360##1995

CS I RO AUSTRALIA LIBRARY CSIRO and science 1'; aced under themicrescepe

Two reports dealing with As part of its centenary issues of science and celebrations this year, technology policy were BankWest in Perth is sponsor­ released in December last ing a CSIRO research project year, aimed at minimising algal Tile Senate Economics blooms on the Swan River. The Reference Committee Report $100,000 "Save our Swan" focused on one aspect of project will investigate the CSlRO's researcll- research nutrients dl:iven from the in support of the rural sector. river's sediments, eXIJlain how The other report, from the nitrogren and phoSllhol'us Industry Commission, was an inllueuce algal blooms, identify in-depth analysis of Australian the trigger mechanisms for science and technology. It algal blooms, and model covered not only CSIRO bnt nutrient fluxes and cycling. A also the important science and research lahoratory bargc technology efforts in the higher emblazoned with the "Save education and business sectors. our Swan" slogan, pictnred at In a staternent issued when right, will be hl Perth waters the reports were released, in Fehruary,a\ld lateI' at CSIRO welcomed the current ~resllw.ljter attention being given to science Bayjllelnmntand Heil'isson Islalld. and teehtwlogy in Australia as appropriate recognition of their importance to Australia's economic and other interests. The statement noted that countries all over the world are The lloardEvaluatiOl1 Green Paperprescntin ()1s$el" cOlI1panies are providing their grappling with science and Committee thatislool,ing resulls of theColTImittee's work cllstomers own assessmellts. technology issues, These issues at onr management struc­ will be cOlllpleted by the end of Institutes have gathered infor­ 3. International and national deserve the highest attention in tm'e and the way we do February and will be the basis for mation from existing documents arrangements Australia as well. broad consultation with staff. to assess customers' views of business has been continu­ Much material has been Tile Committee has operated our service and delivery. In The Industry ing its work over the gathered from CSJRO visit through four taskforces: some cases, further work has reports and from publications to summer holiday period. Commission Review 1. Government interaction been done (or is planned) to get demonstrate the vm;ety of The proposals in the draft Its terms of reference were Sandy Hollway, the Con­ more information. arrangements used by R&D report aim to enhance the spelt out in the Noyember venor, has been seeking input The assessments show agencies. The focus of this contribution of R&D to national CoResearch and on CSIRO's from departmental secretaries several common features across activity is to identify any welfare by more clearly defining World Wide Web Server - in on how CSJRO's activities the organisation. Two are that arrangements or best practices government's roles, improving short, they are to establish what relatc to Government require­ CSlRO's technical excellence is thaI might be considered funding processes, and making the Federal Government and ments, in particular looking at very highly regarded, but that appropriate for CSIRO. customers want from CSlRO research more responsive to CSIRO's accountability and its our ability to listen to the 4. Relationship between and how we can best supply users and community needs. effectiveness in serving customer is well below cus­ structural and behavioural what is needed. The key proposals include: Government policy objectives tomer expectations. The changes CSIRO: The Commission The Committee has met and national priorities, The taskforce has met the Australian Dr Bob Frater, the Convenor, calls for wider ownership of twice, on November 9 ane! federal bureaucrats have been Industrial Research Group and has worked with a group of CSIRO's research agenda and December 12, and has meetings very cooperative and interested the Business Council of participants in the Leadership for the Government to articulate scheduled for January 31 and in assisting CSlRO in this task. Australia, and individual Development Program to clearly its own R&D require­ February 20. develop methodologies to ments. The Commission said Four Chiefs were invitee! to address this issue. Hc has CSIRO's principal role is to make presentations to the Comments invited prepared a discussion paper on undertake research that has December meeting - Ron which he has been seeking All CSIRO Divisions have listen, which, together with direct value to industry and the Sandlands of Mathematics and comment from all staff through been invited to comment on another similar one covering a community but lacks sufficient Statistics (then Chair of the Chiefs and by electronic means a set of draft working wider range of issues, has private returns to be performed College of Chiefs), Phil on the discussion board "csiro­ docnments by Dr Bob Frater, produced some hot debate or sponsored by firms ("public Jennings of Tropical Animal listen". The latter is a new Director of the Iustitute of' among the 250 or so registered good" research). The results of Production, Chlis Mallett of venture in interm-l1 communica­ Information Science and users. its research should be widely Food Science and Technology, tion for CSIRO, and is provok­ Engiueering, who leads one So far, the main participants disseminated. and Graeme Pearman of ing some lively discussions of the Task Forces for the seem to be from the animal and Atmospheric Research, among stafr. This does not preclude Board's evaluation. plant institutes, with several CSlRO continuing to do some The records of the November Bob has also invited locked in battle (not to the • The next issue of CoRese",.ch contract research for private and December meetings were comments via an electronic death) with a few corporate will summarise the Committee's firms, provided that it is priced distributed to staff through bulletin board called csiro- managers. Green Paper and early reactions cOlltilluedpage 8 Directors ane! Chiefs. ane! a to it. The norm;a.. I!r:~c;s.:~~~~hj~~tt~ Letters to the ... f. SCl'Ullit PIOcess of precess'0 '. ~;:~~f:senate Editor , Oll"lllttee olE aper./or the ·t·, ICSfRO J' M.' !'alualio 0./ n his is a small footnote to Structure, ,,~~1~g~II.,enrCll7d SCrunIy I the CuResearch. November ", JiISlzII " A ,emsfor CSI/? ," rJrrange_ T ••• and from ;1~1z GOJJe'7Zl1le/~'~' 1994 report concerning the Sir IrlteraCfioll Ian McLennan Award to Dr the Editor From time to time the Evaluation Committee, !/fice olGo!'er. .' CSf/?O , '. D~. llflle. John Possingham. Dear Readers, language is enriched by and supplIes one of Its IL f(ember 12, 1994IU Buszness, When Dr Possingham key tasks, namely to Coresearch has moved to the entry of a new word arranged to obtain a mechanical Melbournc, and I haven't. devise a process where- that sums up ped'ectly a grape-harvester from Cornell I've been Editor for five by the objectives of the organ­ situation that would University, tile only transport to years now, and they have isation can be clearly aligned otherwise demand pages of Australia was as deck cargo. As been memorably interesting with thosc of government. this would have exposed the years. I've tricd to inform text. Dr Heyde's word The Industry Commission harvester to thc possibility of and amuse - with varying pmcessor has defined our went on to recommend that damage, the Scientific Oflice in success. On the score present position with CSIRO's funding be moved 01' thc Australian Embassy in amusing, particularly, I've elegant precision: CSIRO over time from appropriation to Washington, DC, was contacted. is being scruned! contracted research. spent a lot of time in watcr An approach was made to tlIe hot enough to hurt, but Il'eel The Industry Commission has This recalls the developments Office of the Air Attache, in very sad at leaving. just produced its draft report on in British science policy during particular to Fl. Lt. Rollo R&D, and it's a report that the late 70s, at which time a I thank you all for reading Teape-Davis RAAF,. who was in seems to me to offer a good start­ strong belief in the application what I've put out over the charge of air transport from the years, whether I'or pleasure ing point for the developmcnt of so-called free-market mech­ US to Australia. Rollo agreed to or duty, whether with of a national science policy. anisms to all areas of govern­ the loading of the harvester on a I am very pleased that the Ind­ ment endeavour was extended irritation, iuterest or delight. cargo-carrying aircraft in view ustry Commission lUIS recog­ to publicly funded science. I have certainly had much of the national importance of nised in the earlier chapters of However, these policy delight in the making of it. research into mechanical grape­ its report that economic growth changes, which followed a re­ I've loved taking bad pictures harvesting! The machine arrived for it, drawing rather strained is linked to innovation, and that port by Lord Rothschild, led to in Australia in good condition cartoons for it and torturing innovation itself is embedded in instability and uncertainty, and time as the Industry Commission and in record time! a cultll1'e of R&D, to widespread criticism that the my brain for misleadingly Clyde Garrow The Commissioners also narrow vision of government was gathering its information. interesting headings. Former Scientific Attache found that the national govern­ departments made it difficult This took the form of a Senate Andl do heartily wish the Inquiry into rural research. Australian Embassy new Editor the best of ment has a funding obligation, for them to appreciate "truly The final report lacked any Washington, DC muJticulturalluck with a particularly to provide rcsearch pioneering original ventures... structure, was a collcction of difficult, exciting and very in the "public good". those for which thc customers s it right for CSIRO to spend In the case of CSIRO itself, all lie in the future, not the anecdotes with no judgment important job. pas~q?81Is?nl1icting.yy.i;qYR.ce, t~?lian the Industry Commission found present" (Sir.l\lanCotu:ell).. I.11.1?lticul tlllp! f'v,s Liz MacKay and made >I set of recommenda­ lax/Jayers' dollars Christian the organisation to have "an In the months ahead, CSIRO on tions, some of which were evcn cards when we recognise important role in the Australian will have ample opportunity to Senator Ferguson, Chainnan of in conlJict with each other. separation between church and national innovation system, discuss and debate funding the Senate Economics Refer­ In the words of the Minister state and we do not send providing research services to models in the context of the ences Committee, suggesting for Industry, Science and equivalent greetings on the key the community ,lIld to industry". Industry Commission hearings. that in future, people disparaged Technology, Senator Peter anniversaries of other religions? It also found, however, that I welcome this debate. Its major in testimony or in submissions Cook: "The review has taken Peter Room our organisation has been positive outcome is likely to be which are publicly quoted and Division of Entomology placed in the difficult position of a much clearer statement of the six months, travelled all over distributed be given the Long Pocket, Brisbane being "all things to all people", expectations the Australian Australia at great expense, and opportunity to respond. This, the Commissioners recog­ Government has of CSIRO. in the end produced a list of I would like to assure issues that are well-known and niscd, makes it extraordinarily This will have to include a colleagues in CSIRO that I already under consideration by diflicult to rcport successes clear recognition of the never made the statement appropriate bodies." The Board ocuments related to the against a set of objectives. importance of our organisation attributed to me by Senator Evaluation Committee will Senate Economics Refer­ It has been my expericnee in opening international doors D Chapman. Further,the position consider this report, together ence Committee Inquiry have over the past live years that to Australian companies, and of represented by Mr Campbell been widely circulated within this laek of definition of the our access to a crucial network with all the other inputs we regarding my assessment of the have received, CSIRO, I have been specifically purpose for which resources are of sources of knowledge on relative value of lAPP stake­ mentioned in some of these provided to the organisation developments in science and holders and his contention that documents, in particular in a makes lifc vcry difficult when technology aroundlhe world, communication activities statement attributed to me by defending and justifying our related to those proposals were Senator Chapman and in a appropriation budget. * =1= * directed to academic funding submission by Graeme Camp­ This has been recognised by There was ,lIlother rather odd bodies are incorrect. bell, Member for Kalgoorlie, I the Board's recently established process under way at the same John Stocker, Chief Executive I take issue with a process have never met or been in which permits these parties to contact in any way with either question my professional Open for party; therefore I must conclude capabilities and actions and to that their evidence is based vilify my character without business upon hearsay. The basis for giving me equal opportunity to these allegations is not indicat­ contest their allegations. I Vaughan Roberts (left) and Sam ed. further take issue with a Tartaglia of the business unit of the As the Inquiry process did process which extends rights Division of Manufactnring Technology not offer me right of reply to such as withholding attribution are pictured soon after receiving their these allegations, I have written of criticisms with no commen­ (Iegrees of Master of Business Adminis­ both parties in an unofficial surate rights to the parties tration and Master of Management in capacity regarding these attacked. Technology from the Melbourne Business matters, disputing their com­ School. Vaughn and Slim believe that ments and offering to provide Judy Marcure with these degrees, in addition to their evidence in support of my Manager, Public Affairs & engineering qualifications, they are position. I have also written Communication better equipped to take on the challenge Institute ofAnimal of combining technology and business, Production & Processing

