IMPACTTHE MAGAZINE OF THE AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING ATSE.ORG.AU NUMBER 209 | SEPTEMBER 2019

A picture of health How health technology is transforming our lives Contents

Annual Academy Oration 16 Cover photo of Dr Erica Smyth & New Fellows Welcome AO FTSE by Frances Andrijich

IMPACT is the biannual magazine of the Australian Friday 29 November 2019 Academy of Technology and Engineering.

PUBLISHER Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering

ADDRESS Level 6, 436 St Kilda Road 24 Melbourne VIC 3004 20

POSTAL ADDRESS JOIN US GPO Box 4055 FEATURES Melbourne VIC 3001 as we welcome more than two dozen 16 Making high quality health-care leaders from across industry, government TELEPHONE accessible to all and academia as Fellows of the Academy. +61 3 9864 0900 By Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw EMAIL The event includes the annual Oration, [email protected] 19 3D vision of cancer research delivered by a Fellow of global standing. CEO Dr Margaret Hartley FTSE 20 Diabetes progress – it’s finger-pricking good EDITOR By Erica Smyth Benjamin Hickey 28 DESIGN 23 Body clock linked to a healthy ticker Elizabeth Geddes By Benjamin Hickey REGULARS ISSN 1326-8708 (print) 24 Skin in the game 4 From the President’s Desk 2207-8223 (electronic) Interview with Tony Weiss 6 Policy PRINT POST Publication number 28 Improving the lives of 12 Academy News 100007367 Australians with dementia

COPYRIGHT By Greg Tegart and Anne Livingstone 36 STEM Education © Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering 31 Why I mentor 38 Women in STEM By Academy Fellows DOWNLOAD AS A PDF 46 Technology atse.org.au 34 Precision medicine 51 Engineering By Alan Trounson Pullman on the Park 56 Fellows 40 The Accidental Engineer 192 Wellington Parade Interview with Maria Skyllas-Kazacos 63 Obituaries Melbourne VIC 3002 70 What we’re reading The Academy acknowledges 46 Apollo 11 carried my scientific [email protected] the Traditional Owners of the land experiments to the moon, on which we meet and work. 73 Spotlight We pay our respects to Elders, but so what? past, present and emerging. By Brian O’Brien

52 Safety by design By Mark Hoffman IMPACT SEP—19 3 FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK The cost of monitoring devices (eg, single Moving on, assume that we have EHRs that are lead ECGs) has come down dramatically populated with a complete and accurate set By Hugh Bradlow while at the same time their accuracy has of endogenous, genomic and exogenous data. been enhanced. Our ability to collect and Goodness knows how long it will take us to analyse data using new machine learning get there but what could we achieve? The short answer is a transformation of healthcare. algorithms has improved out of sight. Consider the use of machine learning to predict However, “the fault, dear Brutus, lies not in our adverse health events before they occur. In Technology & data stars” but in our data. Machine learning has the hype around machine learning it is usually two preconditions, namely that you collect all forgotten that it is just pattern recognition. If relevant data and that the data is accurate. In you train a neural network with enough patterns, terms of collecting relevant data, work by IBM eventually it will recognise variants of those has indicated that endogenous data (the data patterns with a high probability. So if you are in healthcare arising inside the medical system – pathology able to feed data about an individual (their reports, doctors’ notes, imaging, etc) will influence ECG, their food consumption, exercise, travel, only 10 per cent of the outcomes. Even if we add etc) continuously into a big data environment In theory the use of technology, genomics data to the endogenous data, the it is conceivable that patterns will emerge impact on outcomes rises only by 30 per cent. that enable the pre-conditions for events to specifically the Internet of be recognised before the actual event (eg, a The remaining 60 per cent of outcomes are heart attack) occurs. Things (IoT), should transform influenced by exogenous data – the information healthcare: it should enable about our lifestyles which is not collected by the My favourite scenario is that you are happily medical system. Examples of such exogenous going about your business when an ambulance continuous (instead of data are many but include diet, exercise, appears and carts you off to hospital even though episodic) monitoring of chronic location and travel, human interactions and you are protesting that you feel fine. Seems pretty other considerations. invasive doesn’t it? – but it beats actually having conditions, prediction of adverse a heart attack because if not treated within events, and improved diagnosis. Even if we could determine which data we must 12 hours the heart damage is irreversible. collect, our ability to assemble that data into a In practice however, these format accessible to physicians and researchers There is another consideration in having access to benefits are yet to materialise is constrained by many factors. While the country complete and accurate data, namely healthcare is moving glacially towards a consolidated provider performance. It is well known that the (with some notable exceptions Electronic Health Record (EHR), as individuals medical system regards healthcare as a free in the imaging space). we collect very little of the exogenous data. For market and doctors are not constrained from example, how many people keep track of their charging anything the market will bear, with the daily food intake? result that charges vary by an order of magnitude Why is that? depending on the provider. In a normal free Furthermore, even for the few that do collect such market the consumer can also make a judgement data, the plethora of systems and formats used on the value of the product being provided but to do so do not encourage sharing. Finally, privacy in medicine no such data is available to the considerations quite rightly create significant patient. Even if data is available (eg, success rate (but not insuperable) barriers to data collection of procedures performed) the providers have and sharing. As an example, consider the plausible ways of rationalising their differences discussion about the change in approach to in outcomes – the patient was more difficult, the Australia’s My Health Record from “opt in” to “opt hospital nursing staff was not up to scratch, key out”. Before “opt out” the EHR was barely used. personnel were not available that day, etc.

Returning to the 10 per cent of outcomes that Now consider what we could do if we had could be influenced by comprehensive EHRs, accurate data on all the relevant variables: assuming the collection of endogenous data patient data (medical history, activity history, is complete, accuracy is still an issue. Clinical genome, etc); practitioner data (procedure Decision Support (CDS) systems, often based on outcomes, qualifications, professional history, Artificial Intelligence, should be able to assist activity history, food history, etc); data about doctors in avoiding medical errors, determining other staff involved in the treatment (nurses, the optimum treatment for a specific patient’s anaesthetists, etc); hospital data (history, staffing condition, and identifying the critical pathology levels, etc); environmental data (weather, traffic, tests that should be conducted. However, they etc) and so on. are dependent on the data supplied to them Conceivably it would be possible to pick a pattern via the electronic health record system. in an individual healthcare provider’s performance Professor Hugh Bradlow – effectively define a “figure of merit” for the Research has shown that this data has a FTSE ability of that doctor – which would then enable “half-life” of a mere four months due to rapidly Hugh Bradlow is the President patients to determine whether it was worth changing treatment regimes and is often wildly of the Australian Academy of paying extra for that person. I have no idea what Technology and Engineering. inaccurate due to poor record-keeping by a complete data set would like (I have suggested You can hear more of his thoughts physicians. As a result, doctors either ignore or some of the parameters above) nor whether there on Big Data and healthcare override the CDS systems, making them of little in a podcast available on the is an actual pattern that could be picked out for value. This is not a technology issue – it is a human Academy’s website. a given practitioner but I do know that this is an behaviour issue making it much harder, but not active area of research and we should find out impossible, to fix. However, until the health system in the next decade. atse.org.au recognises that the EHR is just the beginning and that they need to tackle the quality, as well as In summary, technology and data have a huge completeness of the data that is used to populate role to play in healthcare. However, we are just at the EHR, progress will be slow. The USA is starting the very beginning of a long and complex journey to tackle these types of problem with their shift which will be more governed by human behaviour to outcomes-based health payments. issues than technology.

4 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 5 TRANSPORT REPORT POLICY POLICY

By Kathryn Fagg and Drew Clarke

Car Shifting 82% gears Preparing for a transport revolution

The first petrol engine car New technologies are emerging in the areas For example, inadequate planning, population the uptake of low and zero emissions vehicles Shifting Gears — Preparing for a of digital and data, communications, sensing growth and the spread of urban centres could and their increased use in government and Transport Revolution was published in Australia hit the streets and spatial, and energy. In the transport sector, significantly impede the mobility of passengers commercial fleets. in April 2019. these technologies will see deployment on and freight in both urban and regional areas. of Melbourne in the closing platforms such as low and zero emissions The fact that both major parties are seriously vehicles, connected autonomous vehicles and This could increase congestion and vehicle-related looking at the role of low and zero emissions MORE Kathryn Fagg years of the 19th century. high-frequency mass transit, and intelligent emissions; lead to a deterioration in health, safety vehicles in our national transport mix is an AO FTSE transport systems. and security; and negatively impact the cost of important development. IMPACT In the 120 years since, the internal combustion The report gained considerable Kathryn Fagg is Chair of Boral living, productivity and the ease of mobility. engine came to dominate mobility in Australia, Used effectively, these platforms have the Other recommendations focus on flexible and media coverage, including the and former Board Member of lead story in The Advertiser on the Reserve Bank of Australia. playing a key role in the industrialisation of the potential to transform the Australian transport In this early phase of the transition, it is critical adaptable regulation of new technologies, the Australian economy. In 2018, there were almost that Australia identifies what we want for our need to adapt new technologies to Australian 29 April. An opinion piece She was formerly President of sector and help achieve some significant progress about the report by Academy Chief Executive Women and is four million such vehicles on Australian roads. in reducing emissions, moving people and freight society, what action government and industry environments, and preparing the workforce President Professor Hugh on the board of Male Champions As the saying goes, in Australia the car is king. need to take, and how this will translate to a for a transition to future transport models. Bradlow was printed in The of Change. She co-chaired the more efficiently, and reducing deaths and serious injuries. transport sector of the future. Sydney Morning Herald. Dr steering committee for the With the benefits that these vehicles brought, The recommendations also included a range of Matt Wenham – our Executive transport report project. however, came a darker side. Urban congestion Our report has examined transport technology questions for the research community, such as Director, Policy – also discussed The Academy has undertaken a major 12-month it on Sky News. is estimated to cost Australia $16.5 billion per study to look at the Australian transport sector’s readiness across five parameters: infrastructure, “how can we ensure that electric vehicles have a year, a figure that is projected to almost double readiness to adapt, adopt or develop these skills, social, economic and commercial, and neutral to positive impact on the electricity grid” WATCH by 2030. Emissions from the transport sector emerging technologies. policy and regulatory. Our analysis also shows and “to what extent and in what situations are A video accompanying the account for about one-fifth of Australia’s that Australia is performing well on a number Australian climatic and topographical conditions report was viewed more than greenhouse gas emissions and are on the rise. The study is part of a larger project to look of readiness indicators and is well placed to so unique as to warrant special technological 30,000 times on Twitter, and at technology readiness across a number of capitalise on the coming technology revolution. adaptations?”. featured in a suite of online News Ltd newspapers on three And although significant advances in safety Australian industry sectors, with a view to However, with technology developing at a rapid The internal combustion engine played a key separate occasions. It can be have been made over the past few decades, informing policy decisions that will help prepare viewed online: atse.org.au more than 1000 Australians still die on our roads our industries and communities for the oncoming pace and competitor countries investing and role in shaping the 20th century. It’s important each year. So while transport is a key enabler for wave of technological disruption. acting strategically, Australia needs to ensure we that Australia prepare itself now to take READ the Australian economy, significant challenges also make smart, strategic decisions to keep pace full advantage of the technologies that will Read the full report online under Drew Clarke remain in dealing with sustainability, productivity The first phase of the project focused on the with the technological frontier. shape the 21st. Research & policy. AO PSM FTSE and health. urban transport sector, with a horizon out to Australia has more work to do to prepare our The Australian Academy of Technology and Drew Clarke is Chair of the 2030, on the following bases: atse.org.au Australian Energy Market Thankfully, new technologies could provide infrastructure for low and zero emissions vehicles, Engineering is undertaking a major three-year Operator (AEMO), a Director • Transport affects all sectors of the Australian some of the solutions. The rapid advance of high frequency mass transit and intelligent (2018–2020) Australian Research Council Learned of CSIRO and the nbn, and a economy and enables or impedes productivity digital technologies across all sectors of the transport systems, and to develop the skills Academies Special Projects-funded research former Secretary of the Federal and lifestyle improvements. Department of Resources, Energy global economy has resulted in an extraordinary needed for their introduction. project to examine the readiness of different and Tourism. He was Chief of period of change. • Transport is subject to significant disruption Australian industry sectors to develop, adapt and Staff in the Office of the Prime due to emerging technology. The Academy makes four key recommendations adopt new and emerging technologies, with a Minister 2015-2017. He also co- to help industry and government prepare for With Australia’s geographic isolation and long • Transport is heavily influenced by regulatory horizon out to 2030. chaired the steering committee distances between large urban centres, the the new technology platforms. Importantly, for this project. intervention. transport sector will be one area that is both we need to implement mechanisms to drive a The transport sector is the first industry sector to be significantly disrupted and revolutionised by Failure to be prepared will risk in a decline in many widespread shift towards low-emission transport examined by the project. Work is now under way on this technological transformation. aspects of our Australian way of life and society. options, which should include a national target the health technology sector, with a report set to be and associated regulatory mechanism to drive published in the first part of 2020. 6 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 7 POLICY

Submissions from the Academy

In helping develop effective public policy across science, technology and engineering, the Academy draws on the expertise of our Fellows to make submissions to Government and Parliamentary Inquiries and legislative initiatives. Here are some of our recent submissions.

Response to the COAG Energy Submission to the Review of Australian and New Council National Hydrogen Tasmania’s genetically modified Zealand Standard Research Strategy Discussion Paper organisms (GMO) Moratorium Classification (ANZSRC) If hydrogen is to play a significant long- Genetic modification and editing technologies Review 2019 term role in reducing emissions it should hold exceptional promise in their application The Academy welcomes the opportunity to be produced using electrolysis powered by to the agriculture sector. provide input into the review of the Australian renewable energy resources. Given their rapid development and and New Zealand Standard Research A clear policy and regulatory environment is potential to create extensive economic and Classification (ANZSRC). needed, as well as initial financial incentives environmental benefit, it is important that The Academy has provided specific responses from governments. the Tasmanian agriculture sector is able to to a limited number of questions from the The Academy recommends continued access these innovations. discussion paper. government support for innovation and the The current GMO moratorium denies the The Academy is aware of a submission from commercialisation of hydrogen-associated Tasmanian agriculture sector access to the Australian Council of Engineering Deans technology through grants and support for existing and emerging technologies that that recommends a number of specific innovation funds. can enhance profitability, increase resilience changes to Fields of Research (FoR) codes Australia needs to adopt a strategic national and provide a safe, reliable and affordable at the four and six digit level and is broadly approach to hydrogen. Without such a food supply, with increased environmental supportive of these proposals, subject to framework the hydrogen industry will struggle sustainability. further consultation with the engineering to become commercially viable, including for These emerging technologies simply involve community. export markets. gene editing, not the insertion of whole genes, The Academy recommends that any and are similar to classical mutagenesis. hydrogen production, use or export in Other Australian experiences (such as in Australia should be accompanied by the South Australia) have demonstrated that MORE introduction of clear, appropriate regulatory the maintenance of a GMO-free regulatory frameworks and standards to ensure environment does not lead to substantial READ minimal environmental impact and price premiums for GMO-free commodities. Read our recent submissions online under encourage community acceptance. Research & policy.

atse.org.au Artificial Intelligence: Australia’s Implementation of the National Ethics Framework Discussion Science and Research Priorities Paper under the National Competitive The Academy recognises the importance of Grants Program discussing the ethical issues related to the The Academy acknowledges the importance existing and upcoming AI technologies that of setting national priorities for our research have enormous potential to impact every and development efforts. facet of our lives. We strongly support efforts to review the The discussion paper developed by CSIRO’s Priorities themselves, but recognise that this Data61: Artificial Intelligence: Australia’s is the responsibility of the Department of Ethics Framework, is an excellent piece of Industry, Innovation and Science and beyond work that explores the issues Australia faces the scope of the ARC’s current review. in its path towards progressive development and use of AI. The Academy looks forward to engaging with the broader review of the Priorities It needs active participation from themselves. stakeholders across government, industry, academia and broader society if we aim to achieve positive outcomes from the rapidly evolving AI technologies.

IMPACT SEP—19 9

18-COM 10022 ATSE_Focus Magazine Ad_3.indd 1 6/8/18 8:40 am POLICY POLICY

Innovation Six technology priorities Let’s be smart about Metrics Review for federal government artificial intelligence

At the recommendation of Innovation In the run-up to this year’s federal data collection and sharing, which will Artificial intelligence (AI) is already changing the world around and Science Australia, the Australian election, the Academy identified enable collection of longitudinal data Government is reviewing the innovation key technology priorities for an on healthcare procedure outcomes. us but to maximise the benefits – and minimise the risks – metrics it uses to measure and incoming federal government, where PRIVACY AND DATA SECURITY Australia needs to develop a national framework. communicate innovation performance immediate action would result in • Enact data protection legislation that ensures consumer privacy (like and its impacts. significant benefit to Australia. Europe’s GDPR) and makes enterprises That’s the conclusion of a report launched by the governments as our elected representatives.” This review is being undertaken by a Taskforce The Academy promoted the priorities responsible for the protection of the consumer data they hold (including Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA), The findings recognise the importance of based in the Department of Industry, Innovation online and through social media, reaching titled The Effective and Ethical Development of having a national strategy, a community and Science, consisting of officers from within some 150,000 readers. criminal charges for negligence causing data breaches). Artificial Intelligence: An Opportunity to Develop awareness campaign, safe and accessible digital the Department and representatives from the The six priorities are: Australian Bureau of Statistics, IP Australia, • Enact legislation that ensures that law Our Wellbeing. infrastructure, a responsive regulatory system and the Academy. CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY enforcement agencies have access and a diverse and highly skilled workforce. to the data they are entitled to (with The report defines AI as “the collection of It is co-chaired by the Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel Energy Urgently accelerate Australia’s transition warranted protections) but does interrelated technologies, such as natural New techniques of machine learning are spurring AO FTSE and the Chief Economist Mark Cully. not harm Australia’s international A Steering Committee and an Expert Group of to low-emission energy generation language processing, speech recognition, unprecedented developments in AI applications. through: reputation as a safe location for tech Australian and international experts are assisting investment. computer vision, machine learning and the Taskforce. • ongoing support for the Northern automated reasoning that gives machines the Next-generation robotics promise to transform SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND The Academy was also commissioned to deliver an Australia Infrastructure Fund, ARENA, ability to perform tasks and solve problems our manufacturing, infrastructure and agriculture and the Clean Energy Finance MATHEMATICS (STEM) EDUCATION independent but complementary review. The key that would otherwise require human cognition”. sectors; advances in natural language processing benefit of the Academy’s inclusion has been the Corporation • Ensure high-quality, discipline-specific teacher training in STEM subjects. are revolutionising the way clinicians interpret the ability to draw on the expertise and networks of its • investing in national energy storage Drawn up by a panel of experts including two technologies to improve electricity • Phase out, as soon as feasible, the out- results of diagnostic tests and treat patients; and 850+ Fellows, who are leaders in applied science, Fellows of the Australian Academy of Technology technology and engineering drawn from industry, grid stability and security of-field teaching of STEM subjects in chatbots and automated assistants are ushering and Engineering, the report proposes an academia and government, which provided a • developing economic opportunities years 7 to 10. in a new world of communication, analytics and independent AI body that could lead five different but complementary network of input to through leadership in low emission • Invest $20 million to enable all schools customer service. that drawn on by the Taskforce. technologies – examples include to have access to the Academy’s key actions: STELR (Science and Technology The Academy has prepared a review of the adopting a National Hydrogen Unmanned autonomous vehicles are changing our Strategy through COAG and supplying Education Leveraging Relevance) • Educational platforms to foster public academic and policy literature on innovation understanding capacities for defence, security and emergency measurement, and has also been advising on: value-added raw materials for energy schools program, which has been storage technologies. demonstrated to increase the number • Guidelines for public sector and SME response; intelligent financial technologies are • a conceptual innovation metric framework Water of students undertaking senior STEM procurement establishing a more accountable, transparent • the data currently available, including gaps Work with the states and territories to subjects via relevance-based, in- and risk-aware financial sector; and autonomous curriculum modules. • Better governance of issues arising from AI • the metrics for inclusion, including development develop a new decadal strategy for vehicles will revolutionise transport. of new metrics. national water management, which • Prepare the workforce of the future • Designing AI to have positive social impacts includes: for technology disruption by ensuring • Investment in the core science of AI The Taskforce consulted with about 100 innovation that school education encompasses Professor Toby Walsh, co-chair of the ACOLA system organisations and experts, who have • an integrated plan for the water, food, expert panel, said: “With careful planning, AI MORE both STEM and human disciplines and Professor Hugh Bradlow FTSE, Chair of the ACOLA identified gaps, issues and opportunities for energy and environment sectors providing continuing education for offers great opportunities for Australia, provided Board and Academy President, said: “By bringing innovation metrics. It also examined existing • the use of the Internet of Things to those already in the workforce. we ensure that the use of the technology does READ metrics and prepared case studies on specific provide real-time, information-based together Australia’s leading experts from the Read the full report online. TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE not compromise our human values. As a nation, sectors to help test the quality of data sources. management systems. sciences, technology and engineering, humanities, • Adopt standards and policies we should look to set the global example for the The Academy’s literature review will be be Agriculture arts and social sciences, this ACOLA report acola.org that support a transition to low- responsible adoption of AI.” published on the Academy’s website, and Drive change in agricultural practices to emission vehicles, including support comprehensively examines the key issues arising the Taskforce is due to report by the end of reduce greenhouse emissions intensity for infrastructure such as charging from the development and implementation 2019. The Taskforce will deliver a report to the and increase net carbon sequestration The two Academy Fellows on the expert panel atse.org.au networks, which should be supplied by of AI technologies, and importantly places government recommending an appropriate data in the land sector including: low-emission energy sources. were Distinguished Professor Genevieve Bell FTSE, and measurement infrastructure for capturing the wellbeing of society at the centre of any • investing in farm-scale climate • Prepare regulations and infrastructure Director of the 3A Institute at the Australian National innovation metrics that is cost-effective and sets modelling and seasonal forecasting development.” out a roadmap for change, and a set of innovation to enable Australia to be a leading University, and a Vice-President and Senior Fellow at systems to better guide adaptation adopter of safe and convenient Intel, and Professor Iven Mareels FTSE, Lab Director metrics that: responses Launching the report, Australia’s Chief Scientist transport systems enabled by at IBM Research Australia. • accurately measure and communicate • using big data to develop new and cooperative intelligent vehicles. and former Academy President Dr Alan Finkel AO innovation performance and its impacts modified farming systems to optimise FTSE, emphasised that nations had choices. production and resource use across the DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ACOLA’s report is the fourth in the Horizon Scanning • is useful for government policy and program • Implement a coordinated, national development sector. “This report was commissioned by the National series, each scoping the human implications of policy to overcome the cultural, fast-evolving technologies in the decade ahead. • can measure the impact of government policy HEALTH TECHNOLOGY institutional and organisational factors Science and Technology Council to develop an initiatives on innovation • Redesign the healthcare compensation intellectual context for our human society to that discourage girls and women from The Australian Academy of Technology and • may be compared internationally. system to enable incentives for studying STEM, and that limit their turn to in deciding what living well in this new healthcare providers to adopt opportunities to pursue careers in era will mean,” Dr Finkel said. Engineering is a member of ACOLA, along with preventative technologies that will STEM-underpinned organisations. the Australian Academy of the Humanities, improve quality of life and reduce • Develop a national gender equity “What kind of society do we want to be? That is the Australian Academy of Science and the healthcare costs. framework tailored for small and the crucial question for all Australians, and for Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. • As the proportion of Australia’s aged medium enterprises, which includes population increases, incentivise a toolkit of proven actions and uptake of in-home technology and approaches to advance gender equity encourage community- and home- without regulatory burden. based provision of services for • Progressively incentivise gender equity the aged. across STEM-underpinned businesses • Provide incentives for consumers to through procurement and grant use the My Health Record system for policies. 10 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 11 INNOVATION & EXCELLENCE AWARDS ACADEMY NEWS ACADEMY NEWS

Celebrating innovation The 2019 Clunies Ross Award winners: Absent on the night was Clunies Professor Thorsten Trupke; Adjunct Associate Ross Innovation Award winner Professor Robert Bardos; and Dr Jane Oppenheim. Professor Anthony Weiss. Read more about Tony Weiss EXCELLENCE on page 24. Innovations ranging from speeding up the manufacture of solar cells to the development of synthetic skin, from using science to boost manufacturing jobs to speed breeding wheat, were among the achievements honoured at a gala event in Sydney. On 13 June, researchers and entrepreneurs received the Clunies Ross Awards, the Batterham Medal, the ICM Agrifood 2019 Awards and the Ezio Rizzardo Polymer Scholarship, all administered by the Academy. The awards presentation was addressed by Karen Andrews, INNOVATION Minister for Industry, Science and Technology. Full details of the award & EXCELLENCE winners and the event’s keynote speech by Distinguished Professor Genevieve Bell FTSE can be found on the Academy website. AWARDS

Clunies Ross Entrepreneur of the Year Award Dr Jane Oppenheim

Clunies Ross Knowledge Commercialisation Award Professor Tony Weiss AM FTSE

Clunies Ross Innovation Award Professor Thorsten Trupke FTSE and Adjunct Associate Professor Robert Bardos

ICM Agrifood Dr Lee Hickey

Dr Lydia Ong

Batterham Medal Professor Michael Milford

Ezio Rizzardo Polymer Scholarship Naomi Paxton

Left to right: Professor Lindsay Falvey FTSE; ICM Agrifood awardee Dr Lydia Ong; Batterham Medal awardee Professor Michael Milford; Professor Iven Mareels FTSE; ICM Agrifood awardee Dr Lee Hickey; Clunies Ross Innovation awardees Professor Thorsten Trupke FTSE and Adjunct Associate Professor Robert Bardos; Professor Mark Hoffman FTSE; Mr Richard Wang (representing Professor Tony Weiss AM FTSE); Clunies Ross Entrepreneur of the Year Dr Jane Oppenheim; Ezio Rizzardo Polymer Scholarship awardee Naomi Paxton; Dr Ezio Rizzardo AC FTSE; Mr Johann (Hans) Zank.

