THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE

WINTER 2006

INSIDE: Engineered for success Saving business millions The Stuart Case Still raising controversies A passion for heritage The heritage working group International achievers Our high-fliers in Asia Digging up the past Analysing ancient DNA

LIFE IMPACT—THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

LUMEN - The University of Adelaide Magazine Registered by Australia Post No 56500/00097 MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR

niversity of Adelaide graduates make an impact in many fields of endeavour. Politics is one such field, and the University Ucongratulates law graduate Julie Bishop on her elevation earlier this year to the Federal Cabinet and the Ministry of Education, Science and Training. She describes her time at Adelaide in this issue of Lumen.

In recent years, the University has attracted some outstanding, world-renowned scholars as it invests heavily in international talent. Among them is Federation Fellow Professor Alan Cooper, recruited from Oxford University, who has specialised expertise in molecular biology, especially ancient DNA. The building of a new facility in collaboration with the Department for Environment and Heritage will make Adelaide an international centre for large-scale research into the effects of climate change, bio-security and animal and human evolution, and Professor Cooper’s work is the subject of the feature story in this issue.

The new ancient DNA facility is an example of the numerous partnerships in which the University is engaged. Others highlighted in this issue include: our partnership with The Smith Family to give students from disadvantaged backgrounds better opportunities to pursue tertiary education; our partnership with Qantas to give early career researchers the chance to benefit from international travel and collaboration; and the Proteomics Centre, a partnership between the School of Molecular and Biomedical Science and the Hanson Institute in the fight against cancer.

Partnership in a different sense underlies the new Heritage Appeal. The University of Adelaide is the custodian of a significant built heritage and the Heritage Appeal aims to help us preserve and transmit this heritage to coming generations. It is being made possible by the men and women who have so generously given of their time to lead the Heritage Foundation Working Party, and this issue recognises their commitment.

We also acknowledge those who give to the University through volunteering in a story about the work of the Volunteer Committee, established in 2004 to coordinate the diverse volunteer activities that take place across the University.

These are some of the Adelaide graduates and Adelaide research featured in this issue of Lumen. They reaffirm the inspiring impact that our University continues to make, and of which we can truly be proud.

PROFESSOR JAMES A. McWHA Vice-Chancellor and President

winter 2006 THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE

lumen contents WINTER 2006

Digging up the past A passion for heritage 2 Ancient DNA centre to answer important 16 We profi le the members of the Heritage evolutionary questions. Foundation Working Party.

FEATURE STORY

Overhauling education Volunteering advocate 6 New Education Minister looks forward to the 19 Lindsay McWha talks about her challenges of her role. belief in volunteering.

Engineered for success Have knowledge, will travel 8 Water distribution systems research 21 Research into age-related diseases to benefi t is big business. from Qantas travel partnership.

10 Rubbing shoulders 22 Graduate Achievers with celebrities • Family builds a web of success. • Our high-fl iers in Asia. Adelaide scientist attracts world attention for morphine research.

The Stuart Case Adelaide pioneers 12 Still raising controversies. 27 Dr Ruby Davy – Australia’s fi rst woman Doctor of Music.

Anti-cancer partnership Building bridges 14 $3 million new proteomics centre. 30 New chapter established in Sydney.

The Lumen masthead is derived from the University of Adelaide motto “Sub Cruce Lumen”—the light (of learning) under the (Southern) Cross.

Lumen Online: www.adelaide.edu.au/lumen

Executive Editor: John Edge Editorial Committee: John Edge, Ben Osborne, Nicole Stones and Kim McBride Contributors: Candy Gibson, Lana Guineay, Kim McBride, Robyn Mills, Ben Osborne, Nicole Stones Photography: Barr Smith Library, Adam Bruzzone, Development and Alumni Offi ce, Candy Gibson, Robyn Mills, Offi ce of Ms Julie Bishop, Ben Osborne Front Cover: Randy Larcombe Design: Chris Tonkin Pre-press & Printing: van Gastell Printing

Editorial Enquiries: Marketing & Strategic Communications Offi ce • Phone: +61 8 8303 5174 • Fax: +61 8 8303 4829 The University of Adelaide SA 5005 Australia, CRICOS Provider Number 00123M

Copyright © 2006 The University of Adelaide ISSN 1320 0747 • Registered by Australia Post No 56500/00097

Views expressed by contributors in LUMEN are not necessarily endorsed by the University of Adelaide. No responsibility is accepted by the University, editor or printer for the accuracy of information contained in either the text or advertisements. Material may be reproduced without permission from LUMEN with acknowledgment of its origin.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 1 lumen feature story

lumen page 2 winter 2006 lumen feature story

When Alan Cooper was a youth in New Zealand, exploring caves and using bones of the giant extinct moa bird to dig through rockfalls, he had little idea this would lead to an international career.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 3 lumen feature story

wenty years down the track, Australia’s past and better manage colder environments such as Tasmania, the zoology professor heads a its future. mountains in New Guinea, Antarctica Tnew world-leading research unit To the layperson, ancient DNA is of course, and possibly certain marine at the University of Adelaide, which best described as genetic material from environments. hopes to answer some of Australia’s the past which has been preserved. It “A common mistake is to think that most important evolutionary questions. is DNA which has been left behind in we’re getting DNA from things like Professor Cooper has spent the past bones, teeth, droppings and even dirt. dinosaurs à la Jurassic Park, which year establishing the Australian Centre Australia’s extreme heat, compared died out over 65 million years ago. for Ancient DNA, due to be officially to Europe and North America, Obviously we’re not, and the upper opened on 24 July, 2006. makes ancient DNA research much limit for survival under ideal deep He was lured from Oxford more difficult as it accelerates the frozen conditions is probably only University in early 2005 after degradation of genetic material. about half a million years. However, winning a prestigious ARC Federation Professor Cooper and his team hope we can use the ancient genetic Fellowship and joining the University’s to work with specimens in Australia information to study much older School of Earth and Environmental dating back 60,000 years. events, by combining with the fossil Sciences. “Radiocarbon dating (a method used record and extrapolating backwards.” The new hi-tech centre will provide to obtain age estimates on organic Ancient DNA can be used to study a research facility for ancient DNA materials) is only effective up to about how populations and species have studies in the southern hemisphere, 60,000 years,” he said. “Even to get changed over time in response to helping scientists to understand to this age, we’ll need to focus on major environmental events, such as lumen page 4 winter 2006 lumen feature story

Alan Cooper - heading up world-leading ancient DNA facility at Adelaide.

FAR LEFT: Godfrey’s Landing, Coorong National Park (photo courtesy of Adam Bruzzone). Preserved DNA records in the Coorong can tell us a lot about past environmental changes.

“For example, our work on we look there are preserved DNA permafrost-preserved megafauna in records. These records can tell us a Alaska and Canada showed the last lot about past environmental changes glacial ice age around 22,000 years and also provide information about ago resulted in the decimation of the pre-Aboriginal and pre-European bison population and many other environments. species.” “On a world scale, Australia’s But it’s global warming that has experience with ancient DNA is scientists worried as the world enters not high. But there are some very the 21st century. important evolutionary questions down “Part of our research will involve here, involving issues such as climate analysing ancient DNA records to change, the evolution of the unique reveal the likely responses of species Australian biota, and the origin of and populations to major climatic Aborigines. changes—in this case global warming.” “We are also studying the evolution Australia’s climate makes it and spread of humans around difficult to recover ancient DNA the world, as part of the National This facility will put from the extinct giant marsupials of Geographic’s Genographic Project. the mainland, but Professor Cooper We’re examining samples from Australia on the believes Tasmania could still yield Neandertals and the ‘hobbits’ from some fascinating discoveries. Flores.” international map “Tasmania has still got a lot of Professor Cooper said the Centre material buried in its caves. We are for Ancient DNA would offer world- very quickly working with some of the cavers in the leading technology, providing north-west of Tasmania and hope to Australian and international scientists recover DNA from some of the giant with techniques currently considered marsupials there.” impossible to extract and study DNA mass extinctions, climate change and The other area expected to provide from specimens. human impact. evolutionary answers for Professor “This facility will put Australia on “There are a lot of physical Cooper’s team will come from dirt the international map very quickly,” measurements about past climatic and the detritus—ecological dandruff he said. “It will train a new generation conditions—from ice cores and deep —which it contains. of scientists and provide access to the sea sediments—but often we’re more “Sediments tend to preserve genetic genetic past of our environment.” ■ interested in the actual impact those records. We’ll be looking at the changes had on species. Ancient DNA Coorong, river systems, lakes and deep allows us to access that information. sea sediments because everywhere Story Candy Gibson

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 5 lumen education

Bishop signals education overhaul

The elevation of Julie Bishop to the Federal Cabinet earlier this year gives the University of Adelaide law graduate a chance to overhaul one of Australia’s most critical areas—education.

