NUMBER 194 | FEBRUARY 2016

WOMEN ARE MAKING THEIR MARK – NOW BUT THERE IS STILL A MOUNTAIN OF CHALLENGES TO OVERCOME THE ARGUMENT ABOUT ‘WHY’ IS OVER – IT’S NOW ABOUT ‘HOW’ AND ‘WHEN’ – AND IS MAKING PROGRESS

AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING™ AGRIBUSINESS 2030

2016 ATSE NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGES DIALOGUE REGISTER NOW AT www.atse.org.au/agribusiness2030

The Academy’s inaugural National Technology Challenges Dialogue is a two-day event in Sydney, at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, on 15 and 16 June, 2016.

Agribusiness 2030 is an exciting opportunity to exchange ideas Sponsorship Packages are available for both the two-day between the nation’s most eminent entrepreneurs, decision Agribusiness Dialogue and Innovation Dinner. makers, government officials, researchers, academics and Visit the website for more details or contact Sue Wickham, business leaders, who will explore: Executive Manager Operations and Events n the future of agribusiness in the digital age; [email protected] n how this will play-out domestically and globally; n the opportunities and challenges this offers Australia.

Importantly, this event also highlight’s ATSE’s consistent commitment to leading the public discussion on Australia’s future prosperity with a focus on using the best of Australian and international technologies to address our national challenges.

It also incorporates ATSE’s Annual Innovation Dinner on 15 June where the Clunies Ross Awards will be presented. These exciting awards bring together Australia’s top leaders and innovators from research, industry and government and provide a valuable networking opportunity at the nation’s premier annual awards for innovation commercialisation.

AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING™

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12 ATSE is taking the lead on Australian business turns gender equity

increasingly to women 13 Altering the mindset: women essential for engineering 3 By Katherine Fagg 16 Academy women hold big industry and research roles

19 Women Fellows are leaders in Australian universities

We need to come to terms 22 Women Fellows strong in the with unconscious bias innovation constellation 5 24 New challenge for water By Mark Toner managers

24 STELR recognised as a leading STEM program

25 ATSE applauds NISA initiative

From Black Swan 27 Canberra engineer wins first to Athena SWAN Batterham Medal 8 28 David Thodey Oration sees a By Susan Pond brilliant future

38 ATSE in Focus

Front cover photo: Putting women up front (123RF.com).

PUBLISHER CEO: Dr Margaret Hartley FTSE Editor: Bill Mackey Australian Academy of Technology and EngineeringTM ATSE Focus is produced to stimulate discussion and public policy initiatives on key topics of interest to the Address: Academy and the nation. Many articles are contributed by ATSE Fellows with expertise in these areas. Opinion Level 1, 1 Bowen Crescent, articles will be considered for publication. Items between 800 and 1400 words are preferred. Please address Postal Address: comments, suggested topics and article for publication to [email protected]. GPO Box 4055, Melbourne, 3001 Telephone: 03 9864 0900 Deadline for the receipt of copy for next edition of Focus is 11 March 2016. Facsimile: 03 9864 0930 Email: [email protected]

COPYRIGHT This publication contains copyright material. Some of the material is owned by Australian Academy of Print Post Publication No 341403/0025 Technological Sciences and Engineering Ltd ACN 008 520 394 (ATSE) and some material is owned by others. ISSN 1326-8708 All copyright and other intellectual property rights in the materials remain with the owner. No material in this Design and production: publication may be copied (except as legally allowed) or further disseminated without the express and written Coretext 03 9670 1168 www.coretext.com.au permission of the holder of that copyright, with the exception of copying for educational purposes. Copyright © ATSE 2016

www.atse.org.au 1 Enhancing Australia’s prosperity through technology and innovation The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE)

ATSE is made up of some of Australia’s leading thinkers in technology and engineering. One of Australia’s four Learned Academies, it’s an eclectic group, drawn from academia, government, industry and research, with a single objective in mind – to apply technology in smart, strategic ways for our social, environmental and economic benefit.

To achieve that goal, ATSE has formed a variety of expert, independent forums for discussion and action – platforms to move debate and public policy on issues concerning Australia’s future. These focus on energy, water, health, education, built environment and innovation – and the international collaboration necessary to ensure that Australia is abreast of world trends.

It’s an open, transparent approach – one that government, industry and community leaders can trust for technology-led solutions to national and global challenges. Each year, the Australian Government recognises the importance of the work we do by awarding the Academy an establishment grant to help with:

n Fostering research and scholarship in Australia’s technological sciences and engineering;

n Providing and conducting administrative support, workshops, forums and events to enable the Academy and its Fellows to contribute on important national issues;

nManaging the development and execution of our programs; and

nSupporting relationships with international communities.

AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING™

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BY KATHRYN FAGG [email protected]

Australian business turns increasingly to women WOMEN – NOW The key to achieving gender balance is leadership. Men must play a critical role – women cannot do it by themselves.

At the end of 2015, Catherine Livingstone, an A ATSE Fellow, was recognised as Australia’s Business Person of the Year by the Australian Financial Review. This recognition came as a result of the central role Ms Livingstone, as President of the Business Council of Australia, has played in advocating for strategies to encourage national competitiveness and growth, including through greater innovation and collaboration, during a period of unprecedented technological change. Ms Livingstone has brought particular authority to the debate on how Australia can

best position itself for the future given the STOCKPHOTO technological shifts underway as a result of

her position as Chairman of and her i PHOTO: earlier experiences as the Chairman of CSIRO Women and men need to work together. and CEO of Cochlear. Through her outstanding contribution, Ms decade, as women do have the opportunity However, seeing the census numbers Livingstone is helping shift perceptions of what to play a more significant role in the financial going backwards was a turning point. being a leader means in Australia. She clearly and economic life of the community. Senior business leaders, many of them does not fit the traditional stereotype of what a And there needed to be a shift over the men, went on the public record to say it was business leader looks like. She is not alone. decade, because it did not start well. The no longer acceptable that women weren’t One of the other leading businesswomen Australian Census of Women in Leadership in getting more opportunity – it was wasteful who made headlines this last year is Christine 2008 by the Australian Government’s Equal and unfair. There was a realisation that greater Holgate who is the CEO of Blackmores. It was Opportunity Workplace Agency showed that, intervention was needed – because time the stellar performance of the company on relative to 2006, the proportion of women to alone was not going to rectify the situation. It the Australian stock market during 2015 – men on corporate boards and in executive turns out we had to go backwards so that we with its share price going through the $200 leadership roles had declined across all could go forwards. mark at one point (the first company listed indicators. Where progress has been most obvious in on the ASX to do so) – and its successful push This was a surprising result given the recent years is on our largest corporate boards. into China that saw Ms Holgate as one of the number of female university graduates had Back in 2006, women made up only 8.7 per other five contenders for Australia’s Business outnumbered male graduates for quite a cent of board members of the ASX200. At the Person of the Year. while. It had been assumed for many years end of 2015, women made up 21.5 per cent. The increasing prominence of women that it was just a question of time before there More importantly, women now comprise more featured in the business media reflects a were more women in leadership, even if the than 30 per cent of new appointments to ASX shift that has gathered pace during the past rate of progress seemed glacial. boards. This means we are heading towards a

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critical mass of women on these boards in line Fortunately, more men are stepping up to this ¢championing flexibility for men and with the target set by the Australian Institute responsibility. women; and of Company Directors for all ASX200 boards At a national level, this is occurring ¢understanding the numbers and setting to have 30 per cent of board members being most visibly through the Male Champions targets. women by the end of 2018. of Change, a group convened by the For our business leaders, it is increasingly This is progress to be celebrated. former Sex Discrimination Commissioner, important to address the gender balance in However, increasing the number of Elizabeth Broderick. Through her inspired their organisations – to have the very best women on boards does not address the leadership, the Champions are playing a key talent available but also to meet expectations key challenge for stronger gender balance role in tackling the challenge in their own of their employees, customers, investors and in business. It is increasing the number of organisations but also in advocating for the broader community. women in the executive ranks that has proven change in the broader community. And they It can perhaps be taken as a sign of the to be much more difficult. This is a particularly are sharing what they are learning as they times that a respected survey of 70 Australian important challenge since it is a company’s work to try things – whether it is a policy such CEOs at the end of 2015 by The Australian executive members, rather than board as ‘all roles are flexible’, pioneered by Mr David asked as one of its five questions: “How many members, who play the key role in influencing Thodey FTSE when he was CEO of Telstra, or females are there among the CEO’s direct the direction, style and performance of a introducing ‘targets with teeth’ by Mr Elmer reports?” Such a question – which is a good company – and are rewarded accordingly. Funke Kupper at the ASX. measure of gender balance in an organisation The numbers paint the picture for the size – would not have been asked a decade ago. of the challenge. The most recent Census for BETTER UNDERSTAND The Australian community has clearly Women in Leadership in 2012 showed that To better understand what ‘leadership’ means shifted in its expectations of the leadership women held just under 10 per cent of the when it comes to improving gender balance, role that women should play. The public key management positions for the ASX200 the Male Champions of Change partnered response to the new Federal Cabinet in late companies – and only six per cent of the line with Chief Executive Women (CEW), Australia’s 2015 – with the number of women increasing roles, where responsibility for businesses and pre-eminent organisation representing from two to five and with our first female operations performance sit. Australia’s most senior women leaders, Defence Minister and our first female Cabinet This starting point indicates the to create a model, called the ‘Leadership minister within the Treasury portfolio – was magnitude of change required to achieve the Shadow’, to identify what a leader must do – testament to this. goal that the Business Council of Australia in terms of what to say, how to act, what to The reason for this shift is perhaps best (BCA) set in 2013 of increasing the number of prioritise and how to measure. captured by the response that Justin Trudeau, women in senior roles in BCA organisations to Some of the key ways a leader can make a the new Prime Minister of Canada, gave last 50 per cent in the next decade. difference include: year to the question of why he had appointed The good news is that we now know much ¢articulating a compelling case for gender the same number of women as men to his more what needs to be done to meet this balance; cabinet – “because it’s 2015”. challenge. There is no magic bullet. But the key ¢ being a role model for an inclusive culture; As we head into 2016, with a great deal to achieving gender balance is leadership. ¢building a top team with a critical mass of of volatility in the global economy, it is more Therefore, the reality for Australian women; important than ever that Australian business businesses is that men must play a critical ¢playing a strong role in key recruitment fully utilises all the talent available. role – women cannot do it by themselves. and promotion decisions; Over the past decade, we have made good progress but there is still much work to do to achieve gender balance in Australian business. [A] respected survey of 70 Australian Nonetheless, the lessons that have been learned by our leading businesses seeking to CEOs at the end of 2015 ... asked as one of improve gender balance are relevant to us all seeking to bring about change. ¤

its five questions: “How many females are Ms Kathryn Fagg FTSE is a board member of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Boral, Incitec Pivot and there among the CEO’s direct reports?” Djerriwarrh Investments, as well as Chairman of the Melbourne Recital Centre, Deputy Chairman of Breast Cancer Network Australia and board member of the Such a question – which is a good Australian Centre for Innovation. She chairs ATSE’s Industry and Innovation Forum and is a member of its measure of gender balance in an Gender Equity Working Group. She started her career as a petroleum engineer with Esso Australia (Exxon Mobil) then, following time in management consulting organisation – would not have been with McKinsey & Co, she pursued an executive career in the banking, steel and logistics industries in Australia, asked a decade ago. New Zealand and Asia.

4 www.atse.org.au FEBRUARY 2016 | FOCUS

BY MARK TONER [email protected]

We need to come to terms with unconscious bias WOMEN – NOW There is a general but superficial view that unconscious bias training removes or reduces our unconscious biases simply because we have become aware of them.

Let’s take a common rather than use all available and relevant ¢gender bias is the general name given to situation: one female data, which will take longer to analyse. any type of bias that occurs in a situation L candidate and three to So the single female applicant starts out involving gender. four male candidates being with an initial disadvantage of having the Almost every week in the national or interviewed for recruitment minority gender amongst the applicants. business media there are articles about women by an organisation. Let’s assume there are When interviewed, the male interviewers in business, covering issues such as a lack of three interviewers, with one female amongst may see the male applicants as members of women in senior positions, pay gaps between them, although in male-dominated businesses their in-group and favour them consciously or men and women, the business case for gender the interviewers will often all be male. unconsciously, and they may see the female diversity, and discussions about bullying, The interviewers will try to be fair and applicant as a member of their out-group with harassment and career discrimination. treat all applicants equally, but they will characteristics similar to the other women in There are fewer articles about how probably be unaware of the following biases business they know, which could be negative. these issues affect women in academia and which can affect their interviewing behaviour The other biases listed above can research institutes but these issues are just as and subsequent decision-making about the further confuse their judgement of the most relevant to them. suitability of each applicant: appropriate applicant and, of course, there Given their importance, it is critical that ¢in-group bias, which causes us to be more are many other types of cognitive bias which these issues continue to be aired publicly. comfortable with and favour people like could also affect the interviewers’ decisions. However, in many of these articles the cause us, that is, of the same gender, background, These factors can also be present of all these problems is generally attributed experience, interests or personality type; in performance appraisals, promotions by both women and men to unconscious ¢the halo effect, which causes us to allow and other decisions about people. So gender bias. the physical characteristics of others organisations need to examine at a detailed Perhaps this occurs for two reasons. to affect our judgement of their other level not just their written policies and First, it is an easy way out to attribute the qualities, for example, physically attractive procedures but their current practices in the cause of these problems to other people’s people are more trustworthy; hiring, performance review and promotion of unconscious beliefs because they are not ¢anchoring bias, which causes us to rely staff, and provide appropriate training. aware of such beliefs and therefore can’t be too much on an irrelevant piece of data or Some definitions may help: held accountable for them – so nobody is to belief, for instance, one of the interviewers ¢cognitive bias is a systematic deviation blame. Second, the men and women who had previously hired a women and it from rational thinking when we make believe unconscious bias is the main or sole turned out badly; judgements and decisions, and has cause of poor treatment of women do not ¢minority pool bias, which causes different causes. There are more than 150 perhaps observe the degree of conscious interviewers to evaluate more negatively known types of such bias; sexism that does occur in business. applicants who comprise a minority of the ¢unconscious (or implicit) bias is a bias that Men who are sexist have learned to applicant pool; happens automatically, is not under our be careful about what they say in front of ¢confirmation bias, which causes us to control and is triggered by our unconscious women (and perhaps vice versa), which notice data and information that conforms mind making quick judgments and means that women do not observe the with our beliefs and to disregard any that assessments of people and situations, amounts of sexist behaviour that does occur doesn’t; and influenced by our genetic make-up, in business and academia. Hence many of ¢availability bias, which causes us to grab background, past and present cultural the authors of such articles, who are mostly readily available data to make decisions environments and personal experiences; and women, underestimate the degree of

www.atse.org.au 5 Clever resourCeful solutions

The minerals we help to mine shape the world We combine the progressive thinking of our Global we live in. R&D and Technical networks to find solutions for the challenges encountered at every stage of the mining An Australian company with a global footprint, value chain. Orica has operations in more than 50 countries and customers in more than 100. On average, we deliver To deliver for our customers, we rely on excellence in 1,500 blasts every day. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

We’re focused on developing long-term We are therefore proud to be the principal Sponsor partnerships with our customers to reduce the total of ATSE’s STELR Project and to have helped more costs of mining, improve productivity and achieve than 400 schools in Australia and beyond become sustainable environmental outcomes. STELR schools.

Blasting Systems l Ground Support l Mining Chemicals orica.com

OR059_Stelr A4 Ad.indd 1 14/08/15 9:17 AM FEBRUARY 2016 | FOCUS

conscious sexism prevailing in our workplace Modelling of an organisation ... which and attribute sexist behaviour solely to unconscious bias. initially had an equal number of men and Unconscious bias is reflected in our prejudices and stereotypes that are deeply women at the bottom level, shows that a seated within us as a result of our genetics and socialisation. In increasingly popular mere one per cent bias against women in ‘unconscious bias training’, employees take tests which indicate where their biases are, all promotion decisions produced almost the rationale being that, once we are aware of our previously unknown biases, we can train twice as many men than women in the ourselves to think differently and make less biased judgements and decisions. second-top level reporting to the CEO. So the general but superficial view is that unconscious bias training removes or reduces our unconscious biases simply because we Unfortunately, there is little evidence that produced almost twice as many men than have become aware of them. consciously realising an unconscious belief women in the second-top level reporting Some large publicly listed organisations or association is sufficient to mitigate it. It to the CEO. A one per cent bias in decision- have stated in recent annual reports that they may do so in some cases. Some unconscious making is undetectable in practice, but this have put their staff through unconscious bias biases can be extremely deep-seated because modelling showed the significant effect training – and that is a good start – but the they are genetically inherited – for example, that a tiny amount of bias can have when real question is: what are they then doing to in-group bias. In contrast, there is some management makes decisions about its staff. assist their staff to deal with their unconscious evidence that unconscious bias training can Further refinement of the algorithm biases and how are they addressing the reinforce cognitive biases and prejudice. should allow organisations to model their conscious biases that we are all subject to? Bringing an unconscious belief or own staff numbers and calculate the average association to the conscious level does not level of bias in their promotion decisions. TRAINING necessarily remove it from the unconscious It will be interesting to see if Australian Clever Certainly, training which increases our mind or change it. In fact, if the unconscious management is interested in such an analysis awareness of our unconscious biases is useful belief is aligned with a conscious belief, it will of their organisations’ practices. but is insufficient on its own to bring about reinforce the unconscious belief, so that if Best practice would be for the resourCeful greatly improved employment practices. someone who is consciously sexist discovers recruitment panel to discuss their own biases Most organisations which have written he/she is unconsciously sexist as well, his/her before interviewing candidates, to have policies and procedures for recruitment, beliefs at each level are unlikely to change at hand a description of biases relevant to solutions performance appraisal and promotion of staff and could be strengthened. recruitment, their causes and their mitigation, believe that they manage these key processes It’s also possible to have conscious and and after the interviews, to discuss how the well and that their decisions are based on unconscious beliefs remaining unaligned panel mitigated their own biases in a very The minerals we help to mine shape the world We combine the progressive thinking of our Global ‘merit’, which they regard as an objective with each other, which will cause confusion transparent process. we live in. R&D and Technical networks to find solutions for the concept but is actually very subjective. in the mind of the person when a relevant How long will it take for business and challenges encountered at every stage of the mining Unfortunately, current data on the number situation arises. academia to adopt such practices? ¤ An Australian company with a global footprint, value chain. of women in middle and senior positions in So it is a complex scene and different Dr Mark Toner FTSE is Chair of ATSE’s Gender Equity Orica has operations in more than 50 countries and industry and academia in Australia indicate that biases need different treatments to mitigate Working Group. He is a consultant with Gender Matters, customers in more than 100. On average, we deliver To deliver for our customers, we rely on excellence in these beliefs are ill-founded and that gender their different causes. which advises organisations on gender equity issues. A former CEO of the engineering and construction 1,500 blasts every day. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. bias is prevalent in many such organisations. Modelling of an organisation with eight company Kvaerner (now Jacobs) Australia, he is a The problem is not only due to unconscious levels of management from the very bottom board member (and a past Chair) of Australian Science We’re focused on developing long-term We are therefore proud to be the principal Sponsor bias, as many commentators continue to claim, to the very top, which initially had an equal Innovations (a non-profit organisation promoting partnerships with our customers to reduce the total of ATSE’s STELR Project and to have helped more but to both conscious and unconscious bias and number of men and women at the bottom science education to secondary school students) and Chair of Calsmelt Pty Ltd (an aluminium technology a lack of understanding of how bias can affect level, shows that a mere one per cent bias costs of mining, improve productivity and achieve than 400 schools in Australia and beyond become start-up). He has been a company director for more sustainable environmental outcomes. STELR schools. our decisions about people. against women in all promotion decisions than 25 years in the STEM and IT sectors.