Karen Andrews, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Photography by Ewan Maclean 12 IMPACT SEP—19 NEWS ACADEMY

2020

Marine scientist to promote Focus on engineering education New award recognises industry WA ocean research The International Council of Academies of collaboration Tackling the issues affecting the ocean off Engineering and Technological Sciences The David and Valerie Solomon Award is a WA’s lengthy coastline is the theme of a (CAETS) held its annual meeting in new early-mid career award for a science or Nominations year of talks by one of the state’s leading Stockholm in June. technology graduate working in academia/ researchers. The Academy was represented by the research or industry R&D who demonstrates Professor Jessica Meeuwig, Director of the President, Professor Hugh Bradlow and substantial ability to foster research-industry Centre for Marine Futures at The University Dr Matt Wenham, Executive Director, Policy. collaboration and knowledge transfer for the of Western Australia, is the Australian The program included bilateral meetings benefit of Australia. Academy of Technology and Engineering’s with several sister academies and sessions The winner will receive a unique award, a cash are open Eminent Speaker for 2019. on communicating with the public, diversity prize of $15,000 and 12 months mentoring The role recognises a Western Australian and inclusion, engineering education, from a senior entrepreneur/industry Fellow scientist whose research is having significant achieving the Sustainable Development of the Academy, with $5000 travel expenses economic or environmental impact and who Goals, and energy. to enhance this mentoring experience. is an outstanding communicator – able to There was a great deal of discussion about The Academy administers the award, which share the excitement and impact of research the future of engineering education. will be presented for the first time at the Do you know a science and technology entrepreneur? and development based in WA. Professor Bradlow said: “One interesting Academy’s Oration and New Fellows Dinner Someone who has commercialised technology? During the year Professor Meeuwig will speak new approach is the US National Academy on 29 November 2019 in Melbourne. to high school and university students, and of Engineering’s Grand Challenges Scholars The award recognises and incentivises public the public to promote the importance of Program, which rethinks the competencies sector researchers who are engaged with Or someone who had led the adoption of technology? science in understanding our environment engineers will need in the 21st century. industry and university-engaged industrial and how to manage it better. Nominate them for a 2020 Clunies Ross Award. “In addition to core engineering skills, it researchers who drive collaborative activities Public lectures have included one at UWA to produce real-world impact. on 23 July and two days talking to school includes multidisciplinarity, entrepreneurship, Specifically it will: students in Albany during National multicultural consciousness and social The Clunies Ross Awards have a proud 28-year tradition Science Week. consciousness. • highlight the importance of collaboration of recognising contributions by dedicated individuals who Professor Meeuwig said she was excited at “So far 122 universities have adopted the between industry and research, and the the opportunity to promote the science and Grand Challenge Scholars Program in their translation of research for economic, social have shared their vision and knowledge with others to apply management of our ocean. degrees, though only one of these is in and environmental benefit Australia (ANU).” • recognise the achievements of an early-mid “Western Australia with its enormous technology for the benefit of Australia. career researcher who has worked across coastline is both a great place and an Professor Bradlow was elected to the Board the research-industry divide, beyond purely important place to engage in marine of CAETS, of which the Academy was a research,” she said. founding member in 1978. academic research or only experimental development THE CLUNIES ROSS AWARDS “Unfortunately the oceans are largely out of During the Annual Council Meeting, CAETS elected three new members: New Zealand’s • bring to the attention of policy-makers sight and out of mind and I hope that during the key role applied science, technology Clunies Ross Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2019 I can share with the public some of the Royal Society Te Aparangi, the Nigerian Academy of Engineering and the Academy and innovation play in the nation’s important issues that put our oceans at risk development. Clunies Ross Knowledge Commercialisation Award now and, in particular, inspire young scientists of Engineering Sciences of Serbia. to help build resilient oceans.” The award honours Professor David Solomon Clunies Ross Innovation Award CAETS membership now spans 30 countries AC FRS FAA FTSE, who is a Foundation Fellow Professor Meeuwig is a highly regarded across six continents. of the Academy and who has been supported expert in marine science, marine policy and in his career by his wife, Valerie (a successful the translation of science into management cattle breeder). Full details are available on the Academy’s website outcomes. The award is made available through a under Programs & awards As the Foundation Director of the Centre for generous donation from David and Marine Futures she has developed a team Valerie Solomon. atse.org.au which focuses on high-impact applied marine research that supports ocean management and links to the commercial and government sectors locally and around the world. MORE The Chair of the Academy’s WA Division, Professor Dongke Zhang, said that in AWARDS appointing the Eminent Speaker the Academy Read more about our awards online under was recognising both an applied scientist Programs & awards. who was making impact and an outstanding communicator. “Professor Meeuwig delivers NOMINATIONS CLOSE in both areas,” he said. atse.org.au The Academy began the Eminent Speaker 9am aedt on Friday 25 October 2019 program in 2001 and previous speakers have covered areas as diverse as mineral resources, health, agriculture and meteorology. Professor Meeuwig is the first from the marine IMPACT SEP—19 15 sciences area. HEALTH TECHNOLOGY HEALTH TECHNOLOGY HEALTH TECHNOLOGY

Apple, the world’s largest tech company, is remote pockets of India in a cost-effective spearheading efforts to make it easier for manner while enabling robust monitoring of patients to access their own medical data. Last high-risk groups. year the company introduced a feature on the Health app to allow iPhone users to access their Increasing access through online stores medical history directly. As part of its efforts to provide quality healthcare This information spans allergies, immunisation and affordable medicines to the masses, the records, laboratory test results, medicines, Indian government is working out a regulatory procedures and vitals directly. At the same time, a framework that will allow online pharmacies to growing number of healthcare institutions in the operate across the country. Replacing decades- US are supporting health records on smartphones. old drug laws with new regulations could also give a much-needed push to e-pharma and However, the potential of EHRs goes far beyond related health tech businesses. allowing streamlined access to a patient’s medical records. Researchers are now trying In India, nearly 55 million people are pushed to extract actionable knowledge from patient- into poverty each year because of their inability related data in registries, hospital administration to afford the cost of treatment. Of these, databases and payer databases. 38 million fall below the poverty line due to cost of medicines alone. In the future, doctors could use algorithms to analyse EHR data from a large patient pool The Indian government runs the Jan Aushadhi instead of relying on an individual’s medical program to supply low-cost, generic medicines history to decide on a treatment protocol. to the poor. The impact of this program, which is currently being implemented through physical Smart use of EHRs can provide a very effective retail stores, can be amplified manifold through tool for improving healthcare delivery and online sales of drugs at affordable rates. By Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw reducing healthcare disparities. In developing countries like India, cloud-based collection of Rising internet penetration and smartphone epidemiological and patient-centric data can ownership, along with the ease of ordering medicines through e-commerce platforms, can Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw enable experts to map the disease burden at FTSE the level of the smallest administrative unit. help drive the growth of the online pharmacies in Making high-quality India. Ernst and Young expects e-pharma players Ms Mazumdar-Shaw, a pioneering Comprehensive databases and disease registries to reach a combined market of $US2.7 billion by biotech entrepreneur, is the Chairperson and Managing will allow better evaluation of the incidence 2023, from the current size of $US360 million. Director of Biocon, Asia’s leading and diversity of diseases, thereby permitting biopharmaceuticals enterprise. Global e-commerce players are reportedly trying healthcare accessible healthcare interventions that are sustainable She is a well-regarded global and more effective. to make inroads into online pharma retailing. influencer and has been named There is intense speculation that Amazon, the among TIME magazine’s Data-driven public healthcare world’s biggest online retailer, is preparing to 100 most influential people in for all interventions disrupt the US pharmaceutical industry by the world. bypassing the pharmacy benefit managers that Kiran is the proud recipient of Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) currently negotiate prescription drug costs on several national and international initiatives, my company Biocon has developed an behalf of employers and insurers. honours including India’s two Advances in health technology Artificial intelligence, robotics, the internet of inclusive, robust and efficient health information highest civilian honours, Padma things, machine learning, blockchain and virtual system that provides data-driven insight. It If this occurs, the retailer could deal directly with Shri and Padma Bhushan, and are bringing hope to millions reality are improving the speed, quality and facilitates effective preventive and primary pharmaceutical companies and use its financial the Othmer Gold Medal from the accuracy of health care delivery, leading to better healthcare intervention in the rural areas of muscle to obtain better discounts for drugs it sells Chemical Heritage Foundation, of patients and their families. USA. She is the first female patient experiences. India for the benefit of communities with poor on its platform. Amazon’s entry is widely expected Foreign Fellow to be elected People across the globe feel access to quality healthcare. to improve drug affordability in the US, where as a member of the Australian encouraged by the promises A better understanding of diseases at the genetic the sky-high cost of essential medicines has set Academy of Technology and level is allowing the possibilities of personalised The Biocon Foundation, our CSR arm, has off a raging debate on the ethics of pricing in the Engineering and has been elected these technologies hold to medicine to leapfrog into the realm of reality. developed an integrated eLAJ Smart Clinic pharmaceuticals industry. a member of the US National Genomics is enabling the medical community platform that captures and securely stores EHRs Academy of Engineering. rapidly and disruptively to predict, diagnose and treat diseases more to ensure that the patient receives a continuing Health tech start-ups to the fore change the way we detect, precisely and personally than ever before. and consistent level of care. The eLAJ model has facilitated on-time treatment, helped reduce out- In India, technological innovation is ushering medicate, alleviate and Increased adoption of electronic medical records, of-pocket healthcare spending and cut the need in transformational change within healthcare eradicate diseases. embedded medical devices and the growing for trips to tertiary hospitals for several hundred and leading to the emergence of a large number use of wearables are also ushering in thousand patients in India. of health tech start-ups. transformational change. Mobile phone-based screenings Some of these health tech companies are The convergence of these disruptive technologies using artificial intelligence, machine learning is shifting the focus from a system of “sick care”, The Biocon Foundation has implemented a and data analytics to look at faster readouts which is reactive and treats patients after they mobile phone-based health (mHealth) platform from medical data, scans, pathology, cell analysis fall ill, to one of “preventative care” that promotes for early detection, prevention and treatment and more. Others like UE Life Sciences, OncoStem a patient’s overall health through prevention, early of oral cancer. The program equips frontline Diagnostics, mapmygenome, Strand Life Sciences detection and therapeutic intervention to arrest healthcare providers with a mobile phone that and Bugworks are leveraging technology to disease progression. has an app come up with innovative and affordable to capture data and images of oral abnormalities medical solutions. Today’s disruptive health technologies can build a through population-based and opportunistic UE Lifesciences is addressing the huge unmet sustainable foundation for affordable, accessible, screenings. medical need of early detection of breast cancer high-quality health care around the world. This Electronic Data Capture (EDC) feature on the with portable devices like the iBreastExam. This Putting health data to use mobile phones allows patients in rural areas to innovative, US FDA-approved handheld device connect to specialists for diagnosis of potentially is enabling frontline health workers in India to For nearly a decade, a huge bank of medical data malignant tumours in the mouth. It also creates conduct standardised breast examinations has been amassed through electronic health an opportunity for follow up and referrals. This accurately and easily at an average cost of 60 records (EHRs) in developed economies. unique approach is ensuring healthcare reaches rupees ($1.24) per scan. This is vastly cheaper 16 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 17 HEALTH TECHNOLOGY

3D vision of cancer research

A 3D bioprinter that can print replicas of tumours has won the prestigious 2019 Good Design Award of the Year. The printer was co-designed by two leading UNSW medical and science academics,

than traditional mammography and other even epidemic data to develop algorithms Data analytics is helping predict clinical one of them an Academy detection techniques involving radiography, that can design novel antibiotics to combat outcomes, inform clinical trial designs, support Fellow. which are unaffordable in the Indian context. wide-ranging infections and even superbugs. evidence of effectiveness, optimise dosing, predict product safety and evaluate potential OncoStem Diagnostics has developed novel Bugworks has come up with a novel broad- adverse event mechanisms. The prize was awarded to Inventia Professor Maria Kavallaris, Head of the Above: UNSW Professor Maria diagnostic tests to predict the risk of cancer spectrum antibiotic to kill multi-drug resistant Life Science, a biomedical company Tumour Biology and Targeting Program at Kavallaris and Dr Lakmali Atapattu recurrence in patients within the first five Gram-negative bacteria. It has the potential Data analytics is also helping researchers that worked in collaboration with the Children’s Cancer Institute, developed with the 3D bioprinter that has won years of their initial diagnosis, based on the to be used on anything from urinary tract repurpose “old” drugs to treat both common UNSW Sydney’s Australian Centre for the cell biology behind the printer, analysed the prestigious 2019 Good Design characteristics of their tumour sample. to stomach infections. The drug has proved and rare diseases. For example, in 2017 a Nanomedicine co-directors, Professor the viabilities of cells, how quickly they Award of the Year. effective in animal trials and has now reached team from the University of California, San Justin Gooding FTSE and Professor divide and developed accurate tumour The knowledge of a patient’s risk profile can the clinical trials stage. If successfully Francisco made an incredible discovery Maria Kavallaris, to develop printer inks like environments. and cell biology components. be critical in tailoring treatment regimens commercialised, it will be the first antibiotic thanks to computational method to “The printer is revolutionary in its ability to minimise recurrence. OncoStem uses for Gram-negative bacteria since 1962. systematically probe massive amounts of The 3D printer gives biomedical researchers to control the volatile cancer environment proteomics-based technology in conjunction open-access data to discover new ways to and tissue engineers a fast way to create that we are working with and reproduce with a proprietary machine learning-based These start-ups have leveraged use drugs. 3D cell structures, proteins and tumour different types of cancers,” she said. algorithm to obtain a CanAssist-breast risk transformative new technologies to come models. It demonstrated that a US FDA-approved drug “It gives us enormous opportunities to For the first time score, which is indicative of the risk of cancer up with solutions that can make healthcare “Cancer research is dominated – and in model real cancer cells. Different tumours called pyrvinium pamoate, which is used to recurrence. available and accessible to millions of many ways limited – by two-dimensional survive in different microenvironments “we’ve got a treat pinworms, could shrink hepatocellular patients in India and global markets. in vitro cell culture techniques,” said – a person doesn’t just have a tumour, but machine that can Mapmygenome is a molecular diagnostics carcinoma, a type of liver cancer, in mice. This Scientia Professor Gooding from UNSW’s many other cells such as immune cells and model cancer and predictive health analytics company Revolutionising the hunt for new drugs cancer, which is associated with underlying School of Chemistry. accessory cells – living around that tumour offering a full range of tests to identify liver disease and cirrhosis, is the second- disease, model “But three-dimensional printing of cell that influence that environment and an individual’s genetic predisposition to Today’s data science is enabling the largest cause of cancer deaths around the cultures is much more realistic, revealing response to therapy.” therapeutic lifestyle, metabolic, cardiovascular, ocular, world yet it has no effective treatment. pharmaceutical industry to throw off the important features such as the resistance Professor Kavallaris said one of the main skin and hair, orthopaedic, and gender shackles of the conventional one-drug-one- responses Advanced data-driven decision-making of cells and tumours to treatment. applications at this stage would be for the specific conditions. Based on the test results, target-one-disease model of healthcare and test new promises to give pharma innovators the printer to recreate and mimic solid tumours Mapmygenome counsels people on how to innovation, which is inefficient, expensive “This bioprinter allows cancer researchers drugs.” opportunity to drive down the cost of drug to rapidly produce 3D cultures and build – and it would also have the potential to reduce these health risks by modifying their and time-consuming. development so that they can offer patients more complex in vitro cancer models than even recreate blood cell cancers such lifestyle. as leukemia. In fact, data science is ushering in the next new therapies that are affordable and thus ever before.” “For the first time we’ve got a machine Strand Life Sciences has developed an wave of drug innovation, by promising to accessible. Funding for the printer was secured in 2013 that can model cancer disease, model innovative yet affordable precision medicine transform every stage of the new drug through an ARC linkage grant and the first A new promise models were built in 2016. The printer went therapeutic responses and test new diagnostic technology which uses multi- discovery and development process. drugs. We can analyse the ways drugs are gene panels to map cancer mutations. This In terms of potential to change the world with through a thorough rigorous design and testing period from both the engineering impacting the survival of the tumour and technology enables early detection and aids Bioinformatics, a specialised branch of data technology, we’re living in the best and most and cell biology perspective. potentially feed that back to clinicians personalised treatment, leading to much science, is helping incorporate knowledge exciting of times. We are witnessing the birth – even test drugs they may not have better patient outcomes. The price of these derived from genomics, proteomics and other of technologies that will alter the way we live, “The difference between this printer and thought about giving and reduce exposing tests is a fraction of what they would cost in biological disciplines into drug discovery and work, and relate to one another. other 3D bioprinting technology is now patients to undue toxicity. design to come up with revolutionary ideas we have precise control of the types of Western economies. “This is an amazing starting point for The scale, scope and complexity of the cells and the environment they grow in for new molecules. researchers to use our imaginations and Bugworks is a data-driven biotech start-up – allowing us to create 3D cell models transformation will be unlike anything develop cell models to study disease,” Advances in data science are leading to and print artificial tumours,” said headquartered in the US that carries out its humankind has experienced before. Next- said Professor Kavallaris. research and development in Bangalore. It accurate predictions of interactions between generation health technologies promise a Professor Gooding. has focused its efforts on leveraging and novel drugs and their targets, helping reduce world where every person on this planet will “The type of ink developed for the printer The core technology is also being used combining multiple data sets from a vast pool the cost of drug discovery by several orders have access to good quality of health care means cell biologists for the first time have to explore the longer-term potential to impact areas like the treatment of burns of clinical, genomic, pharmacological and of magnitude. – and that’s a world worth fighting for. the capability to precisely deposit multiple cell types in a single 3D cell culture. and wounds through clinical bedside- bioprinting. “They will also be able to control the proteins that binds cells together. This The Australian Centre for NanoMedicine is critical because it allows cancer combines medicine, science and engineering researchers to better understand the to deliver therapeutic solutions to research variables in cancer formation.” problems in medicine.

18 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 19 HEALTH TECHNOLOGY

that the real long-term risk was that retinopathy But this “fly by the seat of my pants” world did – the bleeding of vessels in the retina – is a major not last too long, as diabetes was benefiting cause of blindness for diabetics. from excellent international research and major advances in technology. I was willing to try any Ever since, I have been focused on getting my new advances as soon as they became available. blood glucose under control. This meant I had to learn about this chronic disease and take personal Leaps and bounds control. It’s been an enormous learning curve, and I’ve been a user of every advancing medical The first big change was disposable syringes with technology. From the 1970s to the 1990s this small needles. This meant the injections – which wasn’t easy, as researchers were still debating by then were four times a day – were not nearly how the whole hormone system interacts. as traumatic or painful. Maintaining the balance Next came portable blood glucose meters. Initially, these were quite heavy and cumbersome and First, some background on diabetes. Type 1 (or not easy to use in a crowded place. But they were “juvenile”) and type 2 diabetes have different a step forward from weeing in the test tube. Of root causes, but the risk of severe complications is course, each new test required pricking one of my the same. It’s all about managing blood glucose. fingers. I’ve had more than 15,000 finger pricks over my lifetime. When non-diabetic people digest food, carbohydrates turn into glucose, then enter the The next step was a big one – cloned human The next step blood stream. High glucose in the blood triggers insulin (I say thanks to “Dolly the sheep”). This agreed with my biology much better than insulin “was a big one – the beta cells in the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin then gives cells access to the glucose so sourced from beef. It was also more stable from cloned human they can convert it to energy. the temperature point of view, making it easier insulin (I say for me to travel. thanks to With the help of other hormones in the pancreas and liver, and the cleaning action of the kidneys, At about the same time the insulin pen arrived. ‘Dolly the a blood glucose balance is maintained in a range This is a more discrete method of carrying around sheep’).” of around 5.5 mmol/l. an insulin supply and had even smaller needles. By Erica Smyth My auto-immune system attacked my pancreatic But sometimes I still got it very wrong. Low blood glucose can leave me confused, uncoordinated beta cells, so I don’t produce any insulin and need and often aggressively saying “No” to whatever’s to artificially add it. (Type 2 diabetics, on the going on. This can happen very quickly. At times other hand, have insulin resistance: their cells it scared my work colleagues when I could not don’t respond effectively to insulin’s role in string two words together or I had small fits. My absorbing glucose.) Diabetes handbag store of high-glucose jelly babies often The big challenge is to balance my food and saved me – and still does. exercise with the injected insulin. Different types Almost 15 years ago I received an insulin pump, and intensities of exercise combine with the and my life really did start to change for the Dr Erica Smyth pre-injected insulin to have different short and AC FAICD FTSE better. No more four injections a day – only one longer-term effects on my blood glucose. every three days to change the infusion site. Erica Smyth is a professional progress. Now I get a little bit of insulin every three minutes, Company Director with more I need to keep making adjustments to stop my than 20 years’ experience on “You have Type 1 diabetes.” I heard this for the blood glucose getting too high or too low. My cells and dial up an extra dose when I eat. minerals, energy, science and first time 45 years ago, and what a shock. education/research boards. She need a bit of insulin in my system all the time to The insulin pump is with me 24/7 (except in help the transfer of glucose (even when I sleep), is immediate past Chair, Diabetes I was five weeks into my first job as a geology the shower) and is a good, though not perfect, Research Foundation WA, Chair of – it’s finger- graduate at Newman in the Pilbara in 1974, and the impact of exercise can last for hours solution. My insulin still needs adjustment when NOPSEMA and a Non-Executive and I hadn’t wanted to admit that I was not after the exercise is finished. I do something outside the normal routine that Director of Lions Eye Institute, my usual self. Yes, I had experienced all the my pre-programming is designed for. MinEx CRC, ICRAR and National Energy Resources Australia. classic symptoms – I was tired all the time, I was The bad old days pricking good A smarter way losing weight at a very rapid pace, I had to wee In the “olden days” I used fast-acting injections at 20 or more times a day and my eyesight had meal times and slower release insulin at night, but The latest technology I have taken up – just two deteriorated to a point where I couldn’t drive. I didn’t understand all the chemistry. I had only years ago – is a method to measure my glucose one way of knowing about my blood glucose level: From blunt needles But my earlier visit to a doctor about my failing levels whenever I want by just waving a Bluetooth eyesight had been short and no real questions if it was too high, my kidneys would strip it out. detector over a patch on my arm. I change the patch every two weeks, and can get an interstitial to Bluetooth glucose were asked. “Just see an ophthalmologist To see if excess glucose was leaving my body, when you’re next in Perth.” So I just ignored the fluid glucose reading whenever I want. This detection, Dr Erica I had to wee in a test tube and use a small reading is a bit behind my blood glucose, but symptoms. I refused to believe there was anything dipstick to compare colours. This wasn’t very Smyth has experienced else wrong with me: it was just the heat and a new it’s pretty close. accurate or convenient, but it was the only job. Not long after that, I was comatose. the evolution of health method I had. The only way I knew I had low I have gone from averaging maybe five finger technology the hard way. By the time the Royal Flying Doctor Service got blood glucose was if I started to shake, perspire prick tests a day with the old meter to 17 painless me to Perth I was in a very bad way. During the or get gruff and confused. tests a day with the new one. Because I can tell next five weeks I was told about all the terrible whether my blood glucose levels are going up My insulin came from pancreases of slaughtered complications that would probably happen to or down, I now have better knowledge of what’s beef and had to be stored in the fridge in a very me if I did not control my blood glucose. The (as going on in my body. I always test my levels it turned out, temporary refractive index-related) close temperature range. The glass syringes I used before I get into a car to drive. failure of my eyesight was the one thing that needed to be boiled every week and stored in scared the living daylights out of me. I learned methylated spirits. The needles themselves were None of this technology is cheap. Pumps are very big and quickly became blunt. now about $8000 every four years, and some

20 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 21 HEALTH TECHNOLOGY

By Benjamin Hickey Body clock linked to healthy ticker

While many innovations improve our health, our tech-heavy lifestyles can have unintended side effects.

