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December 2008 | Volume 17 | Number 10

inside this issue

8 Cricket ball Family unit set in Stone Age quality takes a knock 10 South Australian Engineering of the Year Awards A study by a University of Adelaide sports engineer shows that not all cricket balls are consistently manufactured, causing quality issues and potentially having major 15 implications for cricket matches. Creative writing student The research, conducted by wins literary prize the coordinator of the Sports Engineering degree program at the University of Adelaide, Associate Professor Franz Konstantin Fuss, studied fi ve models of cricket balls manufactured in Australia, and 17 Pakistan. The study looked at the methods Penguins’ not-so-happy of construction, stiffness, viscous ending discovered in DNA and elastic properties, and included changes to the balls’ performance under compression and stress relaxation tests. Dr Fuss found that the model manufactured in Australia – the Kookaburra Special Test – was the only cricket ball manufactured consistently. The other four models were found to have inconsistent “stiffness”, which can play an important part in how a ball reacts when struck by the bat. “In contrast to other sport balls, most cricket balls are still hand-made, which may affect the consistency of manufacturing and thus the properties of a ball,” Dr Fuss said.

story continued on page 18 Adelaidean

Adelaidean is the offi cial newspaper of the University of Adelaide. It provides news and information about the University to the general public, with a focus on Life Impact. Circulation: 11,000 per month From the Vice-Chancellor (March to December) Online readership: 90,000 hits per month (on average) www.adelaide.edu.au/adelaidean Editor: The world is defi nitely getting smaller. and Alumni offi ce, more than David Ellis Recently I was in Chile where I was greeted by a 7000 people have joined, Design and Layout: friendly voice in Santiago Airport: “Mr President!” It was and the number is growing Chris Tonkin Writers: a former student from one of our wine programs who every week. Candy Gibson recognised me. He had returned home with his wife, To fi nd out more, visit: Robyn Mills an Adelaide law graduate, to work and live in Chile. This www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni/ Contributors: Lana Guineay graduate was still carrying his student ID, and proudly Of course, another way Claire Oremland showed it to me! to learn about exciting Editorial/Advertising enquiries: It was such a pleasant surprise to receive this warm developments at the Tel: +61 8 8303 5414 Fax: +61 8 8303 4829 welcome so far from Adelaide, and it was also a University is by reading Email: [email protected] gratifying reminder of the kind of impact our education publications such as this Mailing address: has on people’s lives, wherever they might be in (our monthly publication, Adelaidean, Adelaidean the world. which will return in March 2009) or our alumni magazine, Marketing & Strategic Communications, Regardless as to whether you still keep your old Lumen, which comes out twice a year and now has a University of Adelaide, student ID card in your wallet or purse, the University circulation of 56,000 per issue. SA 5005 Australia of Adelaide is never far away. This year we’ve brought The latest issue of Lumen is out this month, and it Material may be reproduced without Adelaide a lot closer to our alumni globally thanks to the contains a cover story about one of our great graduates, permission but acknowledgement launch of a new online community. South Australia’s Lieutenant Governor and former must be given to the Adelaidean. Called “Adelaide onLION”, the website is a social and refugee Mr Hieu Van Le. His is a fascinating story, and I Printed by: Lane Print & Post professional networking site for University of Adelaide recommend this magazine to you – whether you receive Distribution: alumni. Membership is free and is open to graduates, a printed copy or read it online. Lane Print & Post current and former staff, and current and former To read any of these publications and to stay in touch Passing Out Distribution Co. Registered by Australia Post students. with other news and events at the University, visit: No 565001/00046 The site gives members the opportunity to connect www.adelaide.edu.au/news/ with their University and fellow alumni within a safe and We can’t always be lucky enough to cross paths in

Do you receive too many secure online environment. It’s ideal for professional person, which is why I’m pleased that technology is Adelaideans? Not enough? networking, giving members the opportunity to fi nd jobs helping us to stay connected. Contact us to let us know. and mentoring opportunities, post vacancies, upload resumes and make contacts with others in their fi eld. For pre-Christmas book giveaways, As a social networking tool, it gives you the chance to check the Adelaidean website for details. re-connect with fellow classmates, make new contacts, www.adelaide.edu.au/adelaidean take part in online discussions, join groups, and create a personal profi le, with photos and video. Alumni news and benefi ts to members are also an important part of what the site offers. The alumni community is responding well to Adelaide JAMES A. McWHA onLION – since its launch mid-year by the Development Vice-Chancellor and President

Art & Heritage Collections

During this summer, the Art & Heritage Sir Thomas Elder Collections team invite you to enjoy public art on E A B Drury (1856-1954) the North Terrace Campus. 1900-1903 Where better to start but on the North Terrace bronze 2.86m statue on frontage with the sculpture of Sir Thomas granite pedestal with Elder. This sculpture was commissioned by bronze panels 3.76m public subscription and was erected in 1903 to commemorate signifi cant bequests to the Photo by Chris Tonkin University of Adelaide by Sir Thomas. The sculpture has an imposing presence on campus and is a fi ne example of work by the renowned British Imperial artist Edward Alfred Briscoe Drury.

Mirna Heruc, Manager, Art & Heritage Collections

2 Adelaidean Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 News in Brief

Season for giving The gift of education takes on a festive theme at the University of Adelaide this month. Staff and students are being encouraged to donate an educational gift for underprivileged children. A Christmas tree ‘with a difference’ – created by local artist Hans Kreiner – has been erected in the foyer of the Mitchell Building and is now open for public viewing. Donations of books, puzzles or other educational toys in support of The Smith Family are welcome. The tree will become part of the University’s art collection.

Governor’s award to Radio Adelaide Radio Adelaide’s “forward thinking approach, vibrancy, freshness and energy” has impressed the judges of the Governor’s Multicultural Awards. New court honours The community radio station won the Governor’s Multicultural Award for Media, and the judges said: “Many mainstream commercial radio Chief Minister stations could learn a lot from Radio Adelaide.” With more than 500 volunteers aged The University of Adelaide has “But perhaps even more between 16 and 85 broadcasting Alumni in 11 different languages, Radio named a plaza on North Terrace in importantly has been the continuing Adelaide is a microcosm of society honour of one of its distinguished support the Chief Minister has at large. graduates and long-time benefactor, provided to help us build links The Chief Minister “As one of Australia’s fi rst and the Chief Minister of Sarawak, the with Malaysia, which are now most celebrated community radio has been a Right Honourable Pehin Sri Dr Haji considerable.” stations, changing from a relative powerful force Abdul Taib Mahmud AO. The University of Adelaide monoculture to a vibrant multicultural The ‘Taib Mahmud, Chief Minister has more than 800 international and multilingual station is one of for developing of Sarawak Court’ is a newly students from Malaysia and another our greatest achievements in the strong and landscaped social space adjacent to 160 domestic students who were past 10 years. The result of Radio the Ligertwood Building. born in Malaysia. There are several Adelaide’s socially supportive projects continuing good and training greatly enhances our Chief Minister Taib came to the thousand Adelaide graduates in relations between multicultural society long after the on University of Adelaide as one of the Malaysia. air sound waves have faded,” said our two countries Malaysian Colombo Plan scholars in The University has agreements Station Manager Deborah Welch. the late 1950s. He graduated with on research collaboration, www.radio.adelaide.edu.au a law degree in 1961 and spent a student exchange and articulation Above: year in Adelaide as an associate arrangements with various Widgets and gadgets at Chief Minister Taib to Justice Mayo, a Judge of the Malaysian universities. Research Tuesday (right), Vice-Chancellor Supreme Court of South Australia, In 2006, the University signed a Professor James McWha The fi nal Research Tuesday public and other guests tour the before returning to Malaysia. Memorandum of Understanding seminar for 2008 will be held at the newly landscaped Taib He entered politics within with the State Government of University of Adelaide this month, Mahmud, Chief Minister Malaysia at a very early age in 1963, Sarawak on research collaboration, with Professor Janet Hiller speaking of Sarawak Court holding various Ministerial and other including postgraduate about “Widgets, gadgets and other positions before becoming Chief scholarships. There are currently 10 health technologies: Using evidence, Photo by John Hemmings Minister of Sarawak in 1981. postgraduate research students in priorities and values to guide Vice-Chancellor and President Adelaide under that agreement. choices”. Professor James McWha said “The Chief Minister has been a Janet Hiller is Professor of Public the University named the court powerful force for developing strong Health and Deputy Head of the in honour of the Chief Minister and continuing good relations School of Population Health and Clinical Practice at the University of to acknowledge and show its between our two countries,” said Adelaide. She is Director of Adelaide appreciation of his signifi cant Professor McWha. Health Technology Assessment support, and tireless work in helping “In his role as Chairman of the (AHTA). to promote and strengthen the links Malaysia-Australia Foundation and Her talk will be at 5.30pm on Tuesday between Australia and Malaysia. in other ways he has continuously 9 December in Room 102, Napier “The Chief Minister’s personal promoted mutual understanding Building, North Terrace Campus. generosity has continued in and goodwill among both peoples.” www.adelaide.edu.au/research numerous ways over the years,” said Professor McWha. Story by Robyn Mills

Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 Adelaidean 3 Should voting become compulsory worldwide?

Politics Is compulsory voting the most “This is bucking the trend in a remedy to one of the most urgent effective way of ensuring a true industrialised countries worldwide, problems facing industrialised democracy? where poor voter turnout is democracies worldwide. A new University of Adelaide becoming a matter of serious “This project is the fi rst There’s an study will help to address this concern,” Dr Hill said. However, the systematic assessment of important question question and could provide a global US spike in turnout is likely to be compulsory voting from a practical, around whether solution to addressing declining temporary due to the unusually high legal and constitutional viewpoint.” levels of voter turnout around prominence of the election. The study will reveal whether compulsory the world. Although Australia is the only compulsory voting regimes are voting affects Associate Professor Lisa Hill from English-speaking country in the perceived to be more legitimate the behaviour the University’s School of History world to compel its citizens to vote, than voluntary regimes, if and Politics will use a $61,000 a number of other established Australians report higher levels of incumbent Federal Government grant to democracies have shown serious of trust in government than their governments and demonstrate that Australia has one interest in the idea, including overseas counterparts and whether reduces the role of of the best-managed voting regimes Britain. there are equally effective non- in the western world. “One MP in the UK has recently mandatory means for improving money in election The issue has been highlighted introduced a Private Member’s Bill voter turnout. campaigns in the wake of a landslide election for its adoption and some intensive “There’s an important question victory sweeping US Democratic research is being undertaken there around whether compulsory voting Above: Senator Barack Obama to power, to gauge its suitability for the British affects the behaviour of incumbent Despite pockets of apathy, in which record numbers of US context,” Dr Hill said. governments and reduces the role more people than usual citizens cast their vote. Likewise, there have been calls of money in election campaigns,” exercised their right to More than 148 million people, for its introduction in the US, she said. vote at this year’s US or 64% of the eligible population, , New Zealand, and The two-year study will begin presidential election exercised their democratic right even Jordan. in 2009 and is funded by the Photo by Melody Kramer to elect the next President of the Dr Hill will look at whether Australian Research Council. United States. In 2000, just 51% compulsory voting actually violates of eligible voters (105 million) cast liberal-democratic principles – as their ballot. claimed in some quarters – or offers Story by Candy Gibson

4 Adelaidean Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 State-of-the-art laboratories in the Wine Innovation Cluster’s new $28 million building

Photo by John Kruger Turning $28m mortar into wine

Wine Adelaide is set to become the Australia and New Zealand, said Adelaide), Dr Chris Soar (SARDI), centre of wine and grape research Australia’s wine scientists would be and Professor Brian Loveys (CSIRO); in the world, following the launch able to achieve, through cooperation • the breeding of new yeasts to Every aspect of of the Wine Innovation Cluster and and collaboration, breakthroughs that enhance fermentation by Dr the opening of its new $28 million would not be possible working as Paul Chambers, (Australian Wine wine science and building at the Waite Campus of the standalone agencies. Research Institute) with Associate production will University of Adelaide. “Combined with the world- Professor Vlad Jiranek (University of The Cluster brings together the class education reputation of the Adelaide); and be catered for resources of the Australian Wine University of Adelaide and the • research into the remediation of Research Institute, CSIRO Plant location on the famous Waite bushfi re taint in wine by Dr Kerry Industry, private research agency Campus, the Wine Innovation Wilkinson (University of Adelaide), Provisor Pty Ltd, South Australian Cluster is set to achieve its target Dr Yoji Hayasaka, Gayle Baldock Research & Development Institute as the world’s premier research, and Con Simos (Australian Wine (SARDI) and the University of development, extension and Research Institute) and partners Adelaide, and is being hailed as the education facility servicing the wine in Western Australia (see story on most dynamic mix of grape and industry. page 6). wine researchers assembled in one “Every aspect of wine science precinct anywhere in the world. and production will be catered for, Vice-Chancellor and President of “Investment in state-of-the-art with research spanning such fi elds the University of Adelaide Professor physical facilities like the Wine as microbiology, chemistry, sensory James McWha said the Cluster’s Innovation Cluster is a symbol of science, engineering, oenology and research would further enhance the something far more substantial,” viticulture.” University’s already high reputation said the Hon. Rory McEwen, Minister At the Cluster’s centre is a new for research and education. for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, four-level building – the Wine “Our teaching is informed by the who offi cially opened the new Innovation Central Building – with latest in research and innovation, building last month. state-of-the-art laboratories, which means our students “It’s a way of ensuring our wine offi ces and meeting rooms. This are exposed to cutting-edge industry remains competitive and new building is adjacent to the developments in wine that they can sustainable in international markets. Hickinbotham Roseworthy Wine take to the industry as graduates,” This is a vote of confi dence in the Science Laboratory, an experimental Professor McWha said. wine industry and collaborations like vineyard and the soon-to-be “The international status of the this are the way of the future. The constructed Plant Accelerator Cluster and the facilities it offers will $28 million investment maintains building. also attract postgraduate coursework the Waite Campus as a leading wine Some of the early projects already and research students to the centre.” benefi ting from collaboration include: University from other wine-producing Stuart McNab, Chairman of the • studies on the effects of climate countries, such as the United States, Wine Innovation Cluster and Foster’s change on vines by Professor France, , Spain, Italy and Director of Wine Production in Steve Tyerman (University of New Zealand.”

Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 Adelaidean 5 Smoke gets in your vines

Wine

Australian winemakers are turning The University of Adelaide to the University of Adelaide to help is partnering with industry identify grape varieties that are less representatives and Primary susceptible to smoke from summer Industries and Resources SA on the bushfi res. $497,000 three-year project. Oenology lecturer Dr Kerry “The aims and outcomes of this Wilkinson will lead a collaborative research are of major signifi cance exports (after meat and wheat), project to counter wines produced and relevance to the Australian wine Given the although the industry continues in smoke-affected areas that exhibit industry,” Dr Wilkinson said. to face growing pressure from forecast fl avours described as “burnt, ash- “From a scientifi c perspective, environmental conditions – drought for warmer tray, acrid and metallic”. our results will advance knowledge in particular. Over the past fi ve years, wine in the fi elds of viticulture, plant summers, the “While smoke taint is not an regions across Australia have physiology and biochemistry. issue for all Australian wine regions, problem is reported fi nancial losses and a From an industry perspective, signifi cant bushfi res have occurred only going to decline in product quality following this insight will enable grape in most wine-producing states either bushfi res or prescribed burns. growers and winemakers to make get worse of Australia in the last fi ve years, Dr Wilkinson said the industry informed decisions to minimise and given the forecast for warmer needs grape and wine production smoke-tainted wine, yielding clear Above: summers, the problem is only going methods that minimise the economic benefi ts.” Dr Kerry Wilkinson at the to get worse,” she said. uptake of smoke by vines or the The Australian wine industry Waite Campus The Australian Research Council extraction of smoke-derived aroma is worth in excess of $2 billion in Photo by Candy Gibson has pledged $247,000 for the compounds during winemaking. domestic sales and more than project and industry partners are Top: “We also hope to identify grape $3 billion in international sales, contributing another $250,000 in Photo by Ashley Hocking, varieties suitable for planting in according to the Australian Wine courtesy of Country Fire cash and in-kind support. Service (CFS) SA smoke-prone areas and fi nd new and Brandy Corporation. techniques to detect smoke taint in Dr Wilkinson said wine was now juice and wine,” she said. third on Australia’s list of agricultural Story by Candy Gibson

6 Adelaidean Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 Research that makes an impact A University of Adelaide project looking at the impact of the 20th century’s most infl uential ballet company on Australian culture has been awarded one of three major prizes at last month’s Adelaide Research & Innovation !mpact Awards. Associate Professor Mark Carroll from the Elder Conservatorium of Music has received a $10,000 funding injection for his joint research project investigating the history of Ballets Russes tours and their cultural infl uence on Australian high art and music. The project brings together the University of Adelaide with Australia’s peak performing arts organisation, The Australian Ballet and the National Library of Australia, supported by the largest Australian Research Council Linkage Grant of its kind in the Heatwave threat performing arts – $400,000. “The Ballets Russes (Russian Ballet) tours from 1936-1940 raised the bar for what was possible sparks emergency plan and changed the way Australian artists conceived of European art,” Professor Carroll said. “Up until The University of Adelaide will Dr Bi and colleagues from the that point, Australians had been Health really starved of the latest trends lead a two-year project to develop University of Adelaide and SA in European art and performance,” a national emergency plan for Department of Health will identify he said. heatwaves in Australia. the most vulnerable groups, The two other major award The threat of Dr Peng Bi from the University’s coordinate a strategy involving winners to each receive $10,000 heatwaves in Discipline of Public Health said rising relevant government departments, were the Pain & Anaesthesia Australia in the temperatures in Australia and an emergency personnel and Research Clinic (PARC) and the increase in the ageing population community groups, and refi ne early- Data Management & Analysis 21st century is were expected to result in greater warning mechanisms for heatwaves Centre (DMAC), also from the particularly critical demand on ambulance services, in Australia. University of Adelaide. more hospital admissions and “We will be looking at the factors The PARC team, led by due to Australia’s emergency department visits that infl uence effective emergency Professor Paul Rolan and Professor ageing population in summer. assistance, measures to prevent Guy Ludbrook, has combined “Due to climate change, Australia heat-induced illness and which scientifi c skills and expertise in is experiencing a warming trend, community groups are most (and pharmacology and anaesthesia with more hot days and heatwaves. least) likely to heed heatwave to provide innovative solutions Extreme temperatures are warnings. for exploratory clinical drug increasingly being recognised as a “The different responses within development. PARC operates a unit within the Royal Adelaide public health problem and can result urban, regional and rural populations Hospital and has signifi cant global in many serious illnesses and even will also be examined.” linkages. death,” he said. Adelaide experienced a record- DMAC Director Professor Philip A recent national study forecast breaking heatwave in March this Ryan from the University’s School that within the next 40 years, year, with 15 consecutive days over of Population Health & Clinical Australia would face major 35 degrees, setting a capital city Practice will use the $10,000 prize temperature changes and a spike record in Australia. to help custom design and build in heat-related deaths, with 25% The $180,000 project is being database systems to integrate of residents aged over 65 years predominantly funded by an health research statistics. by 2050. Australian Research Council grant !mpact accolades were “The threat of heatwaves in – the third that Dr Bi has won in as awarded to the following people Australia in the 21st century is many years for his research into for their contribution to research: particularly critical due to Australia’s heatwave-related health issues. Professor Michael Rumsewicz ageing population,” Dr Bi said. He is also a chief investigator in (Engineering, Computer Science & “Indigenous Australians, non English- two other projects – in Australia and Mathematics); Associate Professor speaking people and those with a New Zealand – relating to climate Bruce Ainsworth (Australian School low socio-economic status or chronic change and health, which have of Petroleum); Professor Gary Wittert (School of Medicine); and disease will also be at great risk.” received a total of $3.1 million in Professor John Spoehr (Australian Despite the projections, there funding over the next four years. Institute for Social Research). is currently no systematic national heatwave response plan. Story by Candy Gibson Story by Candy Gibson

Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 Adelaidean 7 Family unit set in Stone Age

Ancient DNA A Stone Age burial in central Germany, unearthed by a team led by University of Adelaide DNA researcher Dr Wolfgang Haak, has We have yielded the earliest evidence of people living together as a nuclear established family. the presence The 4600-year-old grave contained of the classic the remains of a man, woman and two youngsters, and DNA analysis nuclear family shows they were a mother, father in a prehistoric and their children. context “Their unity in death suggests unity in life,” Dr Haak said in last month’s edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Top: Evidence of the world’s While tools and remains from the fi rst nuclear family Stone Age have long been studied, Several of the skeletons showed The team also looked at the Above right: there are few clues to the social evidence of injuries, suggesting a strontium levels in the teeth of the An artist’s impression relationships between people. violent attack. skeletons. Strontium builds up in of the family “By establishing the genetic links There was a stone projectile point teeth during childhood and can be a between the two adults and two in the vertebra of one woman and clue to where someone was raised. Photos and images children buried together in one another had a skull fracture. Several Dr Alistair Pike, head of courtesy of Jurag Liptak and Karol Schauer grave, we have established the had forearm and hand injuries, archaeology at the University of presence of the classic nuclear indicating attempts to protect Bristol, said the strontium levels family in a prehistoric context in themselves, the researchers said. showed that the females grew up Central Europe – to our knowledge Dr Haak suggested that survivors in a different area from the males the oldest authentic molecular of the raid later returned to bury and children. That is an indication of genetic evidence so far,” said the dead. marriage between different groups, Dr Haak, who is based at the Besides the nuclear family in one with women going to join their University’s Centre for Ancient DNA. grave, a second grave held three husbands, which would have been The researchers studied four children, two of whom were siblings, important to avoid inbreeding and multiple burials at Eulau, Saxony- buried with a woman to whom they to forge kinship networks with Anhalt, all dated to the same time were not maternally related. The other communities. and containing adults and children researchers think she may have been carefully buried facing each other. a paternal aunt or stepmother. Story by Candy Gibson