s Bishop was sworn in as “It is my intention that the RQF She told Lumen that she was Minister for Education, will be used to distribute a significant looking forward to the challenges MScience and Training on proportion of the research block presented by her new portfolio. 26 January. funding that universities receive “In relation to education, I want to It’s nearly 30 years since Ms Bishop each year. The RQF will assess both ensure the sector—from primary and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws the quality and the broader impact secondary to vocational and tertiary from the University of Adelaide in of research. Quality will focus on —provides opportunities for every 1978. She then practised law and the inherent academic excellence of Australian to become a well-rounded, became a partner in the Adelaide law research, and impact will evaluate physically and mentally healthy firm, Mangan Ey & Bishop before the economic, social, cultural and contributing member of our society. moving to Perth in 1983. environmental usefulness of the “I am also keen to ensure that the In Western Australia she practised research.” education sector keeps pace with as a commercial litigation solicitor with Within a month of her appointment, the rapid changes occurring in our Robinson Cox (now Clayton Utz). She Ms Bishop announced details of the community and in our workplaces.” became a partner in Clayton Utz in National Collaborative Research Ms Bishop described her time at 1985 and managing partner in 1994. Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) the University of Adelaide in the mid- In the first two months in her new Roadmap, a $542 million initiative, 1970s as “a wonderful experience”. portfolio, the Education Minister has which outlines priority research areas “I studied law, but seemed to spend made her priorities clear. identified by the Federal Government. as much time in the (then) old Tech On 10 February, Ms Bishop The priority investment areas Refectory as I did in lectures!” announced that main-round offers identified for 2006 include: evolving She was elected secretary of the of university places in 2006 for bimolecular platforms and informatics; Law School Students’ Association and school leavers had increased by 4.4% optical and radio astronomy; had a direct role in organising the nationally. In South Australia, offers integrated marine observing systems; essential events in the Law School were up by 10.5%. and the structure and evolution of the calender—“the pub crawls down “This year there are 18,500 more Australian continent. Hindley Street and Rundle Mall, the higher education places in the sector On 10 March, Ms Bishop invited Law School picnic at McLaren Vale than in 2004. By 2009 the Australian universities to apply for a share of and the Law School ball at Burnside Government will have provided more $27 million funding under the Town Hall”. than 39,000 new higher education Australian Government’s Workplace Her favourite lecturers included places” Ms Bishop said. Productivity Program. Professor Ivan Shearer, Professor Alex Addressing the National Press The program aims to reform Castles and Professor Simon Palk. ■ Club in Canberra on 28 February, Ms efficiencies and human resources in Bishop said the Federal Government’s the nation’s universities. Story Candy Gibson policy initiative, the Research Quality “The Workplace Productivity Framework (RQF), would identify Program will assist Australia’s areas in which specific universities universities to become more efficient Julie Bishop in Parliament excelled. and competitive,” Ms Bishop said. Photo courtesy of Ms Bishop’s offi ce lumen page 6 winter 2006 lumen education

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 7 lumen commercialising research

Engineered for success A South Australian engineering fi rm which provides a global consulting service on water distribution systems, saving companies millions of dollars, has its roots at the University of Adelaide.

ptimatics specialises in to population genetics, using operators achieved cost savings of 36%—or $20 developing cost-effective and such as selection, crossover and million—for their Californian client. Oefficient designs for piped mutation. “More recently, Optimatics has water distribution systems. Professor Dandy said that since its carried out studies on optimising Established in 1996, Optimatics inception the company had carried system operations aimed at improving grew out of a University of Adelaide out more than 80 urban water and water quality. A study of system PhD project by Laurie Murphy on the irrigation studies worldwide for clients operations in Las Vegas, for example, use of genetic algorithms for pipe in Australia, the USA, Canada, the UK reduced the average age of water network optimisation. The project and New Zealand. supplied to consumers by 13%— was supervised by Professor Angus “The clients are mainly water leading to an expected improvement in Simpson and Professor Graeme utilities or irrigation authorities. water quality.” Dandy from the School of Civil and For example, Gold Coast Water and Export earnings alone account Environmental Engineering. Professor Murrumbidgee Irrigation in Australia, for more than 60% of Optimatics’ Simpson and Professor Dandy are the City of San Diego in the USA and revenue stream. directors of Optimatics and Laurie Severn Trent in the UK have each The General Manager of Optimatics, Murphy is a senior modeller with supported a number of optimisation Tim Anderson (a University of Adelaide the company. studies by Optimatics,” Professor graduate in civil engineering), said Genetic algorithm (GA) optimisation Dandy said. the company had a track record of is a technique that is used to solve “By using Optimatics, companies applying optimisation to real water complex water network problems by are saving in the order of 15% to 50% distribution systems for the past evaluating hundreds of thousands of of the capital costs of their systems ten years. possible solutions and finding the best while still meeting all of the required To date, the focus has been outcome. The solutions are generated performance criteria. For example, on primarily on cost savings, but in a highly structured manner, similar a project for San Diego, Optimatics Optimatics is now starting to consider

lumen page 8 winter 2006 lumen heading

Have Your Say!

At the University of Adelaide we are interested in hearing from you, our alumni and friends, about the types of services we currently offer and how those services can be improved. To help us build a better picture of your needs, we invite you to complete our on-line survey, which is available at www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni. The survey will be accessible until 31 August 2006. The more responses we receive to the survey, the more accurate a picture we can build of the types of services you want to receive from us. The survey should only take fi ve minutes of your time Graeme Dandy (left) and Tim Anderson (right) to complete and all replies will be treated with the members of the Optimatics team as confi dential. We will provide you with an analysis of the survey results in the summer edition of Lumen. sustainability, environmental and social School of Civil and Environmental If you complete the survey before 31 aspects of piped networks as well. Engineering are developing new August 2006, you will be in the running “We recently completed a study techniques for detecting leaks in to win one of 4 handy 256Mb USB fl ash in New South Wales that looked at pipes.” drives valued at over $80.00 retail. energy requirements and the quantity Optimatics’ growth rate has been of materials used in pipes, rather than impressive. In the past year alone it purely at cost,” Mr Anderson said. has employed four new staff including “A lot of the systems we are dealing two graduate engineers, boosting its with are pipes below the ground staff to more than 20, with offices in so they do not have a significant the USA and UK. It also plans to open environmental impact, but you still an office on the Gold Coast this year. have to consider the energy required to Most of the engineering staff pump water through the pipes as well employed by the company, including as the energy required to manufacture three women, are graduates from the the pipes themselves,” he said. School of Civil and Environmental Pilot Survey Results— Optimatics is also in the process Engineering at the University of Perpetual Email Service of branching out to wastewater and Adelaide. stormwater systems, providing new In May 2005, Optimatics won opportunities for the company’s the South Australian Water Industry What is Perpetual Email? continued growth. Alliance Innovation Award with Perpetual Email is a forwarding service Optimatics was recently awarded its world leading development of that does not have an In Box, but provides a $414,545 Commercial Ready Distributed GA computing, allowing a permanent email address which Grant by the Federal Government the company to use a suite of up to forwards messages to a chosen email account. though AusIndustry to develop, in 200 computers on one project. association with the University of The previous year, Optimatics took Who can Access it? Adelaide, a software tool to provide out the Export Development Award Perpetual Email is currently available more efficient and effective designs offered by the Water Industry Alliance. to graduates from 2003 onwards, free for complex sewer collection networks “This is big business we are talking of charge. and stormwater catchment drainage about because our work is saving systems. companies many millions of dollars,” Survey Professor Dandy said other Mr Anderson said. From December 2005 to March 2006, a opportunities for commercialisation “When you consider that in South small number of alumni participated in an were opening up all the time in the Australia alone there are 25,000 on-line pilot survey to help us determine engineering faculty. kilometres of water supply pipelines if there is a demand for broadening the “The School of Mechanical and the circumference of the earth is Perpetual Email service to include the Engineering, for example, has 40,000 kilometres, you get an idea of wider alumni community. Of the 207 responses, 195 declared that they would developed a greatly improved design the enormity of the opportunities,” be interested in accessing the service. method for air conditioning systems, he said. ■ The results of the survey will form part of and Professor Simpson and Associate a business case for the expansion of the Professor Martin Lambert in the Story Candy Gibson Perpetual Email service.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 9 lumen health science

Celebrated Australian scientist Dr Mark Hutchinson owes a huge debt to his grandmother.