360-1995 Enterprise deal includes trial of new travel expenses system CSIRO will introduce a "They will still have to family-related costs will be pol icy will be conducted at II The next round of enterprise new system 01' travel provide their receipts for items looked at favourahly as well. CSIRO sites over the next year, bargaining will include booking and trial a new over $20 - that is normal It's not just about the cost of and will be monitored by a joint discussions on removing the system of reimbursing accounting that you have to do meals and accomtTIodatioll," union-management committee. allowance if a staf}' member travel expenses as part of if you purchase anything. But Some staff saw an offensive "They will prepare a report at a remote site has been an enterprise bargaining those receipts will not be gone implication that people were comparing the costs and staff recruited from the surrounding agreement reached in through with a fine-tooth comb taking advantage of the present reactions, and suggesting area. by a whole lot of admin people." system, or that travel was a December. changes if they are necessary," The previous system required privilege, rather than an Gary Knobel says. Productivity issues The agreement provides a 2% a lot of checking to see that essential part of modern work At the end of the trial period pay rise for all staff plus a one­ The new enterprise agree­ charged items were not already requirements. that report will go to both the off payment of 1% of salary. A ment has several productivity covered by an advance, he says. Executive Committee and the further I% rise will follow in components, including provi­ "This will be a much simplified Reward Union Council and it will be December this year if the trial sion for home-based work and arrangement, and basically it One said: "Many stalfwork negotiated to determine the leads to the implementation of for staff to work as lillie as 40 mirrors what every private­ long hours per day when on form of the system to be the.new travel reimbursement weeks on a pro-rata salary, with ~eclor organisation is Australia field activities for which the ultimately adopted. system. holidays during all school does. Increasingly, the public only tangible reward is what The final form of the enter­ holidays. sector is moving to exactly the they can make as a saving (tax­ Remote localities prise agreement between CSIRO "They are important in terms same arrangements." free) from fixed-rate travel allowance and the union was settled late in of increasing the flexibility of Gary Knobel says the new allowances by selecting January and submitted to the The enterprise agreement has the way in which we work," system will allow staff to claim acceptable \lut low-cost Industrial Relations Commis­ made no change to the policy on says Gary Knobel. "But the any reasonable costs associated accommodation and meals." sion for certification. the remote localities allowance, areas wherethe most money is with travel. "Under the previous Gary Knobel says that the Gary Knobel, CSIRO's other than removing from the likely to be realised are system, for instance, you new system will reimburse what Deputy General Manager of list several locations where improvements to health and couldn't get reimbursement of people legitimately need to Human Resources, says stalI CSIRO no longer has staff and safety performance and, phone calls to home; you spend. "Unfortunately, some can expect the pay rises ­ is unlikely to have staff in future. potentially, travel." couldn't get your laundry paid stall' see the travel allowance backdated to December 15 last for if you were away from home they receive at the moment as year - to be paid in the second for a week. All those sorts of partial reimbursement for pay in Febnlary, things will be legitimate charges having to be away from home Air contract·takes off The new travel policy has now," for long periods and working After a review of its tmvel contract, CSIRO is switching from two key elements: centralised He points out that the new extra hours in the field," he Qalltas AiI'ways to Ansett, booking arrangements, and a system will also open up the says. "This really is trying to Gary Knobel, C ager ofHuman new system of reimbursing whole area of peripheral separate the travel costs from Resources,.says the al cost savings. expenses that involves replacing expenses related to travel, such things that need to be dealt with The change comes i n'land Divisions will be fixed advances with travel as emergency care arrangements in other ways." given details over the next couple of weeks. charge cards. CSIRO will pay for dependents at 110me. "These The trial of the new travel all reasonable travel costs charged on the cards, plus incidentals and other related travel costs. Standa refires Bookings Dr Bill Blevin, Chiefof the Dr Blevin said he believed he Gary Knobel says centralised Apl)liedPhy~ics, leaving the Division in booking will apply immediately Division of good shape. "I think we across the whole ofCSIRO. A retired on Octobel'Z8 .last worked harder in recent travel contractor, to be appoint­ year after 42 years with years. It's been a challenge, ed soon, wi II operate shopfront CSIRO. but we have got great pride omces at major CSIRO sites­ Dr Blevin was farewel1e(1ata from it." Clayton, North Ryde and formal dinner at Sydney Univer­ Dr Blevin was appointed possibly Black Mountain. Staff sity, and later at a stalI gathering Chief of the Division in 1988 as at other sites will make book­ where \le was praised by Dr Colin the culmination of a distinguished ings by e-mai I and fax. Adam, Director of the Institute research career in scientific He says this system will be of Industrial Technologies. metrology and applied physics. more cost-effective than the Dr Adam told the gathering present arrangements, which that Dr Blevin led his team He has served terms as Memher of Counci I and as involve administrative staff at throug\l "a particularly difficult Vice-President of the Allstralian many sites acting as travel period of Australia's industrial Academy of Science. clerks to handle bookings. history" that resulted from the The expense reimbursement reduction in tariffs. In the 1989 Queen's Birthday proposal has been more Dr Blevin was known Honours he was made a contentious, prompting a stream particularly as the champion of Member of the Order of of fiery e-mail correspondence. the Division's standards Australia. He is a Commissioner and With receipts required for all function. "We will certainly be Bill Blevin (left) with his deputy, John Collins: A staunch d~f'ender items of expenditure above $20, influential in the Pacific region, ofthe Division :\. standards role Past Chairman of the National some doubted that there would be and we have already had Standards Commission, a cost savings because of the time visitors from research and Economic Cooperation) Forum. Dr John Collins, Dr Blevin's member of the Council Execu­ required for staff to document standards laboratories around Dr Blevin's role reflects the deputy throughout his term, said tive of the National Association travel claims and for adminis­ the region for training here," Dr National Measurement Labora­ Dr Blevin had represented of Testing Authorities, and a trative stall' to check receipts. Adam said. "We see that role of tory's growing importance in certainty in uncertain times member of the Council of Gary Knobel says: "The the Division as being vital." regional affairs. A crucial role is during his six years as Division Standards Australia. importallt thing that a lot of staff One of Dr Blevin's last acts also being taken by the Division Chief, when a great deal of Internationally, he is a Vice­ haven't recognised is that the internationally as chief of the of Applied Physics' chief change was occurring. When President of the International statement that comes monthly Division was his involvement standards scientist, Dr Barry the Division was under attack, Committee of Weights and with the charge cards will be a from July last year until his Inglis, who on October 28 Dr Blevin had "set his jaw" and Measures at Sevres, France, and simple form of reconciling and retirement in establishing and became coordinator of the Asia defended it, particularly when President of its consultative getting agreement on legitimate leading a multinational Task Pacific Metrology Program for the Division's standards role committee on photometry and charges. Force for the APEC (Asia-Pacific the next four years. was under threat. radiometry.