8 Adelaidean Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 The composition of the diamonds provides evidence that they grew deep beneath the Gondwanan supercontinent Diamonds unravel deep mysteries

Geology internationally, that seem to come “The composition of the diamonds Above (from left): from great depths – more than 650 provides evidence that they grew Dr Ralf Tappert and kms beneath the crust. There’s deep beneath the Gondwanan Professor John Foden with a sample of the very rare, New research into rare diamonds very little that we see at the Earth’s supercontinent in oceanic rocks ultradeep diamonds is helping University of Adelaide surface that comes from those trapped in the collapsed Pacifi c plate,” geologists to better understand the depths normally, unless it’s in some Professor Foden said. Photo by David Ellis origins and structure of the earth changed state, so these diamonds “As the Pacifi c plate moved deep before the world’s continents are an interesting window into the into the Earth’s mantle under the were formed. deep earth. Gondwanan supercontinent, it took The research, being led by “They’re very interesting in terms with it these rocks, which over time Professor John Foden and Dr Ralf of the science of where some hosted diamond growth. When the Tappert in the School of Earth diamonds originate and how they diamonds formed, they did so around & Environmental Sciences, is rise from deep in the earth,” he said. other minerals that are normally only being conducted in conjunction The ultradeep diamonds have stable at the great pressures found at with Flinders Mines Ltd under an been discovered in intrusions of depths of 650 kms or more.” Australian Research Council (ARC) an igneous rock called kimberlite, Professor Foden said these Linkage grant. which has helped to bring the ultradeep diamonds, and others The project is studying the diamonds to the surface. Because discovered in deposits in southern composition of diamonds found at the diamonds contain traces of Africa and South America, were all Eurelia in South Australia’s mid north. minerals, their commercial value formed along the rim of Gondwana. What makes these diamonds unique is extremely limited. However, as “There are only about 100 deep is that they contain traces of unusual these are among only a handful of diamonds known in the world, and minerals (magnesium-perovskite and such diamonds in the world, their these are unique in Australia,” he ferropericlase) that are only stable scientifi c value is greatly increased. said. “These diamonds are also together at great depths beneath the It’s ironic, then, that in order to found in higher abundance in South earth’s crust. fully examine the trace minerals Australia than anywhere else in the “Most diamonds that are in the – known as “inclusions” – the world, which makes them perfect for bulk of commercial production are researchers need to crush and us to research.” often in what is considered to be the burn the diamond samples in a The research into ultradeep shallower part of the mantle beneath laboratory. diamonds and their connections with the crust, down to 200-250 kms. A lot Professor Foden, Dr Tappert and Gondwana’s plate movements will of the diamonds that Flinders Mines colleagues believe these diamonds be published next month in Geology, are dealing with are from those sorts were formed underneath the the journal of the Geological Society of depths,” Professor Foden said. moving plates of the supercontinent of America. “But there is a small group of Gondwana several hundreds of diamonds, and they’re very rare millions of years ago. Story by David Ellis

Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 Adelaidean 9 South Australian OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2008

University of Adelaide staff and students took out four of the 10 awards at the prestigious South Australian of the Year Awards ceremony, held at the Hyatt Regency Adelaide on Thursday 20 November.

MATT PROFESSOR COWDREY OAM MIKE YOUNG PARALYMPIC SWIMMING RESEARCH CHAIR OF CHAMPION WATER AND ECONOMICS

Young South Australian of the Year Environment Award The world’s most successful paralympian at Beijing, The University of Adelaide’s most cited researcher in the University of Adelaide student Matthew Cowdrey OAM, media, water policy expert Professor Mike Young, has has been named 2008 Young South Australian of won the 2008 Environment Award for South Australia. the Year. Professor Young has used his role as Research Chair of Cowdrey, 19, who is studying Media and Law at the Water and Economics Management at the University to University, accepted the award from his Excellency signifi cantly raise public awareness of Australia’s most the Governor, Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, at a black-tie precious liquid asset. ceremony. One of the leading water policy researchers in the On the same night Cowdrey was named best male country, Professor Young has proposed a template for the athlete by the South Australian Sports Institute. restoration of the Murray Darling Basin and a framework for restructuring water licences. Cowdrey captained Australia at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, winning eight medals including fi ve As a founding member of the infl uential Wentworth Group gold, world record-breaking swims and was the team’s and winner of the 2005 Land & Water Eureka Prize for fl ag bearer at the closing ceremony. Water Research, he has used his infl uence to help shape State and Federal policies on water. The second-year university student was born with a congenital amputation of his left arm below the elbow In the past 12 months Professor Young has co-produced a and yet in all aspects of life he has overcome his number of water policy proposals, most notably the idea disability to achieve great things. for an Independent Murray Darling Basin Authority. An outstanding athlete, Cowdrey has achieved His report on future-proofi ng the Basin, with colleague international status, winning a host of medals. In his Jim McColl, outlines a suite of institutional changes to fi x career to date he has broken 72 world records, 127 Australia’s water allocation and investment problems. Australian records and 180 Australian age records. The Sunday Mail recently named Professor Young as one Last year he was named International Male Disabled of South Australia’s 50 most powerful people. Swimmer of the Year and, despite his congenital In accepting the award, Professor Young said for South amputation, also achieved an able-body qualifying time Australia to be great, it must have a “mighty River Murray for the 2007 Telstra Australia National Championships. and a healthy Coorong”. Cowdrey has also been named as a fi nalist for the 2009 “We are all living on a knife edge but I am confi dent Young Australian of the Year, to be announced on January we can fi x the River Murray’s problems and establish a 25 next year. reputation as the water management capital of the world.”

10 Adelaidean Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 Above: Matt Cowdrey at the PROFESSOR PROFESSOR Adelaide Aquatic Centre

DICK RUFFIN AM JOHN HOPWOOD Photo by Calum Robertson, MICHELL PROFESSOR HEAD, LYSOSOMAL DISEASES courtesy of Messenger OF MEDICINE RESEARCH UNIT Community Newspapers

Health Award Science Award Respiratory medical specialist Professor Dick Ruffi n AM Research scientist Professor John Hopwood, an affi liate has taken out the SA Great Award in the fi eld of Health. professor with the University’s Discipline of Paediatrics, has won the Science Award for his life-long work into Professor Ruffi n is a Professor of Medicine at the Queen fi nding a cure for genetic disorders that affect children. Elizabeth Hospital and Deputy Head of Medicine at the University of Adelaide. He has worked extensively in the Professor Hopwood is Head of the Lysosomal Diseases area of respiratory medicine, with a particular focus on Research Unit based at the Women’s and Children’s asthma and chronic disease, and has secured countless Hospital and a scientist of worldwide acclaim. grants to further research in respiratory conditions. He has spent the last 30 years trying to crack the secrets Professor Ruffi n has also contributed to improvements of a group of inherited lysosomal diseases which to the training of junior doctors in South Australia though severely affect the longevity and quality of a child’s life. his chairmanship of the Post Graduate Medical Council of Professor Hopwood heads a group of more than 440 SA. These improvements have produced lasting benefi ts researchers at Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s for the State, according to SA Health Minister John Hill. Hospital, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of “His work has helped many South Australians over lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). the years, and he has shown a strong commitment to Parents of a child born with a LSD can expect to see providing the best health care to the community through a healthy baby at birth, but as they grow older will the public health system,” Mr Hill said. begin to notice problems such as developmental delay, Professor Ruffi n is on the Boards of the Queen bone deformities, heart and breathing diffi culties and Elizabeth Hospital Research Foundation and the Asthma behavioural problems. Severely affected children die by Foundation of South Australia and also works with the their mid-teens. National Health and Medical Research Council. Professor Hopwood’s team has developed a novel In 2005 he was awarded a Member of the Order of program to enable newborn screening for LSDs, believed Australia for his services to teaching and research in to affect 1:1000 births. His unit has also achieved world- respiratory medicine. fi rst treatments for two lysosomal storage diseases that have improved clinical outcomes for patients worldwide. “This award recognises that teaching, training and research are integral to the future, safety and quality of “This has been a fantastic journey. My passion, which patient care,” Professor Ruffi n said. has driven me for my entire career, has been to see LSD patients effectively treated,” Professor Hopwood said. “The most satisfying parts of my work are seeing students and junior doctors develop skills in patient care and basic research,” he added.

Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 Adelaidean 11 Adelaide scientist leads effort to save endangered Tassie icon

Ancient DNA University of Adelaide zoologist diversity and a chromosomal “We have lost over half our Dr Jeremy Austin will lead a mutation unique among carnivorous devils in the past 10 years, with an national project to help save the mammals, they are more prone to estimated population of 20,000 to endangered Tasmanian devil the infectious cancer. 50,000 mature devils left. Extinction Extinction within from extinction. Dr Austin’s team will analyse within the next 20 years is a real the next 20 Dr Austin and colleagues from genetic material from devil possibility unless we fi nd a vaccine, SA Zoos and the Tasmanian populations to understand the eradicate the disease and establish years is a real Government will spend the origin, spread and impact of the captive colonies,” Dr Austin said. possibility unless next three years establishing a disease and try to fi nd a vaccine. Devil facial tumour disease is we fi nd a vaccine conservation program and working “We need to establish whether one of only two known clonally to suppress the infectious cancer, the low levels of genetic diversity transmissible cancers and appears devil facial tumour disease, which are due to recent human impacts or to have originated from a genetic Photo by Wayne McLean is ravaging Australia’s largest living a long-term historical pattern. We change or mutation in a single marsupial carnivore. also need to look at how the cancer individual. It is spread through The Tasmanian devil is not only is affecting surviving populations biting, without any evidence of a key tourism icon for Australia’s and identify individuals that may be recovery or resistance to the most southern State, but also resistant to the disease.” disease. ecologically critical to Tasmania’s Tasmanian devils became extinct The project, which has received native ecosystem. on the Australian mainland at least $168,000 from the Federal “Extinction of the species is 400 years ago and are now found Government, combines ancient a possibility within the next two only in Tasmania. Unlike Tasmanian DNA methods and modern genetic decades unless disease spread can tigers, devils survived initial human procedures to examine the impact be stopped,” said Dr Austin. impacts following European of the disease on Tasmanian devils. Because Tasmanian devils have colonisation but in the past decade extremely low levels of genetic their numbers have fallen drastically. Story by Candy Gibson

12 Adelaidean Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 Food label team worth its weight

An innovative system for weighing and labelling food products has won a team of young entrepreneurs this year’s University of Adelaide’s $50,000 echallenge. ProScales, with members Stephen Heaney, Aaron Green, Ammi Trainor and Matthew Welling, won the $10,000 fi rst prize at last month’s echallenge fi nals at the National Wine Centre. The ProScales system works through a touchscreen and removes the space limitations on food labelling. It also allows changes to label format and type to be made in seconds or messages tailored for individual products. The echallenge is run by the University of Adelaide’s Entrepreneurship Commercialisation and Innovation Centre (ECIC) and each team must have at least one student member from any tertiary institution in Human diet opens door South Australia. A record 43 teams entered the 2008 echallenge. Teams of up to six people develop a business plan for a new, to deadly bacteria previously unfunded business concept. Semi-fi nalists are paired with an experienced mentor from Science University of Adelaide scientists Humans usually become infected the business community. are part of an international research with the potentially deadly E. coli “Each year the echallenge team that has uncovered the fi rst after eating contaminated food, as captures the energy of young, example of a bacterium causing occurred during Adelaide’s Garibaldi bright entrepreneurial enthusiasm This research disease in humans by targeting a outbreak in 1995. and channels it into investment- ready early stage companies,” emphasises the molecule that is incorporated into “Red meat and dairy products, the said ECIC Director Professor our bodies from our diet. richest dietary sources of Neu5Gc, need for people Noel Lindsay. The discovery was published are also the foods that are most to eat only well- “It offers competitors recently in the prestigious commonly contaminated with the E. unprecedented access to top cooked red meat international journal Nature. coli bacteria that produce the toxin,” South Australian business acumen. or pasteurised Microbiologists Dr Adrienne Paton Professor Paton said. Past fi nalists have gone on to and Professor James Paton from the “Through dietary choices, develop successful and thriving dairy products School of Molecular & Biomedical therefore, humans may expose businesses.” Science, and collaborators, have themselves to an increased risk of ProScales also won the Vroom shown that a potent bacterial toxin, infection with the E. coli bacteria and Associates prize. Subtilase cytotoxin, specifi cally and simultaneously sensitise Second prize went to Somnium targets human cells that express themselves to the potentially lethal Innovations (Ty Yengi, Jamie a sugar called Neu5Gc on their actions of the toxin it produces.” Miller, Gregor Edeson and Michael surface. The international research team Brauer) for a system to reduce “Remarkably, humans cannot also included scientists from the high costs of environmental make Neu5Gc, and so we should all Monash University, the University of management for the mining be resistant to the toxin,” Professor California (Davis and San Diego) and industry. They also won the Piper Alderman prize. Paton said. Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. Third prize went to PoolSafe “However, consuming foods that “This research emphasises the (Magdalena Hadj, Eli Bailey and have high levels of Neu5Gc, such need for people to eat only well- Joanna Retnam) for a device that as red meat and dairy products, cooked red meat (particularly for detects and alerts parents when leads to uptake of the sugar by hamburgers), or pasteurised dairy a child has fallen into a pool. They human cells and this makes them products, as these processes also won the ECIC People’s Choice susceptible to attack by the toxin.” destroy contaminating bacteria,” Award, voted for on the night. Subtilase cytotoxin is produced Professor Paton said. The Advertiser Market Ready by E. coli bacteria that cause bloody The research was funded by Award went to Transformation diarrhoea and haemolytic uraemic Australia’s National Health and Play (Kirsty Parkin, Robin Potanin, syndrome (HUS) in humans. Medical Research Council and the Pippa Buchanan) for a concept- Professor Paton says in HUS, National Institutes of Health in the design and pre-production toxin-induced damage to the United States. project management system for delicate cells lining the blood videogames with benefi ts for vessels causes clots, damage to society. red blood cells and kidney failure. Story by Candy Gibson Story by Robyn Mills

Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 Adelaidean 13 Development & Alumni Events