CONTRIBUTIONS Opinion pieces on technology related topics, preferably between ARE WELCOME 600 and 1400 words, will be considered for publication. They must list the full Blasting Systems l Ground Support l Mining Chemicals name of the author, if a Fellow of the Academy. Other contributors should provide their full name, title/role and organisation (if relevant) and email address. Please address to [email protected] orica.com

www.atse.org.au 7

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BY SUSAN POND [email protected]

From Black Swan to Athena SWAN WOMEN – NOW Original ideas come from environments that brim with people from diverse backgrounds and original circumstances.

The observation of a single announcement included investment of more 13 other participants, was to facilitate black swan in Australia in than $13 million to: discussion on the Athena SWAN Charter, T the 1600s was enough to ¢support the greater participation of girls the UK’s response to similar chronic under- overturn long-held ideas and and women in the research sector, STEM representation. theories in the Old World industries, startups and entrepreneurial The background briefing for the meeting and create new ones. Today, the metaphor of firms; noted: “Within the sciences, women in the black swan has been extended to explain ¢celebrate female STEM role models; and universities comprise only 17 per cent of level D outlier events or observations that disrupt ¢build programs and networks that support and above positions. The evidence appears conventional thinking in a range of fields, workplace gender equality, such as the to show that women are not being promoted from philosophy to finance. Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) to more senior positions within science at the Why hasn’t equally compelling evidence pilot. same rate as men, and that many leave the in report after report showing that women science workforce altogether. This represents are equally as capable and ambitious as men SCIENCE IN AUSTRALIA GENDER a significant waste of talent and investment, but do not have an equal chance to flourish EQUITY (SAGE) which must be arrested.” had the same disruptive impact? The Australian Academy of Science (AAS) Taking advantage of the momentum Why is it important that they do and that and the Academy of Technology and generated by the July meeting, SAGE invited conventional thinking begins to change? Engineering (ATSE) lead SAGE in partnership. representatives from the UK’s Equality In announcing its ‘Welcome to the Ideas SAGE aims to improve gender equity in the Challenge Unit (ECU), which administers Athena Boom’ National Science and Innovation Australian science, technology, engineering, SWAN, to its second Forum in November 2014. Agenda (NISA) a few weeks ago, the mathematics and medicine (STEMM) sectors, At the Forum, senior representatives Australian Government made this crystal with a focus on higher education institutions, from Australian universities, medical clear: “innovation and science are critical for medical research institutions and publicly research institutes, funding bodies, Australia to deliver new sources of growth, funded research agencies in Australia. government science agencies, ATSE and maintain high-wage jobs and seize the next Professor Brian Schmidt and Professor many other relevant organisations gave wave of economic prosperity”. Nalini Joshi founded SAGE and its Steering clear endorsement to SAGE and the idea of Three tenets of this go-forward plan are Committee in early 2014 under the auspices conducting a pilot of the UK’s Athena SWAN crucial to its success: of the AAS. They were motivated by Charter in Australia. Boosting the capabilities of Australia’s continuing concerns about the entrenched 1 science, technology, engineering and under-representation of women at higher ATHENA SWAN CHARTER mathematics (STEM) disciplines. levels of appointment in Australian The Athena SWAN Charter evolved from two Creating a culture in our teaching and universities and research organisations. initiatives that were working separately in the 2 research institutions that nurtures radical ATSE, similarly motivated, has been UK to advance the representation of women new ideas and the entrepreneurial spirit. implementing practical policies to address in STEM: the Athena Project and the Scientific Overturning organisational structures, the stark inequalities in its own ranks and in Women’s Academic Network (SWAN). 3 cultures and attitudes in these STEM organisations more broadly since 2010. In 2005, 10 institutions from the organisations that disadvantage women. As a first step, the Steering Committee university and publicly funded research In support of the third tenet and to conducted a SAGE Forum Development sector joined forces with the ECU to form the “realise our full potential as a nation through Meeting in July 2014. The aim of the meeting, Charter. Members signed up to the then six greater contribution from women”, the NISA attended by the Steering Committee and principles of the Charter and to the long-term

8 www.atse.org.au FEBRUARY 2016 | FOCUS

Women front and centre at the SAGE launch. goal of changing embedded cultures, systems and behaviours that disadvantage women. ATHENA SWAN CHARTER PRINCIPLES In May 2015, the Charter was expanded To address gender inequalities requires commitment and action from everyone, at all to 10 principles and to recognise the arts, 1 levels of the organisation. humanities, social sciences, business and law, To tackle the unequal representation of women in science requires changing cultures to administrative and support roles and to 2 and attitudes across the organisation. transgender staff and students. The absence of diversity at management and policy-making levels has broad Within three years of committing to 3 implications which the organisation will examine. the Charter’s principles, organisations are The high loss rate of women in science is an urgent concern which the organisation will expected to apply for at least a Bronze award, 4 address. the lowest of the three levels available. The The system of short-term contracts has particularly negative consequences for the awards are designed to promote and reward 5 retention and progression of women in science, which the organisation recognises. continuous progression and sustainable There are both personal and structural obstacles to women making the transition change. 6 from PhD into a sustainable academic career in science, which require the active Applicants for awards must collect consideration of the organisation. health, social, business, agricultural, environmental, and analyse longitudinal data on women’s landholder and economic impacts of the industry; and harmonisation of federal and state/ progression within the organisation. Using territory government legislation, regulations and policies. this data, they are to identify reasons for female exclusion and under-representation and develop action plans to address these after which holders must reapply. Renewal original group of 10 to the current 136. reasons and demonstrate progress over time. requires evidence of progress and successful The impact of the Charter on changing Once an institution as a whole has completion of milestones during the previous the culture and attitudes with the member received at least a Bronze award, individual three years. organisations is assessed independently departments and faculties can also apply. Since its inception in 2005, Charter on a regular basis. The most recent Athena The awards are only valid for three years, membership has grown rapidly from the SWAN Evaluation Report, in 2014, found

www.atse.org.au 9 Our vision is to create sustainability and excellence in Australia’s power engineering.

What is the API The Australian Power Institute (API) is a not for profit national organisation established by the Australian power industry to boost the quality and numbers of power engineering graduates with the skills and motivation for a career in the energy industry which encompasses: - Generation, transmission and distribution utilities - Manufacturers and suppliers to the industry - Consultants to the industry - End users of electricity in their operations. Value Proposition To deliver a sustainable supply of highly skilled power engineering professionals working effectively to meet the challenges of creating Australia’s new energy future, and underpin the technical and commercial success of member companies in the energy sector. The key objectives of API are to achieve the following: - Provide a sustainable supply of quality power engineering graduates to industry - University power engineering teaching and learning provides relevant industry skills - Value added continuing professional development programs - A respected organisation leading the national development of power engineering skills.

Further Information Contact - Mike Griffin (Chief Executive)

6 0419 643 795 [email protected] www.api.edu.au and www.powerengineering.org.au FEBRUARY 2016 | FOCUS

considerable evidence of effectiveness in advancing women’s careers in STEMM and sustainable change in culture, systems and attitude in participating institutions. Interestingly, however, the Report noted that even after nearly 10 years of the Charter’s operation, institutional champions were generally females working in equality and diversity roles. It recommended that the ECU consider how to address this imbalance and the associated widely held misconception that gender-equality work is only pursuing Our vision is to create sustainability and improvements for women. In a controversial move, Dame Sally excellence in Australia’s power engineering. Davies, the UK Government’s Chief Medical Officer, announced in 2011 that, from 2015, medical schools would require a Silver Athena Launching SAGE (from left) Ms Lyndal Curtis, Mr Richard Marles, Dr Jennifer Martin, Professor Nalini Joshi, SWAN award to be eligible for the Medical Ms Kelly O’Dwyer, Ms Karen Andrews, Dr Alan Finkel, Professor Sharon Bell, Dr Maggie Evans-Galea, Professor Andrew Holmes and Dr Susan Pond. What is the API Research Council’s National Institute for Health Research Funding. This move led to The Australian Power Institute (API) is a not for profit national organisation an increase in applications for the award and Dr Maggie Evans-Galea; ENSURING SUCCESS established by the Australian power industry to boost the quality and increased scrutiny of decisions and processes ¢ATSE President Dr Alan Finkel AO FTSE; and The need for female and male champions within the ECU and the institutions seeking ¢AAS President Professor Andrew Holmes to ensure the success of SAGE was very numbers of power engineering graduates with the skills and motivation and obtaining awards. FRS FAA FTSE. much in the minds of ATSE and AAS when for a career in the energy industry which encompasses: By the time of the launch, the two they reached a formal agreement to work - Generation, transmission and distribution utilities SAGE PILOT Academies had forged a strong partnership in partnership on the SAGE Pilot. Each The SAGE Pilot of Athena SWAN was launched and the Steering Committee had made a call Academy being male-dominated has a lot - Manufacturers and suppliers to the industry in Parliament House in Canberra last September. for applications and selected 32 institutions of champions to choose from. Even so, the The launch involved, moderated by willing to participate. audience at the launch of the SAGE Pilot - Consultants to the industry political journalist Ms Lyndal Curtis, attracted The objectives of the pilot are two-fold: was predominantly female. Females do a host of parliamentary leaders and equality demonstrate the efficacy and feasibility of represent a powerful force for change. But - End users of electricity in their operations. advocates, including: operating Athena SWAN in Australia and work self-segregated monocultures – of men or ¢Ms Karen Andrews, Parliamentary with SAGE to adapt the UK processes and women – will not overturn the entrenched Value Proposition Secretary to the Minister for Industry and materials to suit the Australian context. gender inequality in Australia’s academic and Science and Co-convenor Parliamentary Funding to date has been provided research institutions. Remaining silent on the To deliver a sustainable supply of highly skilled power engineering Friends of Science; by donations from Academy Fellows, gender gap is not an option for anyone. ¤ ¢Ms Kelly O’Dwyer, Parliamentary Secretary sponsorship from each Academy and the professionals working effectively to meet the challenges of creating to the Treasurer and Co-convenor Office of the Chief Scientist, and contributions Dr Susan Pond AM FTSE is a senior leader in business Australia’s new energy future, and underpin the technical and and academia, recognised for major national Parliamentary Friends of Women in from the participating organisations. and international contributions in biotechnology, commercial success of member companies in the energy sector. Science, Mathematics & Engineering; The pilot will run for 3.5 years and renewable energy and sustainability. She is Co-Chair ¢Mr Richard Marles, Shadow Minister for involve two cohorts. The first 20 participants of SAGE, consultant to the United States Studies Centre The key objectives of API are to achieve the following: Immigration and Border Protection and commenced in September 2015. The second and Adjunct Professor in Engineering and Information - Provide a sustainable supply of quality power engineering Technologies at the University of Sydney. As Vice- Co-convenor Parliamentary Friends of cohort will start in September 2016. President (2011–15) Dr Pond led the development of graduates to industry Science; In addition to providing the licence ATSE’s gender equity policies and strategies. She is - University power engineering teaching and learning provides ¢Professor Nalini Joshi FAA and Dr Susan for Athena SWAN, the ECU will provide Director of Biotron Ltd and Engineering Sydney, and relevant industry skills Pond AM FTSE, SAGE Steering Committee oversight of the assessment process and Chairman of the Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. In 2013, the Australian - Value added continuing professional development programs Co-Chairs and Committee members Dr training workshops for participants. These will Financial Review and Westpac named her in the Top - A respected organisation leading the national development Jennifer Martin, Professor Sharon Bell and commence in early 2016. 100 Women of Influence. of power engineering skills. LETTERS TO THE ATSE Focus welcomes letters from readers in response to EDITOR published article or on technology related topics. Further Information Please keep letters brief. Longer letters may be run as contributed articles. Contact - Mike Griffin (Chief Executive) Please address to [email protected]

6 0419 643 795 [email protected] www.api.edu.au and www.powerengineering.org.au www.atse.org.au 11 FOCUS | FEBRUARY 2016

ATSE – stepping out on gender equity.

ATSE IS TAKING PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO THE LEAD ON GENDER EQUITY

A key recommendation So maximising participation and forms of inequality. In the UK the Athena from the 2005 Review of retention of women at all levels in Swan Charter has proved highly successful in A the Australian Learned technological sciences and engineering transforming gender equity action to improve Academies was that “all should be a priority in terms of maximising the promotion and retention of women and of the Academies focus productivity and innovation in Australia, as gender minorities within STEMM. on addressing gender imbalances in their well as seeking social equity. ATSE’s initiatives have made it a leader Fellowships”. ATSE has committed to actively promote in gender equity amongst Australia’s In 2007, as part of a program of gender diversity and equity (equal rights and Learned Academies and other professional governance reform of ATSE, the ATSE Board opportunities for all regardless of gender) institutions. The impact of these initiatives commissioned a review of membership through various initiatives over the past over the past five years is very evident in its processes and sought advice on a number of five years. Implementation of a new Gender own activities: issues including gender balance. The Board Equity Policy in late 2010 included setting a ¢over the past three years, its target of one- noted the need to enhance the recognition gender target of 33 per cent for new Fellows third of new Fellows being women has of leading women in technological sciences elected each year. been achieved; and engineering and instructed Division ATSE recognised then that more direct ¢as a result, the proportion of women Committees to actively increase the action was needed to address the gender across its Fellowship has been increasing nomination of women for consideration for imbalance both within its membership and steadily and is now more than 10 per cent; ATSE membership. its structures and activities as well as more ¢the proportion of women on its Board over Women bring to the science, technology, broadly in promoting women at senior levels the past three years has exceeded 40 per engineering and mathematics (STEM) sector a in technological sciences and engineering in cent; wealth of talent and creativity but continue to Australia. To this end, in 2015 it established a ¢the proportion of women in its Division be under-represented in STEM organisations, Gender Equity Working Group, with its own Committees has been steadily increasing particularly at senior levels. Terms of Reference, to advise the Board on and currently averages about 20 per cent; Research institutes, academia, business gender equity issues and to work with the and and government need to adopt mechanisms ATSE CEO in providing advice and direction ¢it actively encourages gender equity in which recruit and retain women in on implementation of gender policies. all STEM areas by adopting a policy that it technological sciences and engineering A revised Gender Equity Policy was issued “will not support or participate in external and enable them to thrive, excel and be in late 2015. activities where the organising body has recognised. In mid-2015 ATSE partnered with the no gender equity policy or where women Additionally, much research has been Australian Academy of Science to implement are not reasonably represented amongst carried out by reputable organisations such as the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) speakers/panellists, unless there are McKinsey, Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse program, which addresses gender equity extenuating circumstances”. on the financial benefits of having more in the science, technology, engineering, Through its initiatives in gender equity in women at senior management and board mathematics and medical (STEMM) sector. recent years, both within its own organisation level in organisations, and all the research The program has been adapted from the and across its Fellowship, ATSE has points to superior outcomes when women Athena SWAN Charter, established in the UK demonstrated strong leadership in the STEM are well represented at these levels. This is the in 2005, an accreditation and improvement sector and has set the example for other so-called ‘business case’ for more women in program for higher education and research organisations to follow. ¤ management and on boards. organisations focusing on gender and other – DR MARK TONER FTSE

12 www.atse.org FEBRUARY 2016 | FOCUS

BY MARLENE KANGA [email protected]

Altering the mindset: women essential for engineering WOMEN – NOW Our neighbours in Asia and Africa are powering along, attracting girls to science and engineering as careers of choice, providing high levels of respect and satisfaction.

It’s time to bust the prevailing engineering. Many have a strategic national as Employers of Choice by the Workplace myth that engineering is a approach that provides opportunities for Gender Equality Agency in 2015, indicating I male-dominated profession. boys and girls, as this is a numbers game and that the majority had not implemented While the proportion of it’s recognised that it is important to attract systematic processes to ensure gender equity. women in engineering and retain the best and the brightest. We do have a small number of very remains small in many countries where However, Australia continues to lag in competent, high profile women engineers engineering first established as a profession this important area. In the post-mining-boom in Australia who are in significant leadership – the UK, Western Europe, the US, Canada, era, where Australia is looking to innovation positions and gaining recognition for their Australia, New Zealand and South Africa – to develop new industries and create jobs, leadership in science and engineering, the proportion of women in engineering is there is a serious deficit in the participation especially in innovation. However, Australia significantly higher in Latin America, Asia and of women in science, engineering and is falling behind in the proportion of girls Africa and, increasingly, women are taking technology. studying science and mathematics, the leadership roles in these countries. These are the worst performing enabling subjects for tertiary studies in Innovation and new technologies are sectors by any measure. For example, listed engineering. increasingly seen as the route to becoming companies in this sector have the lowest a developed economy. Consequently, proportion of women on their boards, and BELOW 20 PER CENT countries around the world are recognising most of the women that are appointed The proportion of young women studying the importance of science and mathematics to these boards do not have a science or engineering remains below 20 per cent – 14.4 as skills in these areas will be essential engineering background. Only five Australian- per cent for all levels of qualifications in 2012, for careers in science, technology and owned companies in this sector were listed although pockets of higher percentages

Women from all continents at the World Federation of Engineering Organizations meeting in Kyoto in December 2015.

