistance has already been insetted into the leaves of some first-generation 1I111lsformed Dr Donald and I are keen to ensure that the proposals are wheat plants, and the plants are green, healthy, and setting seed. examinined and debated in the context ,,1' CSIRO's overall Australians eating better, but still not well enough priority and funding considerations. Several aspects need to be kept in mind: A recently released joint CSIRO-Deakin University survey of VictOlian eating habits shows that yonng women eat too little of all foods, and young men eat the wrong things. According to report author Dr Katrine • the current projections of annual funding levels for lAPP are Baghurst from the CSIRO Division of Human NnlI'ition the message is still not getting through about the affected mainly by reductions from 1992-93 to 1995-96 of $8.5 importance of eating more complex carbohydrates. Apparently young men are still consuming high-fat, low­ million from the wool industry, $9.3 million from other external carbohydrate diets, confirming them in habits that will make them fat in later life, when they exercise less, income and $2.2 million from parliamentary appropriations and young women have lowered their fat intake without increasing their carbohydrates (out of fear of weight (including priority shifts within CSIRO), totalling $20 million; gain), leaving them lacking in adequate nutrients. (Iron deficiency, for example, is a danger in this group, • CSIRO still directs over 40 per cent of its funding to rural with potentially serious consequences for the women themselves and for any children they may bear.) 'What research and it is appropriate that this level be assessed regularly we really want,' said Dr Baghurst, 'is for the fat to go down and tlle complex carbohydrates to go up.' in the light of the contributions to Australia's overall wealth of this and other industry sectors; New multi-discipline team to tackle climate research • tbe proposal to reduce thc number of CSIRO sites is a continua­ CSIRO has formed a new research program, tile Multi-Divisional Program on Climate Variability. Climate tion of a process commenced in 1989 to consolidate CSIRO variability costs Australia billions of dollms in lost agricultural prodnction and structural damage. The activities at a smaller number of well maintained facilities ­ program will include scientists from many CSIRO Divisions, including Atmospheric Research, Animal since 1989 we have consolidated from 110 to 70 sites; Production, Tropical Crops and Pastures, Oceanography, Forestry, Fisheries, Water Resources, Wildlife and • the lAPP proposals are designed to strengthen capability and Ecology, Plant Industry, Soils, Entomology, and Building, Construction and Engineering, as well as the synergy in all of the core rural research disciplines, albeit withiu a Organisation's Centre for Environmental Mechanics and Biometrics Unit. more streamlined and cost-effective support structure. Research 011 woody weed control CSIRO staff potentially affected arc being given every CSIRO's Division of Wildlife and Ecology has begun experiments into the lowest levels of chemical opportunity to comment on the proposals and to submit any defoliants necessmy to control woody weeds in areas where they m'C a pest. The Division's Dr Jim Noble viable alternatives. conducted a trial at Bourke in western NSW in mid-May, but stresses that the work is still at a 1'Clatively em'ly Unions have been kept fully informed. Both Dr Donald and I stage and no finn recommendations will be available until the l'Csults of this and other trials have been fully have met with key union officials to outline the proposals and evaluated. He also pointed out that even if results m'e promising further time will be required to have any obtain comment several times in the last two weeks. chemicals registered for use against woody weeds. The Bourke lI'ialused glyphosate, the active ingredient of The consultation period will continue until the end of July 1994. Roundup, sprayed from the air over comparison patches of woody weeds. After this we will need to implement changes to address the Honours to CSIRO Board estimated reduction of $20 million to the Institute of Animal Production and Processing. Professor Adrienne CI arke, Cilairman of the CSlRO Board, has been made a Foreign Associate of the Other Institutes will be presenting me with their plans for National Academy of Sciences, USA, for her work in the genetics of plant incompatibil ity. Meanwhile, back managing their budgetary projections by the end of August. at the farm, Member of the Board Professor Sir Gustav Nossal has been elected President of the Australiml Academy of Science. John W. Stocker, June 6

358-1994 Ne~books ••• Lake Mere Open Day 'Portraits., , in Sclence by Ann Moyal review by Robin Wynn-Johnson OF COURSE, it was a lay-down misere from the moment they taught computers to talk, Now it's official: C21 will be The Oral Century. (C22? Don't ask ... ) For a while there it looked like telly was about to bury the printed word six feet (sorry ­ 1.83m) under. But now the people who let their fingers do the talking are countcr-attacking from the rear: now we're getting oral history in print!. In spite of a venue that was literally back of Bourke, an event held on May 11 by Of late, the National the Semi-arid Zone Rangelands Program of CSIRO's Division of Wildlife and Library has been mining Ecology attracted nearly 90 people from around NSW and Queensland. its already impressive It was called 'The Lake Mere the Queensland Department of grazing pressure. There was collection of oral history Research Facility Open Day', Primary Industry and the plenty of discussion, both formal recordings for printable and its themes were 'Seven Years Commonwealth Department of and informal, and local grazier (don't misunderstand in Hard Country', and 'What has Primary Industries and Energy. Peter Bryant wrapped up me) copy. So far it has CSIRO been Doing All These The sunny, breezy weather proceedings with an appeal to produced three publica­ Years in the Mulga Woodlands?' made for a comfortable day. CSIRO to continue its presence tions compiled around (Lake Mere is in north-western There was a walk through the in the semi-arid zone. interviews with, respee- Dr Helen Newton Turner, AO, FTS, NSW, north of the Darling grazing trial, now eight years old, Altogether it was a successful tively, writers, artists and Animal Health and Production, CSIRO River.) a side trip to see Jim Noble's exercise. It attracted plenty of now scientists. People attending included local bettong warrens, and a look at local people as well as media, Macfarlane Burnet's successor This last, 'Portraits in graziers, representatives from some gates, traps and a Finlayson with ABC television even flying in immunology at the Walter Science', has been compiled National Landcare, NSW trough. Speakers covered a range in by helicopter to record a news and Eliza Hall In~tit~te,~ndsits and introQW'J:'d by AIJ!l Moyal, ~Agrlc~ltureyNSW,COI1servation of topics from woody weeds to item on tile total grazing pressure on the CSIRO Boai'd:DfHelen' AM, historian of Australian and Land Management, the soil run-on, run-off processes, trial. Newton Turner is a former science and technology, one­ NSW Parks and Wildlife Service, and from biodiversity to total H.,:, time director of the Science CSIRO researcher into merino Policy Research centre at sheep breeding and wool Griffith University. Moyal improvement; she is interna­ PeterCook comments interviewed twelve people who tionally acclaimed for her work made distinguished careers in with the UN Food and As a result ofproposals from the Federal Opposition and the contention of ideas aud Australian science (most of Agriculture Organisation and the Democrats, it was decided on June 7 that there argument that come tile best ideas. them are still alive) and the Australian International should be a Senate Inquh'y into 'the adequacy and and I would be very disappointed if recorded their life stories, their Developmen t Assistance appropriateness of the operation, funding and resourcing wedidn't see timt in theCSIRO.' reminiscences of the spheres in Bureau. ofresearch i'elating to rural industries by the CSIRO'. Science funding Moyal's approach to the which they worked, and their CoResearch interviewed Science Freedom ofspeech '[In] the OECD table Australia is interviews was to ask broad, views on many aspects of Minister Peter Cook tile following near tlle top in govemmeut-funded genera] questions and leave the 'I've been eoncemed that profes­ science, pure and applied, and day,on- sional officer'S of Ule CSIRO have R&D, rnld we should never seek to respondents to answcr as they its interaction with other aspects 111e Inquiry been named in Parliament; their be anywhere otller than nern' or at saw fit. They responded nobly. of life. 'I think tile Inquity is unneccssruy,' the top, in my view, and no The results arc a wealth of fact, professional judgement has been The interviewees comprise he said. 'I have confidence in the diminution of effOlt on that front personal confidences and called itltO question ... because they nine men and three women. CSIRO's Board and senior don't suit tlle views of membel'S of should occur; we should only uy to informed opinion on research Their ages range from 47 to 91, ImUJagement. Pru·lianlent. improve our position.' and many related subjects ­ and their careers span the 'While everyone will agree that 'I've been concerned, as well, that Senator Cook said he believed the technology of research decades from the thirties to the from time to time rcviews are tllel'C wel'C pmticulru' features of tile itself, the 'pure vs applied' tllere apperu'S to be, in tlle plU'suit of nineties. Seven were born in necessary, there is rul excessive load Ausu11lian economy that put us near debate, the ecouomic, social and open and free access to the Australia, three in Great Britain, being carried [by CSIRO] at the the boltom of thc same table for political issues, the rewards of Orgrnlisation - which in itself is a one in Canaeln and one in present time. commendable Uling - none Ule less private funding, but he would be Austria. Two worked in physics, science as a career... The seeking to do sometiling to improve answers were sometirnes 'I tlunk tllis inquity can only make rul abuse of that access. My view is three in medicine, one in restructuring, and the internal our standing there. 'In the end, surprising, always interesting. that the professional officers of ecology and biology, one in resolution of restmcturing .., even tlJOugh,' he said, 'we will succeed as In all, the work is a highly CSIRO need to be protected from animal genetics, two in earth hruDer.' IUJ economy by tile sum total of ma' successful excursion into this such 1UJ abuse. science, and two in science Senator Cook also said he doubted research, ilTespective oftlle SOlU'ce ... relatively new genre, and 'There are in the Westminster education and cOlnmunication. whetiler the Senate could field a but tllel'C is a limit, ofcourse, to what augurs well for more such system fonns of access to govern­ Of the dozen Moyal chose, panel of inquirers competent to govcmmellts Ci:m do.' ventures in the future. ment agencies and deparunents.... three arc CSIRO people. Dr analyse, report and add value to Ule [Abiding by these rules] doesn't TIle Budget Paul Wild, English-born, is a intemal work ofCSIRO. pl'Cvent people speaking out when 'In the Budget we've increased fonner CSIRO researcher who Portraits in Science, compiled 'If Ule inquiry performs the role of they feel they want to ... in their base-line funding for CSIRO, but developed the world's first and introduced by Ann Moyal, [1'CleasingJ pent-np disscnt within private life but not on CSIRO timc, because we've not continued with 'pictorial' radio-heliograph, and published by the Natiollal Libraty the CSIRO, well, it may have a about the operation of the the funding for capital grants, tile later Interscan, and was of Australia, available from good side,' he said, 'but 1 doubt Organisation, ruld witllin Ule CSIRO outcome is not as good as pl'Cvious subsequently chairman of Commonwealth Goverllment wheUlcr tllel'C's any wide-spread or about Uleir professional concems. yeru'S, overall, for tile Orgrulisation. CSIRO. Sir Gustav Nossal bookshops, price $23.95. serious body of dissent. So I'm 'l1ler'C's a great viJtue ill conSUllC­ But [that] funding was served with distinction as Sir opposed to it.' live tension,' he said, .... it's out of specific-pillpose limding.'''.