f not for her, the 28-year-old graduate from the University of IAdelaide would not have attracted world attention for his research into morphine addiction. Dr Hutchinson was awarded an American–Australian Association Fellowship in 2005, receiving his accolade from Rupert Murdoch in New York. Now living in Boulder, Colorado, Dr Hutchinson graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with First Class Honours from the University of Adelaide in 1999, majoring in microbiology, immunology and pharmacology. The former Pulteney Grammar student just scraped into university after a severe battle with chronic fatigue syndrome in his teenage years. It was his grandmother who suggested he study Molecular and Cellular Biology as a first year subject. “My fascination with biological subjects was sparked from the outset,” Dr Hutchinson said. “My initial grades were not great, but every year they improved.”

lumen page 10 winter 2006 lumen health science

Dr Hutchinson did Honours with studying the immune cells in the brain, In November 2005 media mogul Professor Andrew Somogyi in the known as glia. Robert Murdoch presented the AAA pharmacology department and excelled It made sense to contact the world Fellowship to Dr Hutchinson at a under his supervision. expert on glia and pain, Professor ceremony in New York. Two months “For my PhD I wanted to combine Linda Watkins, who is based at the later, Dr Hutchinson was asked to immunology and pharmacology. My University of Colorado in Boulder. speak at the G’day LA Week gala interest with opioid medications Dr Hutchinson organised a meeting dinner. and pain relief in association with with Professor Watkins and presented “This was an extraordinary immunology led to a project to a seminar during a trip to the US in experience as there were more than investigate opioid modulation of 2003 for a Society for Neuroscience 1200 guests, including movie stars, immune function. conference. political and business leaders. I met “In hindsight, the manner in which The rest is history. Olivia Newton-John, John Travolta, Professor Somogyi and I approached Dr Hutchinson’s wife, Amanda, was Hugh Jackman, Eric Bana as well as this question was quite revolutionary. completing her Masters in Clinical various politicians, including Peter I did a systematic evaluation of more Psychology at the University of Costello.” than 50 different opioid compounds Adelaide at the same time and wanted Dr Hutchinson’s current work and what they did to the immune cells to further her research opportunities in involves studying the role of glia in tissue culture. neuropsychology. (immune cells in the brain) in a “Amazingly, this initial work has person’s response to morphine. become even more relevant today.” “I am trying to understand why Dr Hutchinson looked at morphine, opioids do not work in some patients, heroin, codeine and methadone and Adelaide has the why they lose their efficacy after how they modulate peripheral immune perfect opportunity to multiple administrations, and even cell function. become the Australian their role in reward, addiction and “I found that these drugs modify dependence to opioids. immune cells in a very different way to hub of glial research “The exciting part of my work is the action they have on nerves. I had that we are very strongly implicating no idea of the significant implications glia in each of these processes. this could have—until now,” he said. In a twist of fate Amanda learned These findings have immense clinical The second project Dr Hutchinson that a world leader in neuropsychology, implications. For example, we have worked on with Professor Somogyi Professor Marie Banich, was head of been able to dramatically reduce the looked at the response of human the Institute of Cognitive Science at dependency to morphine by stopping immune cells in blood to morphine the University of Colorado. glial activation. exposure in tissue culture. Amanda is now doing her PhD “The work I did at the University of “We found that the degree to which externally from the University of Adelaide on peripheral immune cells immune cells responded to morphine Adelaide’s School of Psychology under has led to amazing breakthroughs in cell culture was highly related to the supervision of Associate Professor in our understanding of how opioids the person’s pain tolerance. This Jane Mathias and Professor Marie interact with glia,” Dr Hutchinson said. was a substantial departure from Banich. The Adelaide scientist is keen to the common belief that nerves In order to relocate to the US, Dr return to his home town and continue control pain.” Hutchinson required funding and was his research at the University of With this data and the published successful in being awarded a grant Adelaide. material resulting from it, Dr from the International Association “Very few people in Australia Hutchinson was awarded the Australian for the Study of Pain, as well as an are conducting glial research, so Fresh Science Award. American–Australian Association (AAA) Adelaide has the perfect opportunity “It was this award which opened my Fellowship. He is the 2005 AAA Merck to become the Australian hub of glial eyes to the fact that I needed to make Company Foundation Fellow. research. I would hope to establish a my research relevant and available “The AAA funding has opened doors collaborative team working in the field to the general public and not just the I never thought any medical scientist of neuroimmunopharmacology with scientific community.” from Adelaide would enjoy and it has glia central to this research,” he said. ■ Dr Hutchinson’s findings led to provided a platform for my research a new direction in his research— to be heard by a wide range of people.” Story Candy Gibson

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 11 lumen community issues

still raising controversies

More than 500 people packed Elder Hall in April to listen to a who’s who line-up from the legal and media worlds take part in an all-day review of South Australia’s infamous Rupert Max Stuart trial.

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Legal Associates Lisa Loechel and Kathryn Varlett with Geoffrey Robertson at the Stuart Case Hypothetical

hen Geoffrey Robertson QC, The 1959 conviction of Rupert Ken Inglis; Walkley-Award investigative internationally renowned Max Stuart for the murder of Mary journalist Estelle Blackburn; capital Whuman rights lawyer, Hattam and the subsequent appeals punishment opponent and daughter broadcaster and author, stood at the and Royal Commission remain the of Sir Thomas Playford, Dr Margaret podium and started to describe the most discussed criminal case in Fereday; and Helen Langley, first night nine-year-old Mary Hattam was South Australia’s history. The case is cousin of Mary Hattam. murdered, there was complete silence regarded as a turning point in South The seminar was arranged by the across the Hall. Australian politics and launched Rupert University of Adelaide’s John Bray Law “A town at nightfall, a child is Murdoch’s rise to international fame Chapter, the Development and Alumni reported missing,” he started. “The and prominence. Office, the Law Society of SA and the men take lanterns and torches, holding Rupert Max Stuart was an itinerant University’s Law School. them aloft, combing the countryside Aboriginal from Central Australia. President of the John Bray Law where the child last played.” His conviction was based on a typed Chapter, John Keeler, said: “The After that vivid start, Geoffrey confession in precise, educated English. continuing interest of the Stuart case Robertson led a series of panellists Geoffrey Robertson guided the isn’t just in the courtroom drama and through a discussion of the panellists through the issues: the whether the conviction was right. contemporary legal and social issues public pressure to locate and convict “It lies in whether the criminal sparked by the case—all in his own someone; preparation for the trial justice system treated—and treats— inimitable style. including legal aid and resources, individuals and minorities fairly, Earlier, University of Adelaide language difficulties and representation; and it’s about relations between Chancellor, the Hon. John von confessions and the use of forensic the Government and the press in Doussa, welcomed the large audience evidence; appeals, media campaigns controversies with powerful and to the University and the seminar, and fresh evidence; the intrusion of emotional legal and political impacts. ‘Politics, Power, Justice and the Media: politics into the legal arena; capital The Stuart case is symbolic of controversies from the Stuart Case’, punishment, rehabilitation, probation enduring issues of human rights and held on 1 April. and parole; and freedom of the press. press freedoms. High Court Justice Michael Kirby The debate was interspersed “The Chapter aims to bring then gave the keynote address, with extracts from the films and informed discussion of legal issues eloquently summarising the case documentaries made on the case, to the South Australian community. and the complex legal and political including Craig Lahiff’s feature film The seminar was very successful— issues—with barely a reference to his Black and White starring Robert producing debate about changes in notes. He outlined the improvements Carlyle, which Lahiff and his director the justice system, society and the nature of the media since the Stuart to the legal system since the Stuart Helen Leake edited for the day. They case, and the extent to which there case days that should help prevent also took part as panellists. are still deficiencies in the protection miscarriages of justice. Other prominent participants of fundamental freedoms, even after “Today we are reflecting on the included publishing legend Richard those changes.” ■ errors of this case and problems that Walsh; high profile editor Alan Howe; still remain and what we should do criminologist Professor Paul Wilson; about them,” he said. author of The Stuart Case Professor Story Robyn Mills

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 13 lumen partnership

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Partnership in the fi ght against cancer

A new $3 million research centre at the University of Adelaide that will help in the fi ght against cancer is the result of a successful joint bid by the University’s School of Molecular and Biomedical Science and the Hanson Institute.