Academy Fellow Professor Paul Zimmet AO FTSE overeating, societal and workplace stresses, has suggested that modern disruption of our sedentary behaviour, shift work and jet lag “body clocks” may increase rates of heart disease, could all disrupt these clocks contribute to the diabetes and depression. syndrome. Australia’s 24/7 economy means more of us are working at night than ever, and the rise He calls this “Circadian Syndrome” and is of social media is impacting sleep patterns. spearheading a joint initiative from Monash University, Tel Aviv University and Imperial “In short, the evidence suggests that we humans College, London to have the term recognised are trying to fighting against nature,” Professor internationally. Zimmet said. “But our circadian rhythms, developed over millions of years, will not allow “There’s a clear clinical situation in about 30 to us to do that so easily. The resulting increased risk 40 per cent of adult Australians where a number of chronic diseases costs our societies billions.” of important cardiovascular disease risk factors Professor Zimmet, who is Honorary President health insurers will not fund them unless there Looking forward, the next pharma advance I come together,” Professor Zimmet said. “And Images: Dr Erica Smyth with staff of of the International Diabetes Federation, first is an “urgent medical need”. The consumables would like to see is a faster acting insulin. After people who have these risk factors are more the Royal Flying Doctor Service at likely to get co-morbidities such as sleep noticed the clinical effects of circadian rhythms Jandakot airport, WA. Photographer: for pumps, blood testing meters and insulin are 45 years I don’t absorb my insulin as quickly as while working in London in the early 1970s, Frances Andrijich. I used to and there is a significant time delay apnoea, depression, fatty liver disease and partially subsidised on the National Diabetes testing glucose tolerance in patients. He and between delivery and effectiveness. I am testing cognitive disability.” Supply Scheme or the Pharmaceutical Benefits colleagues found that if a glucose tolerance test a new insulin now and have great hope for it. Scheme, but my pump and Bluetooth patches In a paper published in the Journal of Internal was performed in the morning, as is the common are not. The patches are $200 per month, which The next technology advance for me will probably Medicine, Professor Zimmet proposed that and recommended practice, it may be normal. means they are out of the financial reach of be an automated combined intelligent pump and disturbed circadian rhythms may provide a However, if performed in the afternoon, it may many people. glucose meter. But first, I need to be sure about connection between these health issues. be diabetic. the faster acting insulin. The details from the pilot “We suggest environmental signals associated These costs are covered by the Government for He said that while the idea of a Circadian trials of these new automated pumps are still with the modern western lifestyle can lead to children under 18, but once you are an adult you Syndrome was likely to be controversial and being published, and I am not willing to have one circadian disturbances which result in a challenging for his medical colleagues, it was are pretty much on your own. installed – yet. For now, I am sticking with my cardio-metabolic risk factor cluster.” important to encourage clinicians and brain as the main controller. Looking ahead The circadian rhythm centre (“body clock”) is researchers to look at the whole picture of I have no retinopathy in my eyes, my kidneys in the brain and controls all metabolic functions cardiometabolic risk. So it might sound like my diabetes is now easy still work, I heal well and I can feel the tips of in the body. Every major organ and cell in the to control, but it can still spring surprises on me “I don’t think that my explanation explains all the my fingers and toes. So I say thanks to all the body has its own peripheral “clock” synchronised and the people around me. The key is for me to cases but it must play a very significant role,” he wonderful researchers, educators, pharma by this centre. said. “It’s quite clear that shift workers who have be open by explaining my disease and what to companies, technologists and engineers that Light pollution at night, low light levels during deranged time clocks are much more likely to get do if I “go a bit strange”. have made my extended life span liveable daytime, controlled ambient temperature, diabetes and high blood pressure.” and enjoyable. Diabetes is like standing on an unstable four- legged stool. The legs of insulin, exercise and food are the normal focus for the balance but the Dr Erica Smyth was Deputy Chair of the Royal Flying fourth leg – my emotional state – can bring the Doctor Service 2010-2019 and Non-Executive whole stool tumbling down. Overlying all this is Director of the RFDS National Board 2016-2018. my general health, as infections or even getting She has made “invaluable contributions” to the the flu can also significantly change the balance. organisation which once saved her life.

22 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 23 Image credit: Sylvie Tittel/Unsplash Sylvie Image credit: HEALTH TECHNOLOGY HEALTH TECHNOLOGY HEALTH

Interview by David Glanz Skin in the game

Imagine you’ve been hit by Where did the idea of surgical glue come from, And this glue – I think you also refer to it in Does this have an application for burns? and how does it work? different places as synthetic skin or an elastic a car. You’re bleeding, you’ve protein – does it bend the way that human It does. In more minor burns, there is damage It’s one of these classic stories: a long process skin bends? to the upper layers of skin. As burns increase in got a punctured lung … and for an “overnight success”. severity, they go deeper and deeper within tissue. the paramedics get out a Exactly, because it’s made of the same building Remarkably, we realised we could replicate blocks as the elastic tissue in human skin. It works Now, there are two steps involved in treating spray can to fix you. Spray-on components found in the human body. We could most effectively deep inside the body where there more substantial burns. First, to save the patient’s surgical glue: it sounds literally make copies of the natural building blocks are wet wounds. You use a super glue to seal up life, you surgically cut away the substantially in a range of different tissues and use them to skin, but that doesn’t really work for wet wounds. damaged region so something else can hopefully Professor Tony Weiss more like something out of rapidly repair wounds. grow in its place. Then, months or even years AM FTSE We tailored this for dramatic wounds that need later, you do follow-up surgeries that provide the Terminator movies than Tropoelastin is a protein found in human skin. It’s Tony Weiss is a Professor of to be treated rapidly, like a damaged blood vessel incremental benefits. Biochemistry and Molecular real life. like a tiny Lego piece – just over a billionth of a or a punctured lung. It provides a very tight seal Biotechnology at the University metre in size – which assembles with other pieces and looks just like the natural material found in We’re seeking to treat burns at both of those of Sydney and the winner of the to build up tissue. stages. We want to save people’s lives by 2019 Clunies Ross Knowledge But that’s just what Academy those tissues. shortening how long it takes for the initial type Commercialisation Award. In collaboration with international colleagues Fellow Professor Tony Weiss If I had a punctured lung and stitches were put in, of wound damage to heal. He was elected a Fellow (then at Harvard University, now at the of the Academy in 2014. I could breathe but it would be painful. With your has been working on. His University of California, Los Angeles) we modified invention, would I both be able to breathe and But giving people high-quality skin repair is also tropoelastin and put it into a solution. Imagine incredible work earned him the have some pain relief? important. Wouldn’t it be great to trim dozens of 2019 Clunies Ross Knowledge a clear liquid full of all those little Lego pieces in operations down to ideally just two procedures? a spray-on container or a syringe without the I can’t comment on the pain part because it We’ve done just that – not with the glue, but Commercialisation Award, needle tip. depends upon where and how the actual lesions with a different material. occurred. The idea is really to do two things: close adding to a long list of honours. All we need to do is squirt the liquid onto a wound the wound quicker and help it heal faster. What was the light globe moment that made site and shine light on it. In less than 60 seconds, We spoke to Tony about you have this insight? the building blocks magically assemble and the We’ve published about the first goal in a fine his work. whole region is sealed over with an elastic seal journal, Science Translational Medicine, again in I was doing foundational research into those little that promotes healing. collaboration with international colleagues. We Lego blocks that assemble elastic tissue. What, can now generate a seal on the lung that works I wondered, if we taught bacteria to make precise Just with normal light? better than suturing. Stitches aren’t as effective replicas of the protein, like a copy machine? We started using UV light. But extraordinarily, now as squirting on our material and shining a light. The proteins would be identical to those in even visible light will do the job. But our second aim is just as important. We’ve a newborn baby’s skin and could be uses to demonstrated that these and related materials assemble fibres, sheets and tubes of tissue. can accelerate the healing of wounds over time. It would also be ethical because you wouldn’t

24 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 25 HEALTH TECHNOLOGY

need to go to animals or humans. If we had this The company you founded, Elastagen, has I strongly believe building material, we could create a whole range been bought by Allergan, one of the 20 largest university It feels good of extraordinary things. I just sat up one day and biopharmaceutical companies in the world. How “ realised that all this was a possibility and that no have you found marrying pure science with its researchers like one around the world knew how to do it. commercialisation? Are there compromises you’ve me have a social had to make or has it been smooth sailing? Around the same time this little light bulb contract of sorts. to be ethical appeared above my head, I was very fortunate It’s never smooth sailing to do anything, We receive funding to be approached by a remarkable PhD student, particularly when there are always naysayers. You from the Australian Stephen Martin, who had just finished at Oxford just need to keep focused on what you believe is taxpayers so University and wanted to join my lab. worthwhile. Globally, 128 companies were it’s important to He and I stood by a white board in Sydney and I strongly believe university researchers like me give back to the named as a 2019 World’s Most have a social contract of sorts. We receive funding I scribbled what I wanted to do: find ways to community.” Ethical Company1, including construct these fibres, sheets and tubes to repair from the Australian taxpayers so it’s important to a whole range of tissues. It was a light bulb give back to the community. It’s great to receive moment followed by a white board moment. grants to pursue our research and our dreams, but 5 banks. And we’re one of using these discoveries to help save, and improve them for the 4th year in a row! Steve said yeah, he’d love to do it. He’d already the quality of, people’s lives is deeply satisfying. been funded anyhow, so maybe I sort of had him entrapped. But to his credit he agreed, and It turns out that in our society, one of the best ways to do that is to establish a company we then set about constructing this rather to carry the technology forward. That’s why grand project. And it succeeded. I founded Elastagen in 2008 – to provide real It was the equivalent of a biochemist climbing help to a lot people. Mt Everest. We got to the top and planted our We sold it in 2018, so it was a 10-year journey flag (an Aussie flag, but there’s a Union Jack motivated by the belief that this how to help somewhere in that as well.) Since, then the the broad community. Of course, many great lab has produced hundreds of internationally hands were involved in the story, not just me recognised publications in this area. as the founder.

I should also mention the patents, which have I find it easy to reconcile the two approaches. driven the commercialisation. I now have 95 For example, I’m delighted to be a recognised awarded patents in 18 patent families, which academic and I’m thrilled about the Clunies I think is fairly unheard of within Australia. Ross Award.

It’s been a tremendous journey from that eureka I love pursuing research for knowledge’ sake and I moment, where thankfully I didn’t quite do the love using research to improve the quality of life of MORE Archimedes thing and leap up the way he did. those around us. Interacting with the commercial But I certainly enjoyed my discovery just as much, world to get a better outcome for all concerned is LISTEN and now see it coming full circle and improving a wonderful scenario – as long as I can keep my This interview is an abridged people’s quality of life. day job as a professor at a fine university. version of a podcast, one of a growing library that can That’s tremendous. What’s the sort of time scale be found online. All podcasts The fundamental research came out of your lab feature interviews with Fellows we’re looking at between now and this being in Sydney and Allergans’ involvement means that about their work, ranging from actually available for medical practitioners? people worldwide will be able to benefit from your the Australian Space Agency to research, once it’s approved for human use. Where urban design and the need for We’re taking this Aussie technology from the lab, will the commercial benefit flow to? more women in STEM. through the commercial process, to ambulances and hospital shelves. I’m pleased to say we’re The sale of Elastagen to Allergan has provided atse.org.au making dramatic progress and will hopefully an incredible boost for a technology that’s gone help a lot of people. from a twinkle in the eye to something involving many hundreds of millions of dollars. It’s one of We expect the earliest products, which are moving the most financially successful trade sales in the through now, to be available in about a year. healthcare space in Australian history. The nice They’re designed to treat small wounds and small thing is that these dollars have flowed back into lesions on skin. After that, there is a slightly slower this country, primarily through superannuation process involving the larger and larger wounds, funds that backed the venture capital that made because the trials take longer. Elastagen a success. We’ll also see all these lovely products that can help save lives. But even with the large wounds, we’re moving quickly. We have a path that we hope will ensure I want to say thank you to the Academy for the that the materials are available to help people in generous process of giving me this wonderful three to five years. award, which I’m absolutely thrilled about. Join us^ – unibank.com.au/worldsmostethical Image on previous page: Tony Weiss in the lab. Image courtesy of the University of Sydney. ^Membership is open to citizens or permanent residents of Australia who are current or retired employees, students and graduates of Australian universities or family members of members of the Bank. 1 The Ethisphere Institute is a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practice. The World’s Most Ethical Company assessment is based upon the Ethisphere Institute’s Ethics Quotient (EQ) framework and honours superior achievements in transparency, integrity, ethics and compliance. Worlds Most Ethical Companies and ‘Ethisphere’ names and marks are registered trade marks of Ethisphere LLL. UniBank is a division of Teachers Mutual Bank Ltd, one of the 2019 Worlds’ Most Ethical Companies®. TMBL has been named a World’s Most Ethical Company from 2014–2019, and includes UniBank for 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. www.ethisphere.com UniBank is a division of Teachers Mutual IMPACT SEP—19 Bank Limited ABN 30 087 650 459 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 238981 | 00711P-CSR-UB-0419-WME-A4-APPLIED 27 29 HEALTH TECHNOLOGY

SEP—19 IMPACT IMPACT Professor Tegart Greg Professor Aust FIE AM FTSE materials is a retired Tegart Greg who has had a long technologist industry in academia, career is currently He and government. of the application on working the technologies for assistive Professor aged and disabled. in a Fellow elected was Tegart the of and is Deputy Chair 1976 Academy’s Technology Health Senior ACT was He Forum. in 2016. Year the of Australian Anne Livingstone is Projects Anne Livingstone Global at Director and Research and Resourcing Community the in interest has a particular technologies digital of application and in community-based care support. consumer-directed Australian the She is currently 314 ISO/TC at representative – 02 Dementia Group Working Communities. Inclusive

Empowering the vulnerable Empowering developing issues arise from important Two Tech that cares that Tech the amount minimise to especially important It’s living because everyday for required interaction of people’s memory reduce declines in procedural demands on carers more capabilities and place regard this in can be beneficial Robots and family. to but with humans compete or replace to – not care. available and augment assistance provide the United Germany and with Denmark, Together of has been an early adopter Australia States, robots, telepresence such as technologies robotic and companion robots. service robots robots telepresence can drive and family Carers monitoring visual access for gain to remotely medication like tasks help with caring to and can dementia with early stage People control. with cleaning assist to service robots use simpler activities. and routine between connection a strong of is evidence There adults Older companionship and caregiving. cantechnologies robotic testing in involved the robots to attached become emotionally capabilities. own their beyond tasks performing with companion robots This is particularly evident – a such as PARO animals, of the form take that PARO Japan. in developed baby harp seal robot depending change behaviour that has sensors the day in so it is active the environment, on night. at “asleep” and technologies these all of develop to need We and co- co-design through particularly further, and informal formal with patients, evaluation isolated But in many cases, and clinicians. carers, can We impact. limited will have technologies them. by combining benefits their multiply concept a common system is a need for There and service devices seamlessly integrate to beThis must networks. secure through functions the outcomes of understanding a better to linked the processing based on interactions, care of a The lack of data. end-user accumulated of criteria language and evaluation standardised their technologies and the and describe define to challenge. major is another outcomes and technologies in the treatment using assistive dementia. of This commonly occurs fatigue. is alarm The first that technologies uses the of different across can be so Carers in behaviour. changes of warn sensors various by alarm signals from bombarded in This results they become desensitised. that times. missed alarms and delayed response intelligently to processing use data to solution is A response. the carer’s signals and guide filter used to redesign homes, gardens and surrounding and surrounding gardens homes, redesign to used psychological and based on environments research. neuroscientific principles for well-established now are There that houses new and constructing renovating in calm, live to support people with dementia stimulating and gently orientating coherent, environments. dementia, especially Alzheimer’s, are associated associated are Alzheimer’s, especially dementia, skills. in navigational decline severe with a these needs. can help address Technology activities and gardening in green Participation for and health wellbeing can also improve is being Virtual reality dementia. people with

communication technologies such as real-time such as real-time technologies communication telemedicine and telecare, alarms, social support networking with eating assistance cleaning, for robotics and companionship detection, such as motion home automation control. and environment monitoring safety smart phones with suitable apps smart phones with suitable medical diagnostic and flexible wearable instruments and location. navigation for sensors tracking Boosting quality of life quality of Boosting interpret to beginning only just are we However, with and interact adults perceive older how This is particularly true technologies. assistive who may experience people with dementia, for care. types of particular to in reaction agitation currently technologies the assistive Some of are: applied in home environments • • • devices and personal micro- Additionally, outside of continue to care allow increasingly the home. They include: the home. • • • by people affected can provide Wandering and physical activity with important dementia they may find emotions express to them allow to important But it’s to communicate. difficult of Forms covered. issues are safety that ensure

stated that “dementia represents one of the one of represents “dementia that stated century”. the 21st challenges for societal greatest 450,000 an estimated are there In 2019 is This number living with dementia. Australians by 2028 about 600,000 to increase to projected dementia starkly, More million by 2058. and 1.1 the death, total the second leading cause of is the primary and death women’s leading cause of people aged 65 and over. disability for cause of aged care the people in residential than half More dementia. of some form have facilities assistive is a special case for Dementia a specific disease. because it isn’t technologies of groups to refers that a syndrome it’s Rather, impairment to related symptoms characteristic dementia of types various While functions. brain of the disease is Alzheimer’s – been identified have cases – of cent about 70 per at common, most are deterioration of and patterns the symptoms highly individualised. the primary no cure, is currently there Since the increase even or maintain to goal is care Carers people with dementia. for life quality of of patterns changes and alter identify to need this can make Technologies accordingly. care engagement, in prevention, by assisting easier enhancement support, care compensation, and satisfaction. A growing challenge growing A older of cohort is a significant there However, people people who need special consideration: cases dementia of The number with dementia. a disproportionate at has increased worldwide has Health Organization World the and rate In 2017, 3.8 million Australians were aged 65 and were Australians 3.8 million In 2017, By 2057, population. total the of cent – 15 per over or 8.8 million, to grow to is projected number that our ageing of The the population. of cent 22 per including challenges, of a number presents society and budgets on national pressure mounting health and social services. opportunities for also growing are there But life of a high quality live to ageing people like care institutionalised from independent technologies Digital homes and hospitals. nursing people for tools new provide processing and data care. long-term their manage effectively to security, for technologies in assistive Innovations and mobility are treatment diagnosis, safety, in place”. “ageing of this concept helping develop SEP—19

IMPACT IMPACT Australia’s population is ageing. As in many other As in many other is ageing. population Australia’s shifting health care, improved of a combination countries, the increasing are rates and declining death birth rates society. people in our older of and proportion number

Australians with dementia Australians Improving the lives of of the lives Improving By Greg Tegart and Anne Livingstone and Tegart Greg By 28 HEALTH TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY MENTORING HEALTH TECHNOLOGY

By Academy Fellows Why I mentor

Image from previous page: Elfriede The second issue is the ethical and legal aspects smaller cities and towns. Three excellent examples Knigge (86) pets the stuffed robot of developing and using assistive technologies. are Beechworth, Kiama and Waverton. seal ‘Ole’ at a nursing home for Dementia challenges traditional principles that people with dementia in Bremen, guide research, particularly the need to obtain Standards for living Four Academy Fellows and health tech sector champions explain why Germany. The robot is used in participants’ consent. Such consent depends It has become clear that we need a national ergotherapy with patients suffering on individuals having decisional capacity. they mentor for the Academy’s industry mentoring program IMNIS. from dementia. It responds to touch commitment to innovation to drive changes in and turns its head towards a voice our approach to ageing and the delivery of aged talking to it. In the past, the rights of people with dementia have been overridden. Restrictive practices care, particularly for people with dementia. The “These are important people – why would they Paul The standout for me is seeing mentees get into industry and start to reach their potential. Image above: Patients in a Japanese such as physical restraints and medication work of the British Standards Institute shows that mentor me?” That’s the question PhD students nursing home for dementia patients have been used to exclude older people from standards could provide a way of setting out the joining the Industry Mentoring Network in STEM IMNIS defines “industry” pretty widely – it includes interacting with a robot seal. making decisions. principles for delivering the new products, services (IMNIS) program ask time and time again. government, NGOs, and basically anything that and solutions needed to make such changes. isn’t academia. One of my mentees is in the US A solution is to use the United Nations Convention Tony Radford, Leonie Walsh, Sue MacLeman, and with Genotech and another is in Canberra with for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to In December 2017 the International Organisation Paul Wood are Academy Fellows and leading the Department of Innovation. PhD students are MORE develop a robust, rights-focused regulatory of Standardization (ISO) established a new lights in health tech. Along with more than 300 easy to help, they’re newcomers when it comes to technical committee (ISO/TC 314 Ageing societies) other industry leaders in a range of sectors across HONOUR framework for the use of assistive technologies understanding industry. I know mentoring really to address these issues. An Australian national Australia, they’re passionate IMNIS mentors. Read more about Greg in dementia care. works and that I can make a difference. working group (MB-009-11 Ageing workforce) was Tegart on page 59. Drawing all these threads together is the concept established to enable our participation. The ISO So why do they do it? We sat down with Tony, What insights has mentoring given you of dementia-friendly communities. Many of the Technical Committee agreed on three priority areas: Leonie, Sue and Paul and asked them what into the future workforce – their values, difficulties faced by people with dementia relate • inclusive ageing workforce they get from giving back. needs and drives? to stigma and lack of awareness about dementia • dementia-inclusive communities in society. In a dementia-friendly community: Why do you mentor? Paul Australia produces about 10,000 PhDs a • carer-inclusive and accommodating What have you got out of it? • people are aware of and understand dementia year, with approximately 6000 in STEM fields. The organisations. scary thing is that less than 10 per cent of people • people with dementia continue to be active Tony I have puzzled over this: giving free doing PhDs end up in long-term academic roles, so participants in their own lives Three international ISO meetings have been held consultation and advice is not much of a business nine out of 10 need to seriously think about what in the UK, China and Germany. They’ve aimed • health staff are educated about dementia and model! Yet there’s an inherent satisfaction in they’re going to do. IMNIS treat such people with respect and empathy to gain consensus on the parameters for new helping people at the start of their careers. I can The Industry Mentoring Network in • businesses provide accessible services to standards in each of the priority areas. This work recognise the uncertainties I faced at that time Sue The workforce is changing and I’m not sure STEM (IMNIS) is an award-winning people with dementia and opportunities involves 19 countries as participating members of life and act as a sounding board and guide. we’re changing our curriculums fast enough industry-led initiative of the for their employment and 17 countries as observers. When a mentee thanks you for changing their to adapt. As we separate intelligence from Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. IMNIS connects life, a few hours of thought and understanding consciousness with the rise of new technologies, • the physical environment enables people Specifically, the Dementia-Inclusive Community motivated PhD students (mentees) seems a very small price. we’re going to need to hone our critical thinking with dementia to move about safely. Committee has explored best-practice case in science, technology, engineering and enterprise skills. We’re also going to see a rise and mathematics (STEM) with studies from around the world and identified Each mentoring experience has been The concept has been implemented in Europe, Leonie in micro-credentialing and continuous learning. outstanding high level industry the common themes. It’s working to develop the different for me. But each time I’ve felt the where many countries have now designated leaders (mentors) in a one year framework for an international standard to be satisfaction of helping someone unravel a Tony I don’t think much has changed in the industry mentoring program. dementia-friendly communities. These build on released in 2020. the Age-Friendly Cities movement promoted by personal challenge, diversify their skill base, attitudes of those looking at a career in STEM. IMNIS provides Australia’s future discover an opportunity or take a step closer to There’s the same hope for a successful career, the World Health Organization. Australia is moving to set up its own national STEM leaders the opportunity to reaching their full potential. It’s a way to share happy life and chance to make a difference. engage with industry, extend their technical committee. At a Leadership Roundtable knowledge you’ve gained through lived experience But social media adds a conscious desire to be professional network, strengthen As an example, in 2015 the British Standards in Sydney in December 2018 it was emphasised Institute published a document titled “The code that can’t be picked up in the lecture hall. perceived well, which is a pressure people don’t their implicit skills and get advice that Australia particularly needs to: from an influential industry of practice for recognition of dementia-friendly need. It’s hard enough to work out your life by • support activity on younger onset dementia Sue Throughout my career, I’ve been lucky to have mentor. Student mentees learn communities in England”. A critical point is that yourself without the world looking over your what it takes to succeed in any people with dementia and their carers are an • involve culturally and ethnically diverse people strong mentors who were willing to share their shoulder. part of the STEM ecosystem, gain integral part of the process. and groups time and expertise. You get to a point where you a better understanding of how • ensure that activities are driven “by the want to give back. And while the process is useful Leonie My mentees have come from a mix industry works and learn about In Australia, the Federal Government has funded community for the community”. for mentees, it’s equally useful for the mentors. of demographics and faced different sets of career opportunities in other a program administered by Dementia Australia With each mentee I learn something new and get challenges. Young scientists are starting to get professional sectors. to develop dementia-friendly communities. There When it comes to improving their quality of life, to view the world through the lens of someone the message about the value of industry careers, are about 160 such communities across all states the future for people with dementia in Australia else’s experience. but often don’t know how to transition from imnis.org.au in Australia. The concept is easier to implement in looks bright.