358-1994 CSIRO -4-~IVISION OF MINERAL Science communication PRODUCTS how does CS'RO compaf'i 8 JUL 1994 LIBRARY on the world scene? WENDY PARSONS, Communication Manager for the CSIRO Institute of Natural Resources and Environment, has just returned from a two-week trip to the United Kingdom and Canada. Ms Parsons has been working environment. on CSIRO's public communica­ 'There is no group like tion for more than 20 years CSIRO anywhere in the world now. She began as Press any more. In Britain, New Information Otl1cer to the Zealand and Canada they have Organisation's only Press splintered, and lost much of the Officer in 197 I. ability they might have had to When she heard of the speak with a strong, concerted' International Symposium on voice on national science the public communication of policy. science and technology to be 'One of my interests in the held in Montreal in April this trip was to see how much year, she decided it was time to influence science agencies had check out how science in formulating policy, and first communication here in of all I found their nature quite Australia compares on the different. They're splintered world scene, and to remind that across various government world of our existence. Her departments. The government conclusion is that we're now scientists are not in one group. forging ahead- much closer to 'We are, and that gives us the front than we have been in terrific strength. the past. 'Bear in mind that my view is Ms Parsons had been on a only a snapshot. Nevertheless, I similar mission to the USA, talked to some key people. I Canada and the UK, in 1979, talked to the science advisors to by courtes)' df aCSIRO Study enViWllmellt depanmellts on award on the communication of both sides of the Atlantic. I as here, with a to-ing and fro­ protect certain endangered bird actually.' science and technology. At the talked to business council ing between business/industry, species, and was able to delay Two other CSIRO 1994 symposium, she ran into a people and conservation government and environment work until it had been satisfied. Communication Managers were woman she had spoken with groups. groups. But there is no single 'So it comes right into the at the International Symposium during that period of study ­ 'We have an interesting body of scientists; the scientists heart of trade, and foreign in Montreal- Jenny Metcalfe Carol Rogers, who is now a situation here in Australia. are sprinkled amongst the affairs - right into the top of the Division ofTropical professor at Maryland CSIRO is not supposed to be government departments and levels of government policy.' Crops and Pastures and Toss University - and they involved with national policy, perhaps a few privale Powerful as the reputation and Gascoigne of the Centre for swapped notes on how things and yet we are, by virtne of the institutes.' influence of a unified CSIRO Environmental Mechanics. had changed. fact that we have this incredible Ms Parsons said Britain was may be within the national and They had been invited to the 'It seemed to her, as it seemed multi-disciplinary strength. the same as Canada in this international scientific conference to present the to me, that there was a striking 'It seems to me extremely respect, but there was a new community, however, Ms national report for Australia, contrast between then and important that we maintain factor in Britain that made their Parsons said she had the and Ms Parsons said their paper now, I said Ms Parsons. ourselves as one organisation, if situation even more interesting­ impression that outside of that 'came up bright as a button'. 'When I was there in 1979 overseas experience is any ly different from ours - the scientific community the with 'beautiful slides, great Australia had been behind the guide. power of the European Organisation was virtually visuals, and some really very eight-ball, not moving fast on 'The other very important Commission. unknown. interesting stuff' in an public communication of difference here is that we are a She said that participating 'This was the case in 1979,' otherwise 'fairly heavily science and technology. This statutory body, that is, a semi­ countries in the European she said, 'and I don't think it's academic symposium', . time, we both had the independent group rather than a Parliament are obliged to obey changed.' 'But we weren't there only for impression that Australia is government department. the directives of the European 'Mayhe I spoke to the wrong the symposium,' she said. well up there. 'That also gives us greater Commission. This has come to people,' she said, , but, for 'There was a proposal 'The States haven't strength because it gives us the point, she said, where, for instance, two conservation developed jointly between necessarily moved very far, or greater freedom of speech and instance, the European groups I spoke to hadn't heard CSIRO, the Institute of Public Canada, but it seems Australia action. Commissioner for the of us, and the industry people I Affairs in Melbourne, and the has progressed quite steadily. 'The scientific culture here Environment, if alerted to a spoke to hadn't heard of us. I Melbourne University's History 'J think that's due to the insists on that freedom; it has a member country's failure to don't know whether that and Philosophy of Science efforts ofquite a small group of need to have - and will have obey orders on an environment matters or not. Department, to jointly host the professional science communi­ - its independence, its ability issue, can actually send an 'You can take a specific next of these international cators, not just in CSIRO, but to release information that it inspector into that country and example in climate change, symposia in Melbourne in in a couple of other places too. believes is COlTect and that the create quite a bit of havoc for because that's a global thing. 1996. Toss and Jenny led the 'We are very well off for community needs to know. the government. You can't restrict it to particular charge there, and the proposal science journalists. We have the 'The issues are just as big, and 'For example,' said Ms countries. Yes, we're well has been accepted.' Julian Cribbs and others in just as pressing, in the other Parsons, 'the British wanted to known in the international Australia to offer scientists the countries as they are here. The put a series of flood barriers scientific community on The 1996 symposium will be chance to put forward their difference between the other around the coast line, but the climate change but]'m not sure strongly linked to an Australian views and their science. Canada countries and here is that we Commission wasn't convinced how well known we are outside Science and Technology Fair doesn't seem to have that, have a CSIRO and they don't. that these were being that community. already being planned for that though the science issues are 'In Canada, for example, constructed in such a way as to 'And that does matter, year.·~ just as big there, especially the environment issues are handled,

358-1994 Computernews ... Caption Competition Thallk you folks! A bigger crop ofelltries this time. First prize goes to Richard UptOIl of Illformation Technology: 'The victim of a I1liscollceil1cd genetic engineering experiment to mark CSIRO employees with the corporate logo, Mr X is 11011' on the Medicare elective snrgelY list. He expects to have the ullwanted growth all his fourth vertebra reuwJ'ed by cosmetic surgeons within six months. In the meantime Mr X is looking for an exceptionally skilled shirt-milker '. Richard wasn't the ollly one to see the picture in terms of genetic engineering; Barrie Hunt of Atmospheric Research sellt, 'It started out as a little pimple on my back about five years ago when I worked in the CSIRO Gelletic Modification Lab '. I'm Ilot sure whether the elltry from Karl Armstrollg of the Division ofBuilding, COllstructioll and Ellgineering also refers to genetic ellgineering or Ilot, but it's beaut - 'STOP PRESS...GIANT WHEAT GRAINS GROWN OUT OF needs to use a phone or send e­ CSIRO's Information Technology Services Branch RESEARCHER'S BACK'. Another from Barrie was, 'Some mail. has just released a souped-up vel'sion of its l"eCently days, I feel like I'm carrying the whole ofCSIRO', to be sUllg to 'Basically, the package offers the tUlle of 'Motherless Child' (?I). Barrie also Ilearly guessed developed EIS computer package, and it's available access to a lot of current who it was in the picture, in correctly suggestillg it was someone free to all staff, complete with instruction booklet. information, with graphing, and from the ACT Corporate Celltre, but the ollly correct allswer to The new version is much faster, would not describe themselves the ability to transfer any data that question was from Lynn Pu(ford, cOlltailled ill 'Michael Dack works on both PCs and Macs as 'executives'. to your own PC or Mac spread­ puts the logo back'. Unfortunately Lynll works in Education (with some exceptions), and 'It's true that it's being used sheets or word processors.' Programs, the source of the photograph, and is therefore offers a few useful extras. by some Chiefs,' said Mr The major components are ­ ineligible for the prize. LYlln also sellt a 'Recessioll SOllg' ­ Before you make any rash Sunderland, 'but also by about Finanee 'Roll out the logo/Let's have a song ofgood cheer/Roll out the assumptions, EIS stands for 200 other staff members, spread otfering detail by Division, logo/Cause CSIRO is still here', which maybe should have got Executive Information Systcm, across nearly all the CSIRO Program, Project or Location, first prize ill the Political Section for its appropriety (or is that and it's a research and planning Di visions. and graphing of trends and aproposity?). (Hang on, I don't llllve a Political Section. Who's tool. It has nothing to do with 'I would say it's probably of relationships. ret/l/ling this contest anyway? Me, or the colltestants? They'll be any environment except the greatest use to Business or Reuters wallting a democracy next ... ) Organisation's computer Finance Managers, Project Access to all Reuters stories, Allyhow, rlllllzcrs-up in the lIewly created Political Section environment. Managers and Program including those pnblished in the include this one from Neill JOllker ofTropical Crops and Pastures According to one of its Leaders, Assistant Chiefs, and Melbourne Age, Financial - 'Short-listed calldidate for the post of CSIRO Chief Executive developers, David Snnderland, Chiefs. Review, Business Weekly and Officer being tested for his ability to carry the full weight of the name of the package is a bit 'But it would also have Sydney Morning Herald, as CSIRO's problems all his shoulders', and (I thillk) 'Alld you misleading even when it is something to offer weJl as a huge number of thought Atlas hadproblems! He only had the weight ofthe world spelled ont, as its usefulness Communicators and Librarians, international sources. on his shoulders' from Jeff Lutton at the Division of Animal extends well down into regions and the on-line Directory of all Staff Production in Armidale. of the hierarchy where most staff is useful to anyone who A listing of all CSIRO staff, Ken Atkillson from Wool Technology sent 'DOll 't just stand with location, phone, fax and e­ there! Help me roll this Minolta logo back into place before they mail address (though the notice it's been moved'. A similar elltlY, but more complex, amI accuracy of th is depends on weird, comes from Mittur N. .Tagadish at the Divisioll of updating by Divisions of their lJiomolecular Engineerillg - 'CSIRO's vision into workillg own details) as well as a simple towards creatillg a pleasant envirollment for future captured by a analysis of stall structures and gigantic Millolta camera lells is happily carried by a CSIRO statistical breakdowns by age, employee'. I thillk that's probably very good; but I'ill certainly type of work, and fnnding velY tired. source. Then, from right out in left field, 'Oh Ilo! I kllew I should've SEO ordered the SMALL hatpin!' from .Teremy Fitzpatrick, whose How much CSIRO spends in Divisioll ( apart from its location) I do not kilOII'. dilferent research areas ('socio­ 'Have you receil'ed your new lIame tag yet?' from Keny Berger economic objectives'). ofTropical Allimal Production finished me off, though there were The program was develol'ed, plenty left in the basket. Here's another. Enjoy! using some existing software, by David Sunderland, Reuben Bettie, Trisha Burton and Tony Maud, with Mark Whiting providing the instruction booklet and OI,line hell'."