360-1995 Chiefexecutive transition emissious tax aimed at methane-producing ruminant livestock, such as cattle and sheep. (Australia's callie DR ROY GREEN, Director of the Institute of Natural and slleep produce 2.2 million tonncs of methane each Resources and Environment, will be located at CSIRO year.) Such a tax could slash Australian fanners' Head Office in Mclbourne from February I, to assist Short incomes by a third, or more than $650 milliot;l a year. with the transitional arrangements for the Chief Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is not the only Executive as Dr Stocker prepares to depart on March benelit of the new antimethanogen, which also causes 3. It is proposed that Roy will continue working at the shots metabolic changes that lead to a more emcient use of Head Omce until a new Chief Executive is appointed feed. Trials with CSIRO's antimethanogen in cattle and takes up the position. have shown increased live-weight gains and feed­ some distance and may ultimately contaminate the conversion rates, with the weight 01' cattle on high­ Antidote to ryegrass poisoning wider neighbourllood. roughage diets increasing by up to 20 per cent. CSIRO has developed a new antidote for sheep Unfortunatcly, these particles may be invisible to CSIRO is now trialing the compound on cattle in poisoned by annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT). ARGT the naked eye, and lead-contaminated dust can be Queensland and sheep in Western Australia. The work is a disease of grazing livestock in the 350-550mm picked up on the hands and swallowed or even is backed by farmers through the Intel'llational Wool rainfall areas of Western Australia, South Australia inhaled. The groups most at risk from the adverse Secretariat and the Meat Research Corporation. and, recently, New South Wales. The number offarms effects of lead from lead paint are pregnant women alfected by ARGT doubles every three years. and young children. New study ofBoran and Tuli cattle The antidote was tested in October, with the The Commonwealth Environmental Protection assistance of four WA farmers, during the first Agency, in association with the Australian Paint IN THE largest comparative evaluation of cattle outbreak of ARGT for J994. It is the first treatment to Manufacturers' Association, has produced information breeds ever undertakcn in the tropics, CSJRO is be developed against the disease and has taken many sheets covering safe removal of lead paint, and these demonstrating the role of the new African breeds in years to develop. The work has been supported by are available from hardware stores. The best way to improving productivity. There was widespread interest sheep producers through the International Wool avoid the problem of lead contamination is to use paint in the evaluation results in the lead-up to the Hrst sale Secretariat. removal methods that do not create dust. of Boran and Tuli bulls on December I in Rockhamp­ CSIRO is also researching other approaches to the ton (and on the computcr selling network CALM). ARGT problem, such as a vaccine and ways to prevent Cutting greenhouse gases at the outlet More than 1,300 animals are involved in cvaluations ryegrass becoming infected in the Hrst placc. of weight gain, cUl'case quality, meat quality, I'ertility, CSIRO is testing a new compound for livestock that ease of calving, early calf mortality and resistance to Lead contamination shown to travel may take the wind out of any proposed greenhouse gas the stresses of the tropics such as ticks and drought. RECENT research by CSIRO's Dr Brian Gulson has emission tax, while boosting production and saving Results collected over three years show Lllat highlighted the need for special care in carrying out fanners money. The non-toxic compound is an crossbreds always outperform their straightbred renovations involving the removal of lead paint. antimethanogen, meaning it reduces the amount of counterparts, whether or not they have been trcatedto Houses prcviously "de-leaded" by their owners were methane gas animals release to thc atmosphere. control ticks and worms. British breeds of cows mated found to have been contaminated by lead paint from The Federal Government has agreed to stahilise to Tuli bulls have a low incidence of calving problems. other renovations or from deteriorating surfaces in the greenhouse gas emissions at 1988 levels by 2000 and Their crossbred calvcs have higher survival and neighbourhood. These results confirm for the first time to reduce emissions by a further 20 per cent by 2005. growth rates than the straightbred British calves, with that paint particles containing lead can be transported One proposal to achieve these reductions is an no loss of reproductive potential or meat quality. Indian honour lor,Holliday Dr Robin Holliday, Chief Rcsearch Scientist at tile Division of Biomolecular Engineering's Sydney labora­ tory, hasbeen elected a Foreign Fellow of the Indian National Science Aeodcmy in New DelIli. Dr Holliday's professional association with India began 20 years ago. "I was brought up in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and my interest in this area resulted in the exploration ofIndia as well," DI' Robin Holliday Members ofthe 1994 Divisioll ~I' Fisheries triathlon teams: (I'mm I~fl) Peter Jolly, Hugh Kirkman, Sjaak he says. The initial sc.ientilic con­ Lemmells, Rick Horbury, John Nielsen, Mat Vanderklifl, Scott Langtl)', Gary Carmll, Dellnis Heine­ tact was with Professor Kanun­ genetics division at the National mann, Ben Sutherland; (fiy}//t row) Denise Kirkpatrick, Liza Mathews alld Lisa Scoff. go at the University of Varanasi Institute for Mcdical Research (Benares) who, like Dr Holliday, in London. researches biological ageing. Dr Holliday has been with Fisheries regains trophy Since then, 01' Holliday has CSJRO since 1988. visited laboratories as far alield Dr Holliday's new book, A series of competitive hard to beat. The exception was the third member 01' the team, as Bombay, Calcutta, Bangalore Understanding Ageing, was sporting events in Western last year, when the Division was ran across the finishing line to and Delhi. His extensive contact published by Cambridge Australia has proved that staff pushed back into third place. claim victory for the Fins and with Indian scientists springs University Press in January. The at the Division of Fisheries The loss added extra drive to the Division. from his own wide-ranging book explains why ageing exists Marmion Marine Laborato­ the staff's desire to prove their In the aftermath of the interests, which include genetic in animals and reviews our ries arc as proficient on land abilities in this year's event. victory, lhe Division took on a recombination and repair, understanding of it at a biologi­ as they arc underwater. After months of disciplined composite team of CSIRO staff ageing, espccially cellular cal level. It draws on material Five teams from tile Division training, the Fisheries teams ­ from all other West Australian ageing, and DNA methylation from a wide range of disci­ entered this year's Mike Rayner which included nearly half 01' divisions in a nail-biting round and gene expression. plines, including extensive Triathlon in a bid to wrest back the Division's WA staff - were of softball. Fisheries Jost 7 to 8 Dr Holliday completed his biomedical information about the trophy lost last year to the honed for the big event. but, undeterred, are already PhD at the Uni versity of age-related diseases in humans. Laboratory of Rural Research. First out uf the water on the planning a comeback. Cambridge in 1959 and joined The book argues that much The annual triathlon, held in big day was the Division's Thc staff are now involved in the staff of the John Innes research needs to be done on April, is named after former Flying Fins member, Rick a rigorous training program Institute in Hertl'ord, England, cellular and molecular aspects CSIRO scientist Mike Rayner, Horbury, with a commanding aimed at issuing a cllallenge to where he developed a theory of of ageing if the origin of these who died in 1988. Fisheries lost lead. John Nielsen took over all CSIRO divisions to contest genetic recombination now diseases is to be understood, the inaugural contest six years from him on the bike, sustaining the sport of champions ­ known as the Holliday model. and that tllis understanding ago but sincc then have been the lead, and Hugh Kirkman, frisbee throwing. By 1970 he was head of the new could lead to their prevention.