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exist in some faculties. On graduation a and Africa are powering along, attracting know many who derive enormous enjoyment high proportion leave engineering within girls to science and engineering as careers from the intellectual challenges and the first 10 years, especially as they start a of choice, providing high levels of respect opportunities that engineering provides. family. Women in engineering surveys have and satisfaction. In Malaysia, for example, What is needed is a change in the repeatedly shown that balancing work and nearly 30 per cent of registered engineers mindset of engineering organisations, family is a top priority for women and a key are women and the proportions studying especially our leaders. Increasing the diversity reason for their movement into other fields. engineering are around 50 per cent, in the engineering profession, with equitable The 2011 census shows that about 50 supported by government policies that access for everyone, is a business decision. per cent of qualified women engineers do recognise the importance of women’s It has been repeatedly shown that diverse not work in engineering and that the overall contribution to innovation and economic teams significantly outperform homogenous proportion of women working in engineering development. ones, even if the latter are made up of star is just 9.7 per cent, of which two-thirds are In Kuwait, the proportion of women performers. According to McKinsey, the overseas born, showing the large losses studying engineering is greater than 50 per global consulting firm, increasing diversity that occur in Australia after graduation. The cent and increasing numbers are working is the most effective way for companies to losses continue throughout the career cycle, in engineering. Malaysia and many other improve their performance at every level. especially after family formation, so that, countries in Asia and Africa have recognised So what is the best way to build diverse according to the 2011 census, the average the importance of diverse leadership teams teams? Organisations have spent large age of women engineers is 35 years and there and have set targets of 30 per cent of women amounts of effort and money on a plethora were only approximately 500 Australian- on boards and in leadership positions. of programs to increase diversity without born women working in engineering and It is clear that women around the world much success. A cultural transformation is aged more than 50 years. Consequently, the are studying engineering and are active in needed, similar to that achieved in changing pipeline of career progression of women the profession in increasing numbers. It’s a Australia’s approach to safety in the workplace. engineers to leadership positions is full of myth that engineering is a male-dominated Companies have shifted from a ‘she’ll be right’ very large holes. profession or that women cannot be great attitude to one where safety is a paramount, By comparison, our neighbours in Asia engineers. Women excel at engineering and I non-negotiable value, recognised as an

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important goal by everyone. Australia’s safety WORKING HARD TO RECRUIT WOMEN ENGINEERS performance is now world-class. Australia is frantically short of engineers – the country annually imports more than Similarly, there is a need for the leaders double the number who graduate from Australian universities, and has done so for more of the engineering profession to step up to than a decade. change the workplace to be more diverse and Every year, some 18,000 engineering positions need to be filled. Almost 6000 come inclusive. As with safety, the transformation from engineering students who graduate from universities in Australia, of whom almost requires a strategic approach that is led from 20 per cent come from the University of (UNSW), which has the the top. country’s biggest engineering faculty. I have developed such a strategic The other 12,000 engineers arrive in Australia to take up jobs – 25 per cent on approach with innovative reporting using temporary work visas. leading and lagging indicators, similar “Demand from industry to those used in safety. The approach completely outstrips supply, and re-positions existing programs within a that demand is not slowing – in fact, strategic framework, achieving significant it has doubled in the past decade,” change without incurring additional cost. says Professor Mark Hoffman FTSE, Importantly, organisations that have used this Dean of Engineering at UNSW. approach are also on the path to becoming Only about 13 per cent of Employers of Choice. This strategy is freely engineers in Australia are women, a available from the link below. ratio that has been growing slowly In addition to enhancing business and for decades. innovation performance, it’s an ethical UNSW’s Faculty of Engineering responsibility to ensure our workplaces is investing in a number of initiatives provide genuine equity of opportunity to support this. and value the differences in perspective The Faculty has recently that people of different backgrounds, ages, tripled the number of its Women gender and ability bring to the team. in Engineering scholarships to UNSW Women in Engineering Camp participants visit the Inclusive cultures respect all individuals 15, with a value of more than Qantas Engineering and Maintenance facility in Sydney. and recognise that differences are essential $150,000 annually, partly funded by to drive innovation, reduce risks and create UNSW and industry partners such as the , Arup and WSP Parsons more relevant products. Ultimately these Brinckerhoff, as well as private benefactors. result in improved financial performance, It also hosts the annual Women in Engineering Camp. In January, 90 young women better governance, more opportunities and with their hearts set on a future of maths and science came to UNSW from around ultimately better economic outcomes for Australia, more than tripling the size of previous camps. The Years 11 and 12 students Australia. ¤ spent five days exploring engineering as a career and visiting major companies such as Google, Resmed, Transurban and Sydney Water to see the engineering profession in FURTHER READING action. 1. Dr Marlene Kanga, A strategy for In the past, 75 per cent of girls who attended the camp in Year 12 have gone on to inclusiveness, wellbeing and diversity in enrol in engineering at UNSW. engineering workplaces https://www.wgea. “There may be young women in high school right now who could become some gov.au/sites/default/files/Inclusiveness_ of the best engineers ever born – but if they don’t know about the profession and Wellbeing_Diversity_Strategy.pdf what it offers, they’ll never realise that potential,” says Alexandra Bannigan, Manager 2. The engineering profession, a statistical of the Women in Engineering Initiative at UNSW. “If we succeed, it’s a win for them as overview, 11th edition, 2014 individuals, it’s a win for us as a society and it’s a win for the engineering profession.” www.engineersaustralia.org.au Professor Hoffman’s goal is to raise female Faculty representation among students, staff and researchers to 30 per cent by 2020. Currently, 21 per cent of UNSW engineering Dr Marlene Kanga AM FTSE is a member of the ATSE students are female, compared to the Australian average of 16 per cent. Gender Equality Working Group. She is a Director of “Engineering has one of the highest starting salaries, and the average starting salary Sydney Water Corporation and Director of iOmniscient for engineering graduates has been actually higher for women than for men,” he says. Pty Ltd, which has developed patented software technology for intelligent video analytics systems. She “In a knowledge-driven economy, the best innovation comes from diverse teams who is a Board member of Innovation Australia and chair bring together different perspectives,” he adds. “This isn’t just about plugging the chronic of its R&D Incentives Committee. She was National skills gap – it’s also a social good to bring diversity to our technical workforce, which will President of Engineers Australia in 2013 and is help stimulate more innovation. President Elect of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO). She has been listed among the “We can’t win at the innovation game if half of our potential engineers are not taking Top 100 Engineers in Australia in 2013, 2014 and 2015 part in the race.” and the Top 100 Westpac Women of Influence in 2013.

www.atse.org.au 15 FOCUS | FEBRUARY 2016

BY MARGARET HARTLEY [email protected]

Academy women hold big industry and research roles WOMEN – NOW Chief Scientists, business leaders, CSIRO stalwarts and leaders in engineering, minerals, food and fibre, and medicine and biotechnology.

Women Fellows of the Manufacturing, a member of the SA Economic and is Managing Partner at CM Capital Academy hold leading roles Development Board, the Council for the Investments Pty Ltd, focused on life sciences W in government, industry and University of and a member investments at the firm, and is Deputy Chair research across Australia – of BioAngels, which supports early-stage life of Mater Research in Brisbane. and are influential in advice sciences businesses. Ms Katherine Hirschfeld FTSE is to governments around the country. As CEO Professor Lyn Beazley AO FTSE is a chemical engineer who, prior to her of ATSE, I am very proud of the significant a neuroscientist, educator and science retirement in 2010, was Executive Director, BP impact they are having on Australia’s future ambassador based in Perth and was Chief Australasia and is now a Director of Transfield through their work in technological fields. Scientist of (2006–13). Services Ltd (now Broadspectrum), Toxfree Emeritus Professor Mary O’Kane AC FTSE Solutions Ltd and UN Women Australia. is NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer and was BUSINESS LEADERS Dr Erica Smyth FTSE is Chairman, Toro recognised for her work in the 2016 Australia Ms Catherine Livingstone AO FAA FTSE is Energy Ltd, Scitech, the Diabetes Research Day Honours. She one of Australia’s most-recognised business Foundation (WA), has chaired major leaders – President of the Business Council and ScreenWest, and reviews of the Bureau of Australia, Chair of Telstra, former CSIRO Director of ANSTO, of Meteorology and Chair and a director of Macquarie Bank and EMECO Holdings Ltd the Cooperative WorleyParsons. and the Royal Flying Research Centres Dr Megan Clark AC FTSE, former CEO of Doctor Service (WA). Program. She was CSIRO, is a Director of ; Ms Kathryn Vice-Chancellor a Fagg FTSE is a board member of the Reserve CSIRO of the University Bank of Australia, Boral, Incitec Pivot and ATSE women have Mary O’Kane of Adelaide (1996 Djerriwarrh Investments; Dr Patricia Kailis also been prominent Erica Smyth to 2001), Chair of OBE AM FTSE is a prominent business woman, in leadership roles the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy geneticist and neurologist who has combined within CSIRO. (2010–12) and is a former member of the her training in medicine with involvement in Dr Mary Ann Augustin FTSE is Research Australian Research Council, the Cooperative family shipbuilding, prawning and pearling Program Leader (Food Science) at CSIRO, Research Centres Committee, the board of FH industries in WA; and Ms Else Shepherd leading research and working to apply the Faulding & Co Ltd and the CSIRO Board. AM FTSE is Chair of Powerlink () outcomes to creation of an impressive array She is one of three Women Fellows and a pioneer and role model in breaking of commercially successful food ingredients, holding chief scientist roles – Dr Leanna through the barriers to women’s professional products and processes. Read FTSE, a former ATSE director, is SA acceptance particularly in ‘non-traditional’ Dr Nan Bray FTSE, was formerly Chief of Chief Scientist and Ms Leonie Walsh FTSE fields such as engineering. Division, CSIRO Marine Research, based in is Victoria’s Lead Scientist. Prior to her Dr Rosalind Dubs FTSE is a company , and earlier headed the Physical appointment to the Lead Scientist position, director, serving on the boards of Aristocrat Oceanography Division at the Scripps Ms Walsh worked for Visy Industries and Leisure Ltd and ASC Pty Ltd. She managed Institution of Oceanography in San Diego. South East Melbourne Water in Victoria, and international engineering businesses in Dr Joanne Daly PSM FTSE is Strategic internationally for Henkel and Dow Chemical. Europe for Thales SA, and chaired the Space Advisor at the Australian Centre for Dr Read is a renowned biotechnology Industry Innovation Council (2010–12). International Agricultural Research with expert, chair of the CRC for Cell Therapy Dr Carrie Hillyard FTSE was a Co-Founder responsibility for advising the CSIRO Executive

16 www.atse.org.au FEBRUARY 2016 | FOCUS

on its collections and facilities. Her immediate (Retd) Julie Hammer AM FTSE, was formerly ENGINEERING past role was as Group Executive, Agribusiness Australia’s most senior woman in the Dr Marlene Kanga AM FTSE is a Director of (2007–11) on the CSIRO Executive. Australian Defence Force and President of Sydney Water Corporation and iOmniscient Dr Liz Dennis FAA FTSE is currently Engineers Australia. She was the first woman Pty Ltd. She is a Board member of Innovation a chief scientist at the plant division of to command an RAAF operational unit, the Australia, was National President of Engineers CSIRO Canberra. She jointly received the Electronic Warfare Squadron. Australia in 2013 and is President Elect inaugural Prime Minister’s Prize in 2000 for of the World Federation of Engineering her outstanding achievements in science ENERGY & MINERALS Organizations. and technology and won the Farrer Memorial Ms Denise Goldsworthy FTSE was a Professor Elizabeth Taylor FTSE is a Trust Medal in 2014. General Manager at Rio Tinto and is now consultant who Dr Cathy Foley PSM FTSE heads CSIRO’s a management consultant, Chairman of chairs Engineers Materials Science and Engineering Division ChemCentre WA, and a Director of Arrium Ltd, Australia’s and is known for her work on SQUID systems Export Finance and Insurance Commission Accreditation Board, underpinning the discovery of mineral ores and the Minerals Research Institute of RedR Australia and worth many billions of dollars. She won Western Australia. International RedR. a Clunies Ross Award in 2015 and is past Dr Vanessa Guthrie FTSE is Managing She is a former Pro President of both the Australian Institute Director of Toro Energy Ltd and a leader in Vice Chancellor of of Physics and Science and Technology uranium mining Central Queensland Australia. and extraction Elizabeth Taylor University and Dr Elizabeth Heij FTSE is a former Chief and nuclear power former President of of the Division of Horticulture at CSIRO and options and the Australian Council of Engineering Deans. later was Chief of its Division of Tropical previously held Agriculture. senior appointments FOOD & FIBRE Dr Anita Hill FTSE is a member of the in the minerals and Dr Diane Davidson AM FTSE is an agricultural CSIRO Executive, and as Executive Director, gas industries with scientist and horticulturalist, viticultural Future Industries, oversees its Manufacturing, Woodside, Alcoa, consultant, a Member of the Murray–Darling Health and Biosecurity, and Food and WMC and . Vanessa Guthrie Basin Authority, Deputy Chancellor of the Nutrition Business Units, as well as CSIRO’s Ms Chloe Munro University of Adelaide and a former member Services line of FTSE is Chair and Chief Executive Officer of of the SA Premier’s Climate Change Council. business. the Clean Energy Regulator. She has been Dr Kate Fairley-Grenot FTSE chairs the Dr Jennifer Secretary of two Victorian Government nation’s Rural Research and Development Stauber FTSE is departments, held senior positions in Telstra Council and has wide-ranging agricultural Chief Research and was Commissioner and Chair of the interests. She is an adjunct Professor in the Scientist, CSIRO, and National Water Commission. Faculty of Agriculture and the Environment at Australia’s foremost Dr Lorraine Stephenson FTSE is a leading the University of Sydney. ecotoxicologist industry expert working across energy, Dr Meryl Williams FTSE is a former Chair who has pioneered climate change and sustainability. She has of the Australian Centre for International Jennifer Stauber the development held senior executive roles and current Board Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and Director and application of positions and advises governments on the General of the WorldFish Center who won the environmental assessment techniques for development and financing of low-emission 2015 Crawford Fund Medal for 30 years’ work contaminants for regulators and industry. technologies. in aquaculture, conservation and agricultural Dr Susan Pond AM FTSE is a senior F&D. DEFENCE leader in business and academia, Co- Dr Elizabeth Woods OAM FTSE is Ms Janis Cocking FTSE heads the Chair of SAGE, consultant to the United Director-General, Agriculture in Queensland DSTO Maritime Platforms Division, where she States Studies Centre, Adjunct Professor in and recognised nationally and internationally oversees the S&T Engineering and Information Technologies for her leadership support program for at the University of Sydney as well as a in innovative the Royal Australian former ATSE Vice-President. agricultural research, Navy’s fleet. She Professor Beverley Ronalds FTSE is an farmer profitability led the scientific engineer with experience in major firms and hunger and and technological in Australia and UK, who was appointed poverty in the support program Woodside Chair in Oil and Gas Exploration at developing world. for the Collins class the University of Western Australia in 1995 Dr Doreen Clark submarines. and served as Group Executive, CSIRO Energy. AM FTSE founded Air Vice Marshall Janis Cocking Organic Crop Elizabeth Woods

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Protectants Pty Ltd, was MD of Analchem has played a pivotal role in biotechnology technology and Bioassay Pty Ltd for 30 years, the first woman and healthcare innovation and increased science translation to be elected National President of The Royal investment into the industry. She landscape over the past Australian Chemical Institute, Chair of the championed the R&D Tax Incentive to fund 25 years, with significant National Standards Commission and an ATSE product development and increase foreign influence on government Vice President. direct investment. policies. Dr Mary Rose FTSE is a former Principal Dr Tracie Ramsdale FTSE is a Director Husbandry Officer with the Queensland and co-founder of Alchemia Ltd, which Department of Primary Industries’ Sheep and licensed its technology to major international Wool Institute. pharmaceutical and manufacturing partners, Dr Jennifer Wythes FTSE is an agricultural and has served on the Advisory Council scientist who was Chair and CEO of the on Intellectual Property, the Queensland Queensland Livestock Meat Authority and a Biotechnology Advisory Council. director of the Meat Research Corporation. Dr Deborah Rathjen FTSE is CEO and MD of Bionomics Ltd, and known for MEDICINE & BIOTECHNOLOGY her significant contribution to Australia’s Sue Barrell Professor Marilyn Anderson AO FAA biotechnology sector as an inventor, FTSE is Chief Scientist, Hexima Ltd, and is commercial developer and entrepreneur and WATER, CLIMATE & recognised internationally as an outstanding her impact on the biotechnology industry. SUSTAINABILITY plant molecular Dr Merilyn Sleigh FTSE is a former CEO Dr Susan Barrell FTSE is Deputy Director, biologist whose and MD of Evogenix Pty Ltd, R&D Director of Observations and Infrastructure in the discoveries has been Peptech Ltd and Chief Research Scientist and Bureau of Meteorology. She is a world applied globally Assistant Chief of Division with CSIRO who leader in weather and climate observation and as a leader has served on a wide range of government technologies and a widely respected and contributor to committees, boards and councils. authority on international climate change community debates Dr Meera Verma FTSE is Acting Chief monitoring and research. on technology Executive of BioSA, which aims to bring Dr Wendy Craik AM FTSE, former Dame Marie innovative South Australian products and Productivity Commissioner and Murray– Marilyn Anderson Bashir AD CVO technologies to global markets, with a strong Darling Basin Commission CEO, earlier FTSE is the former background in biotechnology company head of the National Farmers Federation Governor of NSW, Chancellor of the University management and manufacturing. and now Chair of the Climate Change of Sydney and Clinical Director of Mental Authority, is also Deputy Chancellor of the Health Services for the Central Sydney Area TECHNOLOGY POLICY University of South Australia. Health Service, with a long history of service Dr Margaret Hartley FTSE has been CEO The Hon Karlene Maywald FTSE was to medicine and psychiatry. of ATSE since 2009 and was previously the Chair and Commissioner, National Water Dr Bronwyn Evans FTSE is CEO of Principal Scientific Advisor to the Australian Commission, a former SA Government Standards Australia and chairs the Medical Department of Health and Ageing, Director of Minister and Strategic Adviser – Water Technologies and Pharmaceuticals Growth the Office of Chemical Safety and Australia’s Opportunities to the SA Government, Centre. An electrical engineer by training, she Industrial Chemical Regulator (1997 to 2006). assisting its water expertise global sales pitch. led the quality, clinical and regulation process Dr Sue Meek AO FTSE has been the Ms Susan Murphy FTSE is CEO, Water for Cochlear Ltd and was also chair of the Chief Executive of the Australian Academy of Corporation Western Australia, and Chair of Medical Technology Association of Australia. Science since May 2008. She has more than the Water Services Association of Australia. Ms Barbara Gibson FTSE is a former GM 30 years’ experience working in a variety She has been listed repeatedly among of Orica’s Chemicals Group in Australia and of capacities at the interface of industry, the top 100 most influential engineers in Chair of Orica NZ and Director of Incitec Ltd academe and government. Australia by Engineers Australia. ¤ and Biota Holding Inc. She was also Vice Dr Katherine President of the Australian Pharmaceuticals Woodthorpe FTSE is Manufacturing Association. Chair of the Antarctic Dr Margaret Hartley FTSE has been CEO of ATSE since 2009 and was previously the Principal Scientific Advisor Dr Cherrell Hirst AO FTSE, Deputy Climate and to the Australian Department of Health and Ageing, Chair/Acting CEO, Queensland Biocapital Ecosystems CRC and and Director of the Office of Chemical Safety. She Funds Pty Ltd, is known for her pionering a director of Sirtex was Australia’s Industrial Chemical Regulator (1997 work in establishing and promoting breast Medical Ltd. She has to 2006), responsible for leading and managing the regulation of chemicals and cosmetics and promoting cancer screening, which has had a profound made substantial safe and sustainable use of industrial chemicals. Dr influence on women’s health. contributions to Hartley formerly held positions in pharmacology and Dr Anna Lavelle FTSE, CEO of Ausbiotech, Katherine Woodthorpe the Australian epidemiology at Monash University and the ANU.

18 www.atse.org.au FEBRUARY 2016 | FOCUS

BY ROSALIND DUBS [email protected]

Women Fellows influential leaders in Australian universities WOMEN – NOW Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, Provosts and Deputy Vice Chancellors – and research leaders across diverse disciplines.