358-1994 Letters to the Editor Double Helix Double Header COlltilluedjrom page 2 Up and away ... Dear Editor, by Nick Goldie The April edition of CoReseareh has a Community Aid Abroad Mephistophelian vapoUl's wafted across the lawns of fund raising appeal pamphlet Old Parliament House: airs of kerosene, methylated inserted. What are the criteria for spirits, smouldering newspaperj the chilly miasma having an insert in a CSIRO that comes from inside fire extinguishers, all newsletter? Do we get paid for it or is it someone's pet charity? mingling with the cheerful reek of burning balloon. Enough junk mail is circulated An autumn dawn in CanbelTa. placed baffles of kitchen foil. without our internal publications Many excited school-children This balloon, the creation of being contaminated as well. had come to the annual Hot Air Telopea Park School, soared Neil Jonker Balloon competition. Twenty-live confidently over the crowd, up Finance Manager schools from the ACT and and away over the white tower of Division ofTropical Crops and surrounding districts had sent Questacon, and won the prize Pastures teams. There was a variety of with a new record time of nine balloons: some as small as party minutes and thi'iy-eight seconds I charge only cost.I·,/t)r the balloons, some as big as mattress- in !light. insertion (ifthe Community Aid covers and as airwOlihy. Other prizes were awarded for Abroad pamphlel.l· ill A green construction with the the most colourful designs, the CoResearch, a praelice I dimensions of a giant's condom most innovative, and the best illheriled./jriITl./fmner editors. seemed to contain - only their 'special shape' with a scientific 71llls il costs the Olganisatioll feet were visible - several theme. nothing but also brings in /10 hulking schoolboys as well as a 'The Paper Balloon pro./it. My policy is the same/or wire basket of flaming Little Competition is a colourfUl, fun both CSIRO groups and Lucifers. The air inside the event,' said Ross Kingsland of recof?nised charities; others pay balloon must have been frightful. CSIRO Education Programs, 'but a fee for advertising. This leller Outside, more boys held delicate it also serves to introduce is Ihefirstl have had in criticism lengths of nylon line to keep the students and teachers to the ojthe praclice, but I would he phallomorphic thing from scientific principles of happy to hearjrom any readers collapsing. Eventually, lift-off ballooning.' with similar objeclions, as I am was achieved! The Great Green It is hoped that the competition, '!ften approached to include Sheath staggered into thc air, lay which was run by CSIRO's inserts or advertisements. There on its side so as to empty itself of Double Helix Science Club and is injact anolher insert in this foul fumes, and (exhausted) came the commercial firm Balloon edition, I'm aFaid,}iJr CSlIW:, back to earth. Alon, with sponsorship ti'om the 'Simply Black' colleclion (J/'gijls Success went to the bold AN U Research School of sporling our logo. lrdtation or Buckyball, an almost perfect Physical Sciences, will be held desirable extra" E-mail me! sphere with some strategically nationally in 1995 .•:· -Ed. .,. Hobart turns it on for Double Helix by Christian Peterson More than 2,000 people invaded the Double Helix Science Club's second Double Helix Day held at CSIRO's Marine Laboratories in Hobart last month. The first Double Helix Day was held in Adelaide at the Investigator Science and Technology Centre late last year, with over 1,400 people attending. Well-known science communicator, Deanne Hutton, presented the Magic of Science with the students from St Michaels's Collegiate premiering the world's first starfish soapie 'Currents of Our Lives'. 'The fun and success of the day highlights how CSIRO's Double Helix Science Club and science are valued by the people of Hobart, ' said Pam Elliott, co-ordinator of the Day, At the Double Helix Day, Tasmania's 1,000th member, Conrad Rainer, aged L3, was welcomed by the Honourable Michael Hodgman, QC, who also became a member of the Club. As a federal member of Parliament, Mr Hodgman Computer-generated maps ~t' electrical oclhlltv in the brain. was instrumental in bringing from the Divisio,,' o/In/ormation the CSIRO's Marine Labs Technology's recent symposium and the Australian Antarctic in Melbourne 'Computational Division to Tasmania.':' Challenges in Lije Sciences'.

358-1994 and, particularl~••• Librarians ... Librarians ••• Librarians ••• Megan makes it Bernadette Waugh­ Special Librarian of the Year

Megan McKay, pictured above right, is about to finish her traineeship in the CSIRO Corporate Library in Canberra. When she started, in 1993, she was nearing the end ofa Library Technician course at the Canberra Institute of Technology. She has now graduated with an Associate Diploma ofArts in Library Studies, and is about to start a new job in the National Library. Margie Enfield, pictured above l~ft, Librarian for the CSIRO COI]Jorate Library, said that the benefits on both sides had been great. Ms McKay said she had enjoyed working at CSIRO. 'The traineeship allowed me to continue my studies, gain experience and eam a living all at the same time, ' she said, 'and I'm sure the experience I gained has been an importantfactor in my getting the National Library job. I hope the trainee scheme can continue, so that it can help other young people in the same way it has helped me '. Photo by David Salt.

Above, Bemadette Waugh receives her Special Librarian ofthe Year award in recognition ofher outstanding contribution to the library profession. Jinette de Gooije/; General Manager of CSJRO's Information Services and Chair of CSIRO's Library Network Committee, said the network was 'extremely proud of Bemadette's award'. The award was CO/iferred by the Westem Australian Special Libraries Group of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Ms Waugh is the Site Librarian at CSIRO's Western Australian Laboratories. Criteria for the award include a willingness to share professional expertise; evidence ~f good management practices, and demonstration of successful promotion ofthe library or iliformation sen1ice within the parent organisation.