360-1995 Science confrentstl1eNew Uncertainty Principle Sixty-seven years ago, in the pecking order. German physicist Werner This article is adaptedfrom a speech delivered by Alan Schrieshem, From push to pull Heisenberg informed us director and CEO ofArgonne National Laboratory in Illinois, at the that we cannot determine We now find corporations with any degree of General Motors R&D Centre in Detroit on November 9 last year with global competitive accuracy both the position interests deeply involved in armed, technologically sophisti­ and the momentum of a Conflicting agendas November elections in the US cooperative R&D agreements cated enemy capable of are the latest in a series of with national laboratories. At subatomic particle. This is Once, the vagaries of destroying us with just 30 reminders that the definition of Argonne, we already work with the famous Heisenberg scientific research were minutes' warning. Defence "national needs" today is a DuPont of Wilmington, acceptable in America because Uncertainty Pl'inciple of research needs, projections and moving target. Here's the core Delaware; Midland, Michigan­ political, scientific and social quantum mechanics. budgets dropped precipitously, of the whole "New Uncertainty bascd Dow Chemical; Amoco agendas largely coincided. We This principle revolutionised and are still falling. Principle": Science must not of Chicago; IBM in Armonk. wanted national security in the high-energy physics, taught us Major ncw challenges moved only detennine what today's New York; New York-based face of threats from a large and to think in relativistic rather to the forefront in post-Cold definitionis, but alsQ]Jfoject­ EXKon; and many others. We are well-defined enemy, we were than absolute terms, and has War America, and tbe national some might say divil:e..,-- what collaborating on profit-oriented destined to grow, and we guided subsequent generations scientific and technological the definition wilJ)let011l0rrow projects aimed at prodllcing needed energy to do it. These of research scientists. establishment began to feel the and plallaceordingly. Assuming higher-quality fibre, stronger agendas no longer coincide. Heisenherg, of course, pain and promise of a funda­ we dothat, and to further materials, morc cffective Interplay and occasional received the 1932 Nobel Prize mental transformation. Nowa­ compound a complex situation, pharmaceuticals, faster comput­ conltict among the objectives of for his trouble. days, industry is increasingly we must craft our course to ers, safer herbicides. and lower­ science, government and society Today, science in the United seeking out opportunities to recognise tomorrow's definition cost gasoline. We are fully are rclatively new additions to States faces a new uncertainty team with other R&D perform- while not falling afoul oftoday's. cllgaged in technology transfer thc environment within which principle. This principle says What is already apparent is and have even helped create the nation's research labs that we cannot forecast with that thc principle~oftotal spin-off companies. function. much accuracy the position, the Progress at any quality management are Tcn years ago, these activities The divergence of political, momentum, or the probable increasingIy being applied would have been exceptional. social and scientific agendas cost is out. Fiscal intersection of society's goals, thl'Oughout industry and Today, they represcnt a major happened slowly. It was. the nation's political agenda, accountability, government, including at research management (rend at perhaps, the chemists who came and the scientific merits of our research institutions. And tee the national laboratories. We up against it first - in the environmental national research enterprise. traditional boundaries between incrcasingly serve as a common environmental firestorm Like Heisenberg's postula­ responsibility federal R&D agencies are ground to integrate skills, crupting from the pages of tion, this new uncertainty getting fuzzier, as thejJation capabilities, technologies, Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and cost efficiency principle is revolutionising the seeks to provide multi-agency, facilities and research organisa­ (Boston, Houghton Mifflin, management and direction of are in coordinated approaches to tions - including partners from 1962) and 'the anger of Love America's labs, is tellchingllsl6 slltisfying ulitiomilheeds, throughout the laboratory Canal. The energy labs got a think in relativistic rather than HProgress at any cost" is Ollt. system, other federal agencies, wake-up call fron, the OPEC oU absolute terms, and is guiding ers - including former Fiscal accountability, environ­ industry, academia, and other embargo, smog warnings, Three - and sometimes vexing ­ competitors - in the develop­ mental responsibility and cost nations. Clearly, we are moving Mile Island, Chernobyl, oil­ modcrn generations of research ment of new technologies. efticiency are in. And, in a trend from a technology-push soaked sbore birds and the so­ laboratory directors, including There is growing political likely to continuc, research philosophy to a market-pull called ozone hole. Om' col­ this one. pressure for allpublic invest­ under way or projected is far philosophy. There is an important leagues in high-energy physics ments to be tied mOre closely to more likely than in the past to difference, however. Our reward encountered it somewbat more national needs ..,--·as those.needs have a strong thrust toward New paradigms for planning the labs' future in recently, in the scuttling of the are perceived by theWaslling­ marketplace applications. Increasingly, we find that accord with this new uncertainty superconducting supercollider. ton political establishment. Environmental protection, proposed research must be principle will not be a Nobel But the biggest single Scientific latitude was greater long a goal of some research, is shown to bene lit social goals Prize. impetus to change in American in the past because we could rapidly becoming a prccondition and political objectives as well Instead, our reward will be research came when the Cold presumc continued national for all research. International as to advance science and our survival in the 21st Century War collapsed in the rubble of consensus on exactly what the competitiveness and job technology. Whether we cnll as vital and essential American the Berlin Wall. Suddenly, needs were. Tllllt's no longer so. creation are only slightly below institutions. America no longer faced a well- The startling results of the in the pecking order. continued next page Calling all scientists This picture represents a Are yOll interested in extending the ,"esults of your research through CSIRO's Rural Research magazine'! DNA Double Rural Research is widely read by agricultural advisers, Helix Twisting Icading-edge primary producers and key decision-makers in Ribbon. It is agriculture. A recent survey of more than 200 agricultural just one ofthe advisers, carried out by the CRC for Soil and Land Manage­ ment, found that it was the most widely read publication for images featured obtaining information on soil and land management. More than on the new half the respondents indicated they used it on a regular basis. corporate scarves Rural Research is distributed to all branch offices of Depart­ and ties designed ments of Agriculture in each state and staff from these depart­ ments orten adapt items from the magazine to include in their for CSIRO by' regular columns in local papers - in this way. stories spread Victorian graphic much more widely tlmn the magazine's immediate readership. artist Susan Banks. To .Rural Research is published by CSIRO Infonnation Scrvices order or receive more in Mclbourne and written by a network of freelance writers. If you think your work may provide an interesting story for Rural information about a range of Research readers, why not discuss it with tbe editor? Contact merchandise, contact your nearest Robin Taylor, Managing Editor, Rural Research, phone (03) CSIRO Information Network office. 4187205; faK (03) 419 6574; email [email protected].

360-1995 Co"aIJorationlNitl1<··inciustry New face On November 10 last ycar thc mers, Mineral & Process and capabilities of Boral and activities, and to enable both on· Soard Division of Building, Con­ Engineering, Mineral Products, CSIRO, to search for mutually Boral and CSIRO to reach long­ Sandy Hollway, the Secretary struction & Engincering, aud twn other researchers from beneficial areas ofcollabora­ term goals. We hope these links of the Department of Indus­ through its Cldef, Larry Coal & Energy Technology. tion, to send a strong signal will bear fruit in exploring try, Science and Technology, Little, hosted a dinncr in The aims were to forge links about the critical role of business opportunities and has been appointed to the Melbourne for about 30 Boral and raise awareness of the needs research and development projects with Bora!. CSIRO Uoard for a three-year executives mul a similar term from December 6 last number of relevant year. researchers from nine divi­ After joining the Department sions of CSIRO. of Foreign Affairs in 1969, Speakers at the dinner Mr Hollway held posts in included Dr John Stocker and Islamabad, Bonn, Ottawa and Boral CEO Tony Berg. Alan Washington. Reid and Ian Ritchie from the Before joining the Depart­ Institute ofMinerals, Energy and ment of Industry, Science and Construction were also present. Technology in 1993, he spent The dinner was the forerun­ eight years with the Department ner of a Boral/CSIRO Building of Prime Minister and Cabinct, and Construction Day the including three years as a following day. It was attended principal adviser to Bob Hawke.