Sue Barrell ATSE Women Fellows play an impressive role in Australian A universities at management, research leadership and researcher levels, and I am delighted to present this extensive list of Robyn Owens female leadership and achievement. All of them play a significant part in advancing Australia’s innovation agenda. At the peak level of governance, they have been serving in Adrienne Clarke Rose Amal key roles as Chancellors and Vice Chancellors. Ms Catherine Livingstone AO FAA FTSE, At the senior executive level of Australian Fellow and was Director, ARC Centre of Chair of Telstra and President of the Business universities, ATSE’s women Fellows contribute Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials Council of Australia – and a former Chair of a wealth of talent to the management and (2010–13). She leads the Particles and Catalysis CSIRO, will shortly become Chancellor of the conduct of research. Research Group at the University of NSW. University of Technology Sydney, following Professor Margaret Sheil FTSE, former Professor Hua Kun Liu FTSE is a an 11-year stint by eminent life scientist CEO of the Australian Research Council, is Distinguished Professor and a coordinator of and former CEO of the Australian Research Provost of the – and the energy materials research program of the Council, Professor Vicki Sara AO FTSE. an ATSE Director – and Professor Edwina Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Professor Adrienne Clarke AC FAA Cornish AO FTSE, a member of the CSIRO Materials (ISEM) at Australian Institute of FTSE, former Victorian Lieutenant Governor Board, is Provost of Monash University. Innovative Materials, University of Wollongong. and also a former CSIRO Chair, has been Professor Tanya Monro FAA FTSE Chancellor of La Trobe University since 2011. is Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and CLIMATE, ENVIRONMENT & Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO FTSE, former Innovation at the University of South Australia INFRASTRUCTURE Governor of NSW, was Chancellor of the – and an ATSE Vice President. Professor Ann Henderson-Sellers FTSE is an University of Sydney (2007–12). Professor Robyn Owens FTSE is Deputy Emeritus Professor at , Dr Wendy Craik AM FTSE, former Vice Chancellor (Research), University of WA. Sydney, a former Director of the World Productivity Commissioner and Murray– Professor Judy Raper FTSE holds Climate Research Program in 2006 and 2007 Darling Basin Commission CEO and now Chair the same position at the University of and earlier Director of the Environment of the Climate Change Authority, is Deputy Wollongong and is an ANSTO Director. Division at ANSTO and Deputy Vice- Chancellor of the University of South Australia. Emeritus Professor Lesley Parker AM Chancellor (R&D) at RMIT. Dr Diane Davidson AM FTSE, an agricultural FTSE was Deputy Vice Chancellor of Curtin Professor Amanda Lynch FTSE is scientist and horticulturalist and a Member of University for eight years. Professor of Geography at Monash University, the Murray–Darling Basin Authority, is Deputy Then there is the sizeable group of highly the author of many publications and is one of Chancellor of the University of Adelaide. regarded researchers and research leaders the eight scientists sharing in the 2007 Nobel Emeritus Professor Helen Garnett PSM across the country in a wide range of fields. Peace Prize awarded jointly to the IPCC and FTSE, a former Executive Director of ANSTO, former US Vice-President Al Gore. was inaugural Vice Chancellor of Charles CHEMISTRY & CHEMICAL ENGINEERING Professor Helene Marsh FTSE is Professor Darwin University Professor Rose Amal FTSE is an ARC Laureate of Environmental Science and the Dean of

www.atse.org.au 19 FOCUS | FEBRUARY 2016

Doreen Thomas

Michelle Simmons Helene Marsh

Graduate Research Studies at James Cook Computation and Communication of Monash Water for Liveability at Monash University and a program leader in the Technology at the University of NSW. An University. She won the Victoria Prize in 2012 Marine and Tropical Science Research Facility, international expert in atomic electronics and and has more than 20 years’ experience in focusing on dugong population ecology. quantum computing, she leads a large team urban water research. Professor Cynthia Mitchell FTSE, Deputy of researchers developing a radical, uniquely Professor Anne Green FTSE is Professor Director, Institute for Sustainable Futures, powerful, ultra-secure computing technology. of Astrophysics at the University of Sydney University of Technology Sydney, has a Professor Svetha Venkatesh FTSE is and the first female Head of the School of national and international reputation for Professor of Computer Science and Director Physics. She has outstanding achievements her transdisciplinary work for economic, of the Centre for Pattern Recognition and in astronomy and telescope technology, and environmental, and social sustainability in the Data Analytics at Deakin University. She made a significant impact on planning for the water and wastewater sector. is known widely for her contributions to Square Kilometre Array. formulation and extraction of semantics in Professor Veena Sahajwalla FTSE is COMMUNICATIONS & COMPUTING multimedia data. the founding Director of UNSW’s Centre Professor Bronwyn Harch FTSE is an Professor Branka Vucetic FTSE, from for Sustainable Materials Research and environmental statistician who is Assistant the University of Sydney, is recognised as a Technology (SMaRT) and is recognised Dean of Research in the Science and world leader in channel coding theory and internationally for her environmentally Engineering Faculty and Deputy Director its applications in wireless communication friendly process for recycling plastics and of Research in the Institute for Future systems. Her innovations have had a world- rubber tyres in steelmaking. Environments at Queensland University of changing impact on technology. Professor Doreen Thomas FTSE is the Technology. Head of Mechanical Engineering at the Professor Michelle Simmons FAA FTSE ENGINEERING & ASTRONOMY University of Melbourne and Associate is an ARC Laureate Fellow and Director of Professor Ana Deletic FTSE is Associate Dean Dean (Research) for the Melbourne School the ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum of Research (Engineering) and a Director of Engineering who has an international

ICT PROFESSION CHASES GENDER EQUITY The ACS – the professional association for Australia’s ICT Sector – has ¢females and the vocational and higher education sectors. launched a new report, The Promise of Diversity: Gender Equality in The ACS argues a fundamental and urgent change to the the ICT Profession, outlining a series of recommendations to increase cultural mindset and attitudes to women in the workforce is needed. the participation of women in the ICT profession. This requires genuine, committed, outcome-focused leadership. The Report says that, at a time when Australia is facing a serious The Report also notes that changes are required in our shortage of skilled ICT professionals, women represent only 28 per education system. The ACS recommends initiatives aimed at cent of the ICT workforce compared to 43 per cent of the wider improving the self-confidence of girls in their own abilities in maths professional workforce. This underutilisation of human capital in ICT and science, creating a school environment that actively encourages looms as a major constraint on Australia’s national growth, it notes. girls to pursue a digital career, introducing a mandatory Digital The Report examines the entire life cycle of female participation Technologies Curriculum, and developing a marketing program in ICT and focuses on three key areas: aimed at changing perceptions of what a digital career can offer. ¢ female participation in the workforce; The ACS launched the Report with the Assistant Science ¢ females and the school education sector; and Minister, Karen Andrews, at the National Press Club, Canberra.

20 www.atse.org.au FEBRUARY 2016 | FOCUS

FTSE won wide acclaim as Associate Professor of Plant Sciences at Murdoch University, applying plant tissue culture to plant breeding and improvement. Professor June Olley AM FTSE is an honorary research professor at the University of Tasmania. Prior to retirement she was a Senior Principal Research Scientist with Jocelyn McPhie CSIRO, where she pioneered what became predictive food microbiology.

Kaye Basford Anne Simmons MEDICAL RESEARCH & HEALTH SCIENCES reputation for mathematical research in Principal Research Fellow at the Centre for Emeritus Professor Margaret Bullock network optimisation. Exploration Targeting at the University of WA AM FTSE was one of the first two people Professor Mary-Anne Williams FTSE, from and formerly Chief Research Scientist, CSIRO in Australia to graduate with a degree in the University of Technology Sydney, is an Exploration and Mining. She is an acclaimed physiotherapy and the first to be awarded a international authority in artificial intelligence structural geologist. physiotherapy PhD. (AI) and human-robot interaction whose University of NSW Emeritus Professor Flinders University biomedical engineer research has changed design paradigms in Maria Skyllas-Kazacos AM FTSE is an Professor Karen Reynolds FTSE, who heads intelligent systems. internationally acclaimed researcher in the South Australia’s Medical Device Partnering Professor Xinhua Wu FTSE is a world- area of energy storage, whose technology Program (MDPP), was named as SA’s renowned metallurgical engineer who is is internationally regarded as the foremost Professional Engineer of the Year in 2010, and Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for battery technology for large-scale energy- SA Scientist of the Year in 2012. Design in Light Metals at Monash University storage applications. Professor Anne Simmons AM FTSE, from and is making a major impact on advanced the University of NSW, has helped shape manufacturing technologies for the FOOD & AGRICULTURE biomedical engineering in Australia. She aerospace industry. Professor Kaye Basford FTSE is a Professor was formerly headed the Graduate School of in Biometry at the University of Queensland Biomedical Engineering at UNSW and spent ENERGY & MINERALS and was formerly President of the Academic nearly 20 years with the Nucleus Group. Professor Jocelyn McPhie FTSE is Professor Board, Head of the School of Land, Crop Professor Maree Smith FTSE is a of Earth Sciences in the School of Physical and Food Sciences and President of the specialist in pain management and pain Sciences, University of Tasmania. She is a International Biometric society and the pharmacology and heads the University of world leader in the application of volcanology Statistical Society of Australia. She is a current Queensland’s pain research group in the to minerals exploration. Vice-President of the ATSE Board. School of Pharmacy. She has been involved in Professor Alison Ord FTSE is a Senior Emeritus Professor Jen McComb AM translational research for more than 20 years. Professor Judith Whitworth AC FTSE is Director of the John Curtin School of Medical Research and Howard Florey Professor of Medical Research at the Australian National MCA AWARDS FOUR AICD SCHOLARSHIPS University, and Head of the High Blood The Minerals Council of Australia, in conjunction with BHP Billiton and Downer Mining, Pressure Research Unit at ANU. ¤ has awarded four scholarships to women to help them progress towards company board positions. The scholarships, valued at $9500 each, have been awarded to women working Dr Ros Dubs is a company director, serving on the boards of ASX100 company Aristocrat Leisure Ltd, in the mining industry to enable them to complete the Australian Institute of Company government shipbuilder ASC Pty Ltd, ANU Enterprise Directors (AICD) Company Directors’ Course during 2016. Pty Ltd and Astronomy Australia Ltd. She chaired the The scholarship winners are: Laura Tyler, BHP Billiton; Meryl Jones, St Barbara Ltd; Space Industry Innovation Council (2010–12). Her Frances Burgess, Mt Isa Mines Ltd; and Janette Hewson, Peabody Energy. career has spanned a range of industries in publicly listed, private and government companies. With The 2015-16 scholarships continue the program which has seen 11 women complete extensive operational experience in the aviation, the Company Directors’ Course in 2013, 2014 and 2015. transport and engineering sectors, she managed MCA will award a further seven highly commended applicants with access to an AICD large engineering businesses in Germany, France and e-learning module: Linda Dawson, Rio Tinto; Melanie Gordon, BHP Billiton; Lara Bruhns, Australia for Thales SA. Having also worked in CSIRO and held leadership positions within universities, Newmont; Melinda Macleod, BHP Billiton Iron Ore; Linda O’Farrell, Fortescue Metals Group; most recently as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Michelle Keegan, Dyno Nobel; and Bobbie Foot, BHP Billiton Iron Ore. Relations) at UTS, Dr Dubs devotes considerable effort to encouraging research–industry collaboration.

www.atse.org.au 21 FOCUS | FEBRUARY 2016

WOMEN FELLOWS STRONG IN THE INNOVATION CONSTELLATION

WOMEN – NOW

Women Fellows of ATSE heroes, The brokers, Next-frontier medicine, Professor Robyn Owens FTSE – both Deputy comprised more than 10 per Venture capitalists, The shapers, Diaspora stars, Vice Chancellors – were named among seven W cent of the names among Digital enablers and Science whisperers. in ‘The brokers’ category. the Knowledge Nation Four women Fellows dominated the Professor Svetha Venkatesh FTSE was 100 – a group of Australians ‘Next-frontier medicine’ category of seven – named among the 19 ‘STEM heroes’ and named in The Australian newspaper’s The Deal Dr Bronwyn Evans FTSE, Dr Deborah Rathjen Ms Catherine Livingstone AO FAA FTSE was Magazine in December as the “stars of the FTSE, Professor Karen Reynolds FTSE and among the five named as ‘The evangelists’. Australian innovation constellation”. Professor Maree Smith FTSE. The group is scheduled to meet at a The ATSE women were prominent in ATSE women were prominent in the summit about innovation in the economy in the ‘Next frontier medicine’ and ‘Science ‘Science whisperers’ category – the chief March 2016. whisperers’ categories and were strongly scientists – providing three of the six names The Knowledge Nation 100 achievement represented among ‘The brokers’. – Professor Mary O’Kane AC FTSE, Dr Leanna followed the earlier success of four Fellows The list was compiled by the Knowledge Read FTSE and Dr Leonie Walsh FTSE. named in the Australian Financial Review/ Society and the Office of the Chief Scientist Professor Tanya Monro FAA FTSE and Westpac listing of Australia’s 100 Women of and launched by Prime Minister Malcolm Influence. Professor Veena Sahajwalla FTSE Turnbull following the release of the National won the Innovation category, while Ms Kathy Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA). Hirschfeld FTSE, Professor Cynthia Mitchell It recognised 100 Australians – 20 from FTSE and Dr Erica Smyth FTSE were finalists in this Academy, including 11 women Fellows – other categories. who are at the cutting edge of innovation and In earlier years winners and finalists science in Australia and who are contributing have included Professor Margaret Shiel FTSE, to Australia’s future economy. Professor Judy Raper FTSE, Dr Megan Clark The list was divided into categories: Big-data FTSE, Professor Ann Henderson-Sellers FTSE pioneers, The upstarts, Change agents, STEM Leanna Read Leonie Walsh and Dr Marlene Kanga AM FTSE. ¤

MISSING OPPORTUNITIES IN INNOVATION Innovation in Australia is suffering from a lack of direction, short- Group, said there were measures in other countries that could be termism and a haphazard approach, according to recent report by adopted to lift Australia’s performance. ACOLA, released before the Government’s National Innovation and “What we found is that is that other nations have ongoing, Science Agenda was announced. stable support measures, with multiple incentives enabling parties Titled Translating research for economic and social benefit, the to capitalise on potential wherever it lies.” report examined innovation initiatives in 14 nations and found a Dr Bell noted, for example, that the Small Business Innovation clear link between national policy and performance. Research Program has now operated continuously in the US for The 14 were: Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, the UK, Israel, 33 years, was recognised as a lynchpin of the American start-up the US, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, China, Brazil and Chile. economy and had been replicated successfully in many nations. Among its 15 key findings, the report highlighted the need for Launching the report at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia’s a coherent national innovation strategy with an agency to manage retiring Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb AC FTSE said it was a it and less reliance on indirect support for business such as through timely reminder that success owes more to choice than chance. the R&D Tax Incentive. “Fiddling at the margins of policy will not secure the economic “The contrast with Australia is stark, and our review shows how transformation we need to keep pace, let alone compete in an our policies and supportive programs are piecemeal, opportunistic ambitious world,” Professor Chubb said. “Nations which do better than and almost invariably short-lived,” the report said. us are characterised by intelligent policies settings and programs Dr John Bell FTSE, the Chair of the report’s Expert Working which encourage a culture of innovation and collaboration.”

22 www.atse.org.au FEBRUARY 2016 | FOCUS NEWS

“Don’t flinch” says Chubb

Retiring Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb AC FTSE mathematics (STEM),” Professor Chubb said has urged Australians to adhere to ethical science “It wasn’t, and isn’t, a question of just doing the methods and not flinch in the face of denigration same things differently. It means doing different things and disparagement. too. The future demands more of us than fiddling at the edges with the policy prescriptions we’ve tried In a retirement statement, he wished Australian before. and international scientists, technologists, engineers “It means a focus on STEM – learning, researching and mathematicians every success as they “strive to and applying. It means seeking national solutions, understand our planet and to make it better” for all its implemented across government, reaching across inhabitants. industries all pursued with the understanding and “We know it isn’t easy. We know there are those support of all Australians. It means working hard for who want only to be told what they want to hear. what we want, rather than presuming that ‘she’ll be When they aren’t, they simply denigrate and disparage Ian Chubb right’ because it has been. and dream up conspiracies. “The Australian Government’s National Innovation “I can only say to scientists: don’t flinch. Do your and Science Agenda is, as I have said, an important work; do it according to the trusted methods of ethical science and step in the right direction. If it is implemented in the spirit the Prime talk regularly to the public. Encourage the public to walk with you and Minister has called for – as a living document to be evaluated, adapted learn with you. Their support, and the weight and quality of evidence, and extended – it can make an important difference. must always trump make-believe. There’s a different and better Australia to make; and we can do it if “There is no other path to the future that I believe Australians we have the passion, patience and persistence,” he added. want than to put science at the core of everything we do – a future of Professor Chubb was Australia’s Chief Scientist for almost five rising living standards, good jobs for those who seek them, healthy years. He commenced in the role on 23 May 2011 and completed his communities to enjoy and wondrous places to explore. appointment on 22 January 2016, succeeded by Dr Alan Finkel AO FTSE. “Nor is there any prospect of growing the pie, or sharing it fairly, ¢ Assistant Minister for Science Ms Karen Andrews thanked Professor Chubb for without an education system that prepares all children to be part of a his remarkable dedication and acknowledged his ongoing pursuit to place science, world that relies substantially on science, technology, engineering and technology and innovation at the forefront of national importance.

ORATION DINNER FAREWELL TIME TO BACK OUR POTENTIAL – FINKEL TO ALAN FINKEL Australia needs to be resilient, to back its potential today and ATSE Fellows at the Oration Dinner in Melbourne in November gave build new potential through education for tomorrow, Australia’s a rousing send-off to retiring President Dr Alan Finkel AO FTSE, who new Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel AO FTSE, said at the start of his resigned the role to take up his new position as Australia’s Chief tenure. Scientist. He was farewell officially by Vice President Dr Susan Pond, “Professor Ian Chubb was a trailblazer and leaves behind a who made a presentation of a selection of premium chocolates and a great legacy. In taking the baton, I recognise that we have to be business satchel. resilient, to keep going when we stumble,” Dr Finkel said. “As Australia’s eighth Chief Scientist, I want to tell Australia’s great success stories. I have witnessed many firsthand, as a researcher, entrepreneur and advocate. I hope to uncover and help inspire many more. “I want to put important topics on the table, such as sustainable energy use, to help Australians understand and weigh up the options. We will count the benefits of innovation in prosperity shared, jobs created, lives saved and opportunities uncovered; but only if we pursue a new conversation. “I also look forward to the new responsibilities that the National Innovation and Science Agenda brings to the role of Chief Scientist, including chairing the expert group to map long-term research infrastructure needs; contributing to the review of the Research and Development Tax Incentive program; and serving as Deputy Chair of Science and Innovation Australia as it develops its critical 10 to 15 year plan.” Susan Pond makes the presentation to Alan Finkel.

www.atse.org.au 23 FOCUS | FEBRUARY 2016 ATSE IN ACTION

New challenge for water managers

Population growth, increasing demand for natural resources, rising costs and community expectations are impacting management of Australian water resources.

These pressures require the water industry to develop innovative and more efficient processes to optimise resource recovery from wastewater, according to a new ATSE report. The Report, Wastewater – An Untapped Resource?, was launched in Melbourne in December by Professor John Thwaites, Chair of Melbourne Water and formed Deputy Premier of Victoria. John Thwaites launches the Report. The report notes that Australian wastewater contains nutrients, carbon, energy and other Wastewater – An Untapped Resource? (a Senior Research Scientist from CSIRO inorganic and organic resources worthy of was prepared by ATSE with funding from Land and Water) and Mr Francis Pamminger recovery and examines the potential industry the Australian Water Recycling Centre of (Manager of Research and Innovation, Yarra opportunities for resource recovery in Australia. Excellence. The Report was developed by a Valley Water). It reviews international case studies, considers working group led by Dr John Burgess FTSE, The launch, at Melbourne Water’s the Australian regulatory framework and a chemical engineer who has more than 20 Docklands office, was chaired by Dr Paul evaluates the key technologies and products, as years’ experience as a senior executive and Greenfield AO FTSE, a Director of ATSE and Chair well as analysing several investment options. research leader. of the International Water Centre in Brisbane. The Report shows that there are several The working group included Professor significant value-creating opportunities Damien Batstone (Deputy Director of the THE REPORT IS AVAILABLE to pursue for investors in Australia in the Advanced Water Management Centre at the ON THE ATSE WEBSITE AT medium term. University of Queensland), Dr Tim Muster SUBJECTS>NATURAL RESOURCES

STELR RECOGNISED AS A LEADING STEM PROGRAM PricewaterhouseCoopers’ 21st Century Minds Accelerator Program, ¢ a place on the 21st Century Minds Networks Program; designed to discover and support Australia’s best new STEM initiatives, ¢ potential to share in $500,000 of PwC services through the 21st has judged ATSE’s STELR program to be one of the best STEM Century Minds Accelerator Fund; and initiatives in Australia. PwC is supporting 20 organisations through an ¢ a mentor team for the 2016 journey. intense and bespoke acceleration process to help them achieve rapid The 21st Century Minds (21CM) Accelerator Program is designed to and effective scale. unearth, grow and scale Australia’s best education initiatives focused on STELR was one of 120 STEM initiatives that applied to be part building Australia’s pipeline of innovators and problem-solvers. of the program and was one of only two programs selected for the “The quantity and quality of applications received proves Impact Accelerator program. This is a 20-week program supporting overwhelming that, not only is there a need for support to get STEM start-up and early-stage entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable and education initiatives off the ground, but that there is depth of innovative scalable impact. talent out there – the business community just needs to nurture and This intense program comprises the following components: support that talent,” PwC Managing Partner Tony Peake said. ¢ Assessment Stage – one-week focused Enterprise Needs “That’s why PwC is collaborating with businesses and Assessment and Action Plan Development; investing over $2.5 million in cash and in-kind services in our 21st ¢ Acceleration Stage – a 10-week Accelerator Program for rapid Century Minds Accelerator program over the next 18 months. I’m enterprise growth; and tremendously excited by our winners. Any one of them can help to lift ¢ Impact Stage – a 10-week coaching and guidance towards market STEM education nationally and internationally.” delivery. Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel AO FTSE welcomed investment in the workforce of the future. STELR WILL ALSO RECEIVE: “Thousands of Australian students can be entrepreneurs if we ¢ a travel allowance to attend interstate events; open their minds and nurture their talent,” Dr Finkel said.