he research partners won $1.5 research undertake the identification “The Centre has two high- million in funding from the and quantification of proteins, and the tech laboratories with the latest TAustralian Cancer Research determination of their localisation, equipment, including a specialised Foundation (ACRF) from strong modifications, interactions and mass spectrometer which is the most national competition and recently activities. This will ultimately lead to a advanced instrument of its kind in opened the Adelaide Proteomics complete understanding of the function Australia.” Centre. It is the biggest private of all proteins produced in the body. Professor McColl says the facility foundation research grant awarded in By better understanding the is the most sophisticated proteomics South Australia, and is also the largest molecular interactions involved in the centre in Australia. individual grant awarded by the ACRF operation of living cells, scientists will “By being able to directly access in its 21-year history. be further equipped in their quest to this technology, University staff and Located in the Molecular Life cure or prevent cancer, and many other students and other scientists will Sciences building, the Adelaide diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, have the opportunity to significantly Proteomics Centre is a world-class and multiple sclerosis. increase their productivity in cancer facility with the latest state-of-the-art Dr Peter Hoffmann, a proteomics research, as well as research into proteomics equipment. It was formally specialist, has been recruited to basic biological processes and other opened early this year by Ms Jennifer Adelaide from Germany to direct diseases,” he says. Rankine, who is now Minister for State the centre. The centre also features “It further underlines the and Local Government Relations. such world-class researchers as the contribution and impact that the The remaining $1.5 million of University of Adelaide’s Professors University of Adelaide makes in funding was contributed by the Shaun McColl and John Wallace, and Australia’s biotechnology success, University and its funding partners, Professors Angel Lopez and Jennifer and is a significant investment in the the Hanson Institute, the Australian Gamble from the Hanson Institute. future of biomedical and biotechnology Research Council, the CSIRO and “Proteomics is an exciting new research and teaching in South the State Government through science and the establishment of the Australia.” ■ BioInnovation SA. Adelaide Proteomics Centre here Proteomics is the next step on from means the University of Adelaide will the mapping of the human genome. be at the forefront of developments in Scientists involved in proteomics this field,” Dr Hoffmann says. Story Robyn Mills

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 15 lumen heritage A passion for he A Shared Passion: United by enthusiasm and a common sense of purpose, the Heritage Foundation Working Party is working hard to maintain our precious heritage buildings for future generations. Story Lana Guineay

Chair’s Report Theo Maras

As the third-oldest university in Australia, the University of Adelaide is proud of its heritage and the heritage buildings that grace our campuses. No better examples can be seen than those that sit proudly on North Terrace, a space that has become University Support very much a public amenity and a wonderful addition to the atmosphere of the city. Anne Gribbin and Robyn Brown from the Development and Alumni Offi ce have been working with the Party, providing The Heritage Foundation Working Party is a perpetual specialist fundraising advice, strategic planning, relationship trust ensuring these buildings are maintained and management of donors, and donor research. Their combined restored for future generations. To this aim, we have development skills and fundraising experience have seen made connections with alumni not only throughout them raise in excess of $100 million from a range of higher Australia, but all over the world. We’re looking to educational and not-for-profi t sectors, over a period of 15 years. these past students to help preserve our heritage buildings, not only giving back to the facilities that served them in their development, but also to give something for the future, for their own children. Chris Chong began his long and profi table association When my grandfather came to Australia in 1928, with the University over fi fty years ago, when he he could not read or write. He wanted a better came to Adelaide as a Colombo Scholar. Since life for his children and their children, and saw that then, Chris has maintained a constant link to the education was the key. Here I am today, able to University, founding the West Malaysia Alumni Chapter contribute to such a worthy cause, and I consider it and serving as its President for a number of years, a privilege. Like my grandfather, I believe the future organising the Australian Universities International for our children, and their children, is education. It’s a Alumni Conventions, and acting as the International cause I’m passionate about. Member of the Alumni Association Board, as well as participating in the Heritage Foundation Working Party. My fellow Working Party members share my passion. Chris Chong We’re a diverse bunch, committed and absolutely “We should try to instil into the young generation that enthusiastic about the challenge before us. I won’t they should remember the University, the community say we’re over-confi dent, but respectfully confi dent they work in, in short, our society. We should put back of our ability to make a real difference. in as much, if not more, as we get out of it,” says Chris.

lumen page 16 winter 2006 lumen heritage

Pamela Martin ritage “Our heritage buildings are the heart of the University and as such, they require constant maintenance to keep them usable and relevant,” says Pamela Martin. “They demonstrate to us the vision of our forefathers and demand from us vision for the future. They are also a focus for the “Being a member of the Working Party whole of the community of South Australia and as such is my way of repaying the University for provide tangible links between town and gown.” what it has given me, and it is also a contribution that I can make that will be Working as a Commercial Solicitor in the Department of a benefi t to future generations of South the Premier and Cabinet, Pamela brings specialist advice, Australians,” says Greg Crafter. skills and links to Government—as well as enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose—to her role in the Working Party. Greg has a strong connection to the Pamela has been involved with the University of Adelaide as University of Adelaide. Not only is he a a graduate, a tutor and a Member of Council before taking University of Adelaide law graduate, he up the challenge of the Heritage Foundation. Greg Crafter served as Chairman of the University’s Alumni Association for more than fi ve years, and is a long-time member of the University’s Council. As the Minister of Education in South Australia “The Heritage Foundation is a practical way for the from 1985–1992, Greg maintained a University of Adelaide’s community to contribute in a close relationship with the University. specifi c, demonstrable and ongoing way to both the fabric of the University and its vital role in education,” “Our heritage buildings are a vital part says Andrew Strickland. of the heritage of South Australia,” says Greg. “But they’re also living Andrew’s career in State and Commonwealth senior buildings. They’re buildings we want management, coupled with his experience teaching at to see continue as an important part of a number of universities, gives him a unique insight into our teaching and learning.” university funding. He sees the Foundation as a way to Andrew Strickland free up funds for the University’s core tasks of learning, teaching and research. “I am concerned in these days of diminishing federal funds that the University has the resources to continue to play a signifi cant role in the development of human resources in this State, and more widely in Australia and the region,” says Andrew. “It is vital that the University continues to give students and researchers the opportunity to push the boundaries of intellectual inquiry.”

John Kiosoglous

John Kiosoglous (MBE) is a devoted advocate for education, ethnic and legal causes. His involvement The Hon Ian Wilson (AM) spent 24 years in with the Heritage Foundation continues a strong Federal Parliament as the Member for Sturt, tradition of community leadership, for which he was a including time as Minister for the Environment South Australian fi nalist for the 2004 Senior Australian and Home Affairs, when he signed off the of the Year. John has fi lled a range of positions World Heritage listing of the Great Barrier in local government, education and multicultural Reef, and saw the beginning of the National affairs, and was a practising lawyer for over 40 years, Heritage List with the publication of The including 30 years as a magistrate and a senior Heritage of Australia, events that further member of the Australian Administrative Appeals inspired his enthusiastic support for Tribunal. Today, he commits his skills to furthering Ian Wilson heritage issues. causes such as the Heritage Foundation. As an Adelaide law graduate and the “Our role is not only to raise money, but also to University’s 1955 Rhodes Scholar, it was make the general Australian community aware natural for Ian to link his interest in heritage of the existence of such heritage buildings and to his alma mater. “The University’s heritage their preservation. Being a former student, as buildings are icons of the city and the state, well as having two children who graduated from and draw people to Adelaide” says Ian. “It’s the University of Adelaide, the cause is personal. important for us to establish a way to preserve I’m committed to the preservation of its heritage these buildings which is fair, and ensures buildings for future generations to enjoy. Their loss that the whole community can enjoy and use would be irreplaceable.” these buildings, today and in the future.”

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 17 lumen giving The Personal Touch

Barr Smith Library Appeal 2006

Home of knowledge and the nucleus of University life, the Barr Smith Library is South Australia’s biggest library, housing 2.1 million items on over 63 kilometres of shelving. At the cutting-edge of Australian research collections, the Library is a barometer Morgan Newman Doug Anders of the University’s intellectual vigour and a key resource for staff, students Giving to the University of Adelaide is a personal and the wider public alike. experience, as a new Giving Prospectus shows. The collegiate atmosphere, magnifi cent Reading Room and seemingly endless collection of “You can give to the University one people to give, the Prospectus shares materials has provided an invaluable teaspoonful at a time,” says ninety- the stories of people like Doug and resource to students for over seventy one-year-old Doug Anders, University Morgan who have been affected by years, often beginning an enduring of Adelaide alumnus and ongoing generosity. bond that stretches beyond the years supporter. Doug’s connection with Donors can give to the University of the University began in 1936 with a Adelaide in a range of ways depending of study. Bachelor of Science and has continued on capacity, inclination or personal Your fi nancial support of the Library ever since, most recently by supporting area of interest. This is the first through the Barr Smith Library Appeal a cause that is close to his heart. time that the University has provided will underpin the Library’s future as Doug’s way of giving must rank a comprehensive guide to giving among the most unique—he feeds opportunities for people who are the premier library in South Australia, fish. Every month for over three considering supporting the University, and ensure that we continue to foster years, Doug has paid to feed the financially or otherwise. fi rst-class learning, teaching and Centre for the Molecular Genetics of All donations, regardless of size, research. Development’s (CMGD) zebrafish, the are an investment in the intellectual Every book is an investment in the laboratory animal of choice among a and creative atmosphere that helps new generation of genetic researchers. to produce extraordinary graduates. quality of the Library and the depth His donations allow researchers like It is through a strong network of of expertise available to our students. PhD student Morgan Newman to support that the University of Adelaide For further information about how you conduct groundbreaking investigations can continue to offer outstanding can make a tax-deductible donation, into the causes of Alzheimer’s. Doug’s programs, develop a thriving culture please contact Robyn Brown, interest in the research is personal: of research, and provide unique Development and Alumni: his wife of 61 years, Marjorie, was resources, such as the Barr Smith diagnosed with the disease. Library. ■ Doug’s is just one story featured Email: development@adelaide in the University’s new publication To obtain a copy of the Giving Prospectus, Telephone: +61 8 8303 4994 outlining the options for giving that are please contact the Development and Facsimile: +61 8 8303 5808 available to donors. Focusing on the Alumni offi ce or visit website at www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni/giving Or you can visit our website at links between giving and receiving, and to download a PDF version. www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni/giving the personal connection that inspires

lumen page 18 winter 2006 lumen volunteering

Volunteering advocate

Lindsay McWha is the fi rst Patron of the University’s Volunteers Committee. Here she tells Lumen about her advocacy for volunteering and volunteers’ rights, and maintains that volunteering should be about receiving as well as giving.