30 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 31 INDUSTRY MENTORING HEALTH TECHNOLOGY HEALTH TECHNOLOGY HEALTH INDUSTRY MENTORING INDUSTRY

academia. Mature-age mentees might be making What’s the next big challenge facing Paul A lot of students get into the doldrums in Leonie It’s a great way to give back. The best a career change to work more flexibly or make a Australia’s health tech sector? their second and third years, wondering what things you can give someone early in their career societal impact, so need different approaches. they’re going to do. As a mentor you can lift the are the confidence to believe in themselves and There are rich, diverse opportunities out there, but Leonie How do we leverage disruptive scales off their eyes. The gloom lifts off them the ability to make sound decisions. And you’ll mentees are often not sure where to start. technologies to deliver better health outcomes to and the smiles and confidence come back. I was get the benefits of being part of a well-managed a growing and ageing population while managing chatting to an overseas student, who said the program: new networks, knowledge Paul We know PhD students are bright. But that cost, quality and equity of care? We need to fact that someone cared was enough to boost her and connections. doesn’t necessarily make them successful outside build new skillsets, change the way we educate, confidence. You hear that time and time again. the cloistered environment of academia. That’s and increase investment in health research, Sue Grab the opportunity. If you are thinking why they need these other skillsets: adaptability, translation and delivery. Tony People might be surprised that PhD about it, reach out to those that have already Dr Anthony Radford networking, leadership and both oral and written candidates lack confidence, but in a prestigious participated and ask about the value they got Sue MacLeman AO FTSE communication. Sometimes it’s simply a matter Sue We face a lot of challenges: the chronic environment where excellence is the norm it’s from the program. Go along to the info sessions FTSE A senior biotech executive of teaching them business 101. burden of disease, the rise of digital, consumers easy to feel unsure if you measure up. Mentoring and speak to some potential mentees. You will Sue MacLeman is a with substantial experience in being more in control of their healthcare, precision shows them that industry values their knowledge not regret the experience. pharmaceutical, biotechnology pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, and medical technology executive IMNIS aims to break down barriers, extend healthcare, changing integrated care models, and skills, and that it’s not that hard to adapt. It’s Tony Radford is a founding Paul Do you want to help grow the next who has held senior roles in Director of IMNIS. He has served professional networks, advance skills, global biosecurity and the needs of developing many mentees’ first exposure to a professional corporate, medical, commercial in leadership roles in various expand career scope and develop future markets. These megatrends are often disruptive. world outside the university or research institute. generation of leaders? Here’s your and business development. She health tech companies, including STEM leaders. What does that look like? They change existing business models and opportunity. is the Chair and Non-Executive 12 years as the CEO of Cellestis, presents challenges and opportunities. Leonie I’ve seen mentees change their approach Director of MTP Connect, a not- which he co-founded. Dr Radford Leonie This is many of these future STEM leaders’ to networking at events. Rather than turning up Interviews by Benjamin Hickey. for-profit that aims to accelerate is a Clunies Ross recipient. first experience being mentored. Even those who Tony I think the biggest challenge is still the at a conference and hoping for chance meetings the growth of the health sector in have other big milestones going on in their life absence of diversity and scale in the commercial with relevant people, they understand the need Australia. get a valuable taste of this type of support. For sector. Australian health tech companies often to prepare. That means reviewing the conference MORE those who can fully embrace the breadth of the reach a certain size then are internationally schedule and researching resources like LinkedIn program, the outcomes can be incredibly rich acquired – only a few become mature standalone to target companies and individuals with specific INDUSTRY MENTORING and career-changing. organisations. I have no simple answer, but in Are you a Fellow or STEM industry leader questions. This has a significant carry-over effect interested in mentoring? Or do you know a countries where entrepreneurial STEM graduates for their confidence in other areas. PhD student who could benefit from IMNIS? Sue I am immensely proud of the work IMNIS does. make their way in industry, tech sectors thrive. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet one-on-one Email: [email protected]. What would you say to a Fellow who is Or find out more online. with a dedicated, experienced professional who Paul One opportunity in Australia is medtech. considering becoming a mentor? can provide insights, introductions and guidance. A lot of big multinationals are pulling back and imnis.org.au I was delighted that MTPConnect could fund creating space for start-ups. But while we do the Paul You can quickly make significant impact and the IMNIS program to go national as part of our fundamental research really well, we often don’t it takes very little of your time. A lot of mentors are support for the medtech and pharma sector. do the translational piece. Tech on its own isn’t serial mentors – once they get going, any qualms Dr Leonie Walsh just fade away. They’re busy people, but they FTSE going to make you successful. Innovators need to Professor Paul Wood Tony Ideally we will see a diminishing barrier constantly ask themselves who their customers know they can find an hour a month. The concept AO FTSE Leonie Walsh is an between industry and academia. People talk are and what the benefits will be. is really about two people having a conversation. expert and adviser in of research as if it is the exclusive province of IMNIS co-founder and Director Paul Wood is a leader in the health technological innovation and academia, and this needs to change. Success for Tony It’s an everything-to-gain, nothing-to-lose, commercialisation. Victoria’s Mentees speak about how the program tech and agriculture industries, inaugural Lead Scientist from IMNIS would be when scientists and engineers boosts their confidence and organisational situation. Although not every mentee will be and Director of P&R Wood 2013-2016, she is the Director within industry and those in academic institutes skills. How have you seen mentees change perfect for you in every way, there will be plenty Partners. A Clunies Ross winner, and Founder of Productive understand each other’s strengths and interact over the course of the program? of times when their enthusiasm, energy and he is internationally recognised Management Solutions. Dr Walsh as equals. ambition will be a wonderful bit of sunshine in for his research in veterinary is the Inaugural Women in STEMM Sue I’m always surprised and delighted by the your day. immunology, tuberculosis and Australia Ambassador and a Paul Australia has the lowest rate of industry- calibre of the mentees I work with and meet. vaccine development; and his numerous patents. passionate volunteer. academia connections in the OECD. Industry They’re often ready to take the next step in their professionals who do approach universities find career, but don’t know how good they are until that it’s like dealing with an octopus. You knock you sit down and have that conversation. By on one door, but is it the right door? The program introducing them to people, working with them on creates an easy way for people in industry to get their CV and helping them hone their “pitch”, you engaged. I do a lot of email introductions – it’s can empower them to reach out and grab those about creating connections. opportunities.

32 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 33 HEALTH TECHNOLOGY

For example, large patient-donated samples immune system’s own regulators to protect of stem cells derived from adult tissue (induced themselves from it. Molecules called checkpoint pluripotent stem cells, or iPSCs) are being inhibitors block these regulators and activate analysed to find out how various diseases the patient’s immune system to hunt down respond to different drugs. Experts are connecting and destroy cancers. This is particularly effective this data with gene-edited and genomic screens against melanomas. to develop and repurpose drugs and identify clusters of patients likely to benefit from them. In the blood

Similarly, researchers are designing personalised The most effective therapy for B cell blood cell therapies for regenerative medicine by using cancers is CAR-T therapy. This involves genetically iPSCs from individual patients or rare donors. engineering tumour-recognising proteins called By Alan Trounson These studies are entering clinical trials for chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) into a patient’s numerous conditions including blindness, spinal own white blood cells. These CAR-T cells are cord injury, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s multiplied in the lab then infused back into the disease and cancer. patient.

It’s now possible to generate stem cells from When the CAR-T cells recognise and bind to the Precision medicine adult tissue that are the equivalent to primitive cancer cells in the patient, they signal the immune embryonic stem cells. These iPSCs make it system to kill the tumour. CAR-Ts are incredibly possible to gene-edit very specific genomic effective at targeting a patient’s own specific designs, dramatically increasing the effectiveness tumour type, and are being studied for a wide Changing the DNA of health care of cancer-destroying white blood cells. range of cancers. Clone rangers Presently, CAR-T therapy involves recovering and genetically manipulating the patient’s own white Human disease is generally a diagnosis and the probable best treatment Deep neural networks of AI can accurately The success of immune therapies has impacted options, which the clinician receives as and rapidly detect complex patterns blood cells. However, cancer patients’ immune the present approach to cancer therapeutics. systems have often been impaired by long and a consequence of complex summary data. associated with genotypes, gene signalling, Three particularly exciting developments are environmental cues, patient data and debilitating chemo- or radiotherapy. This can interaction between our When combined with the patient’s molecular monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors and make it hard to get enough cells for successful disease phenotypes. This will reduce the chimeric antigen receptor technologies (CAR-T). genes and the environment. diagnostic information from pathology clinical errors, near-misses and lack of treatment. tests and specific patient examination, this Traditionally, medical accuracy that often exist in present Monoclonal antibodies are a fascinating “Off-the-shelf” CAR-T therapy is emerging as data enables the clinician to determine medical practice. breakthrough. Antibodies are protective proteins personalised therapies that maximise likely a useful alternative. By removing the major research focuses on creating in the immune system that attack “foreign” transplant barrier genes in donor cells, or choosing benefit while reducing the chance of adverse Gene therapy has helped us make critical substances like viruses and bacteria. To do therapies to treat specific events and failure. advances in the treatment of inheritable rare donors who are compatible with a high this, they recognise and latch onto proteins proportion of the population, doctors can use diseases. genetic diseases, such as sickle cell anaemia. called antigens. Letting the gene out of the bottle These often-rare disease are caused by healthy cells that haven’t been subjected to chemo. This is also cheaper, because you don’t This can be very effective. Individual inherited genetic errors – generally very Thanks to genomics, we can now identify antigen So how can we make all this happen? have to manufacture a unique product for every therapies can have universal benefits across specific single-gene DNA mutations. markers specific to an individual cancer. This The genomic and patient history data individual patient. the whole population: look at immunisation lets us design specific therapeutic antibodies banks are already being built. against specific pathogens, or how new They can be treated by editing the genes to bind to and kill tumour cells. These are called of blood or tissue stem cells, either inside or Accessing wellbeing antiviral medication has helped control But we need detailed bioinformatics analyses “monoclonal antibodies” because they come the spread of HIV/AIDS. outside the patient’s body, to introduce a from identical, cloned immune cells. Unfortunately, precision medicines often cost to turn large amounts of complex data corrected version of the abnormal gene to into useful information for busy clinicians. many hundreds of thousands of dollars for any However, many diseases defy simple drug reverse symptoms of the disease. The precision sequencing of tumour DNA in The outcomes of diagnosis and treatment treatment. While there may be tolerance for solutions and strategies for population patients’ blood is a very rapidly expanding area then need to be verified and fed back into expensively funding a few patients with rare therapeutics. In our increasingly Gut feelings of diagnostics. It’s revealing important variations these data banks. diseases, the cost of mass precision medicine sophisticated and impatient society, there’s within cancers traditionally considered to be The microbiome is rapidly being incorporated will be onerous for present health budgets. more demand than ever on biomedical of a single cancer type. This allows us to design There’s a role for the private sector to enter into medical diagnostics and therapeutics research to develop therapies across a broad specifically targeted therapies that transform this space and help provide the needed as we increase our understanding of its The present health system won’t be able range of clinical conditions. patients’ lives. specialist bioinformatics advice. Since the association with disease. In the past, this to provide public funding and insurance for Emeritus Professor these treatments unless major changes are Bespoke medicine goal is to improve patients’ lives and reduce aspect of patient variance hasn’t been Targeting cancer Alan Trounson primary health care costs, government can considered critically for many conditions. implemented. We need to remember that keeping FTSE people healthy also has economic benefits. Genetic and environmental factors mean also play a part. Personalised cancer vaccines are also rapidly Alan Trounson is a world- diseases can have very different trajectories For example, anti-tumour immunity evolving. These make use of dendritic cells: tree- Helping patients meet the increased costs of renowned embryologist with an over different people’s lives. Considering Insurance policies and their coverage of responses have been very clearly associated shaped cells that present antigens to the immune these personalised therapies is an investment expertise in stem cell research. these factors can reduce the chance of therapy will need to be revised to ensure with microbiota changes in mice. Specific system and instruct it to make antibodies and that will drive down the long-term costs of Elected a Fellow in 2014, he is an catastrophic events that cause accelerated equal access to these new precision microbial strains can significantly boost disease-fighting white blood cells. disease care. Emeritus Professor at Monash disability or premature death. medicines. The overall economic benefits immune responses to tumour cells and University and Distinguished to the community will drive these restricted tumour growth. Scientists make cancer vaccines by taking the The other great challenge is in training clinicians Scientist at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research. Professor Some people may respond well to a certain transformations in the health industry. patient’s own dendritic cells and activating them to use major data resources. That means Similarly, the composition of patient’s gut collecting and interpreting individual patient Trounson is also the CEO of therapy while others might react adversely, with synthesised molecules (peptides) that are Cartherics, an immune stem or not at all. Bioinformatic data analysis From ER to AI microbiome can influence the success based on the specific gene mutations in the information to make better diagnoses and cell cancer therapy company. helps clinicians work out a person’s likely of cancer immunotherapy. Studies are patient’s tumour. therapeutic recommendations. response to medication and how urgent it We’ll need to incorporate Artificial Intelligence underway that combine immune checkpoint is to intervene. (AI) into precision medical practice, because therapy (ani-PD1 therapy) with oral doses No two people’s tumours are identical: their Our community’s health will increasingly be the growing mass of data for genomics, of certain bacteria or fecal matter from likely malignancy and spread vary considerably. a partnership between patients, consulting Personalised or precision medicine uses biologics, demographics and environmental other patients who responded well to Additionally, the rapid growth of tumours means clinicians and therapeutic providers. These genomic and biological data to find the best variants will be beyond individual humans’ this treatment. There is interest in adding that multiple gene mutations in tumour-starting relationships will be different to what we’re therapeutic option. This is rather different to capacity for useful analysis. Machine learning this information into the data sets for genes (oncogenes) can develop. used to. Patients’ decisions and data inputs symptom-only clinical diagnosis that doesn’t will increase predictive power and improve personalised therapy. will have a bigger role than ever before. take that broader information into account. accuracy, speed and workflow. Inheritance, mutation, and environmental Stem-cell STEM influence can cause abnormalities in oncogenes All these changes are already happening. First, a consulting clinician needs to submit AI has already improved diagnostics through and their regulation, which in turn causes cancer. Medical practice, public health, government, a patient’s e-health record to an informatics mammograms, colonoscopies, X-rays, As genomics adopts new advances for Since each situation is unique, personalising health insurance and the community need centre for detailed analysis. The centre then brain CT scans, heart MRIs and more. identifying and confirming the role of gene therapy makes a lot of sense. to come together to be ready for them. It’s uses worldwide health and genomics data New developments will further enhance the signalling pathways in diseases, new drugs up to us to create an economically rational, to identify the diagnostic cluster group a capacity and effectiveness of personalised will be discovered and personalised Checkpoint inhibitor therapy is another exciting emotionally comfortable and socially just patient belongs to. This is used to compute medicine. medicine will evolve. area of research. Tumours sometimes use the health care system for all.

34 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 35 STEM EDUCATION STEM EDUCATION

By Peter Pentland The school scientists making solar shine

Students in the Academy’s schools program are testing revolutionary printed solar cells and helping build their own renewable future.

It sounds like science fiction: printed solar cells The project, titled “A case study of degradation independently and collaboratively in teams. They can also compare the effectiveness of Students from Thalgarrah you can stick on your blinds or your backpack. of flexible photovoltaic modules”, is funded by They’re stimulated to ask questions about the the flexible panels with silicon-based solar cells. Environment Education Centre But the CSIRO is developing the materials and the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics technology then devise and carry out their own in NSW with the flexible solar cells. processes to print flexible solar panels at very low (ACAP) and the CSIRO. investigations to find solutions. The panels can be used in standalone activities cost – and STELR students are helping them do it. or in conjunction with four other STELR modules: The study brings the science and education The investigations require the students to apply • renewable energy Solar energy is a huge source of clean, sustainable communities together to advance this exciting mathematics, engineering and technology • sustainable housing renewable energy technology. It also aims to build MORE power. Even a fraction of the sun’s energy could principles, and to gather and analyse data. • electricity and energy power the world. public awareness of next-generation solar tech – More than 10,000 students will have access • solar cars. WATCH especially among the next generation. Find out more about flexible Peter Pentland As the climate crisis escalates, we need a range to the practical and engaging program. At the end of 2019, the schools will return the solar work, including a video Peter Pentland is Executive of low-cost solar technologies to meet the At the end of the project, the researchers will panels and researchers will assess their condition about the technology, at: Manager of the Academy’s growing energy needs of the developed and be able to: Kitted out csiro.au/en/Research/MF/Areas/ Schools Program, STELR. to see if and how they’ve degraded. In exchange, developing worlds. a) understand the cohesion behaviour of the Innovation/Flex-Electronics/ panels’ device layer The study has produced 500 organic photovoltaic the schools will receive four new panels and can Printed-Solar-Cells (OPV) modules. These have gone to more than 100 keep the data-gathering equipment. Made with printable “solar inks”, the flexible solar b) identify the best performing electroactive inks national and international schools or education cells are lightweight, thin, and semitransparent. c) verify the integrity of the electrical connection The data collected about the panels will include: Designed for situations where conventional centres involved in the STELR program. d) compare the performance of encapsulation • the number of times (days, sessions) used panels won’t suit, they can be integrated into material in end-user environment settings. This includes nine centres of excellence or tents, windows, bags, blinds, packaging, roofing, • the amount of time used outreach centres that provide programs for • temperature boat sails and a multitude of other products. From the lab to the classroom school visits. • voltage stelr.org.au But while lab results are promising, research is STELR sees this as a great opportunity for Each school received: • time indoors and outdoors still being done on how robust the panels are our students to be an essential part of an • four flexible solar panels (10cm x 10cm) • light conditions (direct sunlight, shade, when they’re used in the real world. Who better international scientific study into a cutting-edge indoors, etc) to test that than kids? • one load box to measure the energy renewable energy technology with massive • storage conditions. implications for the future. output of the panels Here comes the sun • curriculum materials which suggested This program will improve the design of flexible The project is an example of how STEM should activities that use the solar panels solar products, boosting Australian industry and STELR (Science and Technology Education be taught. It’s an authentic, interdisciplinary • a safety sheet for the OPV modules. helping build a carbon-free world. Leveraging Relevance) is collaborating with CSIRO project about complex real-world problems. and Stanford University in a world-first study on The kits are used to collect data from the panels. It proves to young people that they can make the durability of the printed flexible solar panels The investigations are hands-on and This allows students to draw characteristic curves a very real difference – and inspire more future in non-laboratory environments. inquiry-based. The students are able to work for the different types of flexible panel provided. scientists and engineers along the way.

36 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 37 WOMEN IN STEM WOMEN IN STEM

By Elizabeth Broderick Using a fresh approach to reframe STEM for Less visible is the direct support and sponsorship its broader purpose in solving the world’s most for women’s careers in STEM, and efforts to create complex social, economic and environmental an inclusive culture. This is where we need to problems – rather than STEM for the sake of sharpen our focus to accelerate progress. Attracting, STEM – is critical for increasing women’s and girls’ attraction to education and careers in the sector. There is much bold experimentation taking place in to shift the culture, including by members of the Beyond attracting women and girls to STEM, Male Champions of Change STEM. we need to sharpen our focus on how we retain retaining and women in the workforce and support them to Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology thrive. Concerningly, over half of the women Organisation, ANSTO, has a practice of regularly surveyed, 54 per cent, have considered leaving reviewing the process of their last 10 hires and their STEM role. This is significantly more than the last 10 leavers, with a focus on gender equality supporting 45 per cent of men. Highly-qualified employees and inclusion. This simple process enables the seeking to leave STEM roles is a significant drain organisation to track how gender bias might be on Australia’s innovation talent pool. creeping into their recruitment process, but also importantly looks at the gender profile of people When we look at reasons people want to leave, who are leaving the organisation. women are more likely than men to cite a lack of How to help women thrive in STEM diversity in senior leadership and behaviour that Accounting software company MYOB is reframing excludes people based on their gender. The most their recruitment to focus on “culture add” rather common reasons for men wanting to leave STEM than “culture fit” to challenge affinity bias in their roles include lack of opportunities for promotion, recruitment. no pathway to leadership, more opportunity to IT consulting firm Accenture has removed the progress in another profession and higher earning categories of primary and secondary carers for potential in a non-STEM area. their parental leave, classifying all parents as children what they thought a scientist looks Technology and science have primary carers with access to 19 weeks of leave. like. Over 40 years ago, 99 per cent of children What can you The most alarming finding of the survey relates Such a policy sends a strong message that caring always been in my DNA. drew a man. “do to make the to everyday sexism. Every interaction in meetings workplace a and less formal settings, together with leadership, for children is an equal responsibility. My father, a physician with In 2009, two out of three children still drew a man. place where creates the culture people experience at work. The And CSIRO has established inclusive meeting expertise in nuclear medicine, Today women remain poorly represented in many data showed that women personally experience women want guidelines in all meeting rooms to provide was the first person in Australia STEM fields, comprising as little as 13 per cent of everyday sexism in all its manifestations at least practical support for meeting leaders on ensuring undergraduates in IT and engineering. to work, where twice as much as men. everyone’s voices are heard and respected. to open a diagnostic nuclear they are treated There has been much written about how to The biggest difference between men and women Many of these actions are aligned with the Elizabeth Broderick medicine practice outside a change this picture. But it was a recent tweet by equally and experiencing everyday sexism in the STEM AO FTSE Women in STEM Decadal Plan, a comprehensive hospital environment. Both Professor Lucy Rogers that caught my attention. respected?” workforce occurs in the devaluing of women’s As Australia’s longest serving Sex strategy prepared by the Australian Academy of Instead of asking “How do we get more girls into views and voices. Two thirds of women in STEM Technology and Engineering and the Australian Discrimination Commissioner my sisters pursued careers Professor Lucy Rogers experienced their views or voices being devalued in (2007-2015), Elizabeth Broderick STEM?” she asked, “What can YOU do to make Academy of Science to support action from worked tirelessly to break down in STEM. In my own career, the workplace a place where women want to the workplace. Conversely, only one third of multiple stakeholders. structural and social barriers work, where they are treated equally, respected?” men observed this behaviour. faced by women and men, and technology has been central to This simple but powerful reframe reminds us that Our experience from decades of learning shows This data suggests women’s daily experiences to promote gender equality. She my work in law, human rights everyone of us has a role to play in increasing the MORE that gender inequality is not a problem that will established and convenes the of having their voices devalued are often correct itself without intentional action from “Male Champions of Change” participation of women. and gender equality. READ invisible and normalised. Not only does this leaders. As Fellows of the Australian Academy strategy and led the review into Read more about the Women in create a culture of exclusion for women, it the treatment of women in the To understand the issues more clearly, the Male of Technology and Engineering, we all have an STEM Decadal Plan on page 44. means the organisation misses out on their Australian Defence Force. Technological disruption is accelerating rapidly, Champions of Change STEM recently surveyed important role to play. nearly 3000 women and men in STEM across expertise and ideas. In 2016, Ms Broderick was with advances in science and technology opening a diverse range of Australian organisations to There are questions we need to ask ourselves. appointed an Officer of the Order up exciting possibilities for the future. These Further, there is a link between experiencing How might we use our collective power and of Australia and was named provide insights on their motivations, career technological changes will impact so many everyday sexism and women’s attrition. Women influence to set bold targets to accelerate NSW Australian of the Year. In aspects of our lives and the benefits for human experiences and priorities for action. who experience everyday sexism in the workplace 2017 she was appointed by the progress on women’s representation in STEM society are likely to be immense. are significantly more likely to want to leave their United Nations in Geneva as The survey results clearly show that beyond leadership roles? How can we create senior roles a UN Special Rapporteur and STEM career. But despite increasing workforce demand for growing the pipeline through concerted that enable flexibility for both women and men? Independent Expert on the Issue interventions in the education system, we need of Discrimination against Women. people with STEM skills, there are significant This finding suggests that even if more women What if we asked all men in our teams to model to be more intentional in creating an inclusive In 2018, she became an Honorary challenges in attracting, retaining and supporting are encouraged into the talent pipeline, there is flexible work and make their caring responsibilities and respectful culture in STEM where people’s Fellow of the Academy. women in STEM careers. Given that science, a risk they will continue to leave at a greater rate visible? What if we set and modelled new perspectives and contributions are equally technology, engineering and maths skills are than men unless there is a focus on creating a standards for meetings where everyone has an valued, regardless of their gender. essential to drive innovation and prosperity for respectful and inclusive environment for all. equal share of voice? These may be small steps Australia, it’s vital that we increase women’s but they will drive major shifts. participation in these fields, particularly in The data shows that women and men are When it comes to expectations of future actions, leadership roles. equally motivated by the exciting and rewarding three stand out for women: career development Above all, can we let existing gender inequalities work STEM careers offer. But looking at gender and leadership programs; visible sponsorship of in STEM be replicated or, worse still, amplified for The evidence is clear: we are losing women and differences, women are more motivated by the women in STEM from senior leaders; and creating future generations? girls at every stage of the STEM talent pipeline. problem-solving nature of the sector and men respectful and inclusive cultures. The survey found Progress is unacceptably slow. The famous “draw are more motivated by earning potential and that actions such as flexible work and support for We need to act urgently. Indeed, our nation’s a scientist” study asked primary school-aged career opportunities. carers are also important. future depends on it.