24 www.atse.org.au FEBRUARY 2016 | FOCUS ATSE IN ACTION

ATSE applauds the NISA initiative NEW RESEARCH METRIC READY FOR USE ATSE strongly supports the Government’s Innovation Connections program ATSE’s new measure of research announcement of the National Innovation (formerly Research Connections), in line engagement and collaboration – and Science Agenda – a key piece of with the ACOLA SAF09 findings around Research Engagement for Australia national policy which is crucial to Australia’s intermediaries and brokerage. (REA) – has now been tested in a pilot ability to ensure continued economic, social ¢ Initiatives to foster innovation in agriculture, study, as a result of which the metric has and environmental well-being. The Agenda including support for programs to support been refined and is considered ready for contains 24 measures in four key themes – digital agriculture as highlighted in ATSE’s adoption. Culture and capital, Collaboration, Talent Green Growth Agriculture Report and the ATSE anticipates that this metric and skills, and Government as an exemplar – ATSE Agriculture Position Statement. will stimulate necessary collaboration which are projected to cost $1.1 billion over between university researchers and the forward estimates. A key factor to the success of the Agenda, industry and other potential end users and Australia’s long-term prosperity, will be the of research, such as hospitals and MEASURES OF PARTICULAR scale and stability of the measures outlined. community services. NOTE FOR ATSE INCLUDE: ATSE welcomes the Opposition’s ATSE says Australia currently ¢ The introduction of impact and commitment to innovation, and hopes determines in a very rigorous process engagement measures for university that all political parties will work together the excellence of research in Australian research, built on the existing work constructively to ensure support for the universities through the established ERA by ATSE on Research Engagement for concept of Australia as an “innovation nation”. (Excellence in Research for Australia). The Australia (REA). ATSE is pleased to see that the proposed ATSE engagement metric is ¢ Modification of the research block grants Government has adopted a long-term strategy intended to visibly stand alongside the to equally value external research income, for science, technology and innovation. Work current ERA measurement of research in line with the principles behind REA. by ATSE and many others has consistently excellence. ¢ A Global Innovation Strategy, along the shown that providing Australian researchers ATSE is keen to see both ratings lines called for by ATSE in its International and businesses with certainty about the policy used, as together they will provide a Engagement Action Statement, with settings to promote research translation is rounded overview of research quality specific funding to expand programs such critical to success. and engagement. as the ATSE-developed CAESIE Priming “We congratulate the Government for all Spurred by OECD data showing Grant program to foster collaboration of the initiatives in this package,” said retiring that Australia ranks poorly among 33 between SMEs and researchers in Australia ATSE President Dr Alan Finkel AO FTSE. surveyed countries when it comes to and overseas. “This long-term and thoughtful set of collaboration between public-sector ¢ Confirmed funding over 10 years for policies that substantially improves the research researchers and their counterparts in the National Collaborative Research and innovation ecosystem will be well received. industry, ATSE last year proposed the Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), following on ATSE is pleased that its initiatives to promote new metric as a measure of research from the Research Alliance campaign around better research engagement with industry – engagement and collaboration, and as a NCRIS, in which ATSE was heavily involved, based on a comprehensive set of performance forward proxy of impact. and the Research Infrastructure Review. data and a final qualitative contribution by a Its key principle is to assess, using ¢ Funding for a pilot program Business panel of experts – have borne fruit. data already collected, the revenue Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII), “We congratulate the Government provided by industry and other end modelled on the US SBIR and UK SBRI for taking a balanced approach in which users to the nation’s universities, within programs, as consistently recommended both research excellence and end-user recognised fields of research. The by ATSE over several years. engagement contribute to the block grant collection and publication of such data ¢ Funding to expand the pilot of the Science funding formula, providing a balanced pair of in the ATSE engagement metric would in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) program, metrics in which the new ATSE engagement provide visible recognition to those a joint partnership by ATSE and the metric will sit alongside the ERA (Excellence in whose research is being taken up and Academy of Science – plus other initiatives Research Australia) measure,” Dr Finkel said. applied by end users for national benefit. to promote gender equity in STEM, as consistently promoted by ATSE. ¢ Continuous application and fast-track ATSE is pleased to see that the Government approval of ARC Linkage Grants, as outlined in the ACOLA SAF09 research has adopted a long-term strategy for science, translation report. ¢ Expanded funding for the re-badged technology and innovation.

www.atse.org.au 25 FOCUS | FEBRUARY 2016 ATSE IN ACTION

WORKSHOPS FOCUS ON Twenty Fellows named INVESTMENT The Academy hosted two workshops innovation stars in association with the 2015 AGM, both focused on the need for investment. Twenty ATSE Fellows were named among advantage – mining, energy, advanced ATSE’s Agriculture Forum hosted a The Knowledge Nation 100 – a group manufacturing, agriculture, medicine and seminar featuring presentations by leading of Australians named in The Australian health, soil and water, transport and logistics, economist Professor Kym Anderson AC newspaper’s The Deal Magazine as the “stars alternative fuels and cybersecurity. FASSA, beef genetics expert Ms Lucinda of the Australian innovation constellation”. “All of the Australians in this list deserve Corrigan and Deputy Director of CSIRO's celebration. As the trailblazers who show the Agriculture Flagship Dr Michael Robertson, The list was compiled by the Knowledge rest of the economy where the future lies, plus a panel discussion chaired by Society and the Office of the Chief Scientist they are a window on tomorrow. Agriculture Forum Chair Professor Timothy and launched by Prime Minister Malcolm “It is time to make science and Reeves FTSE. Turnbull following the release of the National mathematics sexy again. This is the only way The speakers discussed the Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA). for a country to respond to the challenges of importance of investment in agricultural It recognises 100 Australians – 20 per automation, globalisation and the digitisation R&D to maintain our competitive edge cent of them from this Academy – who are at of our businesses and industries.” internationally. Attendees saw the the cutting edge of innovation and science The list was divided into categories: Big-data implementation of robotics in the red meat in Australia and who are contributing to pioneers, The upstarts, Change agents, STEM industry, with laser scanning technology Australia’s future economy. heroes, The brokers, Next-frontier medicine, and precision automation yielding higher The group is scheduled to meet at a Venture capitalists, The shapers, Diaspora stars, value primary cuts and improving worker summit about innovation in the economy in Digital enablers and Science whisperers. safety. March 2016, by which time Dr Alan Finkel AO ATSE Fellows dominated in several The importance of digital technology FTSE will have replaced Professor Ian Chubb categories. in agribusiness was also highlighted, with AC FTSE as Chief Scientist. Eight of those named among the 19 an emphasis on the need for appropriate The list profiles visionary scientists ‘STEM heroes’ are Academy Fellows: Professor data analytics services to help farmers make alongside entrepreneurs and embraces Mark Cassidy FTSE, Professor Hugh Durrant- best use of their data to improve decision- existing and nascent industries, as well as Whyte FRS FAA FTSE, Professor Ian Frazer AC making processes. profiling the reinvention of established FAA FTSE, Professor Martin Green AM FRS FAA The Industry and Innovation workshop organisations. FTSE, Professor Peter Quinn FTSE, Professor sought to draw on the experience of The Deal says there are many opportunities Kadambot Siddique AM FTSE, Professor industry and research Fellows, to identify a for Australia in its areas of global comparative Svetha Venkatesh FTSE and Professor Gordon small number of practical actions that could Wallace FAA FTSE. encourage and support companies to invest Professor Tanya Monro FAA FTSE and in links with research. Kadambot Siddique Professor Robyn Owens FTSE – both Deputy The expert panel and attendees agreed Vice Chancellors – were named among seven that the most fundamental component of in ‘The brokers’ category. collaboration was building relationships, Four women Fellows dominated the which take time and patience. Further to ‘Next-frontier medicine’ category of seven – this, it was important to identify priority Dr Bronwyn Evans FTSE, Dr Deborah Rathjen areas of focus to develop co-invested FTSE, Professor Karen Reynolds FTSE and research collaboration. They noted that Professor Maree Smith FTSE. return on investment, in terms of growth Dr Alex Zelinsky FTSE was ATSE’s lone and productivity, would ensure the success name among the seven names as ‘The of collaborative projects. shapers’ and Ms Catherine Livingstone AO The key barriers for industry were FAA FTSE was the lone ATSE Fellow among time, money, resources, leadership and the five named as ‘The evangelists’. commitment. More proactive engagement But ATSE dominated the ‘Science and collaboration models need to be whisperers’ category, with five of the six implemented, including developing a names – Australia’s retiring Chief Scientist data-matching service for industry and Professor Ian Chubb AC FTSE and four state researchers, speeding up engagement Chief Scientists: Professor Mary O’Kane AC cycles, streamlining IP arrangements and FTSE, Dr Geoff Garrett AO FTSE, Dr Leanna setting out new metrics for measuring Peter Quinn Svetha Venkatesh Read FTSE and Dr Leonie Walsh FTSE. increased innovation and collaboration.

26 www.atse.org.au FEBRUARY 2016 | FOCUS ATSE IN ACTION

Canberra engineer wins first Batterham Medal

Dr Lachlan Blackhall was named the inaugural winner of the Batterham Medal, an award that recognises an early career engineer who has achieved substantial peer and industry recognition for their work in the past five years.

The medal was presented to Dr Blackhall by Professor Robin Batterham AO FREng FAA FTSE at the ATSE Oration Dinner in Melbourne in November. In addition to recognising outstanding achievement in the application of engineering, the Award also aims to promote the profession of engineering by promoting the contribution Robin Batterham congratulates Lachlan Blackhall. engineering makes to Australia. It recognises the contribution to Medal from The University of Sydney in 2007. (Necsys) Best Student Paper Award (2010). He engineering made by Professor Batterham, He participated in the Advanced Engineering remains the only Australian to receive either the Kernot Professor of Engineering at the Program, was listed on the Dean’s merit award. University of Melbourne, and former Chief list and was awarded The Mechanical After completing his PhD he co-founded Scientist of Australia and Academy President. Engineering Minor Prize (2005) and The Reposit Power, a technology company The Award will be presented annually by Mechanical Engineering Association Senior designing advanced control systems for ATSE on behalf of the Go8 & Associates Deans Prize for Outstanding Proficiency (2005). grid-deployed energy storage. As Chief of Engineering (the Group of Eight plus the He then graduated from The Australian Technology Officer, he has pioneered the use universities of Newcastle and Wollongong, as National University with a PhD in Control of distributed control schemes to manage, well as Auckland). It comprises the Batterham Theory focused on the theory of controlling control and optimise the performance of Medal and a cash prize of $5000. The 2015 large networks of systems. During his distributed energy storage systems. Selection committee was chaired by Mr Dick PhD Dr Blackhall was awarded two major For his technical work, outreach and Kell AM FTSE. international prizes for his research: the IFAC impact he has been the recipient of alumni Dr Blackhall (31) graduated with a BE World Congress Young Author Prize (2008) awards from both The University of Sydney (Aerospace)/BSc (Advanced Mathematics) and the 2nd IFAC Workshop on Distributed and ANU and was an ACT finalist for the with First Class Honours and the University Estimation and Control in Networked Systems Young Australian of the Year in 2015.

PETER GRAY APPOINTED INTERIM PRESIDENT 2015 AGM Professor Peter Gray FTSE has been appointed Interim President of the Australian Academy of The Academy’s Annual General Meeting Technology and Engineering following the resignation of Dr Alan Finkel AO FTSE. Dr Finkel resigned was held on Friday 27 November at the as President on 18 December ahead of taking up the role of Australia’s Chief Scientist in January Hotel Windsor in Melbourne and was 2016. Professor Gray, a Vice President of the Academy, became Interim President on 19 December attended by 84 Fellows. The meeting until a permanent appointment is made. Professor Gray has heard reports from the President, Dr Alan recently retired from his position as Founding Director of the Finkel AO FTSE, the Chair of the Audit and Australian Institute of Biotechnology and Nanotechnology at the Risk Committee, Dr Susan Pond AM FTSE, University of Queensland. the Chair of the Fellowship Committee, Dr ATSE has also elected two new Directors who took up their David Cook FTSE and the CEO, Dr Margaret roles on 1 January 2016. They are Dr Bruce Godfrey FTSE, Chair Hartley FTSE. The meeting confirmed the of the Academy’s Energy Forum and CEO of Australian Scientific election of two new Directors, Mr Bruce Instruments, and Professor Margaret Sheil FTSE, Provost of the Godfrey FTSE and Professor Margaret Sheil University of Melbourne. Their election was confirmed at the FTSE, and marked with appreciation the Academy’s Annual General Meeting in Melbourne in November. service of retiring Board Directors and Dr Susan Pond AM FTSE has retired from the Board at the end Division and Forum leaders. Peter Gray of December after having completed her maximum term.

www.atse.org.au 27 FOCUS | FEBRUARY 2016 ATSE IN ACTION

David Thodey Oration sees a brilliant future

There is a brilliant future ahead for Australian scientists, engineers, researchers and innovators, according to Telstra CEO Mr David Thodey FTSE.

“Australia has always prided itself on its ‘applied inventiveness’ – and it is certainly true that there is a long list of unique Australian inventions to point to, from the stump-jump plough of the 19th century through to the wine cask, polymer banknotes and of course WiFi,” he told ATSE Fellows when delivering the Academy’s 2015 Oration in Melbourne. “So we can assume that there is no shortage of invention in our country. However, I think it is fair question to ask, ‘Has that long list of inventions translated into real innovation and a culture where innovation is really celebrated?’ “Nobody innovates on their own. The best innovation successes are achieved by teams – multidisciplinary teams from across businesses, sectors, skill sets and interest groups. So research–business–academic David Thodey delivers the 2015 Oration. collaboration is very important. “Innovation is not just a policy, or a The 2015 Oration Dinner at the Windsor Hotel in Melbourne on department, or an organisation, or a project 27 November attracted 180 Fellows and guests to hear Mr Thodey’s – and is not a process that can be purely Oration. Professor Robin Batterham presented the inaugural defined in a textbook. Innovation comes from Batterham Medal. Guests saw retiring President Dr Alan Finkel AO our innate ability to create and invent – this FTSE present Fellowship certificates to almost all of the 26 new is fundamental to every human being. It is Fellows admitted to the Academy at the Annual General Meeting about culture and values – and this explains and retiring Vice President Dr Susan Pond AM FTSE pay tribute to why some nations and organisations are more Dr Finkel’s presidency and make a retirement presentation to him. innovative than others. It is about what you value … what you talk about … what you “We have never lived in a period of greater governments, society, scientists, engineers, teach … what you recognise … what you change ... in all parts of our lives … personally businesses, charities, education – to all of us celebrate … and where you invest. Equally, and professionally … and that this rate of in every part of our lives. what you don’t do can undermine innovation. change is accelerating. We have a unique “Who would have thought 10 years “Innovative thinking can be taught – it opportunity to capitalise on this change. ago that we would see these new global is an approach to problem solving, it is an “I think these changes are driven by three businesses: attitude that the seemingly impossible or driving factors: ¢ Amazon – the online book company – difficult can be solved – and you can find ¢ the exponential growth in connectivity making more profit from providing web innovation everywhere. Innovation can driven by the internet, with high speed services than from selling things, and they often be the simple product of hard work – fixed and wireless networks; sell a lot; disciplined work and application … the desire ¢ improved affordability of computers; and ¢ AirBnB - an accommodation company with to improve, explore and create. ¢ advances in software. no properties; “I do believe that we have a wonderful “These three factors are allowing all ¢ Uber – a taxi company that owns no cars; future ahead of us – if we are willing to parts of society to consider new business ¢ eBay – a marketplace with no stock. take personal leadership in advocating the models, new forms of automation and new “These companies are all examples of the importance of creating an innovative culture research approaches that we were unable to sort of digital disruption that is changing the in Australia and developing the personal consider five to 10 years ago. We all refer to way we think about the world … and it is only characteristics that are essential to be successful. this as ‘digital disruption; – and it applies to the beginning.”

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Mr Thodey discussed each of the driving “This is even more applicable to those especially in the venture capital world. I factors for change. of us who work in science, engineering, think it is true – when you look at most “Connectivity – in the past 10 years we research, biomedicine or are looking great innovators or leaders, they have often have seen exponential growth in the number for innovation. We must capture the failed many times – privately or publicly – of people and devices connected electronically. opportunities created by these drivers and and we do need to learn to applaud those There are 3.2 billion fixed internet users, the disruption – to advance our thinking and who give it a go but who may fail. and 4.6 billion active mobile users, a 12-fold initiatives. “One of the most important things that increase since 2005. There are an estimated 15 “I see many Australians who identify this we can do to foster innovation in Australia billion connected things in the world, which future and are grasping it with both hands – is to build a more collaborative and aligned is projected to grow to 30 billion by 2020, and to be the beneficiaries of change and not the group of organisations united in our ability 50 to 60 billion by 2025. We have never seen victims of change!” to work together for a higher objective and this type of growth of any technology and it is Mr Thodey said great Australian outcomes for Australia. enabling the sharing of information on a global innovators – including Billy Hughes, Barry “When we see collaboration rates scale – instantaneously. Smartphones are just Marshall and Tan Le – all shared a deep belief improve between tertiary institutions we will the beginning. in the power of innovation to improve society. know we’ve started to change the culture. When we see industry start to invest seriously in R&D, we’ll know we are maturing as a Innovation must be at the heart of what nation. It will take this level of change to create good solutions and responses to what we do as a nation – it is that innate is coming at us. “Innovation must be at the heart of human quality that drives us all. what we do as a nation – it is that innate human quality that drives us all. We are “Computational affordability has made “But there is another insight that I think living in a unique time of change and greater computer power available to more applies to us all … the unique characteristics opportunity – digital disruption. We must people and will continue to improve. Advances and values that great innovators, great continue to align our efforts as a nation and in chip design and lower manufacturing scientists, great leaders, great engineers or celebrate each other’s success across the costs have been keys to PC affordability. technologists have: academic community, research community, Additionally, the availability of generic silicon ¢ A driving vision or purpose – each of these government and the private sector. has changed the cost equation and led to people held a greater objective or purpose “I am most excited about the future the revolution in tablets and smart devices to achieve something for society or the because we can be the change agents in like Google Glasses and applications like world. It is what ultimately drove and creating a truly innovative culture in Australia. nanotechnology. On-demand computational sustained them. And to do that requires us all – everyone in capability through cloud computing has ¢ Strong self-belief and understanding of this room – to cultivate those values that revolutionised the industry. And with quantum themselves – this is not something that drive innovation, namely: computing there’s more to come. can be taught – it is the self-confidence ¢ a strong sense of purpose; “Software: Marc Andreesen’s 2011 and self-belief to keep going. ¢ self-belief; observation about software eating the ¢ A deep commitment and willingness to ¢ hard work; world is so true. Think about big data and work diligently – every great innovation ¢ resilience; the ability to handle large data sets or neural or breakthrough is the product of hard ¢ collaboration; and computing, artificial intelligence, robotics, work – success in any field of endeavour ¢ ability to overcome failure. and the march of advanced manufacturing requires a deep commitment, self-sacrifice “I am delighted with the leadership and 3D printing. These drivers are impacting and just plain hard work to be successful. from the Government and the many great us all – and when combined with great ¢ An incredible resilience and determination initiatives that I see happening in Australia minds we see new innovations, new research to succeed in the face of opposition – in at the moment. But we should not be findings and new business models that are nearly all the examples I have mentioned dependent on government. Rather we changing the structure of industries and the determination and resilience of these need to be the leaders in creating a more competitiveness of nations. individuals is evident – the ability to stay innovative Australia. It starts with us!” “Additionally, this disruption and the course and not accept defeat. digital enablement means we are now all ¢ A willingness to collaborate and learn THE FULL TEXT OF MR THODEY’S 2015 global citizens living in global industries. from others – a commitment to continual ATSE ORATION A BRILLIANT FUTURE The change is at a pace and scale that few learning and inquisitiveness. ... FOR AUSTRALIAN SCIENTISTS, people predicted, but is creating a unique ¢ Ability to overcome failure – this is often ENGINEERS, RESEARCHERS AND opportunity for those willing to see what mentioned in an Australian context in INNOVATORS IS ON THE ATSE WEBSITE disruption creates. relation to our general intolerance of failure, AT PUBLICATIONS>ORATIONS.

www.atse.org.au 29 FOCUS | FEBRUARY 2016 WOMEN IN TSE

Marlene Kanga to head global peak body

Dr Marlene Kanga AM FTSE was announced “Dr Kanga will formally take the role of as President-Elect of the World Federation of President of this international organisation in Engineering Organizations (WFEO) at its World December 2017, for a two-year term. During Engineering Convention in Kyoto, Japan. her term, Engineers Australia will be celebrating its centenary and hosting the World Engineers WFEO, under the auspices of UNESCO, is Convention in Melbourne in November 2019. the voice of the engineering profession at an Dr Kanga has been a strong campaigner for international level, addressing global issues Marlene Kanga hosting the Australian Engineering the critical role of innovation in our national such as education standards, international Excellence Awards in 2013. economy and other issues that challenge our mobility, sustainable engineering practices and profession and our national economy. solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate “Dr Kanga has been an outstanding “Dr Kanga’s election comes at a time when change and natural disasters. It represents 90 advocate for the engineering profession in Australian engineers and engineering firms national and 10 international and regional this country,” Mr Durkin said. “As a former are expanding their global influence. Having institutions and some 20 million engineers. National President of Engineers Australia, such an eminent engineer take the message Dr Kanga’s election was a clear Dr Kanga has a strong history of service to the of Australian engineering to the international recognition of her leadership at an engineering profession and we are proud to community is an outstanding achievement.” international level, said Mr Stephen Durkin, have such an eminent engineer representing Dr Kanga is a member of the Academy’s CEO of Engineers Australia. Australia on the international stage. Gender Equity Working Group.