s the Vice-Chancellor’s wife, Volunteering is something Mrs team of the Journal of Occupational Lindsay McWha plays an active McWha has been interested in for Science and with the Embroiderers’ Apart in University life and, some time. “My previous experience Guild of South Australia. although she wouldn’t say it herself, with volunteering has been through “It’s a good way to learn more about is a great asset to the VC—attending my profession as an occupational the community, meet more people, find celebratory occasions and functions, therapist. Until we came to Adelaide out how the place works, just getting interacting with people from the in August 2002 I worked as a involved.” community and the University in a less clinician. In New Zealand I worked There is a long history of formal way, bringing her own quiet within the community as a consultant volunteering at the University of charm to the proceedings. occupational therapist helping set up a Adelaide in many forms, including: She was particularly pleased, respite centre. As part of that project I the Florey Medical Research Fund; the however, to be asked to be Patron of was involved in recruiting, training and Barr Smith Library Volunteer Group; the Volunteers Committee: “In this supporting volunteers.” the Alumni chapters; the national role I’m participating in the life of the She is continuing her volunteering award-winning Radio Adelaide, which University in my own right, rather than interests in Adelaide, not just as the has hundreds of volunteers; groups at as an appendage.” Patron here but also on the editorial the Waite, and many others.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 19 lumen volunteering

Volunteering advocate “There are people who have been of volunteers. There are now clear The important thing about volunteering with the University for policies in line with Volunteering volunteering is to match people and many years,” says Mrs McWha. “Many Australia’s national standards. their skills with the work on offer and in are alumni; they enjoyed their time at “Insurance was an area which areas where they think they can help. the University and want to continue to needed to be clarified. There is also “For instance, at the Waite, be involved. now information and guidelines about volunteers are tour guides of Urrbrae “It’s important, however, that people the support available and possible House and the Historic Precinct. know about volunteers’ rights and training, and there are formal Others help plant native trees and clear rewards. The rewards for volunteering position descriptions.” feral olive trees, work in the arboretum should be very visible. Rather than Lindsay McWha finds it very and with TREENET—there is a range people just being asked to give, we rewarding. “At Roseworthy last of tasks to choose from so that people should look at what volunteers can year as part of the Centenary can find an area appropriate for them. gain by volunteering.” Celebrations, Archives wanted to There is a whole team of people There are real benefits for mount an exhibition. There were working in the rose garden and they volunteers, Mrs McWha says. There’s lots of photographs but they weren’t get such joy from doing it. I think that’s the ‘feel good’ factor; the knowledge annotated. A number of Roseworthy really valuable. Work doesn’t have to be you are helping the community; and Old Collegians volunteered to help paid but volunteers must enjoy it.” ■ the very valid benefit of gaining work with this. experience. And from the University “Using their skills and knowledge Story Robyn Mills point of view, volunteers make an helped this group feel part of the enormous contribution. University. And now there’s new For further information on Volunteering Another important factor in involvement with the Roseworthy at the University of Adelaide visit formalising volunteering at the museum, so the whole project is www.adelaide.edu.au/volunteers University was recognising the rights gathering momentum.”

Creating a better future

Giving students from disadvantaged destinies,” University of Adelaide Vice- The Smith Family’s South Australian backgrounds better opportunities to Chancellor Professor James McWha says. General Manager, Grant Goodall says: pursue university education is the aim of “Many of the students on our Learning for a new partnership between the University “The Smith Family’s Learning for Life Life program are the fi rst in their family of Adelaide and The Smith Family. program dovetails with the objectives to attend university, so these sessions of the University of Adelaide’s Fairway will be particularly valuable in helping The University will contribute $90,500 Scheme, designed to increase chances students fi nd their feet. to The Smith Family’s Learning for Life of university entry for students from program across three years. The Smith regional areas and also schools that “Our research clearly demonstrates that Family is a national, independent social are traditionally under-represented at a good education can prevent fi nancial enterprise that supports disadvantaged university level.” hardship later in life. We strongly believe children and their families to create a that students who have the capacity and better future through education. Anna Smith, Access and Equity Offi cer, in the University’s Prospective Students desire to study at a higher level shouldn’t The funds are being directed towards Offi ce, is co-ordinating activities and be limited by fi nancial disadvantage. the personal and educational support support for the new Learning for Life We’re delighted that the University of of students in the western and north- students. Adelaide shares our conviction and is western suburbs of Adelaide who would prepared to make such a signifi cant otherwise face fi nancial barriers to study. This year they will be linked in with the contribution.” University’s SmoothStart program run by Learning for Life provides disadvantaged Student Support Services. The aim is to Professor McWha adds: “The aim of this students with fi nancial and personal assist students from under-represented partnership is not only to improve the support to help keep them in the groups to integrate successfully into educational outcomes and aspirations of education system, increasing their university life through mentoring, peer these students and ultimately to increase chances of breaking out of the cycle support networks and social activities to their participation in tertiary education, of disadvantage. help them make friends. but also to enhance the University’s interaction with the broader community “The University of Adelaide sees this Anna is also developing on-campus in a tangible way”. community partnership with The Smith activities for Learning for Life students Family as a perfect alignment of two still at school so they can become familiar organisations that understand the with the university environment and get a importance of education in shaping our taste of the potential study opportunities. Story Robyn Mills lumen page 20 winter 2006 lumen scholarships

Sarah Meehan and Heath Ecroyd – benefi ciaries of Qantas partnership Have knowledge, will travel Two leading University of Adelaide post-doctoral researchers will visit the UK later this year to get a better insight into age-related diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and cataracts.

r Sarah Meehan and Dr Heath them from forming abnormal or internationally renowned and world- Ecroyd from the School of ‘amyloid’ deposits. leading group focused on research into DChemistry and Physics are “Our objective is to investigate how protein abnormalities and disease. recipients of the Qantas Research this protective chaperone machinery At the closing stages of her PhD, Travel Support Scholarship, a operates and determine how it can Dr Meehan was awarded a prestigious collaborative scheme being pioneered revitalise cells. If we can understand 18-month International Fellowship by the University and Qantas to this natural defence mechanism from the Royal Society to undertake support international researchers. better, it will aid in the development research at the University of Adelaide The pair will conduct X-ray of treatments and cures for these age- with Professor John Carver. solution scattering experiments at related diseases.” Dr Ecroyd completed his PhD at the synchrotron radiation facility at Dr Ecroyd says the aim of the Newcastle University and then spent the Daresbury Laboratory in England research is to delay the onset of age- two years in France, undertaking a to determine how the body’s natural related diseases in the future. post doctorate at INRA, the French defence mechanisms can help fight “This is a really exciting area of National Institute for Agricultural debilitating age-related diseases. research. There is rapid progress Research, where he worked on “As people age, proteins in their being made in this field and it will the protein responsible for Mad body become unstable and clump have huge implications for the UK Cow Disease. together to form abnormal deposits. and Australia because of the ageing Dr Ecroyd joined Professor Carver’s This can be potentially lethal and is population.” research as a National Health and linked to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Dr Meehan completed her degree Medical Research Council Peter and Huntington’s diseases,” Dr in Chemistry (MChem) at the Doherty Fellow in 2005. ■ Meehan says. University of Oxford in 2000 and “As a defence strategy, cells produce transferred to Cambridge University chaperone proteins which prevent to begin her PhD. She was part of an Story Candy Gibson

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 21 lumen generations

Family weaves a succe

One of Adelaide’s high profi le academic families will remember the years spanning 1999 to 2004 as poignant ones, for a number of different reasons.