John Bray Law Network Event: John Bray Oration 2009 – “Revenge or Forgiveness: Truth and Reconciliation in the Aftermath of Human Rights Violations” by Justice Richard Goldstone, former member of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, Chief Prosecutor of the UN International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, and Chairperson of the Goldstone Commission into public violence and intimidation in South Africa Date: Wednesday 11 March 2009 Time: 5.30pm for 6.00pm Venue: Elder Hall, North Terrace Campus, University of Adelaide Cost: Bank note or gold coin donation Class of ’58 reunites RSVP: For bookings phone +618 8303 6356 or email [email protected] Alumni Sturt football legend John Halbert people and the places from their MBE was among more than 85 university days. University of Adelaide graduates Academic dress was worn for the For more information about who returned to their alma mater ceremony to relive their graduation. Development the University’s reunions for their Golden Jubilee reunion In his address, Mr Halbert & Alumni News program, please phone: last month. highlighted the important role +61 8 8303 3317 or email The University hosted a the University has played in the [email protected]. Alumni Parking Permits Visit the reunions website at commemoration ceremony graduates’ lives over the last half www.alumni.adelaide.edu. in Bonython Hall for its 1958 century. Alumni After Hours Parking Permits au/reunion/ graduates, which attracted alumni “We are privileged to have been a for 2009 will be available soon. The from as far afi eld as the US, part of the history of this wonderful permit allows you the convenience of parking at the North Terrace Campus Malaysia and , as well as institution. I am sure that it played a Above: before 9.15am and after 4.30pm John Halbert MBE gives from all over Australia. signifi cant role in our preparation for Monday to Friday as well as all day the address at the Golden The 1961 Magarey Medallist and the world outside its hallowed halls, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Jubilee ceremony in former Sturt premiership captain and in the direction in which many Alumni who purchased a permit in Bonython Hall was keynote speaker for the of us travelled in these past years. 2008 will automatically receive a ceremony. Mr Halbert graduated “And so I thank this University renewal letter in December. Those Photo by John Hemmings with a Diploma of Physical on behalf of the graduates for the who didn’t take up the opportunity Education from the University of honour you have bestowed on us in 2008 but would like to register Adelaide in 1958. today in this ceremony, and for the their interest for 2009 can contact The Golden Jubilee reunion is opportunity of acknowledging the Development & Alumni on +61 8 8303 5800. an annual event which enables important part which the University University of Adelaide graduates of Adelaide has played in each of The Airport Economist from 50 years past to revisit old our lives.” memories, renew friendships, take Did you know that Australia is helping Singapore ‘be creative’ faculty tours and reconnect with the Story by Lana Guineay to address its imbalance of ballet dancers to engineers, and that there is a Transylvanian Cricket Club full of Aussies in Romania? Or that Israeli youngsters are crazy for Adelaide alumni have access to a range of exclusive benefi ts, Tim Tams and the French are buying services and discounts – and each month we bring you the pick Billabong board shorts in Bordeaux Alumni of the bunch for a featured special. on Bastille Day? Well if you didn’t, The Airport Economist is just for you. MEMBERSHIP Special Offer of the Month: Written by Tim Harcourt, Chief Adelaide Cellar Door Economist of the Australian Trade Just in time for the festive season, Adelaide Cellar Commission and University of Door is offering alumni special discounts on Adelaide graduate, The Airport premium wines. Economist sees Harcourt travelling the globe in chase of Australian Adelaide Cellar Door is an online wine outlet in international business success. Along Australia and Hong Kong, specialising in boutique the way he unravels the economic life wines from small family-owned vineyards. With of the many countries he visits. over 120 wines from 40 different wineries, they offer With a clever turn of phrase, witty a convenient, cost-effective way to stock up for the observations, and proof that there’s festive season. They also offer subsidised delivery an export dimension to almost to your door anywhere in Australia or Hong Kong – everything, The Airport Economist is a great gift for the wine lover! published by Allen & Unwin and sells To access this offer, and check out the full Alumni Privileges for RRP $24.95. Package, logon to: www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/privileges www.theairporteconomist.com

14 Adelaidean Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 Miguel Syjuco at the announcement of the 2008 Man Asian Literary Prize in Hong Kong, with girlfriend and fellow University of Adelaide student Edith Werbel

Photos courtesy of the Man Asian Literary Prize Creative writing student wins literary prize

Creative A Creative Writing PhD student that included authors from the “I’d like to think that the time I from the University of Adelaide has , India and . The took during my PhD in revising the Writing won the prestigious Man Asian panel said the shortlist “testifi es novel contributed to my winning, Literary Prize for a novel he wrote as to the great vitality of the novel in that maybe they liked its polish. It part of his studies. Asian societies undergoing hectic is gratifying to think that the three I’d like to think Miguel Syjuco from the and unexpected transformations”. years I’ve spent on the book have Philippines won the US$10,000 Miguel’s fi ction, poetry and been more than just me wandering that the time I prize for his debut novel Ilustrado, a journalism have appeared in national lost in the woods.” took during my fi ctional account of a young Filipino and international publications and Miguel said he was “humbled” by PhD in revising caught within a notorious scandal anthologies. The manuscript of the recognition given to his novel. spanning Philippine history. Ilustrado has also been awarded the “It is not only the Man Asian the novel Announced in Hong Kong last Grand Prize at the Palanca Awards. Literary Prize that means much to contributed to month, the Man Asian Literary Prize Born in , Miguel is currently me, but also my own country’s my winning was established in 2006 to bring living and working in , Palanca Award, the Philippines’ greater worldwide attention to Asian Canada. He has been studying for highest literary honour. I see both writing and authors. a PhD in English (Creative Writing) awards as a vote of confi dence “Ilustrado seems to us to at the University of Adelaide and is in my promise as a writer. And possess formal ambition, linguistic now completing his PhD remotely. therefore I respond with the promise inventiveness and sociopolitical He said the Creative Writing to make good on that,” he said. insight in the most satisfying program at the University of Miguel said there were “many measure,” said the panel of judges Adelaide had given him “the space great writers in the creative writing for the 2008 prize. to fail”, which in turn had helped program at the University of “Brilliantly conceived, and stylishly him to reach success with his novel. Adelaide”, and he was proud to be executed, it covers a large and “I have written a novel which I among them. tumultuous historical period with could not have written without both “I’m looking forward to applying seemingly effortless skill. It is also the freedom and the guidance the everything I learned from the ceaselessly entertaining, frequently University of Adelaide allowed me. University of Adelaide to making raunchy, and effervescent with Because of the Creative Writing my next book hopefully better than humour.” program, I was able to fail and try my fi rst one,” he said. Miguel’s work was among a again and attempt to reach further,” high-calibre shortlist of fi ve novels he said. Story by David Ellis

Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 Adelaidean 15 Above: Associate Professor Tony Rogers Photo by David Ellis Main photo by Shutterstock Opening up on dental research