ANTARCTIC DIVISION’S WOMEN ON THE “SLOWER TRACK“ FIRST FEMALE CHIEF Professionals Australia says the results of being female, compared SCIENTIST the 2015 Survey of Women in the STEM to 55 per cent for all fields Dr Gwen Fenton is the Australian Antarctic Professions – titled The Slower Track – are in the tertiary qualified Division’s new Chief Scientist, succeeding cause for serious concern. population. The workforce Dr Nick Gales after his recent appointment The survey found a complex set of participation figure as Director of the Division. Dr Fenton has interrelated factors that contributed to stood at 14 and 86 per been with the Australian Antarctic Division respondents reporting that they were “on a cent for females and since 2003, managing science planning slower track” than their male counterparts. males respectively in and coordination for all projects within the The report aims to detail some of the engineering and related technologies, and 25 Australian Antarctic Science Program. factors which contribute to women’s under- and 75 per cent respectively for females and Prior to this she spent seven years with representation in the STEM professions males in ICT. the Tasmanian and to explore professional women’s career There was less disparity in the natural and Government, experiences as part of the STEM workforce. physical sciences where females comprised managing the Professionals Australia says addressing 47 per cent of the workforce compared with state’s marine the issues raised in the report is not only a 53 per cent males. In pharmacy, women environmental policy matter of justice and equity, but that fully comprised 56 per cent of the workforce. issues within the realising Australia’s productivity potential The report noted that international Marine Resources and innovative capability into the future will research showed that 75 per cent of the Division of the depend on ensuring a sustainable STEM skills fastest-growing occupations require STEM Department of pipeline and effectively attracting, developing skills and that Australian employers reported Gwen Fenton Primary Industries and retaining women in the STEM workforce. difficulties recruiting STEM-qualified graduates Water and the The latest OECD data show that just over and staff. The report is available on the Environment. In her early career Dr Fenton 30 per cent of tertiary qualifications were Professionals Australia website. gained her PhD in marine zoology from the awarded to women in STEM fields in OECD University of Tasmania and subsequently countries, and in Australia 33 per cent of n Professionals Australia, formerly the Association spent 11 years conducting postdoctoral tertiary STEM qualifications were awarded of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia (APESMA), represents more than 23,000 marine research. Dr Gales said Dr Fenton to women, the report noted. The differential Australian professionals across the STEM professions brought to the role a depth of experience persisted in the workforce, with only 28 including engineers, scientists, managers, from marine research, environmental policy per cent of the employed STEM-qualified veterinarians, surveyors, IT professionals and and managing Antarctic science. Australian workforce aged 15 years and over pharmacists.

30 www.atse.org.au FEBRUARY 2016 | FOCUS NEWS

Australian which is associated with a range of cancers, including mantle cell lymphoma, cancer drug lung cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer. licensed in “Patients who have these types of cancers often have high levels of this $730m deal protein, which is unfortunately also linked to poor survival rates,” Dr Peat said. “Using our recombinant protein production facilities, we were able to produce samples of these proteins, crystallise them for structure-based drug A scientist working in CSIRO’s Recombinant Protein Production Facility. design and support the consortium’s pre- commercial investigations and trials. “The CTx consortium was able to A promising new cancer drug, developed in Australia by the Cancer develop a drug that binds to this protein, allowing it to target the Therapeutics CRC (CTx), has been licensed to US pharmaceutical cancerous cells. company Merck in a deal worth $730 million. Under the terms of the licence, Merck US will now further develop the drug, taking it to clinical trials, with a view to worldwide The drug, which was developed with support from the UK-based commercialisation. Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research Technology (CRT), has potential The deal provides potentially significant financial returns, which clinical applications in both cancer and haemoglobinopathies (non- will be shared between CRT, CTx and the Wellcome Trust, with the cancer blood disorders). majority being returned to CTx and its Australian research partners According to Dr Tom Peat from CSIRO, one of the key research including CSIRO, Monash University, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre partners in the CRC, the drug is designed to inhibit the protein PRMT5, and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute.

UNIVERSITIES GO FLAXSEED OIL ONLINE FOR BUSINESS FIGHTS SUPERBUGS MATCHES Australian start-up company Kayban has A new website will allow companies developed a claimed world-first antimicrobial to search all the intellectual property healthcare range made from organic flaxseed patents held by Australia's universities oil following collaboration with CSIRO. and public research organisations – The company hopes the range of topical important in expanding the uptake of lotions and washes, called Bio3 Guardian, will Australian research breakthroughs. provide their main revenue stream and has Kayban’s Bio3 Guardian range. The Source IP digital marketplace plans to take the innovation to the global will be an online match-making service healthcare market. for industry–university collaboration. It Kayban says that, according to cost-effective manufacturing technology will enable businesses to look through independent tests, the products are fast- that consistently produced excellent quality, all the intellectual property patents acting and effective at killing golden staph, highly enriched alpha-linolenic acid,” CSIRO held by universities that could help a prevalent superbug, which led to 1621 organic chemist Dr Peter Duggan said. to improve their products, services or hospital-acquired infection cases in 2013-14. “What we’ve achieved is a smarter, productivity. Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic more efficient process that’s been pivotal Every Australian university has listed acid, an omega-3 fatty acid with known in Kayban’s journey to commercialising a their patents on the new Source IP site, antimicrobial properties. unique saleable product.” making it a comprehensive searchable With the support of a Victorian The technology has been transferred source of Australia's university-held Government Innovation and Technology to Melbourne-based CSIRO spin-out Boron patents. It also notes those that can be Voucher, Kayban and CSIRO developed the Molecular, which will extract the flaxseed licensed. method for extracting the crucial alpha- component. Kayban will then work with linolenic acid from organic flaxseed. another local manufacturer to formulate the “The challenge was to come up with a end product.

www.atse.org.au 31 FOCUS | FEBRUARY 2016

BY MARTIN THOMAS [email protected]

Nuclear energy: Australia has a proud legacy Prudent foresight suggests that all low-emission generation sources should be considered and nuclear power should be a candidate technology.

ANSTO’s OPAL research reactor.

Australia has a quarter of the complex ownership and operational structures Nuclear power has since been illegal in world’s uranium reserves and for a relatively small economy. New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, is the third-largest supplier, By the 1950s it was clear a national while Commonwealth prohibitions remain in A reliably delivering refined approach to nuclear energy was needed. The place. Arguably Australia walked away from uranium oxide (yellowcake) Australian Atomic Energy Commission was an opportunity. to the world’s nuclear power reactors. established – strongly driven, among others, Its energy content in terms of electricity by Sir Philip Baxter, an eminent engineer and NUCLEAR TODAY generated is of the same order as Australia’s educator and Academy foundation Fellow. Notwithstanding Australia’s ambivalent total energy coal exports. Coal is cheap but The AAEC attracted significant attitude to nuclear power, exacerbated by the uranium is far cheaper! Emerging Generation international respect for its major scientific Three Mile Island (1979), Chernobyl (1986) IV reactors offer the prospect of increasing and technological developments. Synroc and Fukushima Daiichi (2011) accidents, its uranium energy recovery some 60 times, waste encapsulation and centrifugal uranium mining industry flourishes in well- negating any prospect it will ‘run out’, while enrichment and Silex laser enrichment, now regulated international trade. thorium, still over the commercial horizon, US-owned, were developed in Australia. Nevertheless the industry has undergone promises further eons of clean, reliable power. The young nation, with a strong base considerable political activism, with several No less important is Australia’s role in power systems engineering, then boldly inquiries to ensure that safety, environmental as a world-leading producer of medical committed to a 500MW nuclear station protection and Aboriginal land ownership radioisotopes, soon to meet some 15 to at Jervis Bay. Meantime a tertiary nuclear issues are properly managed. Its potential 20 per cent of global demand when the engineering course was established at the remains vast, with world-class underground, Australian Nuclear Medicine facilities at Lucas University of New South Wales, while the open-cut and in-situ leaching extraction Heights come on-stream. Australian National University established a technologies. Yet Australia is the only top 20 OECD Department of Nuclear Physics, undertaking Australia’s nuclear R&D activities are a nation in which nuclear power remains illegal. advanced fusion and accelerator research. magnificent success story. Established in Australia’s nuclear future was promising. We 1987, the Australian Nuclear Science and PROUD NUCLEAR LEGACY had a seat at the table. Technology Organisation (ANSTO) at Lucas It is useful to review Australia’s world-class Then unfavourable project economics, Heights on Sydney’s outskirts manages nuclear achievements. They are many. due in part to Australia’s cheap, high-quality, two world-class research reactors, the High Although State and Territory governments, black coal and abundant brown coal, Flux Australian Reactor (HIFAR) built in not the Commonwealth, are responsible together with negative politics, saw the 1972 1958 and the advanced Argentinian 20MW for energy delivery – a colonial hangover – cancellation of Jervis Bay, termination of the Open Pool Australian Lightwater Reactor national agencies manage today’s dramatically AAEC and eventually closure of the UNSW (OPAL) commissioned in 2006. HIFAR is now different energy architecture within singularly degree course in 1987. decommissioned – its contribution to medical

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and other research was massive. OPAL economic activity and enhanced energy scale alternatives over 1000MW. currently produces medical radioisotopes efficiency but coal remains by far Australia’s At smaller scale, say 10MW to 300MW, worth some $2 million each year and dominant energy source. Gas is filling the emerging Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) contributes to advanced neutron beam gap but costs may increase with LNG parity are perhaps most likely to offer economic research, although not to nuclear power. pricing. nuclear power for Australia. SMRs will be Prime Minister John Howard Meantime vigorous resistance to local production-line factory-built to standardised commissioned the Uranium Mining, exploitation constrains domestic supply. designs capable of component transport Processing and Nuclear Energy Review Renewables are certainly reducing in cost in conventional shipping containers. Site (UMPNER) in 2006 to examine the potential for but it is inconceivable they can economically erection will be minimal with performance Australia to contribute to and derive benefit provide beyond a modest share of national and quality standards assured. Refuelling from the nuclear fuel cycle, including power electricity needs before today’s coal stations for some SMR designs will be undertaken generation and high-level waste disposal. end their commercial lives. Baseload nuclear by reactor fuel load change-out by factory Politically UMPNER brought nuclear remains an option that cannot be ignored. replacement, with no fuel handling on site. debate into the open and authoritative Nuclear power is but one of many Additional modules can readily be added views were considered rationally. However, proven generation technologies available to meet load growth. It can confidently be the 2007 change of government saw the to Australia. Coal (black and brown), oil, predicted that SMRs will offer a way forward report sidelined, although today debate gas, solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and where cost and operational challenges of is recovering momentum with concerns nuclear all have an economic ‘sweet spot’ but large-scale reactors could be prohibitive. that fossil fuel emissions of carbon each has roles it cannot economically fulfill. Widely held predictions abound of dioxide and other pollutants contribute to Primary energy supply and technology capital climate change arising from increasing atmospheric and oceanic warming, unhealthy costs, deployment site load characteristics atmospheric carbon dioxide from electricity environments and potential climate change. and the service role to which the technology generation and transport fuels. Prudent Some feel that renewable energy is best suited must all be evaluated, along foresight suggests that all low-emission resources, principally hydro, wind and solar, with associated ‘externalities’ – primarily generation sources should be considered. can economically replace coal and gas carbon dioxide and other pollutants – in The oft-cited target of 80 per cent carbon combustion. Others see a technologically reaching investment decisions. emissions reduction by 2050 suggests that neutral mix of renewables and nuclear Modern coal and nuclear power stations nuclear power, with zero carbon emissions, energy as a more promising approach. Public can operate at capacity factors of 90 to 95 should be a candidate technology, a perception, yet to be tested, holds that per cent to provide the baseload power proposition confirmed by CSIRO’s eFutures nuclear power is unacceptable although a that industrialised countries demand. Gas modelling that cannot intelligently be growing number of politicians of varying generation, like hydro, can vary to meet ignored. persuasions privately express support. system peaks, while solar and wind, with Given Australia’s commitment to capacity factors typically only 10 to 35 per challenging atmospheric carbon reduction ENERGY PROFILE cent, contribute a valuable component to targets, it is clear that significant bipartisan In 2012 and 2015, following wide-ranging Australia’s energy needs. political cooperation is needed to address consultation to which ATSE contributed, the openly the challenging issues of nuclear Australian Government delivered Energy ENERGY COSTS power reactor siting, plant costs, operational White Papers. In 2012, while clearly supportive To help compare technology costs the and community safety, appropriate of coal, carbon sequestration and renewables, Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) is used, regulation, human resource development, nuclear energy was cautiously declared a measured in dollars per megawatt-hour ($/ the disposal or re-use of high level wastes and reserve technology to be taken up only if MWh) delivered to the grid. LCOE includes more. preferred technologies failed to meet carbon plant capital cost, financing and depreciation The South Australian Royal Commission reduction, environmental protection and over plant life, primary energy supply, offers an encouraging step towards rational energy security targets at acceptable cost. annual operation and maintenance, network debate. ¤ In 2013 a major ATSE conference raised connection, carbon costs and waste disposal. the nuclear issue nationally and by 2015 the A 2012 analysis of nuclear plant capital Mr Martin Thomas AM FTSE has had a lifetime career White Paper took a neutral approach to all costs indicated figures between a high in the in energy consulting, concluding as a Principal of Sinclair Knight Merz. He was founding Managing viable energy technologies, including nuclear, US of $6000/kW down to under $2000/kW in Director of the Cooperative Research Centre for while acknowledging that the legislative and China. While nuclear project costs are closely Renewable Energy (ACRE) and has served as Chair regulatory framework had yet to be put in place. guarded there is little doubt they will fall of Austenergy, the NSW Electricity Council and the While the popular media impression is significantly, in time approaching modern coal Sydney 2000 Olympic Energy Panel. He won the Engineers Australia’s Peter Nicol Russell Memorial that renewables are fast replacing coal the power stations. Indeed with carbon pricing Medal in 2008 and was a member of the 2006 UMPNER reality is more modest – dependence on or carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) as taskforce. He is a past President of the Institution of coal remains significant. Electricity demand may be demanded, as well as much cheaper Engineers Australia and of the Australian Institute of has declined due to carbon pricing, reduced fuel, nuclear could soon offer economic large- Energy (AIE) and a past Vice-President ATSE.

www.atse.org.au 33 FOCUS | FEBRUARY 2016

NEWS Boron nitride nanosheets.

New way to cannot simply throw powder onto oil – you need to be able to bind that powder into a mop up oil spills sponge so that we can soak the oil up, and also separate it from water,” Professor Chen said. Deakin University scientists have manufactured “The ground-breaking material is called a a revolutionary material that can clean up oil spills. boron nitride nanosheet, which is made up of flakes that are just several nanometers (one billionth of a metre) The major breakthrough material, which literally absorbs oil like a in thickness,” said IFM scientist Dr Weiwei Lei. “The material contains sponge, is ready to be trialled by industry, after two years of refinement tiny holes that provide the surface area to absorb oils and organic in the laboratory at Deakin’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM). solvents up to 33 times its own weight.” Professor Ying (Ian) Chen, the project team leader, said the The research team, which included scientists from Drexel material was the most exciting advancement in oil spill clean-up University, Philadelphia, and the Missouri University of Science and technology in decades. “Current methods of cleaning up oil spills Technology, started with boron nitride powder (known as ‘white are inefficient and unsophisticated, taking too long, and causing graphite’) and broke it into atomically thin sheets that were then used ongoing and expensive damage, which is why the development of our to make a sponge. technology was supported by the Australian Research Council. The nanotechnology team at IFM has been working on boron “In 2013 we developed the first stage of the material, but it was nitride nanomaterials for two decades and is an internationally simply a powder. This powder had absorption capabilities, but you recognised leader in boron nitride nanotubes and nanosheets.

Australia’s world-leading solar resource and speed up the transition to WATERSHED FOR BIG SOLAR renewable energy for our electricity needs.” IN AUSTRALIA AGL is one of Australia’s leading integrated energy companies and is the largest ASX-listed owner, operator and developer of renewable energy generation in the country. First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems, which use its advanced module and system technology.

COAL STILL THE KEY TO COOL, SAYS MCA The Minerals Council of Australia took advantage of savage January temperatures to remind Australia that coal remains key to a cooler Australian summer. It noted that, as Australia sweltered, with major cities recording temperatures in the mid-30s and many towns around 400C, the The Nyngan PV plant. electricity network underpinned by coal-fired power generation provided the largest share of the nation’s energy requirements. With more than two million solar panels now feeding power into Of the 33,700MW of plant in operation at 3.35 pm (AEST) on 19 the national electricity grid, AGL Energy Ltd and First Solar have January, coal accounted for 22,338MW – or 66 per cent of the total. If gas completed Australia’s two biggest solar photovoltaic plants at Nyngan was included, fossil fuels sources supplied 84 per cent of Australia’s total and Broken Hill, in NSW. electricity generation, at that time, it said in a statement. The 102MW Nyngan and 53MW Broken Hill solar plants together Coal was even more dominant in NSW and Queensland, where it produce approximately 360,000MWh of renewable energy annually, accounted for 80 per cent and 73 per cent of generation respectively. enough to power more than 50,000 average Australian homes. After coal and gas the next most important generation contributor They were built with $166.7 million support from the Australian was hydro power at 8.5 per cent share, with lower contributions from Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). solar and wind at 5.0 and 2.5 per cent respectively. ARENA’s acting CEO Ian Kay joined AGL Managing Director and CEO “It’s easy to take for granted but coal keeps households, whole of Andy Vesey, Federal Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt, NSW Minister industry, hospitals, trains, educational facilities, tourism and retail and for Industry, Resources and Energy Anthony Roberts, Federal Member entertainment operational all year round and it is available every hour of for Parkes Mark Coulton, First Solar’s Asia–Pacific Regional Manager Jack the day,” it said. “The scale, reliability and accessibility of coal-fired power Curtis, Bogan Shire Council Mayor Ray Donald and other community is particularly important on hot summer days, providing vital and often representatives at the Nyngan site to mark the occasion in January. lifesaving air conditioning and refrigeration requirements.” Mr Kay said AGL and First Solar’s trailblazing efforts at Nyngan and In South Australia, where the government wants 50 per cent of the Broken Hill had delivered valuable knowledge about the challenges of state’s electricity to come from renewables by 2025, coal provided 24 designing, constructing and commissioning projects of that scale. per cent of electricity and, with gas included, fossil fuels supplied 88 per “Ultimately, this momentum will allow us to capitalise on cent of all electricity in the state at that specific time.