358-1994 359##1994

No. newspaper CS I RO AUST RALtA Vale

CSIRO staffhelp rescue Rwandan colleague Frederick White All of the relatives of Antoine Kalinganire - his (ICRAF). Nairobi was received parents, brothers and sisters - have been killed in thmugh a fi'iend staying ill the fighting in Rwanda. He and his wife and Bujumbaru. Burundi on June 29. That day. in Butart! the town danghters, however, have now escaped to the safety we were living, was covN-ed by of Nairobi, thanks to the intervention of some of his panic due to heavyjighling scientific colleagues. which were likely 10 take place For some years Kalinganire has We are happy alldfree! around. It was impossible to been working closely with Chris The whole story ofextreme run away unlil July 2, when we Harwood, CSIRO Division of miser)' started in April 6 when were forced 10 'rvithdraw the Forestry, on genetic diversity in the plane ofthe late President lown. We had 10 lookfor our Grevillea robusta, one of the ofRwanda• .luvenal way oul through/lying bombs most important agroforestry Uahyarimana. was shot down. and bullets. The house was left, trees in the east African We were instructed to remain with all our pmperties behind, highlands. indoors untilfurther notice. All running away to save our life. In 1991 Kalinganire spent expatriates left the c",mtryfrom Thanks to God. It took fWo days three months at the Division's April 7 onwards. Shopping was to drive along one Jumdred and Yarralumla site in Canberra, allowed once a week and fifty kilometers to reach under the professional .\IJecial permits were necesslIry Cyangugu. at the western pari attachment program of the to move hy car, especially to ofRwanda near the Zairean Seeds of Australian Trees move from one districllO bordel: Project. He then returned to his another. It was almost We decided to cross the job as Officer-in-Charge of the impossible to move freely eastern Zairean bordel; Bukavu. Rwanda Tree Seed Centre. around the country. the whole Time was needed /0 collect Recently Harwood and other country was dark and noisy due somefbreign currency for staff at the Australian Tree Seed respectively to heavy rains and survival along the estimated 2.500 kmfrom Bukavu to Sir Frederick White, KBE, FAA, FRS, Chairman of' Centre, alarmed by reports of shooting guns around the CSIRO from 1959 ulltil1970, died on August 17 this year. the increasing bloodshed in country. Nairobi. Kellya by road. On Rwanda, contacted colleagues Terrifying and horrible events July 22. we slarJed ourjourney Bam in New Zealand in 1905, Sir ever to hit the ground fell in New at the International Centre for started all over the coui1fry thmugh Bukavu. We reached Frederick becmlle one of South Wales after a cloud-seeding Research in Agroforestry in including t(!I'riblti inassacres. Bujumbaru on Jftly 14 via Australia's most valued sons'. expetiment by the Division. Nairobi. Was there some way, Intensive fighting between the Uvica (Zaire). In Bujumbaru I By 1937 he had become After the wru; Sir Frederick was they wondered, for Kalinganire fanner Rwandese Patriotic was able to contact ICRAF by Professor ofPhysiCS at CanterbUty appointed to tile Execntive of to be sent on a training course Front rebels and Government phone. I was told about my University College in New CSIR. becoming Deputy that would get him and his army took place. People. evacuation story. Decision was Zealand, but shOltly after the Chainmll1 of CSIRO in 1957 and family out of Rwanda? including my parents, brothers taken to go to Nairobi by aiJ: outbreak of the Second World Wm' Chairman in 1959. Yes, as long as Australia could and sisters, died in thousands The whole.family was he wal asked by the Australian He was involved in vil1ually find $10,000 towards the cost of and others di'\1Jlacedfi-olll their evacuated on July 19 to Govemment to help with CSIR's evelY Imuor development in the training. home. nees, shrubs and grasses Nairobi. Since then, we can development ofmdm·. He became CSlRO, but in some m-eas his The funds were provided by were cui downforfirewoorf and sleep far awayft'Omfear and Chiefof the Division of involvement was particularly deep the Australian Centre 1'01' construction oftempomry tragedy. Radiophysics in 1942. and his contribution particularly International Agricullural dwellings. Harvesting ofmost Dear.friends, There is a The importmlce ofradm is well signiticant. Exmllples are tile Research, and Kalinganire was ofthe agricultural cmps, saying in our language that known, but ihe Division's establishment of laboratOlies to do informed that he had a spot in normally matare ill June. could IWhen someone is savedfrom scientific excellence survived the resem'Ch on wool and wool Nairobi, if he could get there. not take place and were lost for lightning, he can talk about it.• war, playing a pioneering role in textiles, the utilisation of The following letler, recently evet: Most ofthe domestic Now. as we survived.from death tile development of mdio­ Australian coals, and the construc­ sent by Kalinganire from animals were slaughtered down by your generous initiatilJe, time astronomy, building the tirst tion of the 2 [O-foot radio­ Nairobi, tells the story. .en masse' for human will allow us 10 tell you more in electronic computer to operate in telescope at Parkes and the cO/lsumption. A heavy genetic details. The wholefam.!ly is Australia (and one of the tirst of its radio-heliograph at Narrabri. Dear Colleagues loss for IIlOSt ofthe crops and happy, gratefi" and sensitive to kind in the world), and developing As a fonner Pt-esident 0'­ Ou}? Imana ishimwe ntitugip­ animals is felt. About trees and what you did. distance-measuring equipment for ANZAAS and its first Chairman, filye i.e. Be pleased the Lord, shrubs, most "r the samples Thanks to all and hope to meet aircraft that put Australia yem's Sir Frederick worked hard to we are .mvedfi"{)m death. Those kept by the National Tree Seed you soon. God bless the ahead of mlY other countlY in encourage communication muong are the words pronounced by Centel; including the famous Australians. aircraft navigation. scientists and between scientists ~ my daughter in our mother Pe(ford and Katherine sources Antoine f(alinganire The first mtilicially induced rain and the public.• tongue on her arrival in are likely to loose viability after Bujwnbaru (Burundi). a long period withmlt electricity STOP PRESS: {~r -J We are pleased to il1/iJrln you supply. A m.!xing up seeds of Unexplained lines in Nullarbor desert that lve are alive and safe. Anne nil sources is likelyfollowing At a Sydney t'orum on remote-sensing on August 23, Dr Ian Barton of CSIRO's Division of Atmospheric Fabienne R. A1wizefwa (8), the chaos. Fortunately. Research ann?unced the. discovery by satellite heat-sensing of a series of unexplained stripes across the I Egide K. Shimwa (f0). Ruhande Arboretum with more Nullm'llOr Plam. The stnpes, about 400km long and IOkm wide, are visible only during the day, unlike Annonciata f(wmnariya and I than one hundred Australian most such phenomena, which are often picked up at night by use of infra-red satellite equipment. So far no are greeting you all. Dreams species in collection, was explanation of the stripes or their mysterious manner of presentation has been offered. became realities when we preserved against destruction Enterprise bargaining lalUled at Jomo f(enyalfa until we I~ft Butnre on July 2. CSIRO's major union, the CSIRO Division of CPSU, has announced that its members have overwhelm­ International Airport. Nairobi Concerning ourjourney to ingly rejected management's recent enterprise bargaining proposal and salary offer of an increase of 1.1 all .luly 19,farfrom the hell of Kenya, it was a real nightmare per cent. The union's August newsletter reported rejection 'in particular' ... 'of reduction in intemalappeal the destroyed counlly. Rwanda. ill thefnmily. The good news :'i!ghts f~r Paragraph 11,' pro~l1otions and inefticiency pro:esses, clll~~ge in travel en,titlements and removal What we believed 10 be an .ftmn the International Council oj locatlOn allowances which were asked lor as part of a trade-olt for the proposed salary mcrease. The endless torture came to [(n. end. for Research in Agmforestry union will now develop an alternative proposal which, if endorsed by members, will be put to CSIRO. I ANZAAS Letters to the Editor

lAPP restructure­ be adequately addressed by Baistow and Jeff Lewin of my lack ofconsultation those making the decisions. office, met with the Division of Bob Campbell Animal Health IP Committee with staff Division of Animal Health on 9 June. Follow-up Dear Editor, Parkville, Victoria discussions have taken place on In the June edition of several occasions since then, CoResearch several articles Dear Editor, with the most recent being held discussed the funding shortfalls Thank you for the opportunity at the Division of Animal in CSIRO and lAPP. All of to respond to Bob Campbell's Health last week. these articles indicated that letter. It contains a number of Throughout the process, consullation with staff had been misunderstandings, and I Industrial Participation has and was taking place. welcome the chance to correct been seen and supported as an Unfortunatcly this does not these and review the consulta­ appropriate mechanism for appear to be the case. tion process as it has occurred organising staIr discussion and The lAPP scheme to dispose and is occurring within lAPP. response to the proposals. The of sites and positions had been Many of these issues have been Institute HQ has worked discussed only at senior addressed in briefings and in closely with IP committees, management level up until May two documents which were including that of the Division even though planning had been distributed to all lAPP staff and of Animal Health, to provide going on from at least over 1,000 external stakehold­ figures and financial February. It was only when ers. Copies of these documents projections to assist in their stalT learned of the plans arc available from lAPP HQ, development of counter­ This year's ANZAAS Congress in Geelong is going to through rumours circulating at tel. (02) 887 8222. proposals. Five proposals have be different from those of recent years, and I think non-lAPP sites that The proposals to rationalise been submitted by Divisional it's going to be one of the most interesting Australia management was conti'onted some support functions and IP committees, again including and forced to acknowledge the has seen in a long time. It may even become facilities of lAPP and its one from the Division of situation. something of a historic event. Divisions are part of a strategic Animal Health, and these are To date there has been no You would expect a line like that on climate change, Peter Young effort to conserve and optimise receiving careful consideration. apology for this lack of consul­ from me, as Congress President, on coasts and oceans, and both critical research capacity across Compliance with the tation with staff and Industrial but what's making it different Dean Graetz and John Williams the Institute over the long term. constraints outlined above is Participation Committees but and interesting this time is the on different aspects of land and These proposals seek to avoid critical to any proposal which only an indication that public release of some genuinely water. Richard Head offers his either short-term solutions is acceptable to lAPP and its management regrets getting new and fascinating material future vision of foods for health, which simply postpone the stakeholders. The proposals arc caught out. from CSlRO scientists. Bob Frater speculates on the problem or short-sighted analysed for their benefits to On the 27th June Dr Stocker You may remember that in my future of infonnation technolo­ solutions which do not promote the rmal industries, CSJRO, indicated to Animal Health CoResearch column a couple of gies and telecommunications, the Institute's strategic vision. and the Institute as a whole, representatives that he was not issues back I mentioned an and John Volkman offers a They also avoid solutions and for their sustainability, via prepared to talk to meetings of Executive Committee meeting at scenario for marine resources. which benefit one part of the a financial model which all staff concerned until after which we invited several CSIRO Five different scientists have Institute at the potential projects thc probable outcome the final decision had been scientists to present their future prepared papers on aspects expense of another. Finally, of any proposed changes. made. Is this the much vaunted scenarios for particular areas of relating to business - Colin they are also consistent with Institute staff are continuing to Industrial Participation? technology. I was so excited and Adam and Peter Robinson on the 1989 Property Management work with IP committees on Further, staff submissions impressed by the papers they smart manufacturing, Chris Strategy which advises consoli­ proposals which promote or regarding lAPP restructuring came up wi th that I determined Mallett on the food industry, Phil dation of 'major research extend the Institute's strategic and possible alternatives must then to take steps to make them Jennings on biological resources on a limited number vision to optimise benefits to be completed by the end of July public. The scientists have since technology, and Bruce Hobbs on of major metropolitan sites.' the Institute as a whole. and it has been indicated that been working to develop them new-age mining. With regard to formal presen­ Responses to each proposal these must contain accurate for publication. The papers don't represent an tations of the proposals to staff will be given to the IP calculations for all costings or Those papers are now virtually official CSIRO view. They are and other stakeholders, committees by the relevant they run the risk of being ready, and will be presented for written by individuals, and CSIRO's due process has been Chief on behalf of the lAPP rejected. How can staff hope to the first time at the ANZAAS haven't been watered down to a adhered to, as established by committee. put together this information in Congress in late Septcmber. They lowest common denominator by the Chief Executive. Briefings Although the Board will about a month when lAPP will constitute, I believe, a solid a committee. to the Chief Executive are review a suite 01' proposals in management have spent at least contribution to Australia's ability That's what gives them life and required before those to staff. its 15 August meeting, it four months doing the same to make sound decisions abont makes them great discussion­ Obviously, these briefings must should be borne in mind that it thing for their proposals and the nation's future, and they will starters. Indeed we're contem­ be carefnlly researched and will be impossible I'or decisions some of these figures are still certainly offer some vivid, and plating a series of workshops rigorously tested. It must be to be made in some instances being reworked? perhaps inspiring, images of how with industry and government appreciated also that only the where consultation and The worrying part of the things might be if we vigorously based on the papers and co­ most confidential of negotiation is ongoing. We will whole plan for restructuring pursue certain lines of rcsemch. sponsored by the Business discussions can take place on however, continue to provide lAPP is that it appears to lack The brief given to the scientists Council of Australia. These possible implications of the staff with information about long-term vision and is offering was to prepare their individual workshops will tease out what Federal Budget before it is developments as these occur solutions based solely on the visions of the year 2020 ~ not needs to be done to gi ve brought down. Immediately through a variety of internal short-term expediency of predictions of what they thought Australia a more positive future after the briefing to Dr Stocker communication mechanisms, correcting a funding crisis most likely, but 'best possible and, at the same time, provide an took place (on 23 May), an including bricfings and which surely shuuld never have scenarios' that were within excellent input to CSIRO's own intensive schedule of briefings discussions, newsletter contri­ eventuated or should have at reason and within reach. strategic planning. by Chiefs, myself and Institute butions, statements to staff, and least been properly planned for Desirable futures that we might HQ staff, to union representa­ email. over a period of time. From make real. tives, Industrial Alan D Donald information provided to staff in The national press has already Participation (lP) committees Director lAPP the loss of intellectutll gi ven enthusiastic and copious and Divisional staff was CSIRO Institute of Animal capital is poorly addressed. The coverage to the early abstracts of launched. As an example, Production and Processing loss of 138 positions (but only U1CSC scenarios, union respresentatives were three scientists' jobs) docs not The authors were chosen to briefed on 24 May, and indicate the loss of individual Inserts in cover a wide range of science. Divisions - including the scientists who will leave and On the subject of the Division of Animal Health ~ CoResearch have to be replaced. cnvironment there are 2020 were briefed by their Chiefs on Dear Editor, We can only hope that this visions from Graeme Pearman John Stocker 25 May. I, along with John I have no objection at all to aspect of any restructuring will Chief Exeentive continued on page 7