Dentistry One area of science can change a “As part of this fi eld of research, development of dental caries. It’s the lot in 40 years. Importantly, as the my colleagues and I started to old adage: prevention is better than developments in science build on work on streptococci in general, the cure, and a lot less costly,” Dr each other, they have the potential particularly concentrating on Rogers said. We were able to to make a huge impact on our daily Streptococcus mutans in dental There have been many important show that dental lives. plaque. Among other things, developments in dental microbiology Associate Professor Tony Rogers we developed a method for at the molecular level, greatly decay was has been a researcher in dental ‘fi ngerprinting’ those strains, enhancing researchers’ understanding an infectious, health for almost 40 years – for most because Streptococcus mutans of means by which dental health transmissible of it, with the University of Adelaide’s is actually a group of different can be maintained. Breakthroughs Dental School. In that time he’s organisms. include the realisation that bacteria disease seen some major developments in “Using the fi ngerprinting exist in nature as “biofi lms” (a “micro- science that have helped to shape technique, we managed to show ecology” of bacteria, both good and our thinking about dental health. that, in a family group, the mother bad), the unravelling of complete Dr Rogers, who is an Honorary is usually the person who transmits genomes of a number of bacteria, Visiting Research Fellow with the the organism from herself to a child. and developments in proteomics Dental School, has edited a new So in a sense, what we were able to (understanding the role and function book, Molecular Oral Microbiology, show was that dental decay was an of proteins in promoting or preventing which encompasses the major infectious, transmissible disease. It disease). developments in the fi eld. was an interesting fi nding.” Molecular Oral Microbiology is Microbiology has had a signifi cant Such research has the ability published by Caister Academic impact on dental health research to impact on a large number of Press and has been well received and public health in general, Dr people’s lives. in research laboratories around the Rogers said. “In Sweden, in particular, an early world. As a textbook, it should “When I started out in the late intervention approach has been aid in the training of dental health 1960s, it was just becoming implemented to educate women researchers and others with interests apparent that an organism called who attend ante-natal clinics. In in microbiology generally. Streptococcus mutans appeared such clinics, the mothers-to-be are “It will be especially useful for to be responsible for dental caries assessed in relation to their salivary teaching at postgraduate level, and [tooth decay]. The idea that an levels of Streptococcus mutans. also some undergraduate teaching,” organism, or a series of organisms, Those having high levels are given said Dr Rogers, who has donated a was causing dental decay had appropriate treatment to reduce copy of his book to the University of originally been fl oated early in the such levels and are given instruction Adelaide’s Barr Smith Library. 20th Century but it had not been in how to maintain good oral For more information about pursued and there really hadn’t been hygiene. The end result has been the book, visit the publisher’s a concerted effort to fi nd out what – that transmission of Streptococcus website: www.caister.com at a microbiology level – was really mutans to their offspring is thereby causing dental caries,” he said. delayed or prevented, as is the Story by David Ellis

16 Adelaidean Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 Recognition Penguins’ not-so-happy for health ending discovered in DNA research Four researchers in the School Ancient DNA Australian and New Zealand researchers have of Population Health and Clinical used ancient DNA from penguin fossils to make Practice have been recognised a startling discovery that may change the way we with prestigious national and The Waitaha view species extinctions. Australasian awards. Professor Alexander (Sandy) penguin became A team from the University of Adelaide, the McFarlane, Head of School University of Otago and Canterbury Museum in extinct after Professor Konrad Jamrozik, New Zealand has identifi ed a previously unknown Professor Janet Hiller and Polynesian penguin species while conducting research on Associate Professor John Moss New Zealand’s endangered Yellow-eyed Penguin, settlement have all been recognised for their one of the world’s rarest penguin species and the research and other contributions subject of an extensive conservation effort. within the health arena. The Waitaha penguin became extinct after Professor McFarlane has Polynesian settlement but before 1500 AD, become the 11th recipient creating an opportunity for the Yellow-eyed of the Founders Medal of Penguin to subsequently colonise the New the Australasian Society for Zealand mainland from its base in the sub- Psychiatric Research. The medal Antarctic islands. is awarded annually to someone “Our fi ndings demonstrate that who, over their entire career, has Yellow-eyed Penguins on mainland New made a signifi cant contribution to Zealand are not a declining remnant of a psychiatric research. previous abundant population, but came This is the second major award from the sub-Antarctic relatively recently and to Professor McFarlane this year. replaced the extinct Waitaha Penguin,” said team The Royal Australian and New member Dr Jeremy Austin, deputy director of Zealand College of Psychiatrists, the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA at the earlier this year, awarded him University of Adelaide. their Organon Senior Research “Previous analysis of fossil records and Award for the most signifi cant anecdotal evidence suggested that the contribution to psychiatric Yellow-eyed Penguin was more abundant and research over the past fi ve years widespread in the past, but it now appears in Australia and New Zealand. they have only been around for 500 years,” Professor McFarlane is he said. internationally renowned as an The team, led by University of Otago PhD expert in the impact of disasters student Sanne Boessenkool, identifi ed the and post traumatic stress large-bodied Waitaha Penguin using ancient disorder, and is the Head of the DNA from prehistoric bones, combined University of Adelaide node of the with traditional morphological techniques. Centre of Military and Veterans’ “Competition between the two species Health. previously prevented the Yellow-eyed Professors Jamrozik, Hiller Penguin from expanding northwards but and Associate Professor Moss environmental changes in the predator are recipients of three of the 23 population, such as the severe decline inaugural Fellowships awarded of sea lions, may have facilitated their by the Public Health Association colonisation in the South Island.” of Australia. Researchers say the surprising All three have been involved fi nding demonstrates the unexpected with public health for many years. ways in which species can respond Janet Hiller led the establishment to human and environmental of Adelaide Health Technology Assessment which provides impacts, and the role of extinction specialist advice to the national events in shaping our current governments of Australia and environment. New Zealand on health care Other University of Adelaide policy and practice. members of the research team include John Moss was fi rst appointed Dr Trevor Worthy and Professor Alan to the University’s fl edgling public Cooper from the School of Earth and health unit in 1973, and has since Environmental Sciences. developed an extensive program The team’s fi ndings were published in health economics and health last month in the Proceedings of the services (delivery) research. Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, an Professor Jamrozik is international biological research journal. internationally known for his work Story by Candy Gibson on tobacco control. He has taught and researched various fi elds of public health around the world, and maintains clinical work in medical oncology. Yellow-eyed Penguin Photo by Christian Mehlführer Story by Robyn Mills

Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 Adelaidean 17 Cricket ball quality takes a knock continued from page 1 Top

“Of the fi ve we looked at, the Kookaburra was the only one manufactured consistently. The music other four models revealed two different, yet externally indistinguishable constructions, award which resulted in two clusters of different stiffness: soft and hard. In some cases, balls tested from the same model behaved like goes to completely different balls.” Dr Fuss, who has previously conducted tests on the quality of manufacture and performance of singer golf balls, said the “softness” or “hardness” of the ball can have an impact on the game. “The consistency of cricket balls Music may have severe implications during a match, as softer balls Soprano Daniela Jedrzejczak This is an international women’s Award-winning music are more ‘forgiving’ because has won the $1200 fi rst prize in organisation named after the Greek student Daniela (“Bella”) Jedrzejczak they have a smaller impact force, the highly prestigious Beta Sigma words meaning “Life, Learning and Phi Awards Competition at the Friendship”. It has interest in the a longer contact with the bat, Photo by Claire Oremland larger defl ections as well as larger University of Adelaide. Arts, current affairs and in service contact areas during impact, Daniela, known as Bella, is to the community. which, in sum, allows a batsman in her fi nal year of the Bachelor In thanking Beta Sigma Phi for to place the ball more precisely. of Music studying under the the biannual awards, Professor “If the batsman doesn’t hit the guidance of Guila Tiver at the Elder Lockett acknowledged that he too ball perfectly, a softer ball can Conservatorium of Music. had been a recipient, some years still go in the direction aimed at Bella was one of four fi nalists. ago, of this highly prestigious by maintaining its velocity; a Second prize went to talented award and how important and hard ball might slide off the bat,” violinist Madeline Procopio and sought after it still is for students he said. the fi nalist prizes to Anouvong today. “The differences are diffi cult to Liensavanh, fl ute, and pianist The ELDERHALL lunchtimes discern with the naked eye.” Warwick Ambrose. The fi nalists’ concert series returns on Friday Issues that may impact on performances made for an exciting 6 March 2009 at 1.10pm with the inconsistent performance of conclusion to this year’s successful a recital by the exciting young cricket balls include: different series of ELDERHALL lunchtimes Australian pianist Kristian Chong. core sizes, different core concerts. Detailed concert brochures will be materials (cork, rubber, or a The awards were presented by available at the end of January. mixture of the two), the tension of Professor David Lockett, Director of woollen twine inside the ball, and the Elder Conservatorium of Music, lacquer surface finish. and Dot Atkin from Beta Sigma Phi. Story by Claire Oremland Dr Fuss said he believed a standard manufacturing process should be enforced to reduce the “lottery effect” of unseen Our commitment to inconsistencies. the environment “A more stringent quality control and testing standard is required Print & Post quality clean fast Lane Print & Post is committed to the care and protection of for cricket balls in order to avoid the environment. We have unequal chances for both teams,” long been certified to world’s best practice standards he said. ISO9001:2000 and are in the Cricket is the second most process of conforming to popular sport in the world behind ISO14001:2004 Environmental Management Systems soccer, and the most popular Certification. sport in India. Dr Fuss began this research sustainable offset paper project with Indian undergraduate products ctp water saving technology student Vikram Balasubramanian short run transactional volume post at the Nanyang Technological 55% less energy use through perfecting printing University, Singapore, before vegetable based inks joining the University of Adelaide varnish free print this year. South Australia’s largest privately owned dedicated The results of the study were 100% degradable food Printing, Mailing and Distribution Company. grade mailing plastic published in the international full plant recycling journal Sports Technology earlier CALL 08 8179 9900 and speak to an Account Manager about personal ownership and this year. www.laneprint.com.au staff commitment to the your next print project. environment Story by David Ellis