38 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 39 WOMEN IN STEM

Interview by Benjamin Hickey

working in a “dirty” chemical plant. I changed my course to industrial chemistry, not realising that about 80 per cent of the classes were from the “ The chemical engineering program anyway! I must admit that I couldn’t relate to these subjects as an undergraduate. I was one of only a handful of female students in a cohort of over 100 in most of my courses. But I wanted to finish accidental what I started. I studied hard, afraid that I would otherwise fail. To my surprise, I ended up with distinctions and high distinctions in all of my subjects, and graduated with first-class honours engineer and the University Medal. What challenges did you face as a young woman in a male-dominated field? I was extremely fortunate to have had so much Maria Skyllas-Kazacos talks about support during my studies. Most of the male her journey from “too hard” science to lecturers were very encouraging and some became great mentors during my early career. inventing the vanadium redox battery. I realised that science began with a masters student, Robert Brand, who The only way to overcome this was using the I was somewhat naïve when it came to planning “and engineering are was working on NASA’s iron-chromium flow cell same element in both half-cells. Vanadium, my career path. But even that seemed to work just as creative as with Professor Martin Green, a world leader a rare, silvery-grey metal, was suggested as a in my favour: my male colleagues felt they had in silicon solar cells. In 1983, Bob asked me to good starting point. How did you become interested to help me navigate the complicated academic art or drama. I feel co-supervise him for his masters thesis. Although others had considered vanadium for in science and engineering? promotion system. that having multiple flow batteries, one important form of the element perspectives helps The concept of the flow battery – originally While I was at school I never really saw myself Every time I attended scientific conferences proposed by NASA in the 1970s – intrigued me. – the V(V) species – had very low solubility. This as an engineer and had no specific interest in I was one of a couple of women in the room, you to think on a It seemed to overcome many of the problems limited vanadium’s practical viability, so it had science. I was more interested in art and English, so I attracted a lot of attention. Perhaps that’s different plane and of conventional batteries. always been dismissed. and was actually afraid of maths and science one reason why the vanadium battery work got opens the mind to Undeterred, I decided to set this research topic as because I believed they were too hard for me. media attention. That, in turn, brought us early Flow batteries store energy in electrolyte solutions an honours project in 1984. But before I gave it to I even tried to avoid doing the higher level maths commercial interest and support from around possibilities beyond (liquid chemical mixtures) rather than in solid an undergraduate student, I began preliminary and science units. the world. the written text book. materials. This allows great flexibility in designing In fact, it helps you battery systems to suit a particular application. electrochemical experiments on vanadium Thankfully, my maths teacher convinced me that I How did you create the vanadium electrolytes. My experiments on a purple salt was quite capable. I took her advice, did advanced redox battery? to see the beauty It also means that the cost of stored energy drops called vanadium chloride, dissolved in sulfuric mathematics, and realised I was actually quite of science!” dramatically with increased storage capacity, acid, showed promise. good at it. I ended up loving maths, although I The creation of the vanadium redox battery has since you just add more electrolyte and bigger didn’t realise the important connection between been a team effort involving dozens of students tanks, rather than more batteries. During 1984, the honours student, Elaine Sum, maths and engineering at the time. and research fellows over 35 years. The seed was screened a number of different solution options. planted while I was a postdoctoral fellow at Bell That’s why flow batteries, and the vanadium flow She confirmed that sulfuric acid gave the best During year 12 I attended an applied science Telephone Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey, battery in particular, offer the lowest cost energy results. But the low solubility of V(V) compounds careers week at the University of NSW. There, in 1978-79, where my work on liquid junction solar storage option for applications requiring four or still seemed a limitation. I was introduced to a range of courses including cells and lead-acid batteries introduced me to more hours of storage capacity, like solar and chemical engineering, chemical technology, problems in conventional battery technologies. wind energy storage. In 1985, three fellow researchers (Martin Green, mining engineering, metallurgy and textile Bob Robbins and Tony Fane) and I got a grant technology. On returning to Australia, I was awarded a Most types of flow batteries use different from the National Energy Research Development Queen Elizabeth II Postdoctoral Fellowship to elements in the two half-cells. Bob’s cell, for and Demonstration Council. We set out on our At the end of high school I initially applied to study continue my research in liquid junction solar cells instance, would use iron and chromium. After attempt to produce concentrated V(V) solutions law, but a solicitor friend of my father’s talked at the School of Physics at UNSW. In 1982 I was only a single experiment in the lab, however, by oxidising a bright blue powder called vanadyl me out of it. I quickly changed my preferences appointed lecturer in the School of Chemical it became obvious that cross-contamination sulfate, a much more soluble form of vanadium. and ended up enrolling in chemical engineering Engineering and Industrial Chemistry. was an inherent problem for all flow batteries Together with Dr Miron Rychcik, we produced and at UNSW. Halfway through first year, however, of this type. tested a successful vanadium electrolyte. I thought I’d made the wrong choice. I couldn’t As a new academic, I was looking for new research imagine myself in heavy boots and a hard hat areas to get into. My interest in flow batteries all

40 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 41 43

SEP—19 WOMEN IN IN WOMEN STEM NEWS STEM IMPACT IMPACT – Impact for Industry. for – Impact women exceptional recognises The award to contributions vital made who have medical technology theand biotechnology, pharmaceuticals sector. this applications of number had a record “We by overwhelmed the judges were and year, women of the achievements the quality and Guthrie, said Lusia industry,” in our leaders BioMelbourne Network. of Chair only a reflection “is not she added, “This,” Health sector champion sector Health in Women receives Award Leadership for has been honoured Fellow Academy An the health in leadership outstanding of years the BioMelbourne Network. by industry a elected was who FTSE, Anna Lavelle Dr the BioMelbourne has received in 2014, Fellow Award in Leadership Women 2019 Network women and successes of role the growing of but also sector medtech in Melbourne’s and valued are these achievements that colleagues.” their by recognised part of the better has spent Lavelle Dr within and campaigning working 25 years the life of and expansion the growth for sector. technologies sciences and medical and board director CEO, various In her positions she has been has beenleadership for and advocate sponsor mentor, a generous in STEM. women in biotechnology,” player is a key “Australia to been proud “I have said. Lavelle Dr vibrancy and the global power to contribute and determined in a passionate this sector of 20 years.” over for way industry the national AusBiotech, at As CEO Lavelle Dr sciences, life for organisation the support to championed policy changes She is a companies. innovative of growth biotechnology the local for bearer standard for global pathways and has forged industry healthto contribute to innovators Australia’s worldwide. patients of Victoria, of Governor AC, Linda Dessau at a ceremony at the award presented House. Government

to generations of engineering students.” of generations to Melbourne of the University at career Her 2006, In than 40 years. more has lasted first the university’s appointed she was in engineering. professor female theat woman the first She was each of become head of to university and she led (Electrical the departments and Mechanical Engineering, Electronic woman in the first and Engineering), different two become head of to Victoria departments. university Head the inaugural she became 2017, In and Mechanical Electrical, School of of Engineering. Infrastructure Thomas applied her Professor for software to research mathematical reducing tunnel design, mine underground whiletime and haulage costs development usage. optimising someto has been licensed This software mining companies largest the world’s of a start-up directed and she subsequently it. commercialise to company Thomas is also a powerful Professor in engineering and women for advocate mathematics. she helped Melbourne, of the University At launchto fellowships nine research create female of the careers and accelerate engineering academics.

Professor Doreen Thomas FTSE, a Thomas FTSE, Doreen Professor Image above: Doreen Thomas. Photographer: Peter Casamento. Image above right: Lusia Guthrie, Chair, Chair, Guthrie, Lusia right: above Image Casamento. Peter Photographer: Thomas. Doreen above: Image of Department Trade, and Innovation Jobs, for Minister Victorian Pakula, Martin Network; BioMelbourne the Honourable Excellency Her ANDHealth; Chair, Anna Lavelle, Dr and Regions; Precincts Jobs, network. BioMelbourne of courtesy Image Victoria. of Governor AC, Linda Dessau A leading Academy Fellow has been Fellow Academy leading A spanning achievements for honoured study of fields multiple decades, and sectors. Emeritus Academy’s the of and chair Director Board the into inducted was Forum, Education 8 March on Women of Roll Honour Victorian Day. Women’s – International and acknowledges Roll The Honour in women of the achievements celebrates of all walks come from Inductees Victoria. inspirational demonstrated and have life and excellence. leadership Women, for Minister Victorian The 21this year’s said of Williams, Gabrielle recognise to fail we often “Too inductees: of and contributions the achievements is no gender there know we But, women. So, leadership. equality without women’s of the profile raise to continue must we Victorian women.” extraordinary the in awarded Thomas was Professor that with a citation category, trailblazer long and distinguished “Doreen’s noted: other for has been inspirational career and science. in mathematics women contributions “She has made significant impact, with real-world knowledge to in women of generation the next promoted mathematics taught and disciplines, STEM Doreen Thomas inducted into into inducted Thomas Doreen Women of Honour Roll Victorian What advice would you give to women women to you give advice would What in STEM? a career pursuing time at my much of and 2000s, the 1990s During promoting visiting high schools, spent was UNSW girls. especially for in engineering, careers seen a huge increase have we the years, Over undertaking women of the numbers in extent, a lesser to and chemical engineering, been have Women engineering courses. other HSC in most male students outperforming believe so I don’t now, many years for subjects in competence their about as uncertain they’re science and maths. by social perceptions influenced still they are But engineers of the status about engineering and also lackThey and lawyers. doctors to compared in themselves to promote needed the confidence the workplace. been has always young women to My advice contributions the invaluable recognise to our improving to making are engineers that the for ensuring a future to and environment planet. open at options their all keep to them tell I courses. means including STEM that and school, in recent HSC subjects the scaling of Sadly, girls (both students many bright to has led years maximiseto options choosing easier and boys) taking students This has seen fewer ATAR. their science and into and progressing subjects STEM university. at engineering courses on embarking men) (and those women For matter, that for career any other or engineering, to more there’s that my advice is to remember see young we more and More than work. life things Keep a day. hours 12-15 people working the other all time for and make in perspective things in life. important work in my engineering career, that blessed I feel been mutually exclusive. and meaning haven’t help humanity and might that Doing something to possible it’s that is so rewarding the planet forget that “work”. it’s different plane and opens the mind to possibilitiesto the mind plane and opens different it helps you In fact, book. text the written beyond science! the beauty of see to

graphite felt electrode activation electrode felt graphite electrodes bipolar plastic conducting novel modified membranes new methods production electrolyte inhibitors precipitation thermal modelling and and current shunt simulation stacks. battery designs for systems. control You’re a world-renowned engineer, engineer, a world-renowned You’re and art. drama you also studied yet career? did this shape your How sciencethat think to I used young, When I was different. totally arts were and creative engineering I found As an undergraduate, to thrilled I was dry. very and science subjects general the several take opportunity to have art history including drama, courses, studies and sociology. and history had a passion for I always In parallel, me motivated kept These interests widely. read of the intention with my degree, complete to that so on graduation changing my career my passion. follow I might however, in research, Once I became involved just science and engineering are that I realised having that I feel drama. as art or as creative think on a to helps you multiple perspectives looks a little like turmeric. looks a little like the of all aspects cover to expanded work Our including: battery, vanadium • • • • • • sensors • • • testing, to All this prototype through led industrial ultimately, trials and, manufacturing is battery redox vanadium the Today, licensing. piece valuable and technology growing a rapidly And because it’s puzzle. energy the renewable of lithiumthan flammable safer it’s water-based, alternatives. and other batteries The battery was viable! Because of our results, results, our viable! Because of was The battery Flow Redox All-Vanadium the for patent the first a of start the was This filed in 1986. was Battery today. continues that UNSW at program 33-year vanadyl that found we years, the early During wasn’t than $400/kg, more which costs sulfate, a process develop to priority was Our economical. the much cheaper with electrolyte the making for and $5/kg, which was – pentoxide vanadium

SEP—19 IMPACT IMPACT Maria Skyllas-Kazacos is Skyllas-Kazacos Maria Chemical of Professor Emeritus She Sydney. UNSW at Engineering and Medal Whiffen the 1997 holds the from Medal 1998 CHEMECA Engineers Chemical of Institution Murphy the 2000 R.K. Australia, Chemical Australian Royal Medal other and numerous Institute, a elected She and was honours. in 2014. Academy the of Fellow Emeritus Professor Maria Professor Emeritus WOMEN IN STEM Skyllas-Kazacos AM FTSE 42 STEM NEWS WOMEN IN STEM NEWS WOMEN IN

SESSION 1 Under-representation Academy welcomes Learning from each other of women in STEM is investment in STEM Attendees gave snapshots of initiatives contributing to gender equity in their holding back national gender equity organisations. prosperity revolution. Swinburne University’s Professor Virginia Kilborn spoke about the Wattle Women in Leadership program, which operates Australia has not yet made the systemic The Academy has welcomed the Federal across multiple universities. changes required to achieve diversity Government’s commitment to invest $3.4 in science, technology, engineering and million in STEM gender equity, announced by “We are trying to give women the skills and mathematics (STEM), with the current Karen Andrews, Minister for Industry, Science networks for those who are being promoted under-representation and under-utilisation and Technology. into leadership roles,” she said. of women in the STEM workforce posing a threat to Australia’s prosperity. Academy Vice-President Diversity, Dr BHP’s Head of Diversity and Inclusion Fiona Bruce Godfrey FTSE , said an important Vines said good leadership and executive The findings are contained in the Women component was the $1.8 million to extend accountability is the key to real culture in STEM Decadal Plan, launched in April at Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), change for gender equity in STEM. Parliament House in Canberra by the Minister a joint initiative of the Australian Academy for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen of Technology and Engineering and the “Addressing unconscious bias is very Andrews. The plan was developed by the Australian Academy of Science.The funding important and BHP is working towards a Australian Academy of Technology and support will enable SAGE to expand its work much more inclusive culture,” Ms Vines said. Engineering in partnership with the Australian in supporting the higher education and “Eeryone needs to feel welcome.” Academy of Science. research sector to bring about a step change for gender equity in STEM. It outlines six opportunities to strengthen Women in STEM WOMEN gender equity in STEM in Australia over “The announcement of building national the next 10 years, including establishing a digital awareness is also welcome as the IN STEM national evaluation framework to guide rate of adoption of automation based on decision-making and drive investment and big data, the internet of things, and artificial Decadal Plan DECADAL effort into STEM measures that work. intelligence, across all Australian industry PLAN sectors, is escalating,” Dr Bruce Godfrey FTSE, the Academy’s Vice- Dr Godfrey said. President Diversity, said the plan provided the Pathways to Equity in STEM Symposium first opportunity to tackle the issue of gender “Automation in its broadest application equity at a national scale and highlighted across industry will see the demand for the importance of government, academia, STEM-skilled employees continue to rise The first implementation Leaders from across the STEM ecosystem “We need to create workplaces that are industry, the education sector and the rapidly. “This problem cannot be fixed came together to turn the plan’s respectful, free from discrimination and community working together to drive change. without addressing the significant under- step of the Women in recommendations into actions. harassment, free of bias and flexible as well,” representation of women in our STEM-skilled she said. “If this plan and the opportunities contained workforce, particularly at senior operational STEM Decadal Plan – the Chief Executive of the Australian Academy within it are realised, the STEM graduates and leadership levels. Pathways to Equity in of Science, Anna-Maria Arabia, opened the “I believe in our collective commitment and of 2030 – nine- and 10-year-olds making symposium. “We must be absolutely resolute ingenuity to address gender equity in STEM their way through primary school in 2019, as “The announcement is a welcome STEM Symposium – was in bridging the gender equity gap in STEM,” in Australia.” well as those entering the workforce from acknowledgement that we need to build held in Melbourne earlier she said. other life journeys – will join workplaces a gender-balanced workforce underpinned Why gender equity is important that are respectful, free of harassment and by an inclusive workplace culture that this year. KEYNOTE ADDRESS SESSION 2 discrimination, value diversity, and structured values diversity.” Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith Chair of the Equity and Diversity Reference to support a variety of STEM careers that Group, Australian Academy of Science, Measuring impact Do we really know what works? include women in leadership positions,” Dr Godfrey said the Academy regarded the Women in STEM Ambassador, Professor Lisa Professor Sue O’Reilly said we should promote Dr Godfrey said. announcement as an important step in a Image above: Members of the Women in STEM Harvey-Smith said her national role was STEM education from early childhood. As the Women in STEM Decadal Plan process involving government, industry, and Decadal Plan Expert Working Group, project team to boost STEM participation in Australia spans 10 years, we need to have systems Australian Academy of Science Fellow and higher education and research sectors. “This needs to be a multilayered effort at and Unibank representatives celebrating the by working with organisations and bodies in place to measure its initiatives’ impacts Expert Working Group member, Professor Sue Pathways to Equity in STEM event. Left to right: all stages of learning and include children including: into the future. O’Reilly, said there was an urgent case for “We all have a role to play in achieving this,” Dr Margaret Hartley FTSE, CEO of the Academy; and people from all backgrounds,” Professor cohesive, systemic and sustained change. he said. “Failure to do so will see Australia Mike Lanzing; Rea Kalimtzis, UniBank; Dr Mark • schools, universities and research O’Reilly said. Dr Adi Paterson FTSE, CEO of Australia’s significantly disadvantaged in the new Toner AM FTSE; Suzy Urbaniak; Dr Rosalind Dubs • SMEs, industry and government Nuclear Science and Technology The decadal plan highlights the economic technology revolution.” FTSE; Professor Jane Latimer; Dr Adi Paterson FTSE; Vice-President of Diversity, Australian • Science in Australia Gender Equality (SAGE) Organisation, chaired this session. case for gender equity, citing the 2017 World Professor Madhu Bhaskaran; Professor Suzanne Academy of Technology and Engineering, O’Reilly; Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith; • Male Champions of Change Economic Forum’s “Gender gap report”, which Dr Bruce Godfrey FTSE , said STEM workplaces Anna-Maria Arabia. • Science and Technology Australia Elyse Lane, Senior Research and Education estimates that closing the gender gap in MORE should reflect our population. • the Australian Academy of Science Advisor at the Workplace Gender Equality economic participation by 25 per cent by Agency, said: “Difficulty with collecting 2025 could add as much as US$5.3 trillion READ • the Australian Academy of Technology “Why would we not want to include the best data on STEM careers means that we to global gross domestic product in the same Read the Women in STEM Decadal and Engineering. and most diverse ideas and people in STEM know that there are so many careers that timeframe. Plan online to achieve the best outcomes?” he said. “We need a deep focus on actions to address rely on STEM that aren’t even ‘classified’ “It’s not just an equality perspective that’s inequity. These must be bold actions, not “Everyone who has a desire to pursue a as STEM.” important here, it’s a business imperative,” atse.org.au more of the same and we must evaluate STEM career should be able to do so.” said Australia’s first ambassador for the way we do things,” Professor Harvey- Women in STEM, Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith. Smith said. “Australia needs to be the clever country again.”

44 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 45 47 TECHNOLOGY

SEP—19 IMPACT IMPACT Professor Brian O’Brien Professor FTSE Professor Adjunct Brian O’Brien is of University Physics at of and was Australia, Western space science of a professor Houston, Rice University, at principal and a NASA 1963-1968, the first was He investigator. the NASA awarded Australian Scientific Exceptional for Medal his radiation for Achievement O’Brien Professor experiment. the of a Fellow elected was in 1993. Academy

uniqueness of that blue and white globe in the globe in blue and white that uniqueness of time, Apollo’s in So, space. blackness of eternal passed state after and state nation after nation the environment. protect to laws environmental many of and controls the regulations Sadly, gone far have laws environmental Australian necessary requirements. beyond sensible or the of versions by governed was Apollo 11 If enshrined in now principle precautionary happened. have it could never law, Australian time between this afoot, now is space race new A Yutu-2 and But Chang’e-4 and China. the USA the side the moon, side of the far on working are stuckYutu is The first see. never on Earth we on January 2014, since the dust in motionless see. always side we the near now Apollo 11 are who watched Schoolchildren with time, the memories of with bright grown, They remember now. children their tell to tales made Armstrong when Neil they were where small step”. “one that anywhere, today, When to I talk schoolchildren particularly an astronaut, of mention very the Apollo astronaut an of mention a first-name and (I enjoyed showing personally knew or I know my experiments models of discussing life-sized a ignites Washington), in 2012 in Aldrin with Apollo questions. ask to hands eager of forest a much-needed bond amid is intergenerational, of the noisiness and rush-rush indifferences modern times. only take us each of Let please. with me, Dream those abominable sans minutes private five member family mobile phones – with a quiet in open-air gaze to alone – simply or friend, or night crescent, full glory or the moon, at wonder your Concentrate areas. rural in urban or day, or their on Buzz and Neil and focus there, mind up and walking bravery isolated extraordinarily up inescapable fine moon dust. stirring mind your Apollo 11 will refresh of magic aura That can perspectives New it. only you let if and heart, you can see a if family Discuss with your follow. Yutu the rabbit. I prefer Frankly, the Moon. Man on means Jade Rabbit. Apollo 11 happen you watched if all, of And most withthoughts your share young, when you were generations’ two in only think, Just children. know to need they will gone, when you are time, thoughts personal your of stories loving tell and the 100th of celebrations share to and photos human adventure the greatest of anniversary lifetime. your of

In 1957 I tried to get my grandma to marvel at the travelling travelling the at marvel to my grandma get to tried 1957 I In Strathfield in our night that All she said 1. Sputnik star-like right.” not It’s right. not “It’s was: backyard Over a generation later, in 1992, in Perth, after a after Perth, in in 1992, later, a generation Over I lovingly by my wife, cooked dinner wondrous on my shoulders grandchild carried my oldest dark sky above the and in car mum’s her towards full moon. a wondrous was has five Grandpa Steffie, know “You I said: on Old Man Moon.” there up way experiments nice “That’s said: and warmed my ears Steffie play with myto off sliding before Grandpa” cat. wife’s experiments powered two one of I invented Aldrin the moon by Buzz deployed on successfully kinds of different two I had total, In Apollo 11. on dust measured four the moon, on experiments hasthe world Now radiation. and one measured Apollo 11. of the 50th anniversary been celebrating And I admit it is news. as if media clamours World it. I’m loving to on a quest my 85 years 53 out of spent I’ve measurement-based then publish and discover which issticky dust the fine, about information the moon. on problem 1 environmental the No. as prepared be better will expeditions Future a result. accepted US symposium consensus in March A the moon to anybody planning an expedition that had success. I’ve is dumb. detector without a dust Apollo 11 is value what in 2019, Now, But so what? tomorrow? and today life to anybody else, to the the US winning include spin-offs The obvious is still The world Union. the Soviet with space race war global nuclear avoiding of the result enjoying the a close call in despite 50 years, the past for the USA if all, After 1962. Cuban crisis in October than a dozen more could launch a payload of any the moon, it aimed on and hit where tonnes nation think twice. had to belligerent and global unity joy immediate Apollo 11 brought and wonder. in awe as 600 million people watched became those special moments, for The world, burnings of unrest, racial of the midst In one. and youth rioting, War Vietnam the buildings, became dreams Camelot Kennedy’s President is an enduringthat And eyes. our before reality Even with billions. easily shared happy memory, people smile. “Apollo”, I say if today, the 24 Apollo 11 by for readied was The world Genesis of reading 1968 Christmas December the Apollo 8 and of the crew the Bible by from Anders. Bill Apollo 8 astronaut by earthrise photo hearts and minds. deep into reached Both absorbed each and all quite had we before Never the Spaceship Earth, of the special nature

SEP—19

By Brian O’Brien Brian By IMPACT IMPACT the moon, but so what? but so the moon, scientific experiment to to experiment scientific Apollo 11 carried my my carried 11 Apollo

46 TECHNOLOGY 49

TECHNOLOGY

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Michael Ahern FTSE AO of Treasurer and Premier Ahern was Mike of and a member Queensland 1987-1989 has been He 1968-1990. parliament Queensland’s sectors, of a range across boards on numerous the Clunies of Governors of the Board including Foundation. Ross Those industries are diverse and Mr Ahern and Mr diverse are Those industries tech the many about as ever is as excited flourish. helped make, and seen, he’s initiatives has Technologies Defence for “The Centre the come to Queensland and transformed for “The Centre he said. in many ways,” state Virtual Mining in Brisbane is a remarkable And the have universities visit. place to very a now They’re blossomed. really economy.” the state’s part of important the of the founder Ahern is also Mr Queensland Community Foundation, a $200 million philanthropic trust. One third third One trust. a $200 million philanthropic medical it supports are the endeavours of research-related. alone. operated I haven’t course, “Of were that people of had a lot I always with me.” working in 1997 and a Fellow elected Ahern was Mr Academy the in his involvement considers “a real pleasure and an honour.” and an honour.” pleasure real “a “has had a Academy the that He says in Queensland. here presence strong very and state, in our leadership It provides STEM its through role has played pivotal taken up and sat have People programs. Academy. the of notice of a lot the character in difference vast a “There’s when 1968, Queensland from of the state of an There’s today. to the parliament, I entered runs up andthat innovation for enthusiasm ensuring and it’s the economy, down the future.”