359-1994 CSIRO SHORT SHOTS Senate Overcoming drench resistance Over the past 30 years parasites in sheep, goats and cattle have become more and more resistant to drenches. Dr Des Hennessy of CSIRO's Division of Animal Health says farmers must either start making smarter use Inquiry into of available drenches or llIce the prospect of drenches being of limited value in a few years. The key is to drench the animals as seldom as possible, but expose the parasites to the chemical for as long as possible at each drcnching. It is length of exposure that matters, not strength of dose, which has little effect on parasite eradication rates. A single dose with follow-up doses after 12 and 24 hours brings drench efriciency to about nJral research 95 per cent of resistant worms. Milky Way not as mild as thought by Lindsay Bevege New radio-astronomy pictures of our galaxy reveal that it is much more extensive and violent than The Senate Inquiry into CSIRO's management of previously thought. The pictures have been produced from data obtained using CSIRO's Parkes radio­ rural research held its first three days of hearings in telescope and similar telescopes in the NOlthern Hemisphere and then processed at America's MIT (the early August and revealed that the future of CSIRO Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Dr Alan Wright of CSIRO's Australia Telescope National Facility said that the new pictures showed J1Iaments of hot gas being violently ejected from the galaxy. The survey, a still excites passions both within and without the collaboration between CSIRO, MIT, and the US National Radio Astronomy ObservatOlY, with help from Organisation. Macquarie University, also found about 100,000 cosmic radio sources, five times the number known before. A key debate is over returns to Laboratories and the Australian Some of the sources are the gas clouds in which stars are born, appm'Cntly, while others are the remains of the nation from agricultural Centre for Innovation and stars that have exploded recently. research as against the manufac­ International Competitiveness. CSIRO program to be used in South Korea turing and information Annidale witnesses included industries, which are receiving representatives of the Cattle and SIROGAS. a computer program developed by CSIRO to simulate and investigate gas nows, is to be installed priority funding within CSIRO. Beef Industry CRC, the in South Korea. Bill Turner, the principal dcveloper of SIROGAS, left CStRO in 1993 to start his own Structural issues in the Armidale and District Chamber company, William J. Turner Pty Ltd, which holds the exclusive licence for SIROGAS and the related Organisation were also raised of Commerce, the NSW software. Mr Turner says the program is already being used by most of the owners of long-distance pipelines and, of course, there were the Department of Agriculture and in Australia, and one of these users, Leeds & Northrup Australia, has decided to install it at the Korean Gas usual complaints about udminis­ the University of New England. Company plant in Seoul. SIROGAS monitors the pressure, flow, temperature and composition of gas as it tration and the size of the The NFF submission mainly enters the pipeline network. It then simulates the behaviour of the gas at all points of the network, enabling Limcstone Avenue Office. said that CSIRO cost reductions operators to supply their customers with maximum efficiency. The system predicts the behaviour of the Several witnesses, including should be directed at adminis­ network for up to 16 days at a time. staff such as Max Whitten, tmtion and infrastructure, not Climate change may bring problems Chief of the CSJRO Division of research. At a major international climate workshop organised by CSIRO's Division of Wildlife and Ecology last Entomology, Malcolm The NFF also asked for all month (12-15 July), scientists were told that climate patterns in inland Australia were likely to move Robertson, Manager of funds released from the sale of southwards, with reduced winter rains in the south and increased variability everywhere. There will be Planning and Evaluation for assets to be re-invested in rural heavier rains and longer dry spells for much of the rangelands over the next 50 years. Livestock forage CSIRO's Corporate Services research infrastructure or quality is likely to go down, and woody weeds, both native and exotic, will enjoy even more advantage than Department, and former CSIRO returned to thc industry, for all they do now, according to the Division's Dr Mark Stafford Smith. He also said that increased run-off would Executive Member David efforts to be made to retain key stretch the tolerances of existing dams and might increase erosion and cause some flushing of contaminants Wright, advocated a restructure staff, for minimal disruption to into river systems. of CSIRO, including a work to occur and for the NFF [(en Myer leaves $1 million to Plant Industry separation of line management to be kept better informed of In June the CSIRO Division ofPlant Industry was formally presented with a gift of $1 million from the estate responsibilities from decisions what CSIRO was doing. of the late Ken Myel'. The money will be used to establish a fund known as the Ken and Yasuko Myel' Plant over the Organisation's The Wool Council recognised Science Research Fund, in memory of Mr Myer and his wife. One immediate benetit of fbe gift will be its priorities. that some restructuring in use to develop a recent research breakthrough in the control of flowering in crops, with fbe potential to CSIRO's Institute of Animal CSIRO was necessary but increase yields and broaden the scope of market oppOltunities. The Fund will support basic research in fbe Production and Processing wanted to be reassmed that agrifood sector. Until his death in July 1992 Ken Myel' had been a member of the Plant IndustTy Divisional Director, Dr Al an Donald, gave wool research and development Advisory Committee and had shown a keen interest in the research of the Division. a strong cOl.)nter view to this would not be unduly affected by implied criticism of Institutes. the changes. It expects wool­ CSIRO helps in search for extraterrestrial intelligence He argued that only those who growers to receive money 'Project Phoenix', the largest-ever search for extratenestrial intelligence, will begin in Australia in Janumy have managerial responsibilities invested in assets sold off by 1995. Under a contract now signed with CSIRO, the US-based SETI (Search for Extra Terrestrial can make sensible judgemcnts CSIRO. The Council said that it Intelligence) Institute will use two CSIRO radio telescopes to sem'ch for signals timn other civilisations. This about priOlities. The Executive believed it had received a good contract and associated work will bring CSIRO more than $A2 million. The CSIRO telescopes, near Parkes Committee (EC), he said, was return on the money it invested and Coonabarabran, will seru'ch the skies between Janumy 16 and May 15 next year, looking for specilic the place where arguments over in CSIRO research. types of radio signals from the m'eas of almost 200 nemby stars resembling our sun. Special equipment will priorities were foughl between In Armidale, there was a scan tens of millions of radio 'channels' simultaneously. Many of the target stars can be observed only from the Institutes, but that once strong local opposition to any the Southern Hemisphel'C and Australia has the best telescopes for that job. Recent photographs taken by the decisions on priorities were cuts to CSIRO's presence Hubble Space Telescope show discs of dust swirling around dozens of stars. The dust is believed to be the made Institute Members then becausc of the effect it would material from which planets are formed. This suggests to scientists that stars are mOl'C likely to have planets collectively carried them out. have on the local community. than was pl'Cviously believed, which could increase tile chance that there is life elsewhere in the Universe. The Senate hearings were held Somc CSIRO scientists User-friendly CD-ROM on insects for one day each in Canberra, lamented that too much money The CSIRO Division of Entomology and CSIRO Information Services have produced a multi-media CD­ Sydney and Armidale. ln went into administration. ROM on the insect world. Called 'Insects: a World of Diversity', it was launched by fonnerScience Minister Canberra, CSIRO Chief Several of the Senators, Barry Jones at the Melbourne Zoo in July, along with an educational classification kit. The CD-ROM Executive Dr John Stocker however, queried whether interactive offers zoom-in magnification of up to 30,000 at the click of a mouse, as well as information on appeared with Dr Donald, the further cuts to administration classilication, videos, even the sounds the insects make, with oscillographs to match. (It seems the pyralid CSIRO Institute of Plant would simply shift the burden moth makes its characteristic sound by rubbing its genitals together.) Barry Jones called tile new educational Production and Processing of these duties onto scientists toy 'a very seductive way of learning'. He said it was a clever and inexpensive way of disseminating an Director, Dr John Radcliffe, and and be a false economy. extraordinary amount of information about the world of insects, and would help students understand the the Organisation's Corporate The hearings resume on critical role insects play both environmentally and economically. Services Director Mr Arthur September 2 in Canberra, when Entomology Chiefawarded AM Blewitt. Dr Stocker outlined Dr Stocker will appear again, CSIRO's current directions and accompanied by Drs Radcliffe The Chief of the CSIRO Division of Entomology, Dr Max Whitten, has been awarded an Australia Medal in the return to the nation from and Donald as well as CSIRO's the Queen's Birthday Honours list. Always outspoken and indeed something of a firebrand on issues he feels CSIRO research. Institute of Natural Resources strongly about, Dr Whitten has been very vocal in the Australian community during his 13 years as Chief, Other organisations to appear and Environment Director, Dr even when he felt he was putting his own CaI'Cer at risk. He has not hesitated to contradict the wisdom of his included the National Farmers Roy Green. masters, whether Govemment or CSIRO, making frequent and vigorous ptotests against cuts of staff 01' Federation (NFF), the Wool The Inquiry is due to report by funds, especially when he felt they would harm the pursuit of basic l'Csearch, which he regards as 'the life­ Council of Australia and the the end of November, although blood of science'. Characteristieally, he has presented and defended a submission to the current Senate Community and Public Sector Senator Panizza (Li beral, WA) Inquiry into CSIRO's handling of rural research, in which he criticises the operation of the Organisation's Union. In Sydney, witnesses has said he believed that the Board and Institutes and suggests they be re-stuctured. Dr Whitten's term has just expired, but he has included the NSW Fanners Inquiry would run till mid-way accepted an invitation from CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr John Stocker, to slay on as Chief for another yem·. Association, AWA Ltd, Abbott through next year. ,;,