by Chiefs of Coal & Energy • Dr Tony Gregson has been c Technology, Forest Products reappointed to the CSIRO and Mathematics and Statistics, Board until March 31 this year. and the Deputy Chief of Sir Gustav Nossal, a member of Manufacturing Technology, plus the Board since its inauguration representatives from Applied Working together: At the dinner (from l~ftJ, Boral CEO Tony Berg, Dr Johll Stockel; and Dr David Ho in 1986, completed his current Physics, Chemicals & Poly- ji-OIn the Division ofBuilding, COllstruction and Engineering term on Decembcr 6. The New Uncertainty Principle frolll previous page their work, especially on home again, either. That is, if about science and technology, might help us locate the Higgs some other telm, it is the new economic and environmental "home" means the past - a the more likely it is to support boson may go down as a text­ reality. What also makes it the grounds. Such concems, now time when science was apart science and technology. Here is book example of speaking new uncertainty is the fluid largely confined to North from, or "above", society and an important issue for the 21st Russian to the Greeks, and then nature of societal goals and the America and Europe, will politics, somehow entitled to the Century - scientific literacy. being surprised when the Greeks political agenda - not to expand to Asia, Africa, and public's support yet not really We scientists have a clear do not understand - or do not mention the inherent uncertain­ other areas where they have not accountable except to future obligation to increase scientific wish to contribute to the effort. ties of venturing beyond the traditionally becn a major generations. literacy in American society. At the national laboratories, state of the art. cnnsideration, Doing so will help our fellow we see our role in the 21 st This new paradigm does hold Proposed products and Management citizens cope with what we all Century as that of a neutral site promise for the nation, particu­ processes will have to be proved principles know will be an increasingly and a robust bridge, connecting larly in the short term. But it is environmentally benign before To come to terms with the technological world. Doing so all the country's research not without its pitfalls, especial­ they receive approval to new uncertainty principle, we will also fostcr greater under­ communities, universities, ly for those of us engaged in proceed. This prior-proof -like Heisenberg's contempo­ standing of what it is that we do. industries, and federal, state and basic research, for which the requirement could have one raries - must change our In short, working to improve local govemment agencies in a industrial, economic and troublesome effect- shorter­ perspective and our methods. scientific literacy is not only the common researcll enterprisc environmental pay-offs are term thinking in the research We must formulate and adopt right thing to do, but also the geared to the needs of society, unspecified and largely unpre­ community. We may be tempted new research-management smart thing. both today and tomonow. dictable, ancl for the average toward the safer course of paradigms. Here are four 4. Finally, it is wise to Precisely bccause the national citizen can be so obscure as to evolving current products rather candidates; rcmember that, when you are labs deal daily with the New be non-existent. than the environmentally and 1. The degree to which speaking to an audience of Uncertainty Principle, we may Eminent marine biologist economically riskier patb of politics and society will support Greeks, communications well become the catalyst that Eugenie Clark wrote in 1969 developing wholly new scientific research is directly emciency increases markedly if hclps our colleagues in the (The Lady and the Sharks, New products. proportional to perceived return you speak Greek. American rescarch community York, Harper and Row, Chapter Most of the research projects on investment. We research Scientists must do a better job continue the advance of sciencc 1); "Not many appreciate the American science undertakes directors must be able to of making our case in terms that and technology. ultimate power and potential from now on will almost at1iculate the retum to be politics and society understand. usefulness of basic knowledge certainly include a strong derived from public investments In hindsight, arguing for billions Reprintedfrom The Scientist. Vol. accumulated by obscure, unseen energy context, flavoured with in our work. We must not only of dollars to build the supercon­ 8, No. 24, page 12. December 12. investigators who, in a lifetime an environmental and job­ be able to, but als0 willing to. ducting supercollider because it 1994. Copyright, The Scientist. Illc. of intensive study, may never creation agenda. In fact, the 2. Pre-challenge political see any practical use for their energy imperative will supplant involvement is always more findings but who go on seeking defence as the main research effective than post-challenge Electronic newspaper answers to the unknown without driver in the 21st century, World involvement. The research The Scien!LI·t, a biweekly newspaper for scientists and the thought of financial or practical population is expected to double community must become more research COnll11nnity, published in the United States, is now gain." Her comment is even by mid-centUl'y. Global energy engaged in the political world available electronically on the Internet - free of charge. The more apt today, as anyone demands are projected to at and with its denizens, preferably full text of issues since November 1992 is accessible. involved in the ill-fated least quadruple (even with before projects are challenged. Founded in 1986, The Scientist covcrs eurrent issues (recent superconducting supercollider stringent conservation measures We must overcome our commu­ ones have been laboratory design and combining motherhood will no doubt agree. in place), Society's burgeoning nity's traditional disdain for the with a scientific career) and events relevant to the professional Hers is a point we should need is apparent. "soft sciences" such as politics research environment. It is somewhat similar to Laboratorv News remember as we strive to blend Walking through a bookstore and sociology, recognising that and although its focus is mainly the US, it contains some ;ery scientific potential with political one recent weekend, I noticed a ultimately politics controls the useful anicles and updates of interest to Australian science. The reality, economics and environ­ copy ofThomas Wolfe's famous money and support we need to above article by Alan Schrieshem is an example. mentalism heading into the 21st work You Can't Go Home do our work. The extent to which You can get The Scientist via email, ftp, Gopher, WAfS ancl century. We must continue to Again. Wolfe wasn't writing we avoid the political process is WWW.Theinstructionsaresimplebutabitlongtoprinthere.so advance science in a society about research laboratories, of precisely the extent to which if you would like them, email or fax Jenifer North­ where researchers will increas­ comse, but he might just as well others will decide our fate. [email protected]; fax (06) 276 664t. ingly be challenged to justify have been. For we can't go 3. The more the public knows

360-1995 Ac#1ie IvemenfMedallions for 14 members of staff

Dr John Stocker awarded over 43 years, with currcnt Australia Duy Achievement responsibilities including Medullions to 14 CSIRO propagation of seedlings and staff this year. distribution of cUllings from the The mcdallions arc provided grape-breeding program. and by the National Australia Day sampling, harvesting and wll1e­ Councillor award by Common­ making in the experimental wealth Government depart­ winery at Merbein. ments and major agencies, such George Kerridge (Division as CSIRO. They are presented of Horticulture, Merbein. to ol'licers who have made a Victoria): for contributions to noteworthy contribution in thc CSIRO's grape-breeding past year or given outstanding program, to the planning and service over several years. operation of [be experimental winery at Merbein, and to the This year's awards to CSIRO management of the wine grape staff included a posthumous one, quality laboratory, accepted as a to .Janice lVIurgules, who died model by State Departments of last Septemhcr. She was a highly Agriculture, teaching institu­ valucd member of the adminis­ tions and the wine industry. trative staff of the Division of Hob Lewis (Division Df Water Resources in Canberra, Entomology, Black Mountain): and in nearly 17 years with CSJRO ChiefExecutive Dr John Stocker and Chairman ProFessor Adrienne CI,arJ, "'ilh Cl,'ai,rman's fDr 40 years' service that has CSIRO she made a significant Medal winners Dr Dharma Shukla and Dr Colin W