t was a period marked by academic highlights for the Webb family, Iand also of great sadness, with the death of former Chancellor of the University of Adelaide, Bruce Webb, in 2000. Over five consecutive years, a family member stepped up to the graduation plate at the University, either as a recipient or a presenter. Between former Chancellor, the late Bruce Webb AM, and two of his Mr Webb was Chancellor of the Anna and Jonathan Webb with their mother Merilyn and the late Bruce Webb at Anna’s offspring—Anna and Jonathan—eight University of Adelaide from 1998 to graduation. Photo courtesy of the Webb family. graduations have been celebrated at 2000. In the intervening years he the University of Adelaide. maintained close ties with the North Last December, 25-year-old It’s a moot point whether another Terrace campus, serving as a member Jonathan Webb was awarded an family has enjoyed such a strong of the University Council since 1955 Australia-At-Large Rhodes Scholarship connection, or academic record, in the and as convenor of the University’s to undertake a Masters of Philosophy University’s 132-year history. Finance Committee. He died in 2000, in the History of Science, Medicine and Bruce Webb AM paved the academic aged 73, after a short illness. Technology at Oxford University. path for his children, graduating with a Former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jonathan completed a Bachelor of Masters in Geology at the University of Mary O’Kane, described the late Arts in 2001 and a Bachelor of Science Adelaide in 1955. He began his career Mr Webb as a man of “intelligence, (Honours) in Molecular Biology in as a field geologist in Broken Hill and kindness and one with a huge 2004. He is currently doing PhD rose to prominence in 1972 after being commitment to education. research at the University of Adelaide appointed Director-General of the “He was committed to establishing with Dr Kirk Jensen in the School of South Australian Department of Mines the University of Adelaide as one of Molecular and Biomedical Science. and Energy. the world’s great universities and he In the tradition of the Rhodes During his distinguished career, Mr was a strong believer in the need for Scholar, Jonathan is not only an Webb served on many government the University to develop strategic outstanding academic performer, but is bodies and in 1992 was made a partnerships.” also heavily involved in the community Member of the Order of Australia for One such partnership—with Oxford through Anglican Church outreach his services to the minerals and energy University—has borne fruit in a very services and fund raising for the industry. personal sense for the Webb clan. Multiple Sclerosis Society.

lumen page 22 winter 2006 lumen generations ssful web

Jonathan has performed in many Diploma of Education in 2004. All “We used to drive in to university musicals, including two seasons of of this study was mixed with an together in the mornings and I Les Misérables, which raised over increasingly hectic working life of remember him questioning all my $250,000 for Multiple Sclerosis, and performing and teaching instrumental friends about their opinions on the also allowed him to exercise his love music. university issues of the time.” of the arts. He has enjoyed a long Using her Dip. Ed., Anna taught Jonathan said his father would have association with church and university Music, German and English as a been proud of his Rhodes Scholarship, choirs and currently sits on the Second Language for a period, but now “in a wonderfully one-eyed way”. executive of the Australian Intervarsity divides her time between practising “He would have been thrilled that I Choral Societies’ Association. and performing chamber music, was even in a position to apply for it. His sister, Anna, has also been teaching instrumental music, and I think he would have instantly looked blessed with academic and artistic directing some ensembles and choirs. up 10 books about Oxford and brought talent. Both Jonathan and Anna studied them home to show me. 28-year-old Anna graduated with at the University during their father’s “Anna likes to think that Dad’s a Bachelor of Arts in 1999, majoring tenure as Chancellor. around when it’s raining. A few times in German and Japanese as well as Anna’s graduation with a Bachelor it’s rained just prior to her performing studying some Linguistics, English of Arts in 1999 is particularly for a big audition or a concert. And and Philosophy. poignant. “My Arts parchment just after I heard the announcement in Anna began studying for her has Dad’s signature on it. He was Canberra about my scholarship, there Bachelor of Music in 1996, first as a particularly pleased to be officiating was an absolute downpour. We think violinist and then taking up the viola at that graduation. He was always a that’s a sign he’s pretty happy!” ■ two years later. She graduated with gently supportive presence in my life Honours in 2001. To top off her two and I still miss him very much,” degrees, Anna completed a Graduate Anna said. Story Candy Gibson

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THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 23 Graduates excel in Recent offshore graduation ceremonies in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong highlighted the University’s outstanding calibre of international students who are excelling in their chosen fi elds. Reporter Candy Gibson interviewed three of them for this issue of Lumen.

Singapore’s Hartmut Dongus does not do things by halves.

The 38-year-old banker heads the Singapore credit department of one of Germany’s largest banks, Landesbank Baden- Württemberg (LBBW), which has total assets of more than EUR $400 billion. He has just completed an MBA from the University of Adelaide, studying part-time and in a foreign language. Despite the language diffi culties and the enormous pressure of his work and study, Hartmut received the Ngee Ann–Adelaide Prize for the Most Outstanding 2005 MBA Student when he graduated in Singapore on Saturday, 22 April. Apart from his recently acquired MBA, Malaysia needs to change and become less Hartmut holds two German degrees, one A leading Malaysian exam oriented,” Nadzrah said. in business administration and the other in scholar is paving the way “Teachers have very little time in the banking and fi nance. for teenagers to become classroom at the moment to use computers. For the past 15 years he has worked for more profi cient in the They are too focused with the syllabus and LBBW in the area of credit control and risk need to be freed up to use computers as a English language. management, moving to Asia more than valuable teaching tool.” 10 years ago. While all Smart School students have His list of achievements in the Singapore computers in the classroom, most Malaysian banking world is impressive. He has schools do not. Nadzrah Abu Bakar, who is a lecturer at responsibility for the branch’s credit facilities Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, has just “Eventually every school in Malaysia will to corporate customers, its syndicated completed her PhD at the University of have one, and I hope my PhD will help loans and project fi nancing, as well as loan Adelaide, studying the use of computers encourage this.” restructurings. for teaching English to secondary school “Keeping it simple, looking outside the Nadzrah was born in Seremban, Negri students. box—and doing, not listening” is his recipe Sembilan. She received her fi rst degree (BA for success. For the past three years, Nadzrah has worked in English) from the University of Western under the supervision of University of Illinois, USA, and her second degree (MA Hartmut selected the University of Adelaide Adelaide linguistics experts Dr Peter Mickan in TESOL) from the University of Northern for his MBA because it offered good value and Professor Peter Mühläusler, studying the Iowa, USA. for money. best methods to help Malaysian secondary school students at Malaysian “Smart She taught in a secondary school for seven “I had to pay the fees entirely myself Schools” improve their English. years before joining Universiti Kebangsaan since my fi rst two studies were already Malaysia as a lecturer. The University and the company sponsored. I was looking for a Her PhD at the University of Adelaide has Malaysian Government have sponsored her good university and a highly respected MBA shown that computers in the classroom PhD in Adelaide. program at a reasonable price—I found it in can be benefi cial tools to teach English, the the University of Adelaide. country’s second language. Nadzrah graduated with her PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences from “My German degrees are not well known “But in order for the integration of computers the University of Adelaide at an offshore and recognised in this part of the world, so to be successful, the education system in ceremony in Malaysia on Sunday, 23 April. I wanted to overcome this with the MBA.

lumen page 24 winter 2006 Asia

Hong Kong businesswoman Angela Huang works for the world’s largest household cleaning products company (excluding laundry detergents), Reckitt Benckiser. She also happens to have an MBA from the University of Adelaide.

Hence, I was looking for an established and Angela was one of 64 MBA students who “In order to remain successful in Hong recognised university in Asia, since I intend graduated from the University of Adelaide Kong’s competitive marketplace, I wanted a to stay in this region. Many lesser known at an offshore ceremony at the Grand Hyatt course which gave me superior leadership US and British universities were ruled out, Hotel, Hong Kong, on Sunday, 30 April. skills and top-notch decision-making leaving me with the Australian ones. abilities. Without professional qualifi cations Along the way, the Taipei-born scholar or postgraduate studies, there is very little “I liked the idea of dealing with the University collected the Hong Kong Institute of chance of getting promoted in Hong Kong. directly through the joint venture with Ngee Housing Prize for Managing Contemporary Ann. Other universities often go through Organisations and another prize for “The Adelaide MBA program features a agents here in Singapore, which can Strategic Management. curriculum that prepares students for the cause problems.” emerging knowledge economy, emphasising As the commercial controller for Reckitt the latest concepts, modern practices and Hartmut said the fl exibility of the MBA Benckiser’s Hong Kong operation, Angela relevant skills in today’s rapidly changing course at the University of Adelaide is responsible for managing its business global marketplace. also appealed. systems, including planning, forecasting “Its weekend mode of lecturing also offers “Most other universities have very rigid and analysis. Globally, net revenues for the company exceed $A 9.6 billion. a fl exible study pattern which enables MBA schedules, whereas this MBA offered a lot of students to concentrate on their week day fl exibility. The composition of the students— The Hong Kong business cluster, including work without missing any lectures.” a mix of senior and junior managers—made Taiwan, was the company’s best performing for a more interesting course as well.” Angela credits the MBA with helping to country in East Asia for 2005. develop her leadership skills and to plan Hartmut credits the MBA with giving him ahead in business. new ideas to apply to his job. “I have Seeking an edge on her business gained a lot of new insights into areas such contemporaries, Angela applied to study for “Although the course was a lot of hard work, as knowledge management, which has her MBA through the University’s offshore I am really seeing the benefi ts—and not just helped me restructure things and make program at the Hopkins Training and in dollar terms. I am now more equipped improvements everywhere”. Education Centre. to take up the challenge of growing to the next level. The University of Adelaide counts some “I obtained my fi rst degree—a Bachelor of illustrious Singapore alumni in its ranks, Commerce—in Australia 10 years ago and I “Moreover, the University of Adelaide has including Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Tony Tan, wanted to do my MBA at Adelaide because an extensive alumni connection, providing and OCBC Chairman and former Singapore I believe Australia offers the world’s best excellent networking opportunities among Airlines CEO, Dr Cheong Choong Kong. quality of education. current and former students,” Angela said.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 25 Development & Alumni Program June – December 2006