“The Courier Mail ran a series of cartoons a series of Mail ran “The Courier because was, that ridiculous saying how two park were tech on our things the only there, 400 companies are there Today cows. in Brisbane.” employer the biggest including achievements proudest Ahern’s Mr One of technology. health is his championing of intax tobacco a he introduced As Premier, fundto the proceeds Queensland and used the for Centre, the Bancroft building, a new Institute. Medical Research QIMR Berghofer Royalthe Brisbane at located The Institute, than 1000 has more Hospital, Women’s and research is a similar-sized There researchers. Hospital. Alexandra the Princess at centre medicalthe biggest of two got “We’ve in Brisbanethe world in centres research build a can’t “You Ahern said. Mr now,” a got unless you’ve this state in hospital you do.” in what component research the Ahern also chaired Mr recently, Until the Queensland of Committee Consultative (QCAT), Technology Advanced for Centre the and CSIRO between venture a joint He fondly Queensland Government. another – yet its inception remembers success. paddock-related ‘We’re me and said to came “The CSIRO to need we St Lucia, at are we where cluttered spacious surroundings’. more out into move Pullenvale, a paddock out at bought So we to close with there, is still QCAT today and 400 researchers. the “it’s he says proudly, China,” “Outside of the world. in centre mining research biggest the people employed in of cent per Twenty the mining services sector. in Brisbane are commodities about getting just not It’s about adding it’s again, trucks and off onto have.” we the industries to value

By Benjamin Hickey Benjamin By Helping the Sunshine Sunshine the Helping shine State century. the 21st into sector tech Queensland’s Ahern helped move Mike How Queensland of then Premier the When Ahern on becoming Mike congratulated the state’s first technology minister, he technology minister, first the state’s “What’s technology?” answered: reply. the Premier’s was it out,” work “You’ll Michael decades since, four the almost In make to tirelessly has worked Ahern FTSE place for a brighter the Sunshine State science and innovation. needed a we that the idea “Someone got “and Ahern said, Mr minister,” technology Industries Primary I was me. they appointed in agricultural a degree and I have Minister the only member then he was In fact, science.” tertiary with a the Queensland Cabinet of education. challenge because an interesting “It was and no offices no department, was there to people designated no departmental and I enjoyed on with it, But I got technology. worked.” and it’s it, a get to the world around travelled Ahern Mr be possible in a state might handle on what about he set Then, with a small population. “technology- a Queensland into transforming handleto equipped based community better – a mission he the future” the challenges of and 1987-1989, from as Premier continued this to day. in the sector private the look at to project a short-term not “It’s there’s conclude economy, an of character industry much dependence on old-style too a knowledge to it move to try and mining, like Ahern said. Mr base,” technology and the with was on board everyone not first, At were “We ambitions. department’s fledgling “We Ahern said. Mr begin with,” to pilloried Mile Plains Eight at a paddock down bought and namedthe Gold Coast to the freeway on park’. ‘tech it our

EXPLORE HEAR atse.org.au MORE Australian the about more Learn at: Civil Space Strategy industry.gov.au/data-and- publications/australian-civil- space-strategy-2019-2028 about talk Clark Dr Hear Space Agency the Australian in online. podcasts our one of Dr Megan Clark Megan Dr FTSE AC the of is Head Clarke Megan was She Agency. Space Australian and is 2009-2014 CSIRO of CEO Rio of Director a Non-executive has a background Clarke Dr Tinto. a elected and was in mine geology, in 2006. Academy the of Fellow

in low earth orbit. earth orbit. in low and use new components rocket will 3D print We cheaper smaller, develop to systems propulsion could support Australia Spaceports in rockets. space from space operations, commercial missions. resupply space station to tourism are companies and researchers Australian these examples. on all of working ideas. our the world showing is already Australia the can be on we that demonstrating are We innovation. technological of frontline is changing our society. society. is changing our – using GPS satellites ourselves locate we Today in our transport will automate we tomorrow positioning. cities using precise for satellites use communication we Today we will tomorrow on planes and ships – wi-fi earth orbit and use lasers the low industrialise links in space and back high bandwidth data for earth. to seeds wheat their plant farmers our Today crop year’s last of stubble of the rows between positioning and precise using satellite-aided space from crops their the health of monitor yields using several they increase tomorrow – data space and sensor images a day from small satellites of constellations to connected It is not a surprise that NASA is already working is already NASA that a surprise It is not Woodside like partners industry Australian with in discussions is also NASA on such automation. launch small to Australia Launch with Equatorial space its commercial from sounding rockets This is in 2020. Territory the Northern in port site a non- of use first NASA’s but it’s a small step, spaceport. government especially in developing, is rapidly Technology in being developed technology The the space field. and lives everyone’s affects the space sector we’re in orbit in we’re

A year on and A year By Megan Clark Megan By SEP—19

IMPACT IMPACT TECHNOLOGY The Australian community is really engaged, our our engaged, community is really Australian The updated internationally, has opened doors team on with partners is working and space legislation, can feel You space missions and projects. future the country. across the momentum transform to Agency is The on the trajectory right space industry, a globally respected and grow Australians. all and inspire reach to and told has the sector what to listened have We and all states across consultations through us the reflect to sought have and we territories Civil Space Australian the in the nation of view 2019-2028. Strategy – values our are the Strategy through Threaded being global citizen; as a responsible Australia achieving in space and on Earth; and secure safe doing what partnership; through ambition shared entrepreneurship will do; embracing say we we learn more. to and inclusion; and being curious field, the to new may be considered Australia ideas. our the world showing already are but we of the frontline can be on we proven have We technological innovation. to is working Australia Geoscience example, For land and sea, our 10cm positioning across deliver the global positioning by correcting airspace signals and 3cm precise satellites system cities with additional corrections positioning in our the mobile phone networks. from emergency only help our will not 3cm accuracy transport automated transform services but can and regional vessels marine Farmers, cities. in our bringing from will all benefit services managers 10cm accuracy. to GPS up national our the southern hemisphere position in Australia’s the solar into view a different have means we station receiving will be a key Australia system. the missions for system all planned solar for Norcia New their at Agency Space European its Deep Space at NASA and for WA in facility ACT. the Tidbinbilla in at Centre Communication run by CSIRO. are stations these ground Both of the area in offer to has a lot Australia has Australia What and robotics. automation automated largest the operating through – learnt trucks drills and and automated on earth, railway 1500 km over rooms using control the Pilbara, in to return to look as we valuable – is really away the Moon and Mars. planned command and service module NASA’s along called Gateway, the Moon, will orbit that have will Space Station, the International with automation. of levels increased Very few things inspire quite quite things inspire few Very this has been and space, like year the first during exemplified Agency. Space the Australian of 48 ENGINEERING

By Marlene Kanga Making the Day a reality was like moving a mountain. It was a process of learning fast and engaging with many nations and cultures in a Creating World short time. Things really came together in the last three months of the process.

After extraordinary work from all involved, Engineering Day we received some 80 letters of support from peak international and national institutions, academies and national commissions to UNESCO. These organisations represent about 23 million Did you know that, until recently, “engineering day” engineers around the world. differed all over the world? Engineers in Bangladesh I am very pleased to say that our supporters were honoured on 7 May, Mexican engineers were feted included the Office of the Chief Scientist, the Australian Academy for Technology and on 1 July, and here in Australia we got a week in August. Engineering, the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK. But there’s never been a global day to celebrate One by one, UNESCO member states backed engineers and engineering – until now. Starting our resolution. I’m especially grateful to Namibia from 2020, 4 March every year will be World and China, who agreed to lead the proposal. Engineering Day for Sustainable Development. Eventually, we got support from every continent. The first stage of this historic decision was made We now have the backing of more than on 17 April, when the UNESCO Executive Board 40 nations, including: recommended the UNESCO General Conference Namibia, China, Tanzania, Mozambique, Gambia, proclaim the Day when it meets in November. Equatorial Guinea, Zimbabwe, Palestine, Egypt, Tunisia, Uruguay, Senegal, Liberia, Nigeria, Turkey, Dr Marlene Kanga As President of the World Federation of AM FTSE Madagascar, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Engineering Organisations (WFEO), I led the Mali, Iraq, Gabon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Serbia, A trailblazing engineer with proposal for the Day. I had never done anything Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Russia, Poland, Kenya, Iran, a successful career in the oil, like this before and didn’t know at the outset gas and chemical industries, Nicaragua, Oman, Bangladesh, France, Comoros whether our dream would be achieved. It’s been a Marlene Kanga is President of the Islands, Liberia, Jordan, Philippines, UK and others. World Federation of Engineering remarkable journey with many twists and turns. Organisations. She was named In April, the motion passed: 4 March will be World Engineers are often not very good at articulating the 2018 Professional Engineer of Engineering Day for Sustainable Development the Year by Engineers Australia, the value of what we do for society. That’s a of which she was previously the every year from now on! An international day with problem, because engineering is critical to co-ordinated celebrations across the world will, National President. Dr Kanga has achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. been listed among the Top 100 we anticipate, help inspire thousands of young Women of Influence in Australia We have a big role in ensuring that everyone has people to become engineers. and the Top 100 Engineers in access to clean water, sanitation, reliable energy Australia. and other basic human needs. This is an opportunity to speak to government, industry and community about the importance There’s also a great deal to be done in developed of engineering for sustainable development. countries. As we all face the impacts of climate It’s a platform on which to build the strategies, change, environmental crises, our growing cities capacity and best practices we need to meet and the challenges posed by new technologies global problems with engineering solutions. like artificial intelligence, we’re going to need more engineers. We intend to use social media and traditional media to promote the Day. We’re also asking So how do we engage with young people – institutions to register their own events through especially girls – and say: “If you want to make a dedicated web site to build the momentum for change for a better world – become an engineer”? celebrations. We expect this to grow become more important each year and as each nation A globally celebrated day is a wonderful makes the Day their own. opportunity to talk about these issues and raise community consciousness about our work. The This is a huge achievement for the profession and WFEO decided to pursue UNESCO recognition for for the WFEO. I am proud and grateful to have engineers in 2018, as part of our 50th anniversary been able to lead and facilitate the initiative. So celebrations. The Day we chose was 4 March – the remember to put 4 March 2020 in your calendar day our federation was founded. – and, in advance, happy World Engineering Day! Image: The UNESCO Executive Board meeting in Paris in April 2019.

IMPACT SEP—19 51 ENGINEERING

It is now eight months since I was first called this experience was for many of them – upon to investigate the structural damage to understandably so. the Opal Tower at Sydney Olympic Park. With me was University of Newcastle Emeritus While obviously an extremely unfortunate and Professor John Carter FTSE, who is a geotechnical stressful experience for the residents, I believe engineer. There were a lot of the rumours flying that if the recommendations emerging from around at the time about an issue with the the investigation are put into practice, the event foundations, which is his area of expertise. will one day be seen as a watershed moment for construction and design practices – and their Within a few hours, however, it was clear to both regulation – across Australia. John and me that the problem wasn’t necessarily with the foundations at all (subsequent Before looking at what we learned from the investigation confirmed they were fine). Rather, Opal Tower incident, let me first recount how there was a significant issue with reinforced it unfolded and how I became involved. concrete fracturing. By Mark Hoffman That’s when we called in Professor Stephen Foster, Head of UNSW’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Steve wrote the Concrete Structures Standard for Australia AS3600, so was a welcome Safety by addition to the team. Over the coming days, we gathered information that we put into an interim report released on 4 January and then a final report on 22 February.

There were four main observations: design 1. Some hob beam/panel assemblies at a number of locations in the building were found to be susceptible to failure by shear compression and bursting. It appeared as-constructed, they In less than 12 months, four Sydney unit were under-designed according to the National blocks have been evacuated due to major Construction Code (NCC) and the Australian Standard for Concrete Structures (AS36001). building defects or safety issues. Professor 2. The decision – taken after the initial design – to Mark Hoffman talks about went wrong with grout only partially the joints between the hob beams and panels significantly raised the levels the Opal Tower – and what needs to change. of stress in the hob beams on levels 4, 10, 16 and 26. It was 27 December 2018 when I got a call from 3. Construction and material deficiencies likely the then NSW Minister of Planning, Anthony precipitated the observed major damage to Roberts. Three days earlier, on Christmas Eve, hob beams on Level 10-C and Level 4-A. residents of the Opal Tower had made initial 4. The observed damage in the concrete panel reports of “a loud bang” and concrete cracking at Level 10 and in the Level 10 floor slab was on the 10th floor. likely a consequence of the adjacent hob beam failures and not the original cause of It wasn’t our role to determine More than 300 residents were subsequently the damage observed at Level 10. evacuated, before being allowed to return shortly “ which design was correct, nor which afterwards. Now it was looking like they needed So what led to these failures? Essentially, there Professor Mark Hoffman to evacuate again as further similar damage were changes made to the initial design during people were responsible. What was FTSE had been found in another location. the construction process that raised the loads Mark Hoffman is the Dean of on some beams. We subsequently identified a clear, however, was that one beam Engineering at UNSW Sydney. It was, therefore, a highly stressful situation problem with processes around design approvals was made from lower strength His expertise is in the area of that was unfolding under the glare of the media structural integrity of materials, and monitoring during construction that allowed specifically the design of spotlight – not least for the hundreds of residents some non-standard practices to slip through. concrete than the others, and materials for high reliability in whose Christmases had just been ruined. complex environments through For example, in one case the initial approved thatwas a beam that failed.” a combination of computational Minister Roberts told me that he was getting design was changed, specifically to reduce the modelling and investigation using advice from the Opal Tower builders, the engineers, amount of grout between a pre-cast concrete an extensive mechanical property his own department and the apartment owners panel and the hob beam. As a result, the load research laboratory at UNSW. about what had happened, who was responsible His research covers fracture on the hob beams was increased. mechanics, fatigue, and wear and and what needed to be done. tribology from the macro- This meant the design was effectively below to nano-scale. While all had strong opinions, none of them had standard. Generally this would still have been a view across the whole issue. What he really okay, as this standard is conservative. But needed, he told me, was independent expert when incorrectly placed electrical conduit and advice, and he needed it very quickly. reinforcing steel reduced the hob beam’s strength, this compounded the grouting issue, causing the So by the end of that afternoon I was walking failure of a concrete beam. into the Opal Tower just as hundreds of people were again on their way out. It was quite slow In another case, a beam was found to have failed going because the lifts were packed with people where a lower-grade concrete was used than in trying to move. It was obvious how distressing other beams. Different strengths of concrete are

52 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 53 ENGINEERING

often used on large construction projects like Another important recommendation we made the Opal Tower. For example, columns are built was a call for the registration of engineers. Most to a strength of 80 megapascals, while the floor states including NSW don’t register engineers, so is set at 40 megapascals concrete. responsibility to manage construction projects and sign off on the designs is unclear. On a large-scale construction such as this, trucks are turning up all the time to pump and pour the Registration of engineers would ensure agreed concrete. It was during this process when a beam standards, accountability and reviews of training was poured with a lower strength concrete than and performance. This has been talked about for the others. a long time, and I’m hopeful the NSW Government is seriously considering it. This is also an important So in our investigations, we had to ask the step for the next two recommendations. question: why wasn’t this dealt with at the time? The problem was not that the lower strength First, all designs should be independently peer concrete beam went through unnoticed. reviewed by registered engineers. In many cases, designs are reviewed internally within an The real problem was that various versions of organisation. No doubt, there are highly qualified the design drawings indicated different strengths people to undertake these internal reviews, but of concrete for the same beam. In other words, the dynamics and accountability are much more when consulting one version of the designs, the robust if the review is independent. beam appeared to be following design. Second, it also emerged from our report that Australia’s National It wasn’t our role to determine which design there is no robust process for changing an original “Construction Code was correct, nor which people were responsible. design. When you’re building, things happen. What was clear, however, was that one beam Designs need to be changed or, for example, the is based on the was made from lower strength concrete than wrong concrete truck turns up and pours the principle that our the others, and that was a beam that failed. concrete for that failed beam. With hundreds buildings should be turning up in the course of the building, it’s no Our first recommendation was to fix the structural surprise there’s a mistake. structurally safe. damage in the building to correct the very And they are. But localised but significant errors. Very quickly, But there should have been a formal sign-off the full breadth process by qualified and registered engineers. risks were reduced by inserting grout and of consumer bracing around the damaged sections. Such a practice would have also clarified the The highly reputable, independent engineering design ambiguities we identified. expectations teams who designed the structural rectifications If it’s mandated that designs and any changes regarding building have ensured it will be far stronger than to critical elements are signed off by qualified quality is not originally planned. and registered engineers, your system becomes really addressed In our final report, we made other much more robust. Such a system would not in that code.” recommendations about how to avoid these be that much more expensive if one focuses on incidents in the future. critical components.

Australia’s National Construction Code is based Interestingly, there was some commentary in the on the principle that our buildings should be media that the Opal Tower incident was the tip of the iceberg for a lot of other similar problems structurally safe. And they are. But the full breadth in the industry, and that the residents of the Opal of consumer expectations regarding building Tower were lucky it occurred on Christmas Eve quality is not really addressed in that code. because of the added media coverage it received. This is left to the state governments and they However, in reality, there are very rarely major have not been as effective in this regard. For structural issues with the design and construction example, in NSW to date, much is vested in a of buildings in Australia like we saw here. However, sign-off from a building certifier that presumes it’s true that structures are often not built as they everything in the build is okay. should have been, with deficiencies in cladding, Now in the case of Opal Tower, the certifier had waterproofing problems in bathrooms, or sub- done that, and had done nothing wrong that we standard electrical work. could see. But the problem is that the certifier’s So yes, quality is a real issue. But the safety issues job is not to check that everything’s okay. He or addressed by the National Construction Code she only checks that all the appropriate approvals is more robust. And there’s quite a difference if have been signed off along the way, relying on a something goes wrong. We’re talking about the trove of documentation. difference between wasting money from sub- standard quality – which is of course incredibly The certifier signs off on the final layer of a frustrating – and structural problems that likely tiered structure of information, and somewhere endanger people’s lives. in that tree somebody may have signed off on something that wasn’t right, or proceeded without From a quality point of view, there are definitely an approval process. But there’s no real double- problems in the industry, but from an overall checking and nor is it transparent to stakeholders. building structure safety point of view, we’re in reasonable shape. We had a ministerial directive and it still took us quite a lot of time to get some of the required It will be interesting to see how the NSW documentation. It wasn’t that people were being Government reacts to our recommendations. obstructionist – the documents just couldn’t be Up until now, there have been a number of reports accessed easily. and anecdotal discussions about the sort of problems that we witnessed here, but no one has We recommended that all of this documentation ever really wanted to grasp the nettle and do should be on a curated website. When you have something about it. transparency and names on a document, people have a far different approach to owning the work With the Opal Tower incident bringing these issues than when they know the documentation will be into very sharp focus, perhaps the construction filed away in a drawer somewhere. industry will be the better for it. IMPACT SEP—19 55 HONOURS FELLOWS FELLOWS

COMPANION OF THE ORDER OFFICER OF THE ORDER MEMBER OF THE ORDER Fellows and staff OF AUSTRALIA (AC) OF AUSTRALIA (AO) OF AUSTRALIA (AM) 1 Professor David Burke 3 Professor Calum Drummond 8 Distinguished Professor AC FTSE FAA (NSW) AO FTSE (Vic) Shi Xue Dou honoured on University of Sydney RMIT University AM FTSE (NSW) For eminent service to neurophysiology, For distinguished service to chemistry University of Wollongong to innovative treatments for spinal and materials science research, to For significant service to science Queen’s Birthday cord and brain trauma injuries, and to commercialisation initiatives, and as education in the field of superconducting professional medical organisations. a mentor. and electronic materials.

2 Emeritus Professor Maree Smith 4 Mr Dale Elphinstone 9 Ms Katherine Hirschfeld Fourteen Fellows and one Academy staff member have AC FTSE (QLD) AO FTSE (Tas) AM FTSE (QLD) University of Queensland Elphinstone Group been named in the Queen’s Birthday honours list. Powerlink For eminent service to science through For distinguished service to business, For significant service to engineering, pioneering research and innovation in the particularly to the resources and to women, and to business. Academy President Professor Hugh Bradlow FTSE said: “On behalf of treatment of neuropathic pain, to gender manufacturing sectors, and to the the entire Fellowship, I’d like to congratulate the 14 Fellows and one equity, and as a role model. She is a 2016 community of Tasmania. 10 Dr Ian MacLeod Tim Reeves awarded Farrer staff member who have been honoured. Clunies Ross winner. AM FTSE (WA) Memorial Medal 5 Ms Kathryn Fagg Heritage Conservation Solutions AO FTSE (Vic) Professor Tim Reeves FTSE was awarded “The awards reflect a deep commitment to applying science and For significant service to the museum Boral the 2019 Farrer Memorial Medal, technology to solving the complex problems facing Australia. and galleries sector. acknowledging his contribution to For distinguished service to business sustainable agriculture through work “They are also a tribute to many years of dedication to public service, and finance, to the central banking, 11 Dr Mark Toner in agricultural research, development logistics and manufacturing sectors, AM FTSE (Vic) and extension. whether in our universities and research organisations or in industry. and to women. Gender Matters Dr John Radcliffe AM FTSE said the Farrer “The Academy is proud of all of you.” 6 Ms Susan Murphy For significant service to engineering Memorial Research Scholarship provided AO FTSE (WA) and the technological sciences. encouragement and inspiration to those West Australian Treasury Corporation engaged in agricultural science. 12 Dr Peter Tyree For distinguished service to the natural AM FTSE (NSW) “I congratulate Professor Reeves, whose resources sector in Western Australia, 1 2 3 4 5 Tyree Foundation 50-year career has contributed to positive and For significant service to engineering advances in agriculture in Australia and to engineering. overseas,” Dr Radcliffe said. and to education.

7 Professor Michelle Simmons “As a pioneer of no-till and conservation AO FTSE FAA (NSW) 13 Professor Yi-Min Xie agriculture research at the Rutherglen University of New South Wales AM FTSE (Vic) Research Institute his impact can be RMIT University For distinguished service to science seen in the modern farming practices we use today. education as a leader in quantum and For significant service to higher education, and to civil engineering. atomic electronics, and as a role model. Professor Reeves has served as director of 6 7 8 9 10 14 Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea many boards and is currently a director of AM (Vic) the Crawford Fund for a Food Secure World. A national and international consultant IMNIS, Academy of Technology in agricultural research, his focus remains and Engineering focused on global food security and the For significant service to women in sustainable intensification of agriculture STEMM as an advocate and role model. and farming systems. Dr Evans-Galea is the Executive Director of IMNIS and an Academy staff member. Professor Reeves was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering in 2001. He serves on the ICM Agrifood Award Selection 11 12 13 14 15 Committee and the Academy’s International Strategy Group. MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (OAM) The Farrer Memorial Medal is awarded annually to commemorate William James Farrer, Australia’s leading wheat breeder, 15 Mr Ernest Frederick Dawes in recognition of distinguished service in OBE OAM (Vic) agricultural science and contribution to Eprep Australia’s cropping industries. For service to the community. More information about the Farrer Memorial Medal is available on the NSW DPI website.

Image above: Professor Tim Reeves FTSE with the Farrer Memorial Medal.

56 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 57 HONOURS FELLOWS

Fellow honoured for 60 years of science leadership

Academy Fellow Professor Greg Tegart AM FTSE has been awarded the Professor Robert Boucher Distinguished Alumni Award by the University of Sheffield in the UK.

University representatives presented the award In 1992 he was awarded a Member of the Order of to Professor Tegart at a reception in Melbourne. Australia for services to science and technology. It recognises his distinguished career as one of Australia’s most eminent scientists and engineers. Professor Tegart has championed technology collaboration across the globe, including in Professor Tegart, who celebrated his 90th birthday Thailand, Mongolia and Europe. He also edited the in March, has made invaluable contributions to IPCC’s 1992 supplementary climate change report. research, government and industry. OPEN UP YOUR WORLD Today, he is an Adjunct Professor at Victoria His ongoing work has spanned six decades, University, an active contributor to the Academy several continents and the breadth of science: and Deputy Chair of the Academy’s Health Forum. Open up PhD student talent, skills and theory to industry collaborations MORE from metallurgy to engineering to health technology. His current focus is on assistive technologies for READ and enhance career experience through a 3-5 month paid PhD internship. Read more about Professor the aged and disabled that will enrich the lives Tegart’s latest work on page 28. Melbourne-born Professor Tegart completed his of ordinary people. PhD in Metallurgy in the University of Sheffield in 1959. He was elected a Fellow in 1976, shortly after Professor Tegart joked that his passion for Image: Mike Hounslow, Greg Tegart the Academy’s inception. He served as Secretary assistive technology came “with a degree of and Miles Stevenson. Image: of the Federal Department of Science and self-interest”, but he has no plans to retire Courtesy of University of Sheffield. Technology from 1981-1984. just yet.

DELIVERED BY SUPPORTED BY aprintern.org.au

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APR_ATSE-FOCUS_AD.indd 1 15/8/19 1:23 pm Movers & Shakers

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1. Veena Sahajwalla 6ABC. Peter Klinken, Chris Pigram 11. Erica Smyth 16. Chennupati Jagadish 21. David Abramson Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources The Federal Government announced that and Margaret Sheil Dr Erica Smyth AC has been awarded the Professor Chennupati Jagadish has been Professor David Abramson has been elected Management Board. Professor Veena Sahajwalla will lead the Professor Peter Klinken AC, Dr Christopher Western Australia Business Award 2019 elected a Foreign Fellow of the European as this year’s President of the Computing new ARC Research Hub for Microrecycling Pigram AM and Professor Margaret Sheil AO for her ground-breaking work over 45 years in Academy of Sciences. He also led this year’s Research and Education Association of 27. Vaughan Beck of Battery and Consumer Wastes. She has have been appointed to the Australian Space the sector. delegation of young Australian physicists Australasia (CORE). Dr Vaughan Beck AM has been appointed also been appointed Executive Director of Agency Advisory Group. to the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings in to the NT Environment Protection Authority. the newly announced Circular Economy 12. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Germany. 22. Tony Weiss Innovation Network (CEIN). 7ABCD. Mark Cassidy, Lyn Beazley, Peter Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has been elected to Professor Tony Weiss AM has been elected the 28. Karen Reynolds the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts 17. Peter Høj next President of the Tissue Engineering and Academy Director Professor Karen Reynolds Corke and Alexander Zelinsky Institute of Technology. Regenerative Medicine International Society. 2. Ian Chubb Professor Mark Cassidy, Professor Lyn Professor Peter Høj has been awarded the has been awarded the Flinders University Former Australian Chief Scientist Professor Beazley AO, Distinguished Professor Peter Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University Convocation Medal. of Adelaide. He has also received the Council Ian Chubb AO has been appointed Chair Corke and Professor Alexander Zelinsky AO 13. Peter Yates 23. Deo Prasad Elect of national peak pain organisation have been elected Fellows of the Australian Dr Peter Yates AM delivered the prestigious for Advancement and Support of Education Professor Deo Prasad AO has received the Painaustralia. (CASE) award for Asia-Pacific Leadership. 29. Fiona Stapleton Academy of Science. Ralph Slatyer address on science and society Australian Institute of Architects’ National Professor Fiona Stapleton has received the at the opening of the Collaborate Innovate Leadership in Sustainability Awards 2019. H Barry Collin medal for outstanding research 3. Emily Hilder 8. Bruce Godfrey 2019 conference. 18. Min Gu from Optometry Australia. Professor Emily Hilder has been named Dr Bruce Godfrey gave a seminar to the Distinguished Professor Min Gu has been 24ABCD. Marlene Kanga, Judy Raper, as a new member of the South Australian Parliament of Victoria on the future of energy 14. Margaret Hartley appointed Executive Chancellor of the Premier’s Science and Innovation Council. University Council at University of Shanghai Bronwyn Evans and Elizabeth Taylor 30. Anne Simmons storage. Academy CEO Dr Margaret Hartley spoke on Dr Marlene Kanga AM, Professor Judy Professor Anne Simmons has become the closing panel of the Collaborate Innovate for Science and Technology (USST). USST also named him Distinguished Professor for Future Raper AM, Dr Bronwyn Evans and Professor inaugural Provost at the University of 4. Tanya Monro 2019 conference. The theme of the panel was Elizabeth Taylor were recognised among New South Wales. Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist Professor 9. David Hurley “maximising research impact”. Optics in the School of Optical-Electrical and Honorary Fellow HE David Hurley AC DSC Computer Engineering. “10 of Australia’s influential women in Tanya Monro has won the 2019 South has been sworn in as Governor-General of engineering” by Create magazine on Australian Award for Excellence in Women’s International Women’s Day. 31. Katherine Woodthorpe Australia. 15. Bogdan Dlugogorski Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO has been Leadership. Professor Bogdan Dlugogorski has been 19. Eric Wolanski The EU Council Presidency invited Professor appointed Chair of the Bushfire and appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor and 25. Sarah Ryan Natural Hazards CRC. 10. Leanna Read Vice-President, Research and Innovation Eric Wolanski to give a talk in Bucharest 5. Richard Williams Uniseed, the early stage commercialisation Dr Sarah Ryan has been appointed to The Royal Academy of Engineering in the at Charles Darwin University. in May. fund run by universities and the CSIRO, has the Director Advisory Panel of ASIC for a 32. Graeme Jameson UK has awarded Professor Richard Williams appointed Dr Leanna Read to its board. four-year term. OBE one of its highest accolades, the 20. Bronwyn Fox Professor Graeme Jameson AO is a winner of President’s Medal. Professor Bronwyn Fox has secured $1 the Coalition for Eco-Efficient Comminution’s million through the Global Innovation 26. Di Davidson 2019 Technical Medal. Linkages Program for a project focused on The South Australian Government manufacturing high-volume lightweight has appointed Di Davidson AM as the composites. Presiding Member of the South Australian 60 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 61 VALE

Sir Arvi Parbo AC Kt FTSE The Academy mourns the loss of a towering “Sir Arvi is an inspirational example of how figure in Australian mining, engineering and talent and hard work can pay off. Born business with the death on 1 May of Sir Arvi in Estonia, he settled in Australia in 1949, Parbo AC Kt FTSE. graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering with first class honours from the University Sir Arvi was appointed managing director of Adelaide just six years later. of Western Mining Corporation in 1971 and chairman in 1974. He stepped down as “His career was stellar. He is credited for MD in 1986, but stayed on as executive discovering and establishing Olympic chairman until 1990 and chairman Dam, one of the world’s most significant thereafter. From 1989 to 1992, he chaired deposits of copper, gold, silver and uranium BHP. and still being worked by BHP today.