359-1994 You miss, I miss, we allmiss but UMIS? Alex Bendeli, a scientist at CSIRO's National Measurement Laboratory, got sick of reading handling of orders, issuing of invoices, giving 0[' quotes and stories about good Australian inventions that failed to raise any flicker of interest in their own organising of dealerships country. The stories began well, with a useful and exciting product, but always had the same sad overseas. ending - rights being sold outright to some overseas interest, or, at best, collecting some miserly However, this work-Iomltoo is being progressively rcduced, royalty that dribbled in as a recurring insult to the importance of the innovation. He thought and eventually, when the CoResearch readers might be interested in a story that may well end more happily ... transfer learning curve is completed, the only drain will the ranks over the resources that machines, we will hang onto I want to talk about something called UMIS - the be whatever time it takes to bei~g Ultra Micro Indentation System. It began in 1983, as were dragged. from. that for producing the complex raise the appropriate invoices. a prototype to meet an immediate need for instru- research lnto manufactUrIng. and pre?lse p.arts. A large Obviously there is a grcat gain ••. .• •• We had to make more usc of proportIOn of the Simpler parts, mentatIOn III measurmg and characterIsmg Titamum the drawingofJice people to however, are being contractcd for us in the time and effort we don't have to expend in making Nitride coatings. Boring to some, but the hottest prepare drawings for the casting oUl, especially for the latest the parts ourselves, But the of several parts. Contract batch. thing in thin films at the time, believe me. There were grcatest gain is the satisfaction such insh'uments, but they were laughably expensive. technicians were hired and Electronic manufacturing is of knowing that the product is .. allowed to usc our workshop sub-contracted and the PC At the s~arl. there wer? three 01 time). and that gave us the facilities. We bought a new boards then fitted to the chassis accepted, sells. is fully manufactured in Australia and us workIng on the project.. We encouragement.. . we needed to.. ComputN'er umencaIIy andtes te d I1ere. produced a prototype. and that steam ahead wIth commercmlts- Controlled (CNC) machine. Cabinets and stands are keeps the economy rolling by earned us a grant to construct a Illg It ourselves. .. . keeping people employed and ,. l' TI .A. I k ProductIon methods. wIth manufactured and pamted by more conunercta one. us .gam, we were LIe y; we., ." _'" supporting Australian manufac­ involved people in a variety of found an agent in the United tnne, be:ame ~'10re stleUl~lllled. anothe~ .contlUctor., . turing. We now have UMISs disciplines such as our drawing States who was girted in the The castmg urawll1gs wele Othel Items are. hedt-lJ e.ated, operating in Canada. the United . ., ...... tranferred onto computer plated. screen-prInted, WIre-cut, offJ~e :I,ndtechlllcal staff. , pa~ntll1g of rosy pIctures: and he software. Two more batches of machined and lapped by close States. Europe, Japan and Alter .I couple of years "e qUIckly got us thlee mow OIdels f" UMIS 1 tit d d'fl' t t Australia. Our client base has ._.,_ '_ _~. _. _. _. _ lYe s were COll1p e "CC, 0 a ozen I -eren -contrac ·ars. wele.thle.ltened wIth. fOl. olllnameles,s lIlstlllments. and a third was about to start. It sounds complicated, but in steadily increased and we are tenmnatlOn of the project - no 01 course we dIved II1to batch .. '" now successfully competing I ' f f . . I' d' d' I ProductIOn tllne for each fact the multIple contractmg-out 1111t 0 manuactu~'1I1g II1tere,st proc uctlOn mo e n11l:,e I,ate y UMIS was reduced from one leaves us more time to with similar instruments had been ,aroused 10 ~ustruha - here wer.c orders Howll1g 111, year (for the prototype) to one investigate improvements in available on the intcrnational over our cOI1~merclal .model. and no oUlslde ~omp?ny ready month (for the most recent software. hardware and market. Just at that tnne. luckily, we to do the manlllactunng! " .... We are currently negotiating f f S d I I d· d I unIt). Dunng the perIod we manllfactunng methods, and, got a requ.est rom .ovemeas or u cen y we nee e a ot were also interviewing and not least, to carry out basic for a major dealership in the the manufacture of a sltlgle more staff ltl the workshop, and...... US, Europe and Japan. The UMIS C I d ' 1'1' . bl" assessll1g a large number of research ltl apphcatlOns 111 new It Ja no name at t 1

359-1994 Industry backs minerals merger The CSIRO Board at its June meeting approved the merger of the Divisions of Mineral Products and Mineral and Process Engineering. The merger process, beginning in July, will culminate in a new Division 011 January 1, 1995. Dr Rob La Nauze will he Chief ofthe Ilew Division with Dr Tom Biegler as Deputy Chief. Willow varieties recently imported from New In announcing the initiative, forefront of efforts to deliver suggesting that integration will Director of the CSIRO Institute tangible benefits to industry increase the effectiveness of Zealand could choke Australian rivers, according to of Minerals, Energy and customers. The new Division delivery to their industry. Kurt Cremer of the CSIRO Division of Forestry. Construction, Dr Alan Reid, formed from the merger will The name of the new Division The new varieties are hybrids of Salix lnatsudana x alba, and the said the new Division will for build on this strong record of will be determined as part of the problem is that both male and female trees have been introduced. the first time draw together performance and create what is strategic marketing plans for its Mr Cremer said that the females should not be planted as their seed CSlRO's high priority minerals in effect a one-stop shop for activities. eould noat for great distances on even the slightest breeze. research into a highly focussed CSIRO's mineral processing Dr Reid encouraged all staff to 'If seeds spread as they have done in New Zealand many of our and strategically directed and mctal production research.' take an active role in the waterways could be blocked by thickets of willows,' he said. business unit. Clcar support for the merger planning and other activities All willows in Australia have been introdueed from overseas, 'CSIRO's Divisions of comes from the mining industry required to successfully usually as euttings, and they can be very useful, especially in Mineral and Process with the Advisory Committees complete the merger and eleared areas where natives will not thrive. They ean be propagated Engineering and Mineral of both Divisions and, indepen- establish the new Division. simply by pushing a twig into moist soil, and the trees form dense Products have been at the dently, industry managers ·:··H mats of rootlets, at and below water level, that can stabilise banks and reduee erosion. There are a number of varieties, but until reeently eaeh variety was either all male or all female. New CSIRO Fellow seeks drugs Mr Cremer said that in New Zealand, two willows, present as both sexes, have spread aggressively as seedlings in river ehannels in the against Alzheimer's and HIV Canterbury region and in swamps throughout the country. Dr George Holan of the CSIRO Division of Chemicals and Polymers has just been 'If we wait until we have that problem it could be too late to c1eal made a CSIRO Fellow in recognition ofhis contribution to chemical discovery. with it effeetively,' he said. 'A thorough investigation is needed to determine which new willows, if any, should be allowed into Dr Holan is in charge of the Institute, where he carries out more than $2 million in royalties. Australia.' (. Division's Phm'maceutical research on new drugs against Dr Holan was instrumental in Chemicals Program, testing I-IlY. forming the CSIRO-Dupont compounds for use against Dr Holan worked for Monsanto company, Dunlena, which is Hepatitis B andllaviviruses, Chemicals in Australia and the involved in the development, including Hepatitis C. The group United States before joining synthesis and testing of biologi- is also following up some CSIRO in 1966. His early work eally active compounds for use in promising leads in the search for on DDTled to the development of agrieulture. His more reeent work drugs that may be elTeetive new inseeticidal esters including in the field of medicinal ehemistly against Alzheimer's disease. He is cycJoprothrin, first commer- fom1ed the basis for the also Head ofSynthetie Chemistly eialised by Nippon Kayaku in Maequade Bank-AMRAD of the Biomoleeular Research 1986, whieh has earned CSIRO Syndicate whieh began in 1992.•:. CSIRO software to help in emergencyrescue work

British water research scientists made redundant through privatisation According to a recent edition of Techwatch, a weekly digest of technology policies and developments put out by Price Waterhouse in Canberra, a fifth of the scientists at Britain's leading watel' research laboratory have lost their jobs because the privatised water companies are cutting theil' spending on research. About 80 scientists and 40 support staff at Tracy Hutchinson, reporter for the new ABC television program 'Great Ideas' briefs Division of WRC (the private company that became heir to the Information Technology scientist Dr Peter Milne before filming a computer simulation demonstrating state-owned Water Resem-ch Centre when the water the 'Vehicle Track' project. The software brings together different technologies to track real vehicles on an electronic map, and should be ofgreat help in co-ordinating the movements ofemergency help industry was privatised in 1989) in Marlow, vehicles during a crisis. The item went to air in late July. Photo by Richard Upton. Buckinghamshire, were made redundant in ApriL,:,