MONTH PROGRAM ORGANISED BY

Alumni Board Meeting D&A June Alumni Association Annual General Meeting D&A

Deadline: Applications for Mutual Community D&A Postgraduate Travel Grants (Round 2) July Guest Speaker Event MBA Alumni Association

Alumni Board Meeting D&A

Graduation Ceremonies Graduations Offi ce

Presentation of Honours Alumni University Medal D&A August University of Adelaide Open Day—Forums Marketing & Strategic Communications

Guest Speaker Event MBA Alumni Association

Deadline: Adelaide Sarawak Alumni Scholarships D&A

Combined Alumni Board and Chapter Meeting D&A

The Australian Universities International Alumni September AUIAC Convention (AUIAC)—Brisbane

Homecoming Celebrations in Adelaide D&A

Golden Jubilee—50 Year Reunion for D&A Graduates of 1956 October Alumni Board Meeting D&A

Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Fund Appeal D&A

Florey Medical Chapter Vignerons Dinner Florey Medical Chapter

Cornell Chapter Annual General Meeting Cornell Chapter November Commerce Chapter Annual General Meeting Commerce Chapter

Guest Speaker Event MBA Alumni Association

Graduation Ceremonies Graduations Offi ce

Alumni Board Meeting D&A December Presentation of Postgraduate D&A Alumni University Medal

Presentation of Distinguished Alumni Award D&A

More information about the Development and Alumni program and chapter events is available by visiting the Development and Alumni (D&A) website at www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni, emailing [email protected] or by telephoning +61 8 8303 5800.

lumen page 26 winter 2006 lumen pioneers

Dr Ruby Davy Australia’s fi rst woman Doctor of Music

Born in Salisbury in 1883, Ruby Davy was a shy child, who demonstrated early musical prodigy and went on to become Australia’s fi rst woman Doctor of Music.

y the age of 13, Ruby was In 1913, at the age of 30, Ruby Regulations were relaxed after the already teaching 27 of her own began her Doctorate of Music studying expected air raids did not eventuate Bpupils at her mother’s Salisbury violin, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and Ruby was able to give her School of Music. French horn, trumpet, trombone, planned series of lecture recitals at She began studying at the Elder kettle drums and other instruments Wigmore Hall as well as some radio Conservatorium of Music in 1904 at of percussion, and graduated as broadcasts. Ruby was, however, the age of 20, gaining in the same year Australia’s first woman Doctor of Music continually afflicted by ill-health and the University’s Associate of Music. in 1918. money difficulties and in May 1940, Ruby was the first Conservatorium There followed a prosperous and exhausted, still short of funds and student to take composition as a happy period for Ruby, teaching music unable to cope with the cold climate, principal subject. and performing while her mother left England for America where she Ruby graduated in 1907 and managed all household and business gave a number of acclaimed recitals continued to teach music at the affairs. The sudden death of both and broadcasts before returning to Salisbury School of Music and from a parents in 1929 led to a nervous Melbourne. studio at Allan’s Music Shop in Rundle breakdown and the closing of her music Increasingly frail, Ruby died in Street, in addition to performing and school, by then located in Prospect. Melbourne in 1949. Her body was accompanying other artists. At the age of 51, Ruby sought a returned to Adelaide for burial. Ruby In 1912 Ruby gained the Associate fresh start in Melbourne. She opened left 300 pounds in her will to the Diploma of the London College of a new music school and gave well- University of Adelaide to provide Music, then the criterion for teaching. attended lectures and recitals to a scholarship in her name, which Temporarily engaged to teach Theory societies and audiences. survives today as the Dr Ruby Davy of Music at the Elder Conservatorium, In 1939, Ruby organised a three- Prize for Composition. ■ Ruby was not offered a permanent year tour of England, Europe, Canada position; her criticism of conservative and America. Upon her arrival in teaching methods retarding her London, Ruby immersed herself in the academic career. The first permanent local music scene, but the onset of war (The above account is largely derived from Rita woman teacher was not appointed until saw the cancellation of all theatrical M. Wilson’s Ruby Davy: Academic and Artiste. several years later. and musical performances. Salisbury & District Historical Society, 1995)

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 27 lumen milestones

Current Students 1980s

James Smith Dene Cordes PSM BA (Hons) 1988: PhD Public Health and Medicine student: Public Service Medal in 1990 Australian Honours, for service to the 2006 winner of the Young Australian of the Year for establishment of volunteers network in National Parks. South Australia. Dr Bill Griggs MBBS 1981: Named as the South Australian winner of the 2006 Australian of 2000s the Year award. Dr Ian Kneebone BA 1981, BA (Hons) 1982: Mark Ainslie Recently appointed a Visiting Senior Fellow in the Department of BE (Elec)(Hons)/BA (Japanese): Psychology at the University of Surrey, UK, where he contributes Has been awarded the Japanese Government Research to teaching, research and scholarship. His clinical practice is in Scholarship for 2006. The Scholarship is awarded by neurological and physical rehabilitation across West Surrey. the Japanese Government’s Monbukagakusho (the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) to a small number of Australians each year, along with a number worldwide, who wish to study at Japanese universities under their scholarship program. David Letch Mark was also awarded a Dean’s Certifi cate of Merit for BA 1985, BA (Hons) (Geography) 1987: Outstanding Academic Achievement in each year of his degree (2000–2004) and was awarded the Codan Prize for Best Performance in Advanced Electromagnetics in 2004. Michelle Rast BA 1984, BA (Hons)(Geography) 1986: Received the Annual CoastCare Award in 2006. Their tireless Jonathan Webb commitment to protecting South Australia’s coast has led to a number BA 2001, B Sc (Mol Biol) 2003, of initiatives, including the relocation of a controversial aquaculture B Sc (Hons) 2004: proposal which could have had adverse impacts on the Australian Received a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Sea Lions in Sceale Bay, the declaration of the Nicolas Baudin Oxford in 2006. Island Conservation Park of Cape Blanche, and the preparation of a management plan from Venus Bay to Streaky Bay through an Enviro Grant, plus coastal access works in the area. 1990s Mark T O’Donnell BSc (Hons) 1988: Joined the partnership of Adelaide-based Madderns Patent and Trade Dr Sam Shahin Mark Attorneys to lead the Life Sciences team. Mark returns to Adelaide MBBS 1992 DCH, DRACOG, FRACGP, MBA: after working in intellectual property for 18 years in the eastern states. Part time medical practitioner and Director of Peregrine Christopher Zilm BA 1986, D Ed 1987: Corporation, Australia’s 75th largest company. Dr Shahin also has three children under the age of six. Principal of Toowoomba State High School in Queensland. lumen page 28 winter 2006 lumen milestones

The University of Adelaide alumni community would like to know what’s new with you! If you would like to share your milestones (births, marriages, awards, promotions etc) with your fellow alumni, please send your name, degree, graduation year, and a short update of 50 words or less to: Development and Alumni offi ce Level 1, 230 North Terrace The University of Adelaide SA 5005, Australia Email: [email protected] Fax: +61 8 8303 5808

Submissions are always welcome so please remember us when you have some life news to share. Photographs are also welcome.