360-1995 CSIRO and science under the microscope from page 1 private corporations through the mate its two laboratories until to fully recover costs and does ISO per cent tax concession. the direction of wool industry not jeopardise its broader role. funding becomes clearer. (Dr Stocker's column on page 2 The Senate The sites at Long Pocket and comments on the lC Report.) Committee Report Yalanbee, Longford and Arding Universities: The Commis­ The Senate RepOli into the should also be retained by sion called for an enhanced role Administration and Funding of CSIRO for field research. for the Australian Research Rural Research made 19 On funding, the Committee Council, to give it more recommendations on CS1RO's recommended that CSIRO, in autonomy and responsibility for Structure and Administration, collaboration with industry and Research Quantum funding. Funding, lAPP Restructuring government, flnd ways to buffer Business: The Commission Proposals, Corrunercialisation, research programs against found that the 150 per cent tax Communications and the cyclical downturns in the rural concession has yielded a net pay­ Scientist's Perspective. sector; assess whether the 30 per off to the Australian economy. lt The key recommendation cent target has altered the ratio of recommcnded more widespread included that the CSIRO Board fundamental to applied research; R&D support through grants, or take a stronger role in the and limit its legalliabiJities through tax credits for smaller leadership of CSIRO, stream­ when commercialising research. Fire dance: David McCallum lives to organise another social companies unable to use the tax line management and adminis­ CSIRO has noted the functioll as Alex Papanis rescues himfrom a mock laboratory.fire concession. The Commission tration, and improve the recommendations of the repOli during the Division ofMineral Products' barbecue. helieves this is a more effective organisation's communications. and said that many of the approach than relying on On rural matters, the Senate rccommcndations have already selective assistance schemes. Committee recommended that been dealt with by tbe CSIRO Rural sector: The draft CSIRO reinstate the high­ Board or are being considered Safety first for report recommends that levels priority ranking of rural in the evaluation of CSIRO's of support for rural R&D rescm'Ch and funding appropri­ management and structure now funding through thc rural ate to that ranking; andlhat the being undertaken by the Board. social boss rcsearch corporations be made Government commission an This evaluaU on will draw on consistent with incentives independcnt study of the systcm the Senate Report andlndllstry Several social functions tralia campaign but directed at provided to other sectors - a of rural levies and how they arc C0111mission Report. Tbe Gov­ marked the last days of the olel or unused chcmicals and contcntious recommendation applied to research, and how the ernment is expected to di.scuss its Division of Minerall'roducts, equipment. that could result in substantial levy system could be expanded response to the Senate Report: in which was merged with the The Bcst Work Arca award reductions in government to include industries that arc February. csmo's response to Division ofMineral and went to Dennis Peebles for the support for the rural research bene1iting from, but not contrib­ the Industry Commission Report I)rocess Engineering on Carpentry Shop. corporations. uting to, tbat CSIR0 research: is due at tbe end of Febrnary, January 1 to form the new In the reSClle, Jamie McLeod Some corporations have On the lAPP restructurc, the with hearings in early March. Division of Minerals. and Alex Papanis evacuated industry levies matched on a Committee specifically recom­ For more information contact The Division of Mineral David McCallum from a mock dollar-for-dollar basis by the mended that the Division of PhiHip Moore in the Govern­ Products had been at Port fire in a laboratory. David was Government that exceed the Wool Technology should post­ ment Business alld Policy Melbourne for 30 years. A (ilted with an oxygen mask and effective benefit available to pone any decision to amalga- Section on (06) 2766252. barbecne at the site on Decem­ no chances were taken with his ber 12 featured awards to staff safety - as the Port Melbourne and a mock rescue operation. Social Club President he was The Chief of the Division of needed to organise the End-of­ Minister visits Division Mineral PJOducts, Dr Tom DMP Wake, held safely and Biegler, presented Dr Angelica successfully on December 22. Indonesia's Minister for Vecchio-Sadus from Aluminium Although business will Public Works, His Excellency Production with the award for continue as usual at the Port II' Radiual Moochtal', amI six the "Best Occupational Health Melbourne site over the next leading Indonesian business­ and Safety Suggestion". fcw years, the operation will men ,'isited the Division of She proposed an annual event eventually be relocated to the Building, Construction and similar to the Clean Up Ans- major CSIRO site at Clayton. Engineering in MelbonJ'lle on November 22. The businessmen accompany­ Step-by-step to ing the minister Oil the visit included the director of one of Indonesia's largest constluction better field trials developer groups, the head of A joint effort between CSIRO its largest water, irrigation and gained enabled the authors to power generation scbeme, and amI the Anstralian Centre of design the book to be most International AgricnUnml the leader of one of its largest useful to experimenters involved housing contractor and urban Research has resulted in a new in forestry field trials in Ans­ development groups. book that describes in an easy­ trnlia and abroad. to-read, logical way the step­ "The procedures we offer in Most had an engineering Indonesian businessmen listen as Minister Moochtar talks to by-step process needed to the book are based on over 20 background and were very researcher Dr Kwesi Sagoe-Crentsil during his visit obtain the best results from years' experience with such interested to see relevant work field trial plantings of trees. trials in several countries," says of the Division - including Minister Moochtar's back­ Prime Minister and Minister for The book, Experimental Dr Williams. "By using the work on concrete and on ground as head of the Public Housing and Regional Design and Analysisfor Use in designs advocated in the book, planning tools such as BCAider Works Department gave him a Development, had suggested the Tree ImproJlement, was written trials can be roughly 25 per cent - and to learn about CSIRO pmiicular interest in our work. visit, which staff and the visitors by the Division of Forestry's Dr smaller for the same levcl of pre­ during the three-hour visit. Brian Howe, the Deputy found mutually bcneficial. Emlyn Williams and Dr Colin cision. If you translate that into Matheson. land. resources and maintenance, Dr Williams says the book the savings are enormous." originated from a series of two­ Although the hook uses week courses that he gave in forestry examples, the statistical China (with Dr Matheson), methods and computing Thailand and Kenya on behalf techniques are equally applica­ of ACIAR. The experience ble to agricultural trials.

360-1995 361##1995

CS I RO AUSTRALIA Food sc ~mptsa flood of enquiries from the public

Food safety has been on CSIRO started last August. ....------_._------people's minds since the More importantly, consumers poisoning scare in Adelaide were informed how to avoid earlier this year. CSIRO's food poisoning from incorrectly handling and cooking meat. Division of Food Science "It's the first time I've worked and Technology and with Corporate Public Affairs Corporate Public Affairs on a major issue," Michael have been at the forefront Eyles says. "At times tile pace in giving the public and was fast and furious, but it was media accurate informa­ great to have people who tion about E.coli and listened to our communication fermented meat pl'Oducts. problems. and were During February. Corporate experienced in working with Public Affairs' monitoring media. service picked up 168 print "Having your first major articles and 908 radio and TV media christening with Four reports on fermented meat. Corners was a bit daunting. It Or Michael Eyles. from the was perfect training for tile Division of Food Science and media calls that followed. The Technology, used this daily communication team developed service to keep on top of the a communication strategy tllat i)}sue. worked well." For Michael, a flurry of The strategy Included an media aCllvity started on extensive briefing of Mick February 6, the day of the O'Donnell from Four Corners Melbourne opening of and Norman Swan from Radio Healthy eating shoMl EarSmarl, the new CSIRO National, as well advising the interactive food exhibition. relevant Ministers and creating a Foodline for the public. goes on the the road Strategy An information sheet, What A quickly assembled commu­ can you do About E. coli and EatSmart, an interactive food exhibition that Over the next few months EatSmart will be nication team, headed by Other Food Poisoning Bacteria, helps consumers understand more about visiting the Royal Easter Show and the Michael. worked out a general was prepared. healthy and safe eating, began its national Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, and West­ media strategy. The team Brigitte Cox, the Division's tour in February at Westfield Shopping Town field Belconnen in Canberra, included Jan Tennent from Liaison Officer, sent out the in Melboul'l1e. It will also make a welcome retul'l1 to the Animal Health, Fred Grau and information to her network of The exhibition highlights the CSIRO National Science and Technology Centre in BatTy Shay from Food Science people in print, radio and TV. 12345+ eating plan, which gives all the Canberra, where it had a very successful stay and Technology and Christian The communication strategy vitamins, minerals, protein and fihre the body earlier this year. The centre's Exhibition Co­ Peterson from Corporate Public created a huge demand for needs, without excessive carbohydrates, fat or ordinator, Robin Lendon, praised EatSmart Affairs. information on bacteria in meat salt. as "very impressive and very visual". Or Chris Mallett, the Chief of and how to handle food in the In the Virtual Kitchen, members of the "I loved the humour and variety evident in the Division of Food Science home. After one mention of public can design their own imaginative and the Virtual Kitchen," he says. "I was SOl'l'y to and Technology, was kept CSIRO's telephone number on delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner and sce it go." constantly informed. Or Mallett Foul' Corners, 600 calls in one check out the nutritional value of their CSIRO staff who have worked with joined a number of telephone afternoon alone swamped the selection according to the CSIRO 12345+ EatSmart report the popularity of its inter­ hook-ups that brought together Melbourne office of CSIRO's eating plan. active games and quizzes. They say working the team members. sometimes Information Network. EatSmart also pl'Ovides information on safe with the exhibition is an enjoyable break from located in three or four states. To handle future information food storage, handling and cooking to help their routine and that their role is greatly Or Mallett's primary concern demands, CSIRO Information prevent food poisoning. appreciated by visitors to the exhibition. was to get accurate and timely Network established Foodline, a information to the public, the 0055 number, based on the media, the meat industry and information sheet. Staffmeetings on evaluation CSIRO's stakeholders. Michael Eyles has only one "I believe CSIRO had an regret: he is now the "proud" A discussion papel' contain­ held in major capital cities. Leaders on the Discnssion obligation to moderate the carrier of a mobile phone, ing the findings of the beginning in about mid-April. Paper. thanks to sound advice from debate to help avoid sensation­ Board evalnation of The Acting Chief Executive, A schedule of the meetings Corporate Public Affairs. alism that distorted the issue," CSIRO's structure and Or Roy Green, will attend will be released in early April. -Christian Peterson each of the meetings to hear but was not available at the time he says. "We definitely had to way of doing bnsiness will be the 'honest broker' in this staff views and answer ques­ CoResearch went to press. A For information on what you be released in late March. important issue." can do about E.coli and other tions. It is also expected that at video will be made of one of the The team highlighted in the food bacteria in your kitchen, To give staff the opportunity least one Board member will meetings so that staff unable to media two recent E.coli surveys please ring the CSIRO Foodline to comment on the discussion attend. attend will see the presentation and the $820,000 research on 0055 15689 (70) paper and raise any queries, a Dr Green will also be holding from Dr Green and the reaction program into meat safety that A.AA25~I2I.4 sec premium. series of staff meetings will be workshops with Program of some of their colleagues. We're here to serve, says John Stacker