359-1994 Ne1N tank system to Caption Competition study tNater pollution by Jane Hammond Australian scientists will soon be able to undertake detailed tests on the impact of environmental pollutants on marine life, thanl.s to a revolu­ tionary new tank system being established at the CSIRO Division of Fisheries' Marmion marine laboratories. The first phase of the multi- tolerance of marine organisms Ward, said the mesoeosms million research facility has just to environmcntal stress. The would, when complete, be a been completed with the instal- water will be pumped at a rate world-class facility and would lation of a $500,000 waterline, of 30,000 litres per hour. give scientists the ability to pumping station and reservoir A farm consisting of 24 tanks study in the most detailed way system at the site, north of (mesocosms) will be houscd at the effects of pollutants on Perth. the site and will provide experi- marine life and communities. Director of the CSIRO mental and research scientists For the first time Australian This was a hard olle to judge. 1 rather liked 'Place your bets please Institute of Natural Resourccs with a window to the scientists will be able to observe - the new CSIRO jil11dillg roulette wheel prepares for its.first spin. and Environmcnt, Dr Roy environment. The scicntists wil I over time the impact of Does it meall anything that the wheel is b1allk?', sellt ill by Richard Green, inspected Phase One of bc able to observe first-hand the pollution on marine organisms, Merry ofSoils ill Adelaide, but ill the end I had to awardfirst prize, the facility recently and said he long-term impact on the their populations and their for the second time in a row, to mere raw recruit Richard Upton of was amazed that it had been ecosystem of low levels of communities,' Dr Ward said. b~formation Technology ill Callberra, for 'Overwhelmed with the constructed so cheaply. stress from environmental This work will be an important high tech ofit all, the Minister tries to perwade a passillg ice-cream The waterline will carry raw toxins such as heavy metals. component of CSIRO's Coastal salesman to become a collaborative partller ill CSIRO's lIew sea-water to the research station Head of the Division of Zone Program and will permit nallotechnology ski-jlllllp project'. where it will be used to conduct Fisheries' Marine Environment scientists to test models 111 the category ofEgg Jokes, the two willners were 'Yes, but where a series of experiments on the Research Program, Dr Trevor developed to predict poll ulion does the chook sit?', from Kylie War/llg of Wool Techllology, and impact. 'It's quite easy, you just balance the egg on here and the illlloVlltive 'It will also allow us to study CSIRO illvelltiolljlings it illto the nearest bystander'sface'. the relevance of standards such III the Gallows category the willller was (as it so oftell is) B.G. as the Australian Water Quality lIullt of Atmospheric Research, with 'If1 fail for the third time to Guidelines for the protection of balallce this ball 011 the Partieipatioll III ScielltUic Studies Or marine fauna and flora.' Foreshortelled Fllture Employmellt test device of the Millister for He said the waterline had been Sciellce, you, youug mall, will be lIlade redulldallt'. constructed using the undersea From Lyllll Pulford ofEdueatioll Progl'ltms a lovely whimsy - 'Ill engineering skills of a number a galaxy far, far away, Mr Slzoemaker.fires 0.0' Shoemaker·Levy 126. of Perth-based companies and Due to its size this comet willllot calise mallY problems to the earth '. had proved to be both reliable Now see whatyOIl call come Ilpwitlz for the olle below. and efficient. 'Two weeks after the line was installed we had a one-in-lOO­ years stOIDl and it managed to survive the impact very well,' he said. 0,. Ward said Phase One had been completed on budget and Director 0/ the Institute of Natural Resources alld Environment, construction of Phase Two of Dr Roy Green, left, alld Marine Envimllment Research Pmgram the facility was expected to start leadel; Dr Trevor Ward, inspect part 0/ the Ilew Mannion marine early next year. laboratories waterline. CSIRO postdoc wins German research prize A post-doctoral fellow with CSIRO's Australia Telescope National Facility has just been awarded an Otto Hahn medals for her PhD thesis. Her name is Dr Barbel Southern Hemisphere. many stalT exchanges and visits Kori balski, and she works at the Dr Koribalski came to between the two, and in 1992 2_---- Sydney headquarters of the Australia because she specifi­ the Australia Telescope's "'deOsn~e~ Telescope. cally wanted to work with the Deputy Director, Dr John Each year Germany's Max CSIRO's Australia Telescope. Whiteoak, won a $140,000 J?~~!:,;~~g~,; Planck Society gives a small 'I had already worked in Chile German research prize in , number of medals for the best on galaxies in the southern sky,' association with a Director from Designs" unlocks t 62 chapter PhD theses written by students Intellectuol proper;'es Written by , she said. 'There were only two one of the Max Planck ~Ingg attached to the Max Planck headings, over 200 'Australian places I wanted to go to, the Institutes. froser Old - lea Attorney and Institutes, Germany's elite VLA (Very Large Array radio Dr Koribalski would like to , Istered patent Australia needs Re g er Every business In d the coupon today. , rcsearch institutions. telescope in the USA) and the stay in Australia, if circum­ Englne k only $45. Sen They are given to recognise Australia Telescope.' stances allow. 'There are lots of ' this Incisive bOO - mara Avenuo, KlIIata NSW ~~t~n\s, Brands & 10~ patent PreSS, \4 K copy(\es) O.. f ·lnvent,o~:~d Is a cheque for rd excellent achievement in the 'I came here because the new things you can do with the Please f?l'WO cost 01 $"5.00 each.. Enf~de5 packoglng and first phase of a young scientist's Australia Telescope is a new, DesIgns at Ott rolent Press (Inc , Austra lia Telescope,' she said. 1 rn)o~:n~~m~ediale\y working life. promising, 'hands-on' 'I'd like to diversify a bit $ . \0 ,postage. .' Dr Koribalski's thesis was on instrument. I more, but at the moment I'm the 'peculiar' Southern As well, there was already a mainly interested in the Hemisphere galaxy NCC1808. strong connection between the kinematics of gas in the nuclear Since arriving in Australia she CS1RO group and the German regions of galaxies, and how L;;;i--~':'.~ has worked mainly on other radio astronomy research group. they are related to the larger galaxies visible from the In recent years there have been scale structure of galaxies.' .:.