He received a knighthood for services to “We benefited from those attributes industry in 1978 and was the inaugural here at the Academy. Sir Arvi served on President of the Business Council of our Council from 1988 to 1997 and as a Australia from 1983 to 1984. Vice-President from 1989 to 1992, before becoming President. He will be sorely Sir Arvi was elected to the Academy in 1977 missed.” and served a three-year term as our fourth President (1995-1997). The Academy expresses its condolences to Sir Arvi’s wife, Lady Saima Parbo, their three Image: Sir Arvi Parbo, 1993 by William Dargie. Academy President, Professor Hugh children, Ellen, Peter and Martin, and six Collection: National Portrait Gallery, Canberra. Bradlow FTSE, paid tribute to Sir Arvi’s grandchildren. Gift of Alcoa World Alumina Australia, 2005. contribution both to the Academy and to Image courtesy of National Portrait Gallery, Australian industry. Canberra.

Tim Andrew Fischer AC FTSE I would like to touch on Tim Fischer’s tranche of seeds – 15 boxes containing contributions in three areas where I have 10,069 samples, including one from his been involved – the Crawford Fund, the Boree Creek farm. Crop Trust (previously the Global Crop Diversity Trust) and the Country Education Finally Tim was Patron of the Country Foundation. Education Foundation (CEF), based in NSW. This organisation is community-based Tim was appointed Crawford Chairman and helps rural youth to improve their in 1999 for a five-year term, was Patron education and career prospects. for several years, and was appointed an Honorary Academy Fellow in 2000. I last saw Tim at the May meeting of the Academy’s Victorian Division meeting, He was persuaded by the then Crawford Tim Fischer carrying Australian seeds into the Fund CEO, Dr Bob Clements AO FTSE, to where I was talking about the future of Svalbard Global Seed Vault, within the Arctic Circle. convince the Australian Government to agriculture and Svalbard. He had called to support the fledgling Global Crop Diversity say that the doctors wouldn’t let him out Trust, with its aim to conserve plant of hospital. Five minutes into the talk he genetic resources. snuck into the back of the room.

Tim’s appointment as Ambassador to the A very fine, passionate and generous Holy See in 2008 brought him close to FAO person whose passing will be a terrible (the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation) blow to all Australians and especially to his and the headquarters of the Trust, and my family. I for one will miss him terribly – no own Bioversity International. more phone calls about the rain, or crops, or an obscure railway branch line near Murtoa, Tim was Vice-Chair of the Crop Trust from or Mark Twain visiting Horsham! 2013 – 2017 and subsequently Chair in 2018. He visited the Svalbard Global Seed Vault This tribute was written by Tony Gregson AM in February 2014 to help the Australian FTSE. A longer version can be found at contingent deposit Australia’s second atse.org.au.

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goldsponsorship.indd 2 7/31/19 6:47 AM 65 VALE SEP—19 IMPACT IMPACT Bernard retired as Executive Director Director as Executive retired Bernard when began in 1994 work major His next headto the ideal person was Bernard the this position, from When he retired an Honorary awarded In 2002 he was work to asked was In 2008 Bernard skills in partnership great Bernard’s him an Honorary awarded UWA aged 2019, died on 19 March Bernard Spurling Tom Quinn and Peter By were recognised nationally in 1978 when he when in 1978 nationally recognised were to be Australian became the Western sixth Academy. the of a Fellow as elected Fisheries on 15 of the Department of he joined after 40 years 1991, November he course, of But, Officer. as a Statistical The Commonwealth retire. really didn’t three- a to him appointed immediately the newly of as Director term year Fisheries Management Australian formed of Chair appointed was He Authority. Advisory Fisheries Division the CSIRO the National one of of Chair Committee, reference Report the Environment of State with many involved and became groups projects. other the of Deputy Chair appointed he was He Agency. Protection Environmental WA in 1997 and Chair the full-time became 2003. position until that in remained understood He completely the EPA. to “social licence industry’s that included sound environmental operate” abouttalking He enjoyed management. politicians bureaucrats, industry, to this and the public. interpret to a glossary produced staff “I see” example, For sayings. Bernard’s a load it’s but you, understood “I’ve means it”. I’ll ignore rubbish so of University Murdoch Science by of Doctor research, fisheries to his contributions for and management marine resource protection. environmental a capability in could develop WA out how Australia that time, At radioastronomy. a new of the location for a contender was the Square called megascience project the largest be This would Array. Kilometre in facility astronomical ground-based quiet the radio and it needed the world Western of the midwest conditions in mapping its goal of achieve to Australia the universe. of the early history the form to action called into building were Astronomy Radio for Centre International UWA of venture as a joint (ICRAR) Research as served Bernard and Curtin University. 2009 from the ICRAR Board of the chair the SKA through 2016 and guided it to a world- into decision and its growth site in astronomy. centre leading research to In 2017, in 2016. Letters of Doctorate the to contribution Bernard’s recognise and astronomy Australian of development with in partnership ICRAR project, the SKA gave Union, Astronomical the International namethe new UO4 1991 (6196) Planet Minor “Bernardbowen”. four Esmé, by his wife He is survived 88. and 11 grandchildren. daughters The barefoot country lad took a while to a while took lad country The barefoot UWA from graduated Bernard In 1951, books giving Bernard started Fraser a decade or over research, Bernard’s the age of at in 1968, time, this About Australian Western the in 2000, Later, as a research appointed When he was and persuasion through But Bernard, model of Bowen The Bernard so to do. The family decided that whenthat decided The family do. to so Bernard PMS, attend to Perth to she went College. Wesley at become a boarder would excelled but eventually Wesley in at settle the sporting academically and on both The at a science degree He began fields. in 1949. Australia Western of University and in mathematics with a double major work and started mathematics, statistical the Department in Officer the Statistical as The in November. Fisheries and Fauna of Alec Fraser, the Department, Head of no ordinary this was that soon recognised officer. statistical doto him for arranged about fisheries, in then, and UWA at major a zoology officer the research him appointed 1957, research created the newly of in charge task His main the department. division of lobsters. learn all about rock to was the to happens what established so, is the egg, from it hatches lobster: rock off well and currents by winds transported about 12 months, for shelf the continental and form dwelling its reef to changes grounds water its shallow to then returns This lobster. rock a mature looking like to be able to department the enabled work withinto population the lobster’s predict world-class This was cent. about 10 per research! the of Director appointed was Bernard 37, He Fauna. Fisheries and of Department his research convert to able therefore was plan. a fisheries management findings into the in the first was fishery lobster rock and be certified as a sustainable to world the International fishery by well-managed few Very Council. Marine Stewardship from through research their see scientists result. a completed to beginning very the wastasks Bernard’s of one in 1957, officer and with CSIRO sound linkages establish to this think that might sounds an You UWA. and in universities We but it isn’t. task, easy that think generally organisations research – certainly can do it all by ourselves we Western a small the help of without laboratory! government Australia the assemble all to managed charm, lobster- his rock solve to needed resources us Many of problems. and other related he where Bernard had phone calls from in a highly involved he was that explained could only succeed that activity significant by someone with our with participation and wisdom! intellect replicated has been research collaborative reinvented was It the country. all around the early 2000s in Government WA the by MarineAustralian the Western as WAMSI, contributions Bernard’s Science Institute.

The family moved to Marradong where where Marradong to moved The family primary Marradong to went Bernard her for studied Gwenyth, sister, His elder A member of the Founding Committee in Committee the Founding of member A the North co-founded In 1992 Mr in 2003 a Fellow elected North was Mr to deeply committed He was Australians prepare better to He strived aged 85. 2019, died on 19 March North Mr How a bare-foot kid from kid from a bare-foot How a have to came Marradong him after named planet minor born on 6 October was Bowen Bernard the Great of the start at 1930 in Perth theat a fitter was His father Depression. the Western of Midland Workshops Railway lost but Railways Government Australian this job in 1932. the shop, ran and father mother Bernard’s depot. and petrol exchange telephone so other 14 or along with school, then did He seven. he was until children, and years two school for correspondence for Boddington to the 14km his bike rode that decided his mother until year another option. the best was correspondence and by correspondence Certificate Leaving Modern School Perth to a scholarship won student correspondence the first (PMS), Bernard Bowen Bowen Bernard AM FTSE the University of Sydney. The Warren Warren The Sydney. of the University and government brings industry, Centre thought to create together academia and technology, in engineering, leadership innovation. Director as Board serve to on he went 1979, and was Chairman 1996-2007, 1982-2007, Governor. Life named an Honorary which Innovation, for Centre Australian and policies for strategies developed the in and innovation technology science, as He continued sectors. public and private up in it wound until the Centre of a Director January 2019. the NSW of member an active and was thethen the Council, on He served Division. the Health of a member and was Board, forums. and Innovation Technology the of a member He was sustainability. for advocate a proud Rome, Club of with his change and, on climate action of protector a passionate Ronwyn, wife owls. powerful Australia’s a changing future. for

He attained a Bachelor of Mechanical of a Bachelor He attained listed several Chairman of North was Mr a driving force North was Peter Lou was also an Academician of the of Academician also an was Lou almostto co-author or author He was the prestigious awarded was Lou In 2018, his of terms a legacy in behind He leaves Trevor Dr Brian Edwards, Dr to thanks With his mark Peter John John North Peter AM FTSE made industry of Captain the in a leader was North John Peter sectors engineering and automotive the into insight who had a profound emerging of character transformative technology. the University at Engineering with Honours in Business Sydney in 1958 and a Master of Harvard at with Distinction Administration in 1960. University engineering heavy the wine, companies in He served industries. transport and bulk in many organisations, roles in senior Australia, Ford including McKinsey & Co, Consulting, Streeton British Leyland, Heggies Blass, Mildara Leighton, Cochlear, the and Austrans Bishops Bulkhaul, Sydney. of University Advanced for Centre Warren the behind withinthinktank a strategic Engineering, and later made a Fellow of Clare Hall. He Hall. Clare of made a Fellow and later Institute Australian the of also a Fellow was Society American Ceramic the Physics, of Society. Ceramic Australian the and a long-time Ceramics, of Academy World Society Research the Materials of member Nuclear Australian the of and a member Association. journals or 400 articles in international He held editorial proceedings. conference of a number for roles advisory board and/or journals. academic esteemed Dr the late with jointly Award, CEO ANSTO research his sustained for Mark Reinhard, his scientific of It is a measure contribution. the within and achievements leadership scale a commercial that program Synroc under is currently plant processing Synroc site. ANSTO the on construction and approach science but also his attitude He is 2019. March died on 7 Lou life. to Julia and children Jan, by his wife survived grandchildren. and four Michael, K and Graeme Daniel Gregg Dr Finlayson, From his school years at nearby Stawell, nearby Stawell, at his school years From in Physics with a PhD graduating After and Jan, with his wife, He finally settled embraced research Vance’s Professor waste-form of on his knowledge Drawing Academy the of a Fellow elected He was This work often extended into the into extended often This work 2019 died on 6 March Potts Professor AMOG Consulting. to With thanks Eric Raymond “Lou” Vance Eric Vance “Lou” Raymond FTSE AO discovery of full life Physicist’s known Vance Raymond Eric Professor and his friends all of almost to as Lou Victoria in Ararat born in was colleagues, in 1942. remarkable showed Vance Professor sharp achievement, scholastic capacity for He had and unusual inventiveness. insight and football cricket an early passion for and golf tennis, play to and continued his life. throughout bridge Professor in 1968, Monash University from positions in research held several Vance the USA. and the UK Canada, Australia, in a Julia and Michael, children, two their he researched There ANSTO. position with safely for an artificial mineral Synroc, elements. radioactive various locking away the physics of areas many different of and included studies materials, of neutron alloys, in metallic magnetism in diamonds and other effects irradiation and glass ceramics of properties minerals, geopolymers. in Canada, his research from technology and theapplying this to enthusiastically within progressed Lou program, Synroc Research Senior to being promoted ANSTO, Research Chief to in 1987 and Scientist in 2001. Scientist awarded was Lou In 2007, in 2003. at work to Fellowship the Leverhulme Sciences, in Earth Cambridge University plans, project management, specification management, project plans, contract evaluation, tender development, . contracts. of and assessment negotiation forensic investigation, failure of field expert of the provision engineering and also was Potts Professor witness services. ropes wire steel of the area an authority in used in marinerope systems and fibre applications. Sue and by his wife He is survived aged 59. six children.

SEP—19 IMPACT IMPACT In 1991 Professor Potts founded the founded Potts In 1991 Professor by a motivated was Potts Professor to his commitment for Renowned the science of his passions was One of oil and gas the offshore in His work technical and manager skilled project A Born in 1959, Professor Potts graduated graduated Potts Professor Born in 1959, of Reading in 1993. Reading of which Group, Marine Offshore Australian AMOG Consulting. as trade to on went gas, the oil, in AMOG does engineering work and energy renewable transport, mining, the his leadership, Under sectors. defence humble beginnings from company grew that become a global consultancy to continents. five across operates a passion engineering, to dedication sharing histo a devotion innovation, for a Elected excel. to and drive knowledge he championed engineering in 2017, Fellow with partnerships through excellence and academia. governments companies, Professor and development, research spearheaded awards, numerous won Potts developed projects, industry leading joint and presented technology patented around conferences at papers technical the globe. nature from features the use of biomimicry: He mechanical engineering outcomes. for that on cactuses the fluting researched these high winds and applied withstand drills. resilient design more to insights fixed to relating including projects sector submarine structures, offshore and floating such systems pipelines and highly flexible was an He risers. as moorings and flexible numerical and finite in advanced expert analyses and physical modelelement facilities, and designed criteria, testing, and installations. operations structures, provided often Potts Professor engineer, business cases, advice in legal specialist Offshore Engineering at the University the University Engineering at Offshore A deep legacy in the world in the world legacy A deep was Potts Elmhirst Andrew Professor VALE Potts Elmhirst Andrew FTSE drilling of and luminary entrepreneur an engineer, in who made global breakthroughs drilling. offshore with a Bachelor Monash University from in in 1983 and a Master’s Engineering of Engineering Science Offshore-Structural his PhD in He completed in 1989. 64 VALE VALE

the Academy in 1982. He completed his Bachelor of Civil 2006, Fellow, Institute of Wood In March his pioneering research into Before coming to Australia, Keeva was a Engineering at the University of Melbourne Science (UK). fighting contamination was awarded household name in the geophysical world. in 1950 and Master of Engineering in 1954. He was on the governing boards of many $4.7 million in federal funding. Laureate By 1958 he was known as the “father of 3D After securing a scholarship, he completed organisations including CRC Forestry, Tiaki Professor Sloan and his colleague Dr EM modelling”, and in 1969, the “father of his PhD in 1955 at Cambridge University. Plantations, Taswood Growers, Hancock, Brett Turner investigated the use of hemp 2D magnetotelluric (MT) inversion”. These Because of the support he received Forests and Wood Products, Timber seed proteins to treat water and soil milestone achievements were continued at the beginning of his career, Professor Training, Lignotek, Timber Promotions contaminated by per- and poly- fluoroalkyl at Macquarie when, in 1975 he became the Stevens championed the creation of Council, Institute of Foresters and the substances, or PFAS. “father” of “Joint Inversion of DC resistivity scholarship opportunities throughout his School of Forestry, Creswick. PFAS are human-made chemicals that and MT” and in 1978, “3D MT modelling”. academic life. These initiatives included He is survived by his wife Sandra, two have been widely used in food wrappers, the Melbourne School of Engineering daughters and five grandchildren. textile stains, insecticides, electronics and Keeva’s international involvement Foundation, which was established in With thanks to timberbiz.com.au. fire-fighting foams. Waste PFAS build up in included serving on ad-hoc committees 1982 under his three-term leadership as food chains, threaten biota, cause cancer of Soviet-Australia and Indo-Australia Dean. He went on to become Head of the and almost never degrade. Keeva Vozoff Department of Civil Engineering at the Ian Stewart Ferguson Conventional treatments for PFAS AO FTSE scientific and technical cooperation from AM FTSE 1974 to 1975. He was also an honorary school. contamination are expensive and often A pioneer in electrical geophysics fellow of the Association of Exploration Professor Stevens was involved in some Timber expert modernised forest ineffective. Laureate Professor Sloan’s Geophysicists of India and an Alexander of Australia’s most important building sector remarkable research contributions will Professor Keeva Vozoff FTSE was a pioneer von Humboldt fellow in Germany in 1992- projects, such as the Arts Centre in improve the lives of thousands of people in in electrical geophysics, an outstanding 1993. Melbourne and the Australian Academy of The local and international forestry Australia and around the world. educator and mentor to students and Although not an Australian by birth, Science’s Shine Dome. He was the engineer industry lost an outstanding leader in Professor Brett Ninness, the University colleagues in Australia and overseas. Keeva has always been one of the locals, assessor for the New Parliament House forest science with the death of Emeritus of Newcastle Pro Vice-Chancellor for Keeva was well known internationally endearing him to his colleagues and design competition and was a design Professor Ian Ferguson, who died on 10 July, the Faculty of Engineering and Built for his outstanding achievements associates. He has been happily married consultant for the building’s construction. aged 84. Environment, described Laureate Professor in geophysical instrumentation, since 1957 to charming and ever-supportive Professor Stevens’ advice was highly Professor Ferguson was born in Sloan as an “iconic leader” who led the mathematical modelling and earth Elizabeth and they have four children and sought after by industry. He played key December 1935 in Melbourne. He University of Newcastle onto the world sciences. six grandchildren. roles in the inquiry into the Westgate Bridge completed a Bachelor of Science majoring stage. His international awards include Scott William Sloan Many of us have worked closely collapse and its subsequent redesign as in Forestry at the University of Melbourne “His personal research accomplishments Honorary Membership in the Society of AO FTSE and spent a lot time with Keeva. Our well as the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy. before completing his masters and were a vital part of that journey,” Professor Exploration Geophysicists in 1985 (the first professional and personal lives have Elected a Fellow of the Academy in 1984, doctorate at Yale University. Geotechnical engineer made the Ninness said. “But, strong as they were, in the southern hemisphere) for “scientific been enriched greatly by his intellect and he contributed to the climate change, After stints as a lecturer at the University world safer they were eclipsed by his vision and contributions to electrical methods in wisdom, his open sharing of knowledge and digital futures, energy and infrastructure of Melbourne and at the Australian leadership to nurture and empower future petroleum and minerals exploration, service his impish sense of fun and friendship. forums, and served on the membership National University he was appointed in Laureate Professor Scott William Sloan generations of leading researchers and to professional organisations worldwide, Professor Vozoff died in Sydney on July selection panel. 1981 as Foundation Professor of Forest was a pioneering geotechnical engineer teachers.” and particularly his leadership in research 18 2019, age 91. Professor Stevens was awarded a Science at the University of Melbourne. who was recognised around the world for Scott Sloan died on 23 April 2019 and is and postgraduate teaching of geophysics This tribute was written by Dr Brian Spies Member of the Order of Australia in 2005 There he also held many senior his work in soil stability analysis. survived by his wife Denise and children. in Australia.” FTSE, Secretary of the Academy’s NSW for outstanding contribution to the field of appointments including Head of the He was born in Mildura, Victoria, in 1954 His vision, talents and generosity will be He received the prestigious Reginald Division. engineering, and to education. Although School of Forestry, Dean of the Faculty and graduated from Monash University sorely missed. Fessenden Award from the SEG in 2009, at he formally retired in 1990 he continued to of Agriculture and Forestry, Pro Vice- with a Bachelor of Engineering and Master With acknowledgement to the University the age of 81, for technical contributions consult, research and collaborate with the Chancellor and President of the Academic of Engineering. He went on to study at the of Newcastle. in 3D electromagnetic modelling and University of Melbourne until December Board. University of Cambridge where, in 1981, he mathematical inversion. 2017 – a remarkable feat for a man by then Professor Ferguson was elected a Fellow was awarded a PhD for numerical analysis Born in Minnesota, he obtained his first in his 90s. of the Academy in 1992, participating in the of incompressible and plastic solids using degree, in physics, in 1949. Then followed an Few people have influenced engineering Agriculture Forum from 2014 until his death. finite elements. MSc from Pennsylvania State in 1951 and a in Australia as Professor Stevens did. As He retired in 2003 and was appointed Passionate about cross-disciplinary PhD at MIT in 1956. an educator, he taught generations of Professor Emeritus. research, Laureate Professor Sloan From 1951 to 1993, Keeva applied engineering students, occasionally from During his working life, he also worked worked in the broad area of geotechnical his talents to private geophysical the same family. Many past students note with the Forests Department of Western engineering, with a special emphasis on companies including Geophysical Service. how his wise counsel made a significant Australia and in a number of senior computational methods. Academically, he was a visiting Professor impact on their course and career positions with the Australian National For more than three decades he worked at the University of Alberta, the University decisions. University. at the University of Newcastle, where he of California (Berkeley) and at the Professor Stevens died on Professor Ferguson was a highly was laureate Professor of Civil Engineering. University of Cologne. Leonard “Len” Kelman 17 August 2018, aged 93. He is survived by respected international expert in forest He was Director of an ARC Centre of Keeva moved to Australia in 1972 to take his wife Fay and three children. economics, policy and management and Excellence for Geotechnical Science and up the inaugural appointment of Professor Stevens With thanks to the University of Melbourne. served on numerous boards and chaired Engineering, and an ARC Laureate Fellow. of Geophysics at Macquarie University. AM FTSE a major government enquiry into the Laureate Professor Sloan was elected Courtney “Ned” John He immediately set to work to build his Engineer helped create iconic timber industry that was instrumental in a Fellow of the Academy in 2000. He was Denton Williams network of Australian collaborators and Australian structures. modernising the Victorian forest sector. also a Fellow of the Royal Society and the FTSE introduced the magnetotelluric method His achievements included 1953-57, Australian Academy of Science. In 2005 Pyro-metallurgist transformed for deep crustal exploration, which was Emeritus Professor Leonard “Len” Kelman a Commonwealth Forestry Scholarship; Engineers Australia named him one of the smelting quickly embraced by the Bureau of Mineral Stevens made major contributions to 1962, a Fulbright Travel Grant; 1962-63, 100 Most Influential Engineers. He delivered Resources, the federal geoscience agency. Australian engineering over his six-decade Yale University Scholarship; 1963-65, Yale the prestigious Rankine Lecture in 2011 and, Courtney John Denton (Ned) Williams In 1981 he established the Centre for career. University Fellowship; 1989, MR Jacobs in 2015, the NSW Government named him was born in Cardiff in 1923 and became Geophysical Exploration Research, an After serving as a flying officer in the Oration; 1989, Fellow, Institute of Foresters Scientist of the Year. one of the foremost pyro-metallurgists in institute unique in Australia at that time. Pacific during World War II, Professor of Australia; 1989, Fellow, Royal Australian In 2018, Laureate Professor Sloan was the world. He was a globally recognised The Centre conducted groundbreaking Stevens arrived at the Melbourne School Institute of Parks and Recreation (now made an Officer of the Order of Australia authority on suspension smelting of non- research in geophysics and hosted visiting of Engineering during a boom in student Parks and Leisure, Australia); NW Jolly (AO) for distinguished service to education, ferrous metals, particularly nickel and post-graduates from many countries. numbers. He was given the opportunity to Medal: Institute of Foresters of Australia; particularly in the field of geotechnical copper. Keeva retained the chair at Macquarie until study engineering thanks to a government 2003, Centenary Medal, Commonwealth engineering, as an academic and In 1947 he graduated from Sydney 1991 and continued to be active in research reconstruction training scheme for those of Australia; 2005, Erskine Visiting Fellow, researcher to professional associations, Technical College with an Associateship until last year. He was elected a Fellow of who had served in the war. University of Canterbury, New Zealand; and and as a mentor of young engineers. qualification.