Dr John Stockel' ended his five-year term as CSIRO Chief Executive on March 3. Roy Green has now been confirmed as the acting Chief Executive, Dr Stocker has returned to private industry, joining Pratt Industries, where he will be responsible for developing the group's technology and innovation strategy - particularly recyding technologies, In this interview with Cl/Research, Dr Stod,er answers a representative sample of questions submitted by CSIRO staff throughout Australia,

Q. O!,illiliatil'es Ihat VOIl look external earnlllgs. J reau very completed testifies to that. So I at CSIRO, which was the mosl ca['efully the most ['ecent think there's no credibility most e,nenliallo our lOl1/?-term independent appraisal of this whatsoever III that assertion. \'uccess? target, the ASTEC Report, and Do you do " PPE alld, i(so, A. I believe the single most agreed with many of its who assesses it? important activity was getting findings. ASTEC found that the Yes. The Chief Executive absolutely clear what our mission 30 per cent extcmal earnings nowadays has a performance is: namely, to serve as the target has been a necessary agreement ancl under that world's most effective multidis­ stimulus to CSIRO gelling agreement is required to ciplinury research ol.'ganisatlon. closer to many of the industry undergo PPE like any other That was very important groups that it needs to serve, staff member. There's a sub­ because it declares that we're but that in itself thc target is an committee of the Board that is not in business to perpetuate inadequHte perJ'onnance charged with assessing the our own existence, we are here indicator for the organisation. performance of the Chief to serve. All other activities Just gelling 30 per cent of the Executive. That sub-committee within CSIRO, relating to its money into the organisation is is chaired by Adrienne Clarke, effectiveness and delivery, certainly not an adequate with whom] sit down and go derive from that statement. statement of success or failure. through objectivcs. and One (~!' the ways we have It has been a valuable target, but achievements against ol~iectives. Dr John Stocker addresses afarewefl./irt/.clio/"l. OJ'Rw1ised hy Conberra served is to pl'Ovide objective it needs to be snpplemented by cOlltilll/ed page 7 staff: Dr Glen Kile, Chi~t'(!!,the Dh'isioll o(Forestry, look.\' Oil. envirol1rnental advice on a lot of other more meaningful indices of performance. ""~=~=~n-.~==~~"'WI.'-~=~.""·.'I"'F'""~ro,'!'l"f:ffi~,""'==.",=",,,,-,~,,,,",,~'··?',,,"!·'~~"""~""'·I=·"c~~''''"~,~""=",,,,,,·'''''''''''''''''W'''''' important issues like pulp mills 1';=~_",.,.,_,_·",.)j.~~.:r.~_W!'."~=.~l"-.·~·iIl"L(~-:'i~.-!"~~=~l1IW.~~'l'I'1·""""""".""""",,'"I··""""'''''''''7,,,,",,,'''''''''''''''':'~'''''·'''''~~='''~'~'''''''' [lnd so forth, Inll sometimes our You have said in a nwnber (~f cO/wnereiol partners have a places that government needs vfsted interest in some (~llhose to take science seriously and Letters to the Editor issues. /-Iow [{re we going to that Australia as Cl nation needs ~_"7.lC~.~~,""i:-"~''''''~''_''''''''<~'''''1_''''''"1im'"''!t'.",,,,,,,,,=_''''-,e,=~,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,'W!'~~''~=>:,,'=~.'~""""",r=~.=","F"'=~""""_"~'="__"""""''''C'':''''''. ~;;.,-rr''2''~~_""""""==~~.~_~=,,_,·,,.J ..,.. _,,·_·_;·_~J~.'1I~;''""Th~~·.~,~,,:·t"""'~~""~~~''''~·~''''Jl'!:''"~''''-'·B'''''''''''''''''"'''''~~'=~·''''·:-'''~=',-. reconcile 'hose nvo aspects? to take science more seriously They are both firmly in our -- that we value our sportsmen wish to respond Dr Stacker's is only the latest in a series of to first remove all female tree charter. The Act under which vel)' higbly but not our I_coluITUl in the last issue of disparaging statements concern­ willows from waterways and CSlRO works says that it will scientists. Do you think that one CoResearch, (No 360, February ing the Senale Inquiry from then ban planting of all female be transferring its technology to day we'll have a senior enough 1995). His description of the many levels of management. andhennaphroditic clones of' business, und these days that voice in Cabinet to make the Senate Inquiry into rural basically because they don't like willow species. Where you want really means writing business government take us more research as a "rather odd the outcome. to stabilise a streambank, use contracts. And our Act also seriously? process" is a trite, shallow and Steven Davis smaller shrub willows. Large requires us to do environmental CSJRO has got now the huge unworthy statement. Division of'Iropical Animal male tree willows still have a research. So CSIRO has to advantage of having a very It should be noted that the Prodnction useful role to play in protecting rneld the opportunities repre­ senior Cabinet minister and a cause of the Senate Inquiry was Long Pocket Laboratories stopbanks (levees) and diver­ sented by those two areas. member of the Expenditure the appalling mismanagement, Indooroopilly, Qld sion groynes from serious We can do that by marketing Review Committee as the by IAPP senior management, of damaged in major Iloods. our capabilities as an impartial Minister for Science - Peter the response to a series of n response to Kurt Cremer's 5. Apart from their uses as and capable scientific research Cook. J have been very pleased financial cutbacks. They failed I assertions about the terrible shade trees, windbreaks, organisation, by making sure that he has been extremely open to properly consult with threat posed by seedling willow ornamentals, spring sources of that the contracts we draw up to input from CSIRO and from industry stakeholders, let alone colonisation of Australian rivers nectar for honey bees, riverbank with business - particularly in me personally, and I think that staff, and as a consequence of fNo sex please; they're/mm protection and erosion control. areas where they impinge on his forthcoming Innovation public and staff pressure the New Zealand, Issue 358), I have willows are being tested in environmental considerations Statement is a statement from Senate acled. To me it seems the following comments to make: plantations irrigated with city or - preserve our right to publish him that this is a vital issue that odd that Dr Stocker, as a public I. (tongue in cheek) I thought industrial waste water to important public interest is electorally an important issue official, shonld be so dismissive Australia was suffering from produce woody biolllass for findings, and that we are as well. That gives CSJRO and of taxpayers' representatives severe drought - ie, you have electricity cogeneration plants vigilant about keeping our other sources of innovation in looking at problems in a no water in your rivers anyway. in the United States and Europe. obligations to provide the Australia a unique opportunity, taxpayer-funded operation. Willows require plenty of water In Argentina there are 100,000 government with clear, which they must grab. For those who have not read to survive! hectares of tree willows planted impartial advice separate from Do you think senior CSIRO the Senate Inquiry Report 2. Your waterways are for the produclion of newsprint any commercial imperativcs. I stoj!and the board have been (which was multi-party and nsually colonised by Casuari"a and high-quality papers. In New think the resolution of the responsible ji,r" deterioration unanimons) and to correct the and Eucalyptus and many other Zealand we are investigating potential conflict will be greatly in the relationship between inaccuracies in Dr Stacker's well-adapted and tough these uses and also the nutri­ facilitated by a clearer state­ CSIRO and governmell1? column; the final report was Australian plants. All they need tional and health value of ment for CSIRO of what our In our Board Evaluation well structl1l'ed, with a collection is fencing to exclude cattle and willow coppice shoots to cattle, perfonnance indicators are. Committee musings of the last of considered responses from sheep from the riverbanks. deer, goats and sheep. Would we have been better few months we have looked at responsible internal and external 3. We have been telling our Willows are truly useful off, instead (!ltl)'illg to comply what our stakeholders think of us stakeholders. and made a set of ri vel' engineers for the past 25 multipurpose trees and shonld with the 30 per cent extemal as an organisation, and perhaps consistent recommendations. years to use only male willows not be treated as weeds! e(/mings require/nellt that the the most gratifying input has It is unfortunate that Dr for riverbank protectinn planting. Best wishes to yon and all gm'emlJlent put 011 us, to spend eome from government Stocker chose to hide behind You should be doing the same. our Ozzie competitors. our limp eJ.plail1iJlg l;vhy the departments, which have given Senator Cook's statement and I 4. You should not be discrim­ Allan Wilkinson requirement }vas inappropriate CSIRO a very big tick. Our hope that his comments will not inating against New Zealand­ Scientist (Poplars and to CSIlW:) stakes with government seem to unduly influence the Board bred Salix mats"dmJ[( x alba Willows) I think it is appropriate for have never been higher, and the Evaluation Committee's hybrids. [I' there truly is a Aokantere Research CSIRO to work to a target for review that has just been consideration of the report. This problem in Australia you need Centre, New Zealand