359-1994 tell the differellce betweell letters to the editor, from page 2 Gills 11 poillt reversed and 30 years I still take time out to advertisements for worthy F1'lItiger 11.5 Oil a 35 Equal pay for causes, such as Com111unity read from cover to cover - there millimetre slide, and I have a Aid Abroad, appearing in is always something of interest. PhD in physical and CoResearch on a cost-recovery It's a pity that there is not so biological sciences, am much of the comings and equal work? basis. thoroughly IIp-to-date Oil all What I do find hard to goings of staff as there used to relevant government policy Not necessarily. A recent in-house stomach are brochures be. including what next year's survey weighs up CS'RO pay packets advertising CSIRO's 'products' Well done, but no more budget will hold, can advise such as T-shirts, golf balls, commercials. on forthcoming ilUlusfly and finds some heavier--andsome coffee mugs and the like, each Ian McTaggart moves and motivations, as much lighter- than those ofourpublic Institute Training Co­ branded willl tbe corporate well as be able to lobby andprivate counterparts. logo, for which the hard­ ordinator bureaucrats alld bllsilless working employees of the (lAPP. IMEC & lISE) leaders, while answering CSIRO's Human Resources Branch has just Organisation are expected to questions frolll schoolchildren completed its annual survey of how well our salaries pay their hard-earned after-tax That logo again ... and housewives andfarmers and other rewards compare with those on offer in the dollars. Tllis seems to me to be Dear Editor, and shopkeepers alld be Australian Public Service and the private sector. the epitome of exploitation of thoroughly illterested ill all Your reply to Jason Li asking According to Noel Tarbotton, Para-professionals the workers! Let them do your that they and their Uncle Bert about our CSIRO logo left out who conducted the survey, such When it comes to the packages advertising for you at THEIR have to say, aud write alld the most important phrase ­ comparisons are much more for para-professionals - people expense! distribllte lIewsletters, edit 'the light of science sbining complex than they seem. 'With who enter the Organisation with My policy regading clothing scientific papers, discuss in­ through the bars of such a diverse range of jobs and a Higher School Certificate or or accessories whose sole depth the details ofresearch bureaucracy' . disciplines in our organisation,' Associate Diploma - CSIRO is purpose is to advertise a with scielltists who view my Judy Sprent he says, 'it is impossible to paying below the market rate for product or a corporation is Job as a waste ofresearch Division of Forestry provide a one-line comparative all levels except the upper range quite simple -J will only fllnds, ami prepare briefing Hobart statement'. Nevertheless he has of Level 5 Senior Technical consider wearing or using them notes and speeches and Senate Inquiry come up with some interesting Officers.' if I am paid an appropriate fee. displays alld brochures and Dear Editor, For something really attractive, seminars and cOl~ferences and findings. Para-professional staff(most of In the first three days of desirable and useful, I would VIPs to launch books and Scientific staff whom are at CSOF3 or CSOF4 hearings at the Senate Inquiry a seriously consider accepting provide interesting conversa­ For the first six pay points after level) are running between claim was aired that CSIRO the item as a gift! Nothing in tion at morning tea, and be joining, CSIRO rates are $4,000 $4,000 and $6,000 behind their employs 100 journalists. the current catalogue, however, able to explain the idiosyncra­ to $6,000 above those of the public service counterparts. The 100 journalists is a falls into the latter category. cies ofthe ChiefDirector or public service, but from tbere However, competition for eonfusion of the findings of an Best regards, Chi~fExecutive and why they on they fall progressively these jobs is stiJl fierce, and the internal audit of CSIRO's Ian Barger didn't approve this ami they behind. For scientists at CSOF report does not recommend communication, which CSIRO Animlll Helllth did appl'Ove that, while levels 5 and 6 we are offering raising the remuneration to estimated that there were Annidale keeping the rest oftlw organi­ below-market rates, and from make it equal to the employment 'fewer than 100' communica­ Dear Edi tor, sation up-to-date on research other research done by the community average. 'Due to the tors in CSIRO. Our estimate is I have just read edition 358 of in this Program, alld keeping Human Resources staff it seems large labour force numbers that tbere are around 70 profes­ CoResearch and Neill Jonker's in constant touch with a number of staff at this level available in hath new degree sional communicators, the vast letter to Ed re junk mail within researchers scattered across are leaving tbe Organisation to graduates and para-profession- majority of whom work in the publication. I am not often the continent, l/Izd be able to go to higher-paid positions als,' the report says, 'there is no stirred 10 respond 10 these Divisions. lIame the science writerfor elsewhere. urgency tofix.the diffcrences.' Judging by some comments issues but felt this was one I the Nambrlcca Heads Bugle at The report says, 'We would Support staff before the Senate Inquiry it feel strongly about. the drop ofa hat, aud be able suggest. that we are not [n finance positions, CSIRO is seems that there is some Could not agree more with to unerringly spell the compeltlive enough [at these paying 'well below market rates' confusion even in CSIRO about Neill. Regardless of the income scientijic name ofthe garden levels] to att:act. the better for levels 4 and 5, though 'base what communicators do. So, I or costs issue I am of the earthworm. Rese,~rch SClentlstlEngmeers, salaly rates for level 6 ancl 7 opinion that including advertis­ thought I might share a note espectally at CSOF6, w!lere one positions appear to be ments for charitable groups (or sent to me by a former CSIRO And how do I do all ofthis? tlmd of the surveyed pnvate appropriate'. any commercial venture for communicator who regrettably sector group proVIde a motor In the field of CommuniC'llion that matter) does NOT have a left us soon after penning this Easy! vehicle towards their total and Infonnation CSIRO's l~ltes are place in CoResearch. remarkable description of his remuneration package'. 'competitive', says the rep0l1·, There are plenty of avenues duties. I'm a Communicator. The l:eport s~ys 'Research . though lower than average at all available for all of these SCIcntlst/Engmeer rates requtre but tlle maximum pay points, and promotional activities through Welcome to my office. Mr Lindsay R. Bevege attention particularly at the in Hum,m Resources 'the pay other outlets - but NOT our General Manager CSOF5 and CSOF6 levels. profile is generally lower than the staff newspaper. We probably Big, isn't it? Corporate Public Affairs This is a critical area'. market rates'..:. all have our pet charities we support and some we would not Yet from this broom cupboard David Rand electrifies America care to support for one reason do miracles flow. or another. The support is At l~ft, Dr David Rand ,,/ the cllrrelllly nameless Division usually initiated from a After all, I am a COMMUNI­ that was once called Mineral Products (see story page 5) personal experience tbat CATOR. helps out under the bonnet at the latest World Solar provides the motivation to do Challenge. It was the job of Dr Rand and his CSIRO something 'good' - and NOT This means that I am a colleagues John Hamilton 1II1£1 David Vella to make sure 01/ [rom being bombarded with Joul'llalist, amfrieuds with was above board when it came to the batteries used in the junk mail within the internal every llewspaper editor in the solar-powered vehicles, which race from. Darwin to staff p'.lblication that I thought countly, call get TVattel/tioll Adelaide every three years. The Honda team won on the was meant to provide news iu a trice, always have a press day, but some competilors questioned the admissibility 0./ its about who, what and where release hal/dy, call make allY battel)' and the CSIRO experts had to settle the argument. within CSIRO. subJect or scientists soul/d The Honda battety passed the teSl. I must admit I was not nearly interesting 01/ radio, can write At the moment Dr Rand is un secondmelll to the so offended with 'the simply kuowledgably on allY subJect International Lead Zinc Research Organisation (ILZRO) in black collection' insert from for allY publication 01' North Carolina, USA, where he will slay until mid­ one of our own groups but occasion, relate well to all Novemba As their Acting Manager- Electrochemisll)', he perhaps there are other avenues people at all times and Ilever will be responsiblefor ILZRO's battery technology research. for this too - for example lose my tempel; can type at including planningforfuture activities in the field. through social clubs that can 200 words pel' minute, He will be working Oil a $30 millioll research get to the same audience. understand the illtricacies of program that involves 50 members internalioflally. Their On a positive note while I'm desktop publishing, graphic goal is to pmduce an advanced lead-acid battery for use in in tbe writing mood. after design, photography, work electric vehicles. which would provide an importa1l1 new reading CoReseorch for nearly well with publishers and call market for the lead industl)'.

359-1994 Chinese trainees return home Nathan Smith Opposite, Dr Geojji'ey Gartside. right, Program Manager of the Pulp and Paper Products group of CSIRO's - Apprentice Division of Forest Products at Clayton in Melbourne, presents Mr Qin T~ru with CI certificate for successful ofthe Year completion of an FOA Training by Christian Peterson Fellowship. Lookin!! on are Dr Warren Hewertson, l~rt, Chi~r of the Division, and Dr Jiang Zepin!!. Dr Jiang is ./i'(ll11 the Research Institute of Foresfly, and Mr Qin from the Research Institute of Wood Industry, both in Be;';ing. The men spent April ond May this year at the Division workin!! on their FAG project, 'Development (~{ high-yield pulping of Chinese fast-growing wood and Flrest wood residues '. Photo by Max Williams. CSIRO's longest serving staffer retires CSIRO's longest serving staff member, Brian Gleeson, Divisional Secretary of the Division of' Manufacturing Technology, retires in October. Peter Robinson, Chief of the said. retircment. Division, says the stalf will all Brian started in the eorrespon- 'This will bc the first trip miss 'Uncle Brian's' guidance dence records section at head wc've had, spending all day and quiet counsel on a wide office in Albert Street, togethcr, since our honeymoon.' vmiety of issues. Melbourne, then moved to she said. 'He is our corporate memory Canberra in 1951, which he 'I expect it will take about six and conscience, epitomising the described as 'a bit rustic in months for us to fit into a strcngth of this organisation,' those days'. How times change! pattern of retirement living. We Robinson said. He spent some time with the don't have many differences of 'Brian has been a major Division of Soils in Adelaide opinion. cxcept over football - contributor to the building of and the Division of Brian supports Richmond and the ethos of this Division since Atmospheric Physics in ]' man Esscndon supporter.' Day One.' Aspendale, before returning to Shelagh says Brian always Brian Gleeson joined the Melbourne to the Regional seemcd happy to go olT to work CSIRO staff straight out of Administrative Office, in charge at CSIRO every day. Hc would school, at the age of [6, in of the finance group. have to havc been on his death Nathan Smith, from the CSIRO Marine Laboratories February 1947. He has seen out On the formation of the new bed to take a sick day and was a span of years'from Rivett to Division of Manufaetll1'ing always on time. in Hobm·t, is CSIRO Apprentice of the Year, having Stocker', experiencing the Technology in 1980, Brian When he retires, Brian claims won the Organisation's Arthur Frost Award. This is the changes to the organisation managed the administration for his travelling highjinks will end first time an apprentice from the Marine Divisions has from the period when the the Melbourne and Adelaide and he'll lead a quiet lire l'eceived the award, which was inaugurated i111974. second Chairman, Sir David laboratories, then oversaw the 'poltering' and indulging in Rivett, worked with an move by the Melbourne labora- those pleasures he's had to deny During his lour-year apprentice- Aurora Australis. TIle New Executive Committee, to the tories to Johnson Street, Fitzroy himself as the hreadwinner all ,hip Mr Smith developed and built Zealand Oceanographic Research present time in which the Chief in 1981, and to Preston in 1986. these years. specialist equipment for fisheries Division is another client. Executive, Dr John Stocker, Brian and his wife. Shelagh, The indulgences will include and oceanographic resem'ch; went One ofMr Smith's cm-eer reports to a Board. will be on leave, globe-trOlling gardening, watching the odd to sea on bmud tile CSIRO ambitions is to tryout his skills in For the most pmt Brian has for two months. before he Shefrield Shield match and oceanographic research vessel the development of scientific welcomed the cllanges he's returns in mid-September for a enjoying a family life when his Franklin; mKI developed skills in instrumcnts and equipment in seen, which have tended brief stint before officially four grown ehilelren visit. plastic welding mKI glueing to a Antarctica. towards decentralisation. retiring in October. After 47 years o[ commitment very high stanelm·d. Mr Smith will be presented with 'Change is inevitable and 1 Shelagh says the trip will be a to CSIRO we'd say he deserves Mr Smitil pioneet-ed the a plaque and a cheque [or $500 at believe the way in which the litmus test for her husband's a break..:. manu[acture and development of tius year's Arthur Frost Award organisation operates has been CSIRO Niskin-style bottles of cer-emony. streamlined over the years, various sizes and shapes. Niskin The awmd is named a[ter the late resulting in greater autonomy to Bottles, often made from plastic, Arthur Frost, a workshop Divisions.' he said. sample ocean waters to deptlls of supervisor from CSIRO's fanner 'Previously, staff were more tilml six kilometres. CS1RO's Division of Textile Physics at Ryde hidebound by regional ofTices two research ships, the ORV in NSW. Frost was remarkable for and head office. The devolving Franklin and the FRV Southem his intet-est in all his subordinates, of responsibility has brought Surveyor, can'y his boltles, mlCl so ood especially for his dedication to about much more efficient does Australia's Antarctic vessel, the well~u-e ofappl-enlices.·:· processing of accounts anel nnandal planning. '1 say this eveu though sometimes 1 think about how some of my former bosses would turn in their graves to see how the place operates now,' he

359-1994