66 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 67 69 VALE SEP—19 IMPACT IMPACT Dr Hobbs was a visiting Professor visiting Professor a Hobbs was Dr a he was During 1983 and 1984 with he worked career his Throughout Academy the to elected Hobbs was Dr remarkable his many One of an advisory also chaired Hobbs Dr five led a consortium of Hobbs Dr Amaero of executive chief He was Hobbs died on his 78th Professor His career with BHP lasted 37 years, 37 years, lasted BHP with His career and Port Melbourne spanning Newcastle, became ultimately He would Kembla. Research. Manager, General BHP’s in Ontario, University McMaster at time he developed this During 1978–1979. Advanced on course an industry and ran for American Society the for Manufacturing Metals. Technical Motors General to Consultant Group), Manufacturing (Advanced Center Project. Car the Saturn on Michigan Warren, advisory bodies. government various in award a Clunies Ross He won in 1996. the award in participated 1997 and later the Energy as as well process, selection forums. and Innovation the of his preparation was achievements the of establishment Science Case for with He assisted Synchrotron. Australian during itsthe facility of management stage. commissioning and formative the Monash of operation for committee Microscopy. Electron for Centre University transmission housed four This centre scanning three microscopes, electron a dual-beam microscopes, electron and microscope ion beam (FIB) focused probes. atom three-dimensional two the governments, two state companies, CSIRO Organisation, Acquisition Defence and three Technology Manufacturing the to establish Cooperative universities MicroTechnology, for Centre Research which he chaired. of company a spin-off Engineering, Additive of Centre Monash University’s he led this role In (MCAM). Manufacturing 3D printed first the world’s of the creation engine. jet Barbara. to married He was birthday. Born on 13 May 1941, he attained a he attained Born on 13 May 1941, in he worked In 1964 he joined BHP Mr McDonald joined the Utah McDonald joined Mr of UDC in a number He also represented a elected McDonald was In 1988 Mr aged July 2019, died on 2 McDonald Mr Manager of the Queensland Coal of Manager in 1976 Operations in 1978 Vice-President in 1981 Vice-President Senior in 1982 Vice-President Executive in 1985. Manager and General President of Chamber the Queensland of President Mines Minerals the University Chairman of Advisory Industry Committee Coalthe Queensland Deputy Chairman of Association Industry Australian the of Council Member Association Research Research Energy the Solar of Member Queensland. of University Council, FTSE Robert Melville Hobbs Melville Robert leaves scientist Synchrotron legacy historic who an engineer was Hobbs Robert Dr of a range to contributions made historic to 3D printing. metallurgy from fields, with (Metallurgy) Engineering of Bachelor in 1963, Melbourne University at Honours later years Five in 1965. and his Masters of the University his PhD at he completed Manchester. and the research with roles various the company. of organisations technical Bridge. In the early 1960s, Mr McDonald Mr the early 1960s, In Bridge. Bacon with Ford, engineer a resident was of on reconstruction and worked and Davis In line. railway Townsville to Isa the Mount the to an engineer/manager 1965 he was Board. Harbour Gladstone and in 1969, Company (UDC) Development of the early development in participated to appointed He was Hay Point. the port at including: the company, in roles various • • • • • as: He served associations. industry • • • • • and became anAcademy the of Fellow for the British Empire of the Order of Officer a He was mining industry. the in his work Medal in 2001. a Centenary of recipient and Laxie, the late to married He was 92. Ann and by his daughters is survived great- and seven six grandchildren Morag, grandchildren.

Roger’s son, Jeremy Banks, lovingly lovingly Banks, Jeremy son, Roger’s boards various and on “In his career “Roger Melissa Banks recalled: Daughter all sum up in words to me for “It is hard died on 26 Banks FTSE Roger Edgar Dr and Melissa Banks to thanks With In 1950 Mr McDonald graduated in McDonald graduated In 1950 Mr He was elected a Fellow of the Academy the of a Fellow elected He was Foundation from 1997-2007. from Foundation Melbourne University Engineering Melbourne University Accident Research Centre – 2005 Centre Research Accident for the Board Chairman of an Honorary 1992-2005 Monash University for member a Board 1990-1993 from VicRoads of member a Board School Top-Enders 1992-2001 from councillor an RACV Club from the RACV of President a member of the Rumour Tank the Rumour of a member Grammar the Brighton of a member Doctorate an Honorary awarded He was Melbourne. of the University by hero” “greatest as his his father recalled who used a fountain gentleman “a and a briefcase. a suit and carried wore pen, tough of examples numerous are there avoid would others that decisions he made not vision or lack of self-interest, to due His motivation be unpopular. to wanting the all in good for the greater always was flawless.” and his logic was situation, public speaking as well at excellent was say heto he used as speaking in general; cement. wet under talk could up our made that qualities various the caring, a loving, was Roger character. Dad’s hard-working, persistent, funny, supportive, and reliable calm, positive, dedicated, could go on and on.” the list person, selfless 87. aged January 2018, Banks. Jeremy

• • • • • Gavin Samuel McDonald Gavin OBE FTSE made Mining engineer impact lasting a was OBE FTSE Samuel McDonald Gavin who made significant and innovator leader and Queensland industry to contributions the born in 1927 in was He infrastructure. just Camooweal, of town small Queensland border. Territory Northern the of 12km east the University Civil Engineering from as an Queensland and begun work of the Queensland Co-ordinator with engineer with worked He Department. General’s Somerset in constructing the Government Hydro- (Kareeya) Falls Tully the Dam, Victoria and Brisbane’s Project electric Marketing and by 1980, the Director of of the Director and by 1980, Marketing visionary much a Very Strategy. Corporate about digital talked he the internet, before being the future and systems, switching computers transfer, data storage, in data and communications. but remained in 1988 He retired in 1983. as: active Club Athenaeum the of • a member • • The talented student played sport and student talented The the to a scholarship won Roger in line work various in involved was Roger for scholarship another he won In 1955, children from tribute In a heartfelt Molly May Carmichael from met Roger in England helped experience Roger’s the with also involved He was workingthe chair to continued Roger presented Roger in 1964, York In New the the split of to Roger, According became a Scout and Signals Cadet. His Scout and Signals Cadet. became a violin began with music of love lifelong recreational and he played in a lessons, the to transitioning life, capacity later into cello in his early 50s. him gave which Melbourne, of University allowing Office, the Post with a cadetship After the job and study. on work to him full-time studyto transferred he years two in 1953 with a Bachelor and graduated Engineering with first-class Electrical of honours. Adelaide the Geelong to Victoria, Western in on wires work tension special and border this subject on a paper He wrote Bendigo. faults between fix to a call and received and of, the promise with Adelaide and Perth to 1 engineer a Gr from promotion eventual 3 engineer. a Gr to the Orion and sailed on young engineers switching the latest learn about to England the his boss at He convinced technologies. companies visit five to him allow to time of range a diverse so he could collect in developments future for information British Ericsson, GEC, visited He Australia. spending Austel, British Siemens and STC, with each. months three inthat they recalled Jeremy, Melissa and the house to came 1972 a long black car the them to and took Steam Ship Canberra an executive was Roger England. bound for in Telecommunications Plessey for existence and had a picturesque Liverpool village with a beautiful in Heswall, in paddocks. and horses roads cobblestone they married and Lancashire, Derby, West arriving back in Melbourne just in 1956, finished. the 1956 Olympic Games had after the Office in choosing the Post him assist System. Switching Bar M Ericsson Cross L the subject on paper an extensive He wrote published in the Telecommunications in 1961. Australia Journal of and Telephone Telegraph International and (CCITT) Committee Consultative partythe working chairman of appointed sending Networks, Automatic National for meetings. regular for the world him around his until CCITT for party meetings The assemblies July 1968. in resignation including locations various held in were Stockholm, York, New Geneva, Montreal, home in Melbourne. Munich and also at along with a handbook his plenary report Automatic National the Manual of called Networks. the newly service and postal Australian needed Australia meant Telecom formed Head of was Roger Telecom, At him.

Professor Rickard lectured in veterinary veterinary in lectured Rickard Professor the of Chief till 2001 he was 1989 From the with worked Rickard Professor He won international acclaim for acclaim for international He won many received Rickard Professor Professor in 1992, a Fellow Elected aged June, died on 25 Rickard Professor Veterinary Australian the to With thanks Edgar Roger Banks Roger Edgar FTSE visionary Telecommunications leader Telecom became the eldest was FTSE Banks Roger Edgar Dr and Hilda Banks. Raymond to born four of South Primary Camberwell attended He excelling Grammar, then Brighton School and Dux. School Captain as a Prefect, Veterinary Science by Thesis from the from Thesis by Science Veterinary in 1979. Melbourne of University from University Massey at parasitology in became Reader when he 1969, to 1967 of the University at Parasitology Veterinary 20 years. he held for Melbourne – a role the CSIRO. Animal Health at Division of continued he the CSIRO from retiring After the research in animal welfare for working of Chair and was sector, teaching and Science Welfare Animal the of the Board Centre. and Food Agriculture, of Department impact Fisheries and had a powerful on the development of animal health of the development on policies in Australia. a and commercialising developing sheep protect to vaccine highly effective This is widely infection. parasite against veterinary the in as a milestone recognised of a generation to led and parasitology, vaccines. similar including the Australian honours, and Gilruth Prize Association’s Veterinary the Medal from the Bancroft-Mackerras He Parasitology. for Society Australian papers than 110 research published more and book than 20 reviews and more chapters. recipients the first one of was Rickard on He went Award. Ross a Clunies of the of become a long-time member to an and was Committee, Selection Award’s Forum. the Health of member invaluable three Trish, wife by his He is survived 77. He is grandchildren. and four children missed. sorely Association. SEP—19 IMPACT IMPACT Mr Williams worked as a Smelter Smelter as a worked Williams Mr for responsible Williams was Mr with his pyro- Highly regarded in 1984 a Fellow elected Williams was Mr Medal a Centenary awarded He was 2019, Williams died on 7 March Mr Born in 1941, he graduated from the from he graduated Born in 1941, Superintendent at Electrolytic Refining Refining Electrolytic at Superintendent and 1971 to 1965 from & Smelting Mining Western the at Manager Resident Smelter Nickel Kalgoorlie Corporation, became Deputy He later 1980. to 1971 from Division at the Nickel of Manager General Mining Corporation. Western innovations technical major developing a method Process, the Outokumpu on This sulfur. contain that smelting ores of and highlythe construction in culminated then was what of operation successful in smelter flash nickel pure the largest changes conceptual The major the world. became standard Williams developed Mr furnace. of type this design for Mr worldwide, peers metallurgical the Chinese to advice Williams provided as Chair He also served Government. Environmental Producers the Nickel of a worldwide (NiPERA), Association Research dedicated producers nickel of organisation on health effects nickel’s researching to and the environment. Australian West the of a member and was Division. and in 2003 became a Member in 2001, to service “for Australia of the Order of mining and metallurgical Australian the the in particularly as a leader industries, smelting of suspension of development metals”. non-ferrous the late husband of The loving aged 95. by his sons Bruce survived was Margaret great- two and grandchildren four and Ian, grandchildren. Professor Michael “Mike” Rickard FTSE was FTSE Rickard “Mike” Michael Professor whose immunoparasitologist vetinary a and leadership scientific outstanding on impact had a profound achievements animal welfare. the Science at Veterinary School of He Queensland in 1963. of University his PhD on in 1967 and was completed of Doctor of degree the higher awarded VALE Rickard Michael “Mike” FTSE animal welfare A champion of 68 In her foreword, popular scientific writer Dava Social media is flooded with disinformation Sobel says that in all the romance languages – from conspiracy theories to “deep fakes” Educated Who’s Minding the Farm? The Women of the Moon: the Moon is feminine. Let’s hope that with – that buoys extremism and short-circuits What Tara Westover In this climate emergency Tales of Science, Love, the publication of this noteworthy book the democratic process. YouTube incubates Patrice Newell Sorrow and Courage the naming of Moon craters becomes more bizarre and traumatising algorithm- In Educated, author Tara Westover tells the feminine, too. generated content, directly targeted at kids. we’re harrowing tale of her childhood growing up “Agriculture is a $61 billion industry in Daniel R. Altschuler and And Silicon Valley is creating artificial minds in a Mormon fundamentalist family in Idaho, Australia but one of the biggest culprits of Fernando J. Ballesteros we can’t comprehend, let alone control. United States. environmental damage. As the effects of Of the 1586 lunar craters that have been Deborah Sippitts is an experienced journalist climate change become increasingly obvious, Even academia isn’t immune to information reading Tara’s father, Gene, led his family toward the named to honour scientists and philosophers, and writer, and communications, marketing who’s watching what happens on our farms?” and media professional, who recently worked overload. The “publish or perish” mantra has end of the world, which he believed would only 28 honour women. The Women of the as Communications Manager for SAGE. Over her fuelled the rise of statistical manipulation occur at the stroke of the new millennium. Patrice Newell is an Australian farmer. After Moon asks who these women were, and what career she has often written about technology like p-hacking (or “data dredging”) which Convinced the government was tracking him being given a bulb of purple garlic as a gift has happened to make women “deserve” and science-related topics including energy, threatens the rigour of science itself. and the world was full of sinners, he did not (which she mistakenly ate instead of planted) such a singular lack of recognition. engineering, transport, technology, believe in sending his children to school or she expanded her 4000-hectare olive, honey IT and space. But while Bridle questions the trajectory engaging with society. Surely the answer to the latter is obvious, of our progress, he’s no Luddite. To argue and beef farm in the Hunter Valley, NSW, considering that women have been to also include a successful organic garlic against technology, he writes, “would be to Westover’s account of her childhood is grim in unacknowledged over the centuries and business. argue against ourselves.” Rather, he’s calling many ways. Her family was extremely poor; the International Astronomical Union – the for a deeper, more critical, more human Gene made his seven children work in his Having managed her farm for more than 30 authority for the naming of celestial bodies New Dark Age engagement with the technocratic systems junkyard and the children were often injured years, Newell has a deep understanding of and their surfaces – has been dominated by we take for granted. by their father’s manic efforts to bring in how the changing environment impacts on men since it began in 1919. James Bridle more money. They did not believe in modern While grand treatises usually end up back on her crops, and importantly, how her crops The 28 women range from classical figures What happens when information creates medicine and serious brain and other injuries impact on the land. the shelf with a bookmark forever wedged at went untreated. The whole family lived under like Greek astronomer and mathematician heat rather than light? Technologist James page seven, New Dark Age is a surprisingly the shadow of her father’s delusions. This account of farming life and the Hypatia to intellectual giants like Gerty Bridle contends that as our world grows rollicking read. Bridle writes beautifully, and importance of the human connection to the Cori, a Jewish Austro-Hungarian-American in technological complexity, our ability to illustrates his ideas with fascinating facts Tara’s childhood was filled with fear and land questions the long-term sustainability biochemist who was the first American understand it diminishes – with serious from the history of tech. It’s worth a look for violence, but she gradually managed to of current farming practices. It asks how woman to win a Nobel Prize in science and ramifications. the trivia alone. pull herself out. Despite having no formal population growth, the increasing demand the woman first to win in Physiology or education, she taught herself everything she Medicine. Laser-sharp and well-researched, this Whether you take a dim view of digital for crop and livestock products, and climate illuminating work explores why humanity’s needed to pass an admissions test and gain change will impact on the farms of the future. doomsaying or think these ideas sound entry to college. A few of the women were sponsors of greatest technical achievements seem to enlightening, New Dark Age is an urgent This is a call to action for all Australians science and some were active science be fuelling our darkest threats; from climate appraisal of the dawn – or the dusk – Westover struggled at college at first – with to rethink our consumption habits, and to communicators. Others stubbornly refused to change to mass surveillance to the “post- of an era. no schooling, the gaps in her knowledge were take shared responsibility for the health submit to the prejudices and norms of their truth” erosion of democracy. enormous – but she persevered and even time: Caroline Herschel, who was brought and sustainability of Australia’s agricultural One of the culprits, Bridle argues, is the went on to attain a PhD from Cambridge sector. up as a servant, became a tour-de-force of University. This is an extremely impressive astronomical discovery. widespread belief that every problem can be Benjamin Hickey is the editor of IMPACT solved with computation alone. But hoarding and the Academy’s Communications Officer. feat, and a reminder of the power of This book is an important reminder that the He is a writer of essays and fiction. determination. implementation of sustainable agricultural More recently, Soviet cosmonaut and heroine and crunching data without “real systemic practices on any scale can address issues of Valentina Tereshkova was the first woman in literacy” can paradoxically lead to opacity, While Educated is not a STEM book, it shows water scarcity, soil fertility, land stewardship space in 1963. not clarity. the importance of education for self- and food security. The responsibility for On the cover jacket, the authors say the Worse, because computational thinking discovery: knowledge changed the trajectory minding the farm falls on us all. of Tara’s life. This is an extraordinary true book provides two opportunities. The first doesn’t consider structures of power, it can story and the kind of book that stays with is to meditate about the gap between men reinforce them by giving vested interests you for a long time. Like me, you might find and women who have lunar craters named the gloss of objectivity. For instance, yourself on Google Earth weeks after you’ve Dr Fern Beavis is a policy analyst at the after them. The second is to talk about there’s growing awareness that machine- Academy. She coordinates the Academy’s finished reading it, searching for Tara’s family these women’s lives; women who are mostly learning algorithms can reproduce racial Mineral Resources, Agriculture and Digital unknown today. and other biases. home and her father’s junkyard. Futures Forums, and is working on the Academy’s Industry Technology Readiness The second opportunity is the better one, But for Bridle, that’s just the tip of a I would highly recommend adding Educated Project. She holds a PhD in geochemistry, and to the top of that “to-read” pile you have on her favourite specimen in her ever-growing rock as the 28 women are all extraordinary poisonous iceberg melting into our economy, your bedside table. collection is the cranial plate of a placoderm. and totally worth rediscovering. The book culture and psyches. Innovations that once presents a vibrant, distinct and diverse held emancipatory promise are deepening picture of women and what they have global inequality and driving the earth’s achieved throughout the ages. natural systems towards collapse. Dr Emily Finch is Senior Research and Policy Officer at the Australian Council of Learned Academies. She has a PhD in geology and a love of literature.

70 IMPACT SEP—19 IMPACT SEP—19 71 Spotlight

Built environment banking specialists Fostering an industrious When you need more than banking, approach to research we can offer insights to help your business run smarter. The traditional university view about developing new They might take a CTO-type role or might even take time technology for industry was to come up with a clever idea, away with the company but then come back to academia. slap patents on it, protect the intellectual property with an In Australia this is unusual but I believe we need to make this iron grip and wait for the prospective licensing partners to normal, and we’re well on the path to that. come knocking at the door. A recent example of this is the start-up BT Imaging. This At UNSW Sydney we realised some time ago that that sort company sprang from two of our academics in the School of of approach didn’t really work. We believe that intellectual Photovoltaics and Renewable Energy who developed a brand- property is best in the hands of those who will be able to new technology that allow manufacturers to see defects in exploit it. In other words, we’re very keen to make sure that the silicon solar cells. industry partners have the ability to take the IP wherever it needs to go for their business. As a result, manufacturers can very quickly, cheaply and easily characterise the defects in this cell which has had the Of course, we expect an appropriate return on what we’ve effect of revolutionising the way cells are produced and has created or contributed. But for the true benefit of all – the driven down the price. And they spun that technology out of university, the researchers, the industry partners, government, UNSW. We were very proud to see this team win a 2019 Clunies and society in general – flexibility is the key as is getting Ross Award from the Academy of Technology and Engineering. partners in early on the commercialisation of research. The third goal with respect to commercialisation of our Engineering is the largest faculty at UNSW with more than research is making it easier for SMEs to start their own 16,000 students and 650 academics. It is also the largest partnerships with UNSW Engineering, and we do that through faculty of its type in Australia and ranks very highly in the our program, TechConnect. macquarie.com/built international university rankings. It enjoys an enviable position in Australia as a leading supporter of industry and Sometimes universities can be hard to engage with because technology development, particularly in future-focused people don’t know who to talk to or how to find the front areas such as renewable energy, telecommunications and door. TechConnect, funded through the NSW Government’s biomedical devices. Boosting Business Innovation Program, helps by establishing some co-working space between the SMEs and UNSW. Because of our scale, we offer a very comprehensive range of programs, with specialists in just about every area. I have not And through TechVouchers, prospective partners can be once yet spoken to an industry partner where we didn’t have connected with an expert in a relevant field of research and an expert that was relevant for the problem at hand. embark on a joint research project. Techvouchers match up to $15,000 of the SME’s money to help seed the project. When we work with industry partners, we have three main This program has been wildly successful in its three years of goals with a view to commercialising our research. operation, with more than 40 Techvouchers issued and some 500 or so SMEs engaged. The first is that we want to make a global impact. We are big and bold enough to have a worldwide impact through partnering with companies that range from huge multinationals to fledgling start-ups. An obvious example where we can demonstrate how we have made significant global impact is silicon photovoltaics. Many of the CEOs and CTOs of the big silicon photovoltaic manufacturers are graduates from here. And it is no overstatement to say that the technological genesis of that entire global industry began at UNSW. Professor Ian Gibson It is through long-term strategic partnerships with Ian Gibson is Associate Dean commercialisation partners that these impacts are realised. (Industry and Innovation) of the Faculty of Engineering, The second goal is around fostering an entrepreneurial UNSW Sydney. spirit among our academics and students. There is already a practice in the United States, Israel etc in top institutions where academics will be spinning out multiple start-up companies throughout their academic career. unsw.edu.au

This information doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs – please consider whether it’s right for you. Macquarie Bank Limited ABN 46 008 583 542, IMPACT SEP—19 73 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 237502. SPOTLIGHT

Reimagining cities A return to human- for the urban billions centred spaces

Macquarie explores how cities of the future can prepare for Urbanisation has been an engine for economic growth urban population growth and remain sustainable, desirable and poverty reduction, as well as entrepreneurship and places for people to live and work. innovation. By 2025 it is forecast that urban consumers will contribute an additional $US20 trillion to global spending . Urbanisation is one of the key social and economic trends of the 21st century. Currently, 54 per cent of the world’s But the rapid pace of urbanisation has also fuelled population lives in cities; by 2050 this will reach 66 per cent. challenges such as housing shortages and affordability We need to prepare for this future and create cities that are issues, urban sprawl, environmental degradation, air pollution multi-faceted, sustainable and desirable places for people and congestion in cities with inadequate infrastructure. to live. Development in some cities has been focused on building places for work rather than creating places for engagement For cities to prosper, governments, developers, planners and interaction that can be easily accessed by all. and the private sector must return their focus to the central feature of any thriving city: its people. Historically, cities were the focal point of the public realm and acted as a meeting place where people could conduct A return to human-centred city creation is vital in an era a number of activities such as work, leisure and cultural when globally mobile, technologically equipped and skilled engagement. Design and infrastructure that was multi-purpose populations are more readily able to relocate and choose and driven by a village green or town square approach led to where they invest their time. the creation of some of the world’s most celebrated spaces, such as Paris’ Place des Vosges or New York’s Times Square. Cities that offer convenience, affordability and flexibility, While the paved squares of Europe’s great historic cities appear while enhancing the wellbeing and enjoyment of residents, physically simple, they offer a complexity of use for activities will be best placed to succeed as global populations exercise ranging from summer festivals, to watching a Champions unprecedented choice about where they live. League football match, to hosting a political rally. Rising incomes and education levels, international travel and There is an opportunity to return to some of these historic a technologically connected world have made people more principles that originally allowed cities to develop as places mobile, which means cities must be more competitive to of many places, which were inclusive, dynamic and allowed attract highly skilled people. a process of interchange. As urban populations grow, improving life for city dwellers is a task that economies must start addressing now by putting people at the heart of all development. Visit macquarie.com/built to read the full article.

Why entrepreneurs must ‘eat their own dog food’

If you really want to show students how to become not spark and cause an explosion. So we do that with Want to see your research applied? entrepreneurs, you need to practise what you preach. Or in sophisticated technology that uses light signals.” the words of UNSW Sydney’s Professor François Ladouceur, who teaches a course in entrepreneurship, you need to show Professor Ladouceur’s second start-up takes optical students that “you eat your own dog food”. telemetry into the human body. It is as ambitious as it is exciting and envisions a day in 20 years’ time when humans Having ridden the tech boom and crash of the late ’90s will be equipped with brain-machine interfaces. Already he can help and early 2000s with an expertise in photonics, Professor has some stiff competition in the pursuit of this “holy grail” Ladouceur knows the ins and outs of taking the latest technology. university-led research to launch a start-up. “Elon Musk has invested $120 million to do this through his Communication services for scientific, He even has a couple of his own on the boil. The first is a company called Neuralink,” says Professor Ladouceur. environmental and technical agencies. company named Zedelef that he set up in 2012 and has

raised $500,000 from investors to date. “They’re looking at thin pliable meshes of electrodes We are experienced in writing, editing, PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE interfacing with the neurones. We’re looking at just using light. “Zedelef is to do with optical telemetry,” says Professor I believe that our technology is the one that could win, and content development, and communication Ladouceur, who has taught in the School of Electrical that’s what I’m pitching to investors.” Engineering and Telecommunications since 2005. strategy. We achieve impact through Professor Ladouceur says even though the brain-machine “In the context of a mine, a power plant or a petrochemical interface is a couple of decades away, investors could expect reports, brochures, videos, animations, 2018 refinery you have to monitor everything like the flow of gas, a return on investment in the next two to three years as the level of CO2, the temperature, etc. And these environments the group develops scientific instruments that analyse how media liaison, social media and are hostile and dangerous. It requires equipment that will biological tissues work. workshop facilitation.

Professor François Ladouceur has two start-ups under way. unsw.edu.au

For more information: E [email protected] P 0409 844 302 W scientell.com.au 74 IMPACT SEP—19 A 8 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 science, in other words d

WE’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT INCREASING THE UPTAKE OF STEM EDUCATION

As the world’s largest provider of commercial explosives and innovative blasting systems, we provide expert services to the mining, quarrying, construction, and oil and gas markets.

The STEM disciplines – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – are critical to the future of a company like Orica, which is why we are committed to increasing the uptake of STEM in schools. With the aim of getting students interested in careers in science and technology, we’re proud to be the principal sponsor of the Academy’s STELR project, helping more than 700 schools across Australia engage students in STEM through hands-on, inquiry- based and in-curriculum learning. orica.com