1970s 1960s

Professor John Finnis LLB 1962: Received the Center for Bioethics and Culture’s 2006 Paul Ramsey Award. The Ramsey Award is given to those who Professor Jock Findlay AM have demonstrated exemplary achievement in the fi eld of B Ag Sc 1966, Hons 1966, PhD 1971: bioethics. Professor Finnis is Professor of Law and Legal Has been awarded the UK Society for Reproduction Philosophy at the University of Oxford and Professor of Law and Fertility (SRF) Distinguished Scientist Award at the University of Notre Dame. He is also Visiting Professor for 2006. This award honours Professor Findlay’s of Law, Jurisprudence and Moral Philosophy at the Institute outstanding contribution to reproduction and fertility in Melbourne. research. He is the only Australian to have won this prestigious award. The award honours those who “are deeply impacting the bioethics discussion by actively equipping our society to Claire Smith (nee Withey) face the challenges of the 21st century, profoundly defending BA 1974, BA (Hons) Psychology 1975: the dignity of humankind, and enthusiastically embracing Received her doctoral degree on December 17, 2005, ethical biotechnology for the human good”. from George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon, USA. Her dissertation was in the fi eld of applied linguistics. She has been teaching ESL and foreign languages in the USA for many years. She and her American husband have two teenage children.

Mr Robert Thomas BSc 1970: 1950s In September 2004 joined Infoblox as the company’s Brian Jefferies AM Dip Ag 1950, B Ag Sc 1953: president and CEO. Infoblox is the leading developer of network identity appliances that provide a way for Blue for Athletics 1952, Scholarship with Australian Wool enterprise to manage the critical network identity Corporation for 9 months in 1955. Joined Department of protocols that link business applications to the network Agriculture in Sheep & Wool in 1953. In 1956 worked for 4 infrastructure. Mr Thomas has more than 25 years of months with FAD of UN in Uruguay. In 1960 became Senior management experience in the technology section. Sheep & Wool offi cer in Tasmania and started Cormo breed Previously, he was president and CEO of NetScreen of sheep. 1966–1970 worked with FAD of UN in Patagonia Technologies, where he developed the company from and started Corino breed of sheep. 31 employees to 950 and led its successful public offering and eventual acquisition by Juniper Networks. 1971–1972 worked in Victorian Department of Agriculture and started Bundoran Comeback breed of sheep. 1972-1986 Principal Offi cer Sheep and Wool in SA Dept of Agriculture. 1986-2006 Working as International Consultant in Sheep- breeding in Argentina and Chile. Started Merco breed of sheep in 1955 and New Patagonian White Suffolk in 2003. Mr Jefferies has also received the following awards: ATA Medal 1987, AM in 1988, Fellow AIAST in 1998, and ROCA Award of Merit in 2001.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 29 lumen alumni chapters

Building Bridges:

Lured by the big-city buzz of Australia’s most bustling metropolis, over 1,500 University of Adelaide alumni now call themselves Sydneysiders.

With the help of some key partners, the The event’s theme of ‘South Australian (DTED) has helped to bridge the gap Sydney Alumni Chapter is helping to Food and Wine’ encouraged a band of between the Chapter’s aims and practical bridge the gap between the two cities. SA businesses to get on board, including concerns. “Financial support from Yalumba, Shaw and Smith, Jim Barry, partners – particularly DTED – provides “We wanted to provide a support network Bremerton, Coriole, d’Arenberg, Coopers, the opportunity to achieve shared goals, for alumni to access, for social and work Villi’s and Haigh’s Chocolates. The result such as boosting the South Australian reasons, when they make the move to was a great start to the Chapter, which workforce,” says Baldeep. “Their support Sydney,” says Baldeep Kaur, co-convenor Anthony says “had a good turnout in will help to fund our future events.” of the Chapter. Baldeep, together with competition with Australia qualifying for co-convenor Anthony Roediger, the A program of alumni activities is currently the soccer World Cup!” University of Adelaide and a handful of being planned for the year ahead. 2006 enthusiastic alumni, partnered with some In 2006, the Chapter aims to facilitate events will include dinners and drinks to big names in business and the public professional contacts and networking socialise and network, and smaller events sector to successfully launch the Sydney between alumni, employers and focused on topics of interest or industry Alumni Chapter late last year. professional bodies in Sydney, and to groups. The Chapter would like to expand keep alumni connected with South their program to include fundraising events The launch itself was long in the making, Australian events and opportunities. that work towards a charity or cause in taking over four months of hard work and Like many alumni networks, the need the future. organisation. Baldeep and Anthony say for facilities and fi nancial support makes that their labour was offset, in part, by the With the support of partners such as DTED, partnerships with organisations outside of support of their sponsors. “We had great local Chapters can continue to connect and the University vital. support on the night,” says Anthony. “It support alumni—wherever in the world life allowed us to put on a wonderful event at In the Sydney Chapter’s case, support may take them after Adelaide. an affordable cost and to showcase South from the South Australian Department Australian products.” of Trade and Economic Development Story Lana Guineay

For more information about the Chapter, or to be involved in upcoming events, please email [email protected], or visit their website at www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni/chapters/sydney_chap.html lumen page 30 winter 2006 Photo courtesy of Kevin Connors, www.morguefi le.com/ OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY MERCHANDISE www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni/merchandise

Graduation Bear comes completed with a University Tie Navy with full colour crests University Tie Silk striped Lion hood to match your degree

Pocket Business Card Holder Matt Business Card Holder Black Executive Style Silver Key Ring silver lid provides a striking contrast leather with embossed logo featuring embossed logo with shiny case and embossed logo

Pen Metallic silver including velvet pouch

Lapel Pin Classic crest design

Mug straight *Special* Available in burgundy and navy blue

Drink Bottles Aluminium Coffee Plunger & Mug Set Glass plunger Mug fl ared *Special* featuring embossed logo and silver mugs with embossed logo Available in burgundy and navy blue

OTHER ITEMS ALSO AVAILABLE–SEE REVERSE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 31 THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE Offi cial University Merchandise Order Form

ITEM TOTAL PRICE* TOTAL PRICE QNTY TOTAL COST Within Australia Exported from Australia Business Card Holder – metallic silver $15.00 $13.65 Business Card Holder – leather $19.95 $18.15 Car Sticker $2.00 Coffee Mug – straight red c or navy c (please tick) **Special** $6.00 $5.50 Coffee Mug – fl ared red c or navy c (please tick) **Special** $6.00 $5.50 Coffee Mug – tapered navy $8.00 $7.30 Drink Bottle – aluminium $19.95 $18.15 Graduation Bear $45.00 $40.90 Please specify the degree required for the hood Key Ring – silver $12.00 $10.90 USB Key Ring (256mb) $85.00 $77.27 Lapel Pin – crest $4.00 $3.65 Pen – metallic silver $8.50 $7.75 Polo Shirt XS c S c M c L c XL c (please tick) $40.00 $36.35 Unisex T-shirt S c M c L c (please tick) $25.00 $22.70 Rugby Top XS c S c M c L c XL c (please tick) $50.00 $45.45 Rugby Fitted 8 c 10 c 12 c 14 c 16 c 18 c (please tick) $40.00 $36.35 Summer Rugby Top 8 c 10 c 12 c 14 c 16 c 18 c (please tick) $40.00 $36.35 University Tie – navy $27.00 $24.55 University Tie – navy with gold stripes and embossed lion (silk) $35.00 $31.80 Plaque – coat of arms, brass on stained wood $55.00 $50.00 Limited Edition Print – Bonython Hall (unframed) $95.00 $86.35 *Prices include GST as applies in Australia Sub Total ADD POSTAGE AND HANDLING COSTS Orders to $49.99 $7.00 International postage Orders between $50.00 & $99.99 $10.00 costs to be advised Orders over $100.00 $13.00 on application

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FOR INFORMATION ON PRODUCTS, ORDERING, AND GENERAL ENQUIRIES FOR MERCHANDISE Please contact: Development and Alumni, The University of Adelaide, Reply Paid 498, ADELAIDE SA 5001, AUSTRALIA Telephone: +61 8 8303 5800 | Facsimile: +61 8 8303 5808 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni/merchandise “Too many companies only look for qualified people with experience, without providing the support needed to produce those people.” Ebor Computing executives Bill Cumpston and Tony Carey know that this is a catch-22 many students face when they enter the workforce. With the establishment of the new Ebor Computer Science Scholarship to celebrate their 20th year in operation, students have the chance to get ahead before they graduate. The Ebor Scholarship will give third year computer science or software engineering students the opportunity to study at the Honours level, including industry-based work experience, mentoring and casual work, as well as financial support for University expenses. For Bill, the Scholarship is a great way to give back to the University. After graduating with Honours in Computer Science, and working for three years implementing the earliest computerised borrowing system in the Barr Smith Library, Bill founded Ebor Computing. He is committed to making sure today’s students have access to the same high-quality education that gave him his start.

For more information about giving to the University of Adelaide, contact: Development & Alumni +61 8 8303 5800 or email: [email protected]

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE MAGAZINE lumen page 33 EV^caZhh]ZVai] XdkZg[gdb &#** VYVn#

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