18 Adelaidean Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 Desert researcher wins international award

Environment

A lifetime of research in some From his earliest fi eldwork in His research interests range Martin is of the world’s driest regions has the Libyan Desert in 1962, he has from early human origins, soils and brought international acclaim to the pursued an active program of landforms to the reconstruction unquestionably University of Adelaide’s Professor research on landscape evolution of prehistoric environments deserving of this Emeritus Martin Williams. and climatic change in the Sahara, and geologically recent climatic award in light of Professor Williams received the Nile basin, Rajasthan in India, changes. the 2008 Farouk El-Baz Award for Inner Mongolia, the Flinders Ranges His work has often been his extensive, Desert Research at a meeting of the and the Afar and Kenya rifts. applied to resolving issues of land long sustained Geological Society of America in “Martin is unquestionably degradation and poverty in semi-arid and high Houston. deserving of this award in light of regions of the world. Professor Williams said he was his extensive, long sustained and He is a member of the Scientifi c quality desert delighted to receive this award. high quality desert work executed in and Technical Advisory Panel of the work executed “I also owe an enormous debt of multiple continents,” said research Global Environment Facility and in multiple gratitude to my desert travelling collaborators from the University of has been a frequent adviser on the companions in four continents: Illinois in the award citation. control of desertifi cation in Africa, continents they shared the simple joys and the “He has also amply demonstrated Central Asia and China. occasional dangers and hardships that he is an inexhaustible ditch Last year he was elected an Above: with dignity and stoicism.” digger, and a prodigious teller of Honorary Life Member by the Professor Emeritus Professor Williams came to the tales of adventure and misadventure International Union of Quaternary Martin Williams in the University of Adelaide in 1993 as on every soil-bearing continent.” Research and was also awarded the Mauritanian desert Director of the Mawson Graduate Professor Williams is author of highest honour of the Royal Society Centre for Environmental Studies over 200 scientifi c papers, including of South Australia, the Verco Medal. and Foundation Professor of 12 in Nature, and is author or editor Environmental Studies. of 11 books. Story by Robyn Mills

our giant Subscribe in Dec/Jan annual Imagine walking into Dymocks Booksellers in Rundle Mall, and just helping yourself to 800 CD dollars worth of fiction or non fiction books, language Book cds, videos, dvds, calendars, journals, cards or even Record stylish accessories & December/January Computer subscribers could win a Dymocks voucher to spend on anything in the Rundle Mall store! Valued at $800 Rhythm Stick www.dymocks.com.au SALE A Radio Adelaide subscription is only $52 or $26 saturdays 8pm Friday December 12 concession call during business hours on 8303 5000 the best music program on Australian doors open 10am or email [email protected] community radio - CBAA Awards 2008

Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008 Adelaidean 19 Quartet rediscovers musical landscape

Music The Australian String Quartet (ASQ) The season presents four national players originally came together has taken inspiration from South concert tours, each named to refl ect as the Tankstream Quartet. This Australia’s spectacular Kangaroo the repertoire: Landscapes (March), ASQ is the only Australian group To discover or Island to create the program for its Dedication (May), Provenance (July- to have been participants in the 2009 national season. August) and Alchemy (October). prestigious chamber music class revisit a work is to Following a visit to Kangaroo Program highlights include: of the Alban Berg Quartet at the literally recreate it, Island, the ASQ shaped the 2009 Schumann’s Piano Quintet, with Cologne Hochschule für Musik, and just as an actual program to refl ect the island’s “rich, the winner of the 2008 Sydney also holds the distinction of having rugged and strikingly beautiful International Piano Competition, won more international chamber landscape can landscape”. Konstantin Shamray; Schubert’s music competitions than any other be created anew “As quartet players, the epic G major Quartet; Haydn’s op.77 ensemble in Australian history. for everyone who masterworks of the repertoire are no.1 and the world premiere of a The 2009 subscription season our landscapes,” said ASQ violist newly commissioned work from is now on sale, including dinner experiences it Sally Boud. internationally acclaimed Australian packages. Phone 1800 040 444 or “To discover or revisit a work is to violist and composer Brett Dean, visit the website: www.asq.com.au literally recreate it, just as an actual which also sees him joining the In Adelaide, the ASQ will play Above (from left): The Australian String landscape can be created anew for ASQ in performance. at the Adelaide Town Hall on 12 Quartet: Sally Boud, Rachel everyone who experiences it. “It is a rare opportunity to be March, 18 May, 10 August and 28 Johnston, Sophie Rowell “The music lives and breathes able to perform and work with a October 2009. and Anne Horton through the performance to create composer and for us it will be an a powerful connection with the experience that we will cherish. Photo by Jacqui Way audience. Brett Dean is a master composer FREE “The natural majesty of the and player and it is a great joy to ASQ giveaway Australian landscape can be a real premiere this work with him,” source of inspiration for a musician,” Boud said. The Adelaidean has six copies of a sample CD recorded by the she said. Continuing the ASQ’s ongoing ASQ to help celebrate the 10-year education Established in 1985, the ASQ commitment to performing partnership between the University of Adelaide is Quartet-in-Residence at the Australian music, the 2009 season and the Ngee Ann Kongsi in Singapore. University of Adelaide’s Elder also features two distinctive works, This CD contains works by Beethoven, Conservatorium of Music. Nigel Westlake’s High Tension Wires Tchaikovsky, Mozart and Miriam Hyde and runs The ASQ’s 2009 program includes and Gordon Kerry’s Variations. for approximately 27 minutes. well-loved works from Beethoven The current membership of Sophie To win one of six free copies, be to Haydn, Bartok, Arriaga and Rowell and Anne Horton (violins), among the fi rst to call the Adelaidean on +618 8303 5414 before 19 December 2008. Schumann, as well as music from Sally Boud (viola), and Rachel Please leave your name and full contact some of Australia’s best-known and Johnston (cello) was established details, including a phone number and regarded composers. in 2006. This combination of mailing address.

20 Adelaidean Volume 17 | Number 10 | December 2008