34 www.atse.org.au FEBRUARY 2016 | FOCUS NEWS

PROSPERITY RESTS ON MATHS, Bioprinting goes CHUBB SAYS Australia’s former Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb AC FTSE, has online at UoW warned that without university mathematics prerequisites the nation risks failing the test of future prosperity. The warning was issued Professor Gordon Wallace FAA FTSE, whose work is at the forefront as part of featured coverage in the current issue of The Update, the of biomedical science, was at the forefront of biomedical news newsletter of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI). recently. Professor Chubb was one of five STEM leaders invited to lend their voice to the issue of university mathematics prerequisites, including Professor Wallace, who heads the UoW-headquartered Australian former ATSE President and new Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel AO FTSE. Research Council Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science “Mathematics prerequisites attached to university courses send (ACES), at the University of Wollongong, led a four-week online course, signals that influence student choices. Currently, we are failing the test Bioprinting: 3D Body Parts, launched by UoW’s Australian Institute for of the future, discouraging students from performing at their level of Innovative Materials (AIIM) in partnership with global online learning potential,” Professor Chubb says. platform FutureLearn. According to AMSI’s 2015 Discipline Profile, only 14 per cent of “We started this journey only a few short years ago by taking off- Australian science degrees require students to have intermediate the-shelf office printers and having our engineers rebuild them to be mathematics skills. With Year 12 higher-level mathematics able to print a bio-ink embedded with human cells that we had just participation continuing to decline, AMSI Director Professor Geoff developed,” Professor Wallace said. Prince has been sounding the warning bells about the consequences “In the short time since, revolutionary scientific advances of retreating from mathematics prerequisites. in 3D-printing technology and the development of amazing biomaterials, which can seamlessly integrate into the body, means we AN INDEX FOR INNOVATORS may be only a few years away from a time when every major hospital School principals will have more than 250 science, technology, will contain 3D printing capabilities. engineering and mathematics programs for students at their fingertips, “This emerging field of biofabrication is being made possible with the release of the first national STEM Programme Index. through connections between medicine and technology and we SPI 2016 is an accessible guide to business, university, government are now seeing previously unimaginable developments, such as and community-led initiatives putting students on the fast track to the prosthetic limbs controlled by thought alone, and bionic implants to future. It includes in-class, after-school, holiday, residential and online restore lost senses, and of course – 3D printing of human organs.” activities, catering to a wide and growing range of students. The course was aimed at high school leavers considering studying “The opportunities of the future will be made through STEM, for the course at university or current undergraduates. Course case studies Australia and the Australians with the skills to thrive through change,” included the 3D printing of personalised titanium hip implants using said retiring Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb AC FTSE. selective laser melting, the creation of made-to-fit masks for facial “We all have a stake in great STEM education, and we ought to transplant recipients using hot melt extrusion, and the potential for lab- cooperate in bringing it about.” grown organs structured through the ink-jet printing of living cells. The new resource was compiled by the Australian Industry Group and the Office of the Chief Scientist, as part of the STEM Skills Partnerships program. It responds to growing interest from the business community, and among STEM professionals, in sharing the task of building the future economy. SPI 2016 is available at the Chief Scientist’s website.

HEAVY-LIFT FLIGHTS TO ANTARCTICA The Australian Antarctic Division and Royal Australian Air Force flew a raft of proof-of- concept flights over the summer, with a C-17A Globemaster III delivering heavy-lift cargo to Wilkins Aerodrome in support of the Australian Antarctic program. The inaugural C-17A flight flew the 3450 kilometres in just over five hours, landing at Wilkins Aerodrome near Casey station Gordon Wallace – printing the future. where it unloaded 12,340 kilograms of cargo.

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BY BRUCE THOM [email protected]

Coastal management: building with nature The proactive approach of the Dutch has resulted Coastal erosion at Kingscliff, NSW, in 2011. in innovative designs encapsulated in the concept of ‘Building with Nature’, which they hope to export to other countries.

The traditional approach to managing risk in urbanised coastal areas has been to T emphasise protection of built assets. An example of this approach is seen in existing coastal legislation in NSW, the Coastal Protection Act 1979. Such an approach is seen in many parts of the world possible, we strive to reach our objectives Management Plan (SMP); this involves a and has resulted in both successful and failed by making use of natural processes, creating switch from ‘hold the line’ to NAI in the second attempts to protect public infrastructure and integrated solutions that are flexible, that SMP ‘epoch’ of 20 to 50 years this century. It is private property from the damaging impacts of help to safeguard our economy and boost interesting that some places which now have extreme storm events resulting from flooding our ecology, that are both cost-effective and an NAI policy may in the future lose it, while and wave erosion of low-lying coastal lands. sustainable, and that make our country safer other places may gain it, but overall there will Agencies of governments such as the and more attractive as a place to live.” be this shift away from existing management US Army Corps of Engineers and the Delta interventions in the next generation of more Program in the Netherlands have invested US ARMY ecologically friendly SMPs. enormous resources in developing structures There are several key points that come out It is the scope and scale of projects in and practices to withstand such impacts in of this statement which are reflected in the Netherlands that is most impressive. The different coastal situations for both known new programs in the US and the UK. The US proactive approach of the Dutch has resulted historical events and those likely to be Army Corps of Engineers is developing the in innovative designs encapsulated in the exacerbated by climate change. ‘Engineering with Nature’ concept, while the concept of ‘Building with Nature’, which they Storms of the late 1960s and 1970s in Environment Agency in the UK has adopted hope to export to other countries through an eastern Australia led NSW and Queensland the strategy of ‘Managed Coastal Retreat’, also understanding of particular environmental governments to establish coastal engineering referred to as ‘Managed Re-alignment’. conditions in those countries. groups to help drive statewide policies to In 2013, I met with officers of both agencies. At one scale is the enormous Deftland meet the challenge of coastal erosion and The Chief of the Institute of Water Resources of Sand Engine project, which not only attempts inundation. Even though these groups no the Corps, Dr Charlie Chesnutt, explained the to counter coastal erosion, but also provides longer exist, the traditional approach focused new vision for his group as a “cultural change” opportunities for natural conservation and on defending lands from the invasion of the looking at “integrated solutions” involving a recreation. This project seeks to derive such sea has remained a priority of successive more interdisciplinary-systems approach with benefits from sand nourishment using waves, governments, often at the expense of nature. more inter-agency collaboration, and a need to winds and longshore currents to spread the Over the past decade a new approach has foster creative solutions in project design. sand along the coast. The Dutch see the sand emerged in coastal management that seeks Nick Hardiman of the UK Environment engine project as a focal point for coastal to build with nature and not on or in nature. Agency in Bristol stressed the new rationale research and innovative coastal management. This approach has become a more formal of the Government for the application of “no Other projects include encouraging part of the Dutch way to address the ever- active intervention in coastal defences or wetland growth around the shores of the delta present threat to the nation from the sea. In operations” (NAI) in certain places. The aim is lakes in ways that will continue to support the words of the Government Commissioner to offer a longer-term approach that allows for diverse ecosystems and protection of low-lying for the Delta Program, Wim J. Kuijken: “Where more “flexibility” within any given Shoreline lands as the sea level continues to rise. In areas

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of estuaries more open to the sea, a project across government agencies, as well as so that councils will benefit from knowledge has been designed at a sufficiently large difficulties in sustained collaboration with the of sediment transport systems both within scale to show how oyster reefs can mitigate private sector and academia. We have lived and between councils. tidal flat erosion while creating new habitats. in a world characterised by ‘Disintegrated The draft legislation provides for a new Projects such as these operate at the interface Coastal Zone Management’. However, there Coastal Council that will be technically based between ecosystems and infrastructure. are signs that things are changing. and be in a position to offer advice on coastal Building with Nature goes beyond Coastal reforms introduced late 2015 in processes and impacts, as well as audit council the state-of-the-art in project design and NSW by the Minister for Planning, the Hon Rob performance in implementing their CMPs. This implementation. It triggers new questions Stokes, highlight the need for a new approach will be one mechanism designed to generate for which there are no clear answers, but that should encourage innovation, flexibility sharing of knowledge, innovation, sustainable highlights issues such as the timescale for and integrated solutions in order to foster use of coastal resources and improved ecosystems to adapt or recover as processes the principles of ecologically sustainable resilience to economic, social and physical keep changing. For some this means two development as defined in the objectives of forces that are likely to challenge coastal things: first, that the concept must ensure that the draft Coastal Management Bill. This new managers and users in future decades. the new generation of ecological researchers legislation is supported by a new Coastal There is sufficient scope in the reforms to should look at the long-term positive benefits Management State Environmental Planning encourage what the Dutch have termed the on nature of ecological engineering; and Policy, and a new Coastal Manual. ‘golden triangle’ of private partners involved second, that the concept requires active A key aspect of the NSW reforms is to in infrastructure and other development, engagement of government agencies, ensure that, in future, land-use planning federal, state and local government agencies, academia and private partners with practical and coastal management practices are and knowledge institutes. ¤ experience in infrastructure development. informed by the best available science. Local As an integrated program its emphasis councils are to develop Coastal Management Emeritus Professor Bruce Thom AM FTSE is a Member of the Coastal Expert Panel advising the NSW Minister on innovation rather than research alone, Programs (CMPs) that recognise the for Planning. He is a member of the Wentworth Group involving think tanks such as EcoShape, dynamic and ambulatory nature of coastal of Concerned Scientists and President of the Australian has created networks for application and environments, and identify the nature of risk Coastal Society. He is also former Vice Chancellor of dissemination of knowledge. associated with coastal hazards on both open the University of New England and former Chair of the Australian State of the Environment Committee. In the words of Emeritus Professor J. coast and within estuaries and coastal lakes. Professor Thom has written widely in the areas of William Kamphuis of Queens University in The sediment compartment approach coastal management, coastal land use planning, Ontario: “Building with Nature is a unique used successfully in the UK will be employed coastal geology and geomorphology. example of how universities and applied research institutes can develop new knowledge in direct contact with end users ... a strong EA CALLS FOR AN AGGRESSIVE POLICY FRAMEWORK point is the program’s ongoing efforts to Engineers Australia has released its 2016 State of the Engineering Profession report, which document and share the research findings. The calls for the Australian Government to show leadership in shaping a prosperous future for OpenEarth system for sharing data, models the nation. and tools (www.openearth.nl), co-developed The Report says that, to drive medium to long-term growth, Australia by EcoShape, is a great step forward, as is needs an aggressive policy framework based on growing our productivity EcoShape’s wiki-based Building with Nature and increasing our self-reliance, and calls for governments to develop guidelines (www.ecoshape.nl) …the program policies that positively influence Australia’s engineering capability through has set an example that is worthy of broader investment in education in engineering, technology and science, as well as follow-up.” the effective use of migrant engineers.

It urges governments to provide long-term infrastructure planning The State of the Engineering Profession THINGS ARE CHANGING in Australia, independent of the short-term political cycle, with a Engineering in Australia Application of concepts such as Building with bipartisan funding model, to deliver long-lasting benefits for the Nature in Australia may seem a long way off. Australian community. It also proposes that governments develop 2016 Even in the US, the Corps of Engineers is faced positive and coherent industry policy to renew the nation’s ageing with financial and accountability constraints industrial base, driving innovation and productivity, by taking the lead through defence that place time conditions on individual procurement and energy policy decisions. projects that conflict with the principles of EA says that, without an aggressive policy framework, businesses will continue to be connectivity of systems and time needed to reluctant to invest and state and territory governments will lack direction. show sustainability of outcomes. Historically, Engineers play a vital role in society, said EA 2016 National President Mr John McIntosh. this has been a problem for many of us at the “Our role as drivers of innovation places engineers among the major contributors to state level in Australia. standard-of-living growth in the world’s major economies,” he said. “Our challenge as a Added to this issue is the lack of profession is to take this message to the community and to governments, to emphasise our coordination in planning and implementation role and our contribution.”

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Six named in Honours List

Six Fellows were named in the Australia Day Chennupati for distinguished service to science, and to Honours List, including two Fellows named Jagadish higher education, particularly to biochemistry in the top bracket of Australians honoured. and molecular biology, as an academic and researcher, and to professional associations. Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC Mr Drew Clarke AO PSM FTSE, FAA FTSE, from the Department of Electronic the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff and Materials Engineering at the Australian former Secretary of the Department of National University, was named a Companion Broadband, Communications and the of the Order of Australia. His citation noted his Digital Economy, became an Officer or the eminent service to physics and engineering, Order, for distinguished service to public particularly in the field of nanotechnology, to administration, to communications and education as a leading academic, researcher, energy policy initiatives and reform, and to author and mentor, and through executive the spatial information industry. roles with national and international scientific Dr Craig Mudge AO FTSE, a CSIRO advisory institutions. computing expert who spent 10 years in Emeritus Professor Mary O'Kane AC Silicon Valley and is internationally known for FTSE, the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer, his broad computing expertise, became an Drew Clarke Craig Mudge was also named a Companion of the Order Officer or the Order, for distinguished service of Australia. Her citation noted her eminent to science, particularly through pioneering service to science and engineering, as a John Wright initiatives in the information technology contributor to national policy development sector, as a researcher and author, and as a and governance, to the promotion of mentor of young scientists. technology research and future energy Dr John Wright AM FTSE, a former supply, to higher education, and as a role Academy Director and inaugural Director model for young scientists. of the CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship Professor Marilyn Anderson AO FAA Program, was named a Member of the FTSE, Chief Scientific Officer and Director Order for significant service to science and of Hexima Ltd and La Trobe University engineering, particularly to renewable energy professor, was named an Officer of the Order, technology, and to professional organisations.

MARTIN GREEN WINS WARK MEDAL ATSE Fellow Professor Martin Green AM FRS FAA FTSE, from the University of NSW, has won the Academy of Science’s 2016 Ian Wark Medal and Lecture for his world-record breaking work improving solar efficiency. Professor Green, Director of the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) at UNSW, is an acknowledged world‐leader in his field and sometimes referred to as the ‘father of photovoltaics’. Several generations of his group’s technology have been successfully commercialised including, most recently, the Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) that produced the first 25 per cent efficient silicon cell in 2008 and accounted for the largest share of new manufacturing capacity added worldwide in 2014. Martin Green Professor Green’s fundamental and applied research has led to significant economic benefits both in Australia and worldwide.

n ACAP comprises the Australian partners of the Australia-US Institute for Advanced Photovoltaics (AUSIAPV), which is developing the next generations of photovoltaic technology, providing a pipeline of opportunities for performance increase and cost reduction. Headquartered at UNSW’s School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, the Centre includes research groups at CSIRO, ANU, the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland and Monash University. AUSIAPV links ACAP with NSF/DOE Energy Research Center for Quantum Energy and Sustainable Technologies (QESST), based at Arizona State University, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, The Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories, Stanford University, Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of California – Santa Barbara.

38 www.atse.org.au FEBRUARY 2016 | FOCUS ATSE IN FOCUS

Edwina Cornish joins CSIRO Board

Professor Edwina Cornish AO FTSE, Provost position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) As the President and former CEO of and Senior Vice-President of Monash at Monash University in February 2004. In Cochlear, Dr Roberts was responsible for University, has been appointed a member August 2009 she was appointed Senior managing a global leader in solutions for the of the CSIRO Board for five years. Deputy Vice-Chancellor. In 2012 she was hearing impaired with 2600 employees both appointed to the role of Provost and Senior in Australia and around the world. Announcing her appointment, Vice-President of the university. Since 2004, when he assumed this role, Industry, Innovation and Science She is an experienced more than 170,000 people, young and old, Minister Christopher Pyne said board member and current have been given this gift of hearing. Professor Cornish’s vast experience at board memberships include the Through his leadership, Cochlear has the interface between government, Museums Board of Victoria, the more than 100 research partners across the research, science and the higher Indian Institute of Technology world. The company invests approximately education sector would be of great Bombay-Monash Research 13 per cent of its annual revenue in R&D. In value to the CSIRO Board. Academy and the ClimateWorks the past five years this has amounted to more “Professor Cornish’s experience Australia Board. Former board than $500 million, which would rank him as in innovation, collaboration and memberships include on the presiding over one of the largest research commercialisation will be of Edwina Cornish Board of the Australian funds in Australia. tremendous value to CSIRO as it Research Council (2001–04) He is a member of the NSW Innovation builds on its strategic goals and forges greater and the AusIndustry Board (1994–96). and Productivity Council, the Business collaboration between science and industry,” Professor Cornish has also served on the Council of Australia Innovation Taskforce, the he said. Prime Minister’s Science and Engineering UNSW Faculty of Medicine Advisory Council, He said Professor Cornish was an Council (appointed in 1996) and the Victorian Macquarie University Foundation Board of experienced board member and would Government Science and Engineering Patrons and the UTS Vice-Chancellor’s Industrial bring strong business, industry and financial Technology Taskforce. Advisory Board. skills to the CSIRO Board. Her expertise included large organisation management and CHRIS ROBERTS IS EA’S 2015 development, commercialisation of research PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER ALAN FINKEL PICKS UP and broad knowledge of innovation and Sydney engineer Dr Chris Roberts FTSE, the MOUNTBATTEN MEDAL higher education research issues. former CEO of Cochlear Ltd, has been named Australia’s Chief Scientist and past Professor Cornish played a key role in 2015 Professional Engineer of the Year by Academy President Dr Alan Finkel AO FTSE building one of Australia’s first biotechnology Engineers Australia. was presented with the 2015 Mountbatten companies, Florigene Ltd, which developed EA noted that “during Christopher’s Medal from the Institution of Engineering and successfully commercialised the world’s leadership of Cochlear, over 170,000 people and Technology in in London recently. first genetically modified flowers under her were given the gift of hearing through their The award recognised his “research in leadership. bionic ear’s world-class design, which is durable, science and engineering, technical and “Professor Cornish’s appointment means comfortable and provides an unrivalled academic leadership, entrepreneurship the board gains a brilliant and dedicated listening experience. Furthermore, Christopher and philanthropy, and dedication to academic and administrator,” Mr Pyne said. prioritised research and development at science and engineering education”. The Professor Edwina Cornish is inaugural Cochlear, investing hundreds of millions of Mountbatten Medal, established in 1992, Provost at Monash University. As the chief dollars and developing a network of over 100 is awarded for a sustained, outstanding academic officer the Provost and Senior research partners worldwide”. contribution to Vice-President is responsible for setting the EA also described Dr Roberts as “a the promotion university’s academic strategy and priorities remarkable engineer of electronics with a view to improving education, research with over 37 years’ or information and financial performance; oversight of experience in technology and faculties, academic-related portfolios and international medical their application. university-wide centres and institutes; leading device businesses, IET is the academic staffing strategies, including who has worked world’s biggest recruitment, probation, performance at the forefront of multidisciplinary management, promotion, reward and dialysis, pacemakers, professional IET President Ms Naomi recognition and fostering interdisciplinary respiratory and sleep engineering Climer presents the Mountbatten Medal to areas of excellence and collaboration. medicine and now institution. Alan Finkel. Professor Cornish was appointed to the Chris Roberts cochlear implants”.

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Peter Nicol Russell Medal to Eric Neal

Sir Eric Neal AC CVO FTSE, a Fellow since Chancellor from 2002–10, and served on the 1981, former SA Governor, head of Boral Senate of the University of New South Wales. and widely respected company director, has He has been awarded Honorary Doctorates been awarded Engineers Australia’s highest from the University of Sydney, University of award, the Peter Nicol Russell Memorial South Australia and Flinders University. Medal – Career Achievement Award for “Sir Eric is also the Principal Patron of the his “overwhelming contribution” to the Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men’s engineering profession and the Australian Health at the University of Adelaide and community. one of only nine Honorary Fellows of the (From left) EA CEO Stephen Durkin, David Australian Institute of Building. “Sir Eric’s engineering contribution to the Cruickshanks-Boyd, Sir Eric Neal and EA Deputy Sir Eric trained as an engineer at the President John McIntosh community culminated in the 14 years he was South Australian School of Mines (now part of Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director “Sir Eric was Chief Commissioner of the the University of SA) and became a successful of Boral Ltd, and Director of its subsidiaries in City of Sydney in 1987-88, and served as businessman. Apart from his role at Boral he Australia, the UK, the USA and Pacific Islands,” South Australian Governor for five years. was also a Director of John Fairfax Holdings, said National President of Engineers Australia “Sir Eric helped establish Flinders University BHP, Coca-Cola Amatil and AMP, as well as Dr David Cruickshanks-Boyd. as a world-class establishment when he was Chair of Westpac.

MERYL WILLIAMS WINS CRAWFORD MEDAL Dr Meryl Williams FTSE was awarded the 2015 and nutrition. She emphasises that fish can and has led a number of key international Crawford Fund Medal, recognising her service be a key ingredient in feeding the world’s evaluation teams including evaluating the to Australian and international fisheries, expected nine billion people if fisheries are World Bank fishery program, and FAO’s aquaculture, aquatic resource conservation, subject to sound management and policy. support for the implementation of the Code of and agricultural research and development. “Meryl has enormous influence through Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. A tribute to her ongoing passion and her membership of boards and advisory “As Director General of the WorldFish commitment to improving global food committees, both international and Australian. Center (1994 to 2004), Meryl concentrated security, and her significant For instance, she is currently the focus of WorldFish on eradicating poverty, contribution to international the Vice Chair of the Scientific improving people’s nutrition, and reducing agricultural research, is Advisory Committee of pressure on the environment.” available on the Crawford the International Seafood Fund’s YouTube site Sustainability Foundation MIN GU MOVES TO RMIT (www.youtube.com/user/ and a member of the board ARC Laureate Fellow Professor Min Gu, CrawfordFund). of Aquaculture without until recently Director of the Centre of Her Crawford Fund Medal Frontiers (Australia). And as Micro-Photonics at Swinburne University citation notes her extensive an Honorary Life Member of of Technology, became Associate Deputy and continuing contributions the Asian Fisheries Society Vice Chancellor for Research Innovation to international research in Meryl Williams receives the award (AFS), she is leading the and Entrepreneurship (ADVC RI&E) at RMIT fisheries and aquaculture. from the Chair of the Council of AFS project to develop an University on 4 January. In addition to the Australian Institute of Marine “Meryl works tirelessly online information system this role he now leads a research team in Science, the Hon Penelope Wensley. in advocacy for international for Asia–Pacific fisheries photonics at RMIT. Professor Gu was awarded fisheries in relation to human resources. and aquaculture, called AsiaPacific-FishWatch. the 2015 Boas Medal by the Australian Currently her focus is on women and gender Meryl also initiated the long running series of Institute vof Physics. in aquaculture and fisheries, as well as on global symposia on women/gender in fisheries Recent Boas Medal the advance of knowledge, information and and aquaculture and maintains the related winners include science to ensure that fish production is both global website Genderaquafish.org. Professor Chennupati fair and responsible. “Among numerous previous positions, Jagadish FAA FTSE “Through a career spanning more than 30 Meryl has been Chair of the Commission (2013), Professor Ben years, Meryl has published widely on aspects of the Australian Centre for International Eggleton FTSE (2011) of fish harvesting and fisheries management Agricultural Research (ACIAR), vice-chair of the and Professor Michael around the world. Her recent work Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee Tobar FAA FTSE Min Gu emphasises fish in relation to food security of the Global Environment Facility (GEF-STAP), (2006).

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Catherine Livingstone addresses the 2012 Clunies Ross dinner.

Catherine and Saluda Medical Pty Ltd (from 2013); President of the Australian Museum Trust Livingstone next (from 2012); Member of The Growth Centres Advisory Committee (from 2015) and the UTS Chancellor Commonwealth Science Council (from 2014). “It has been a great privilege to serve as UTS Chancellor since December 2004,” Professor Sara said. “To be part of the university’s amazing transformation and to be recognised as the highest performing university under 50 years of age in Australia (and among the top 25 Telstra Chair, President of the Business change is opportunity. I believe Australia will globally) is an achievement the likes of which Council of Australia and innovation advocate only seize the opportunity presented by the we can all be very proud.” Ms Catherine Livingstone AO FAA FTSE will unprecedented change currently sweeping the Between Professor Sara’s retirement become Chancellor of the University of world if its university and industry sectors can in February, and Ms Livingstone taking up Technology Sydney in December, following be far more effective collaborators,” she said. the role in December 2016, UTS has elected the retirement in February of Professor Vicki “This is a responsibility of both business current Deputy Chancellor, Mr Brian Wilson, Sara AO FTSE after 12 years in the role. and university, and will require a shift as interim Chancellor. in mindset by both. This shift is already Dr Ron Sandland AM FTSE is UTS Pro- UTS Vice-Chancellor Attila Brungs said happening at UTS, and among their many Chancellor and Dr Merilyn Sleigh FTSE is a Ms Livingstone’s election would further partners in the Ultimo creative and start-up member of the UTS Council. strengthen the university’s demonstrated precinct. I am excited to be a part of that.” Ms Livingstone was also named The performance and ongoing commitment to Ms Livingstone was the Chief Executive of Australian Financial Review Business Person of working alongside business in R&D, as well as Cochlear Ltd (1994 to 2000) and Chair of CSIRO the Year 2015 in December. The publication in creating the next generation of Australia’s (2001–06. She has also served on the boards of said she won from a “handful of business skilled workforce. Goodman Fielder Ltd and Rural Press Ltd. figures who, in different ways, have most Ms Livingstone said she saw the new Other recent significant directorships significantly changed their industries, shifted position as an opportunity to play a different and appointments held by Ms Livingstone the national debate and delivered for investors”. but equally significant role in helping include: Director of Parsons Ltd (from She joins the list of “50 leaders, builders, Australia create future wealth and prosperity, 2007), Macquarie Bank Ltd (2003–13) and pioneers and stirrers that was drawn up to and drive innovation. Ltd (2007–13), The George celebrate the masthead’s first half century of “Our Prime Minister rightly says that Institute for Global Health (from 2012) daily publication”.

TREVOR BIRD ON ANTENNAS MICHELLE SIMMONS JOINS AAAS AND ARRAYS ATSE new Fellow Professor Michelle Simmons FAA FTSE from the University of NSW, Professor Trevor Bird FTSE has recently published a known for her ground-breaking research developing atomic-scale electronics, has new book, Fundamentals of Aperture Antennas and been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Arrays: From Theory to Design, Fabrication and Testing, Professor Simmons is an ARC Laureate Fellow and Director of the ARC Centre of through John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology at UNSW. It relates to antennas (or aerials) in common use She leads a team of 180 researchers developing a radical, uniquely powerful today, such as reflectors for satellite communications quantum computing technology that aims to interface with completely secure and radiotelescopes, horns and lenses, and is based communication systems. on his career working principally at CSIRO in Australia, As a consequence of both her leadership of the Centre and her own ground- and in the UK and the US. breaking research program, Australian researchers are now at the international The book is directed at upper-level forefront of classical and quantum computing technologies in silicon. undergraduates and postgraduates, as well as Her research has important implications for the semiconductor industry and is readers moving from academia into industry, those anticipated to be transformational in the field of quantum computation. commencing careers as wireless engineers or for The AAAS is the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the practising engineers. journal Science.

www.atse.org.au 41 FOCUS | FEBRUARY 2016 ATSE IN FOCUS PHOTO: ANTHONY BROWELL sensitive but uncompromising forms and materiality, often with stepping outlines following the underlying Sydney sandstone. “We have lost a great architect,” Architecture Australia concluded. Mr Kenneth Woolley AM FTSE, a Fellow since 2000, died in Sydney on 25 November 2015, aged 82. Ken Woolley Growing grew up in suburban Kingsford, he showed a talent for art and music, winning honours at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music at the age of 10. From Sydney Boys Ken Woolley: High School he won a traineeship at the NSW Public Works Department and graduated the complete in 1955 from the University of Sydney with the University Medal, the Sulman Medal, the architect Stephenson and Turner Medal, and the Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship that paid for overseas travel and study. This took him to Europe – an experience Ken Woolley, progenitor of the influential almost all of his work can be found within 40 km that strongly influenced his life’s work, which ‘Sydney School’ of architecture, was of the Sydney Town Hall (for which he designed included landmark commercial and public arguably the most complete architect an office tower and public square). buildings, as well as residential building of Australia’s modern era, according “He was a founder of the ‘The Sydney designs which were widely built during the to Architecture Australia, the national School’ in houses, and notably his AS Hook 1960s and 1970s by Pettit and Sevitt, regarded magazine of the Australian Institute of Gold Medal address in 1994 was entitled as innovative house builders at the time. Architects. ‘State of the Art in Sydney’. Every building His career was studded with awards he designed was different (there being no and his 2000 Fellowship nominations noted “He designed buildings of every type and ‘starchitect’ repetition or house style) but each that he was an “architect with the highest of scale – from small homes and project houses one seems right for its place and purpose, reputations” whose commercial buildings to office towers, apartments, churches, particularly as they respond to the sharp had been “widely acclaimed” and who had corporate HQ’s and civic squares, for public sunlight and forceful topography of Sydney. developed a “fine reputation” for housing and private clients from prestigious to poor,” “His design approach, particularly the designs “that made a laudable contribution to Architecture Australia noted. planning, was rooted in the modern humanism raising the quality of commercially available “He was the quintessential Sydney architect; of his early study and travels, together with houses in Australia”.

MAX LU GOES TO SURREY and has held positions of Professor Max Lu FAA FTSE, Provost and Senior Vice President of senior lecturer, associate the University of Queensland, will become Vice-Chancellor of the professor, professor and University of Surrey in April, after nearly 20 years at UQ. Chair of Nanotechnology An internationally known chemical engineer and in Chemical Engineering. nanotechnologist, Professor Lu will become Surrey’s fifth Vice- He won the Chancellor, replacing Professor Sir Christopher Snowden. prestigious ARC Recognised among Australia’s Top 100 Most Influential Engineers, Federation Fellowship Max Lu Professor Lu is one of only 150 double highly cited academics in the twice, in 2003 and 2008. world, with over 500 peer-reviewed articles published in top journals, Prior to taking attracting more than 31,000 citations. up the role of UQ Provost and Senior Vice-President in March 2014, He is also the co-inventor of more than 20 international patents Professor Lu served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) from 2009, and has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, and acting Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor from December 2011 to including the China International Science and Technology Award, October 2012. Queensland Greats Award and the International Mesostructured He held the position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Linkages) Materials Association Lifetime Achievement Award. from October 2008 to April 2009, following his seven-year service as After completing his PhD, Professor Lu spent three years in Singapore the Foundation Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional as a lecturer at Nanyang Technological University. He joined UQ in 1994, Nanomaterials.

42 www.atse.org.au FEBRUARY 2016 | FOCUS ATSE IN FOCUS

Leighton Medal to Ian Rae

novel methods for offshore site investigation related areas of research over the past 20 years. techniques. Her current research focuses on designing One of three researchers worldwide to nanomaterial systems for solar and chemical receive the honorary doctorate from ETH energy conversion applications. Zurich for outstanding achievements in Professor Amal has received numerous science and teaching, Professor Randolph is prestigious awards including being listed in the also Fugro Chair in Geotechnics at UWA and Top 100 Australia’s Most Influential Engineers was WA Scientist of the Year in 2013. in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, the ExxonMobil Professor Mark Cassidy FTSE, director Award (2012), the NSW Science and of COFS, said the honorary doctorate Engineering Award – Emerging Research (2011) highlighted the international impact of and the Freehills Innovation Award (2008). Ian Rae Professor Randolph’s work over many years. Former ATSE Education Forum Chair “His leadership has established Perth Professor Robin King FTSE has been elected Professor Ian Rae FTSE, former Academy as an internationally recognised hub for an Honorary Fellow of Engineers Australia. Technical Director and later President of the excellence in geotechnical engineering and The EA Citation notes: “Professor Robin Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), attracted many world-leading companies as King is a distinguished engineering academic has been awarded RACI’s Leighton Memorial well as academics,” Professor Cassidy said. who has made a significant contribution to Medal for 2015. Founded in 1855, ETH Zurich is one of the the engineering profession and community. world’s leading universities in technology and His contributions have been through his The Leighton Medal, which the natural sciences. academic work in several universities, and as commemorates the distinguished career a higher education consultant and volunteer. of AE Leighton, is “the Institute’s most EA HONOURS ROSE AMAL “He has served as Chair of Engineer prestigious medal and is awarded in AND ROBIN KING Australia’s Accreditation Board, and as recognition of eminent services to chemistry Two Fellows have been named by Engineers Engineers Australia’s delegate to the in Australia in the broadest sense, including Australia as Honorary Fellows. International Engineering Alliance and Chair research, technology and service to the RACI, Professor Rose Amal FAA FTSE, University of the Sydney Accord. public service and national leadership”. of NSW Scientia Professor and ARC Laureate “He has also contributed to several other AE Leighton died in 1961 after Fellow, was the Director of the ARC Centre of organisations, including AAEE, ATSE and the a distinguished career as a chemist, Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials (2010– Australian Council of Engineering Deans.” technologist and administrator. 13). She is recognised He was a staunch supporter of the RACI as a pioneer and LINDSAY FALVEY and during his frequent visits to England in leading authority TO CHAIR ILRI BOARD the early years of the RACI, carried out an in the fields of fine Professor Lindsay Falvey FTSE has been enormous amount of work to secure the particle technology, elected to chair the Board of the International RACI’s Royal Charter. photocatalysis Livestock Research Institute, the premier He was one of the first group of Fellows and functional livestock research body for the poorer nations elected (June 1920) and served as Victorian nanomaterials, having of the world. Branch President in 1920–22. He was made significant As one of 15 ‘green revolution’ centres President of RACI in 1952-53. Robin King contributions to these of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), ILRI conducts SWISS DOCTORATE FOR leading scientific research oriented to livestock MARK RANDOLPH producers across Africa, Asia and elsewhere. Internationally recognised geotechnical Professor Falvey is a leading livestock engineer Professor Mark Randolph FRS FREng specialist who has wide experience over FAA FTSE has received another accolade for some 40 years, which includes corporate his expertise in offshore geotechnics. governance, academic leadership and Professor Randolph, from The University international research. of Western Australia’s Centre for Offshore He has been CEO of Coffey-MPW, Chair Foundations Systems (COFS), was awarded of Agriculture and Dean of the (now) Faculty an honorary doctorate by a prestigious Swiss of Veterinary and Agricultural Science at university for his crucial contributions to the the University of Melbourne and Director of field of offshore geotechnics and developing Rose Amal Hassad Australia.

www.atse.org.au 43 FOCUS | FEBRUARY 2016 ATSE IN FOCUS

Don Mentz: a dynamic leader who mentored many

Don Mentz established a stellar reputation Affairs before returning to the Department of Goldsworthy FTSE, chair of the Mineral as an administrator at both national and Territories and Local Government (1983-84) as Resources Forum, will join former WA Division international level, heading a number Deputy Secretary and later acting Secretary of chair Dr Peter Lilly FTSE on the MRIWA Board, of Australian Government the Department. which he chairs. agencies, working for the Asian In 1985 he became director Announcing the appointments, WA Mines Development Bank, serving general of the Commonwealth and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said as Director General of the Agricultural Bureaux (CAB) – the the appointment would help drive exciting Commonwealth Agricultural precursor of the modern CABI – scientific discoveries and the development of Bureaux and heading The in the UK. At that time CAB was a new resource businesses. Crawford Fund (1999 to 2002). non-profit organisation, funded “An important mandate for this institute is by 29 member countries, with a to enable research and its commercialisation,” Mr Donald Mentz AM FTSE staff of about 400. He centralised Mr Marmion said. died in Townsville on 30 October the dispersed bureaux to a “The new appointments will build on 2015, aged 82. Don Mentz single location and established the great work already under way, linking He started his career as an CABI’s Development Fund, MRIWA even more closely with the resources, agronomist in the Victorian public service through which donors could help developing innovation and finance sectors.” before moving to Darwin in 1960 with the countries purchase CABI’s services. “Professor Bush is a respected senior Commonwealth Department of Territories Mr Mentz developed an interest in the researcher with long service at The University and by 1965 was acting director of the Crawford Fund during his years at CABI and of Western Australia, Engineers Australia and Agriculture Branch before transferring to had been a member of the small team that the Australian Academy of Technology and Canberra where he led the Department reviewed the Fund in 1993. He improved Engineering,” the Minister said. of Territories’ forestry, fisheries and water management practices and processes and “Ms Goldsworthy brings immense resources section. substantially renovated the Crawford Fund. corporate know-how to the board, from When the Department was disbanded in Mr Tim Fischer AC FTSE described him as her experience on the development of 1968, he was reassigned to the Department of a dynamic leader who delivered much and autonomous haul trucks in the Pilbara, External Territories and became an assistant mentored many. to her current business focus on change secretary (1969–72) and then first assistant “He was a colourful personality, always management and challenging the status quo.” secretary, Economic Affairs Division (1972- engaged and looking ahead, always ahead 73). Like many others he was swept up in the of the game”, Tim said. “He would often give US HONOURS FOR arrangements for independence of Papua a wry smile and on most occasions it was TWO FELLOWS New Guinea. During those years and in followed by a pertinent observation that cut Professor Andrew Holmes FAA FTSE, President subsequent roles he visited PNG more than 50 to the chase.” of AAS, and Professor Chennupati Jagadish times and became a member of the board of FAA FTSE, of the ANU, have been elected directors of the PNG Investment Corporation. FELLOWS JOIN MINING among 168 new Fellows of the US National Just before PNG independence, the RESEARCH BOARD Academy of Inventors. The new Fellows Department of External Territories was Two Fellows joined the board of the Minerals bring the total number of NAI Fellows to abolished and he moved into the newly Research Institute of Western Australia 582, representing more than 190 research created Australian Development Assistance (MRIWA) from 1 February. universities and government and non-profit Agency (ADAA), becoming head of the Emeritus Professor Mark Bush FTSE, research institutes. NAI Fellows include 27 division that administered ADAA’s policy retiring WA Division chair, and Ms Denise Nobel Laureates. development, administrative services and assistance to multilateral programs and non- government organisations. In 1975 he led the Australian delegation to the second meeting of interested governments on the formation of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and in 1979 became Director, Country Development, Asian Development Bank, based in Manila, until 1981. Returning to Canberra he was briefly (1981-82) Deputy Secretary in the Department of Business and Consumer Denise Goldsworthy Peter Lilly Mark Bush Andrew Holmes

44 www.atse.org.au Graduate Research Training. www.unimelb.edu.au/research/

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