361-1995 Triple win in 1995 Australia Prize Tlwee CSIRO scientists meeting in Canberra that was for Australian Mineral Explo­ and an American academic preparing Australia's response rations Techuologies since 1992. have shared the 1995 to a NASA invitation to make Or Jonathan Huntington, Australia Prize, which use of satellite images of senior principal research honoured achievement in Australia obtained by its scientist with the Division of the field of remote sensing. recently launched Earth Exploring and Mining, sees Resources Technology Satellite remote sensing as "very Illuch a Theil' $300,000 prize will be - later renamed LANDSAT. hybrid subject". presented at a ceremony in Or McCracken said: "I knew "It has beeu enormous fun April. nothing about remote sensing, doing the research," he says. "1 Or Ken McCracken, founding but 1 had been building satellites enjoy working beside scientists Chief of CSIRO's Division of for 15 years and knew of the whose science is foreign to me, Mineral Physics, and his enormous revolution they had but who need me as Illuch as I colleagues Or Andrew Green brought to communications. It need them." and Or Jonathan Huntington, of was clear to me that if somebody Most recently, Or Green and the Division of Exploration and could put an eye into a satellite Or Huntington have been f\,/lining, were named on orbiting 800 kilometres above involved in the developmcnt of February 3 as winners of this the earth, it would be another the world's Jirst pulsed-laser prestigious prize, which they sea change in technology." profiling spectrometer. The share with Or Richard Moore, Or McCracken made two key instrument, carried by low­ Emeritus Professor of Electrical Prize winners 10n Huntington, Andrew Green and Ken McCracken appointments during the next flying aircraft, can identify and Computer Engineering at four years: Australian spectro­ silicate and carbonate minerals the University of Kansas. for on-line analysis of minerals, crops, and mapping ecosystems. scopist Or Andrew Green in that make up most rocks, and Their work provided tile moisture and ash in coal. Or John Stocker, CSlRO Chief 1972, and British-born geologist help detect patterns that may foundation on which much of Announcing this year's Executive at the time, said: and air photo expert Or John indicate mineral deposits. Australia's remote sensing has winners, the Federal Minister for "Bringing together different Huntington in 1974. Or McCracken, who con­ been developed, and helped to Science, Senator Peter Cook, skills to solve scientific and "We took a calculated gamble vinced CSlRO to establish its establish remote sensing as an said: "Or McCracken, an technological problems in the in predicting that the satellite Office of Space Science and integral part of Australia's astronomer, Or Green, a physical national interest has always been revolution would be of great Applications, which he directed mineral exploration industry. cllemist, and Or Huntington, a a major strength of CSIRO. benefit to the minerals explo­ until his retirement in 1989, is The Australia Prize is an geologist specialising in air-· "Largely as a result of their ration industry." l10wa beef grazier and a private international award, conferred photo interpretation, have work, Australian exploration con,ult;mt to the minerals by the Australian Government, brought complementary skills to a companies are now the most Rejected eXf''lluration industry. for researchers who have made new area of research. In the face .sophisticated users of remote­ l'ht' tearn's illltJal subrnis~lon He fim11y believes research is outstanding contributions to of initial scepticism, they have sensing techniques and data in for lunding from the /\u'itralian tile' kcy 10 the competitive science and technology promot­ persuaded Australian mineral the world." \1inerals I)ldLlstr)-" Res..:"arch indu~tric:-\ of the future. "The ing human welfare. The prize companies that renl0te sensing Before joining CSlRO 111 :.h'iOrUJtlon rejected challenge for our research was instituted in 1989 by the then could be a powerful new tool 1970 as chief of the new becU\.hc the indllSlr\. little- managers is lO know what to Science Minister Barry Jones. for mineral exploration." Division of Mineral Physics in value in ',rle new lechnology. In back when everyone seems to Each year a dillcrent category Sydney, Or Ken McCracken 1977, a revised submission disagree with them," he says. is honoured. The 1996 prize will Springboard was Professor of Physics at received enthusiastic sUPPOtt. Or Richard Moore, the other be awarded in the Jield of Senator Cook said their work Adelaide University. He had "Our success has been based winner, is a pioneer in the field pharmaceutical design, and had been the springboard for been involved in space sCience un our ability to Jind new ways of microwave-based satellite nominations close on July 31. Australia to extend its use of since 1959, when he W:lS " post­ to express and enhance subtle remote sensing, and a prolilic This is the second time that satellite imagery to monitoring doctoral fellow at the Ma"a­ gcological features present in inventor of new remote-sensing CSIRO scientists have won the of overgrazing, erosion, chusetts Institute ofTecl1l10logy. satellite data," says Or Green, devices that have helped Australia Prize. The Jirst was in flooding and fire damage, the His first ofJicial task for who has been Director of the revolutionise mapping and 1992 for Coalscan, technology development and Ilealth of CSIRO was to attend a research Co-operative Research Centre monitoring the earth's surface. Best showcase for research Australia may the Hanover Best will comprise confer­ Fair of the Asia Pacific ences, exhibitions and site visits through a proposal now in specific sectors, and will being led by a group of encourage cross-fertilisation senior business, govern­ between sectors and disciplines. ment and science figures. State and Federal governments (including Austrade) will target The idea is a biennial expo of their overseas visitor programs at science and industry to be Best, to gi ve a strong presenta­ known as Best - Best Engi­ tion 01" Australia's R&D neering, Science and Technology. capabilities, instead of the Best will help make Australia a current ad hoc approach. meeting ground of science and Four Melbourne-based business in this region. universities, the Victorian CSIRO's Director of Corpo­ Government's Departments of rate Busincss, Peter Bradfield, is Tourism and Business and Peter Bradfield: biennial expo a member of the Board of Best, Employment, the Institution of which is chaired by John Ralph, advantage of the massive Engineers and the Common­ the former Chief Executive 01" international attcntion to market wealth Department of Industry, CRA. The Board also includes itself as an excellent location for Science and Technology have 1"ormer Senator John Button and researcb and development. invested $20,000 each to chief executives of several Mr BradJield said the project develop the concept. leading pri vate and government was conceived in tile Corporate Mr Bradfield said the impact business organisations. Business Department as part of of Best on Australia's techno­ Best is intended to buildup to tbe Melbourne Head Office's new logical profile in the Asia-PaciJic a major showcase or science approach to doing business ­ has obvious spin-off benefits for and technology in 2000, the outwardlooldng, intemationally CSrRO, and our involvement year of the Sydney Olympics. oriented and strongly focused will provide a new network to This will help Australia take on interaction with industry. enhance interaction with industry.

361-1995 Stirring experiment at ChajJey Dam quality graphics and lifelike items from the rainforest. Key themes will explain why tropical rainforests are A TEAM headed by CSIRO's Or Bradford Sherman is such a rich and diverse ecosystem, explore the forces using a compressor and 700 meters of piping to pump that have an impact on the system and reveal some of air into the bottom of the Chaffey Dam, neat Tam­ Short the hidden features that make the rainforest a unique worth in New South Wales, in a three-year experiment and exciting place. designed to identify new techniques for improving water quality. shots The problem in Chaffney is that potentially danger­ How useful are trees on farms? ous blue-green algae thrives in the top warm layers SCIENTISTS at the CSIRO Division of Water while the cool lower layers' lack of oxygen results in Demand already exceeds supply and if Australia Resources began a National Tree Survey in February. high concentrations of iron and manganese. Both cannot meet it soon, other countries will. The CRC's Thousands of tick-a-box surveys have been sent to conditions make the water unfit for consumption. research program is working in almost every sector of farms throughout Australia, and the answers will help Destratifying the water by mixing would remove the the aquaculture industry with 27 different projects, build up a picture of successful tree-planting strategies. top warmer layer and increase oxygen lower down. from manufacturing feed for ranched tuna to harness­ It is hoped that, among other things. the survey will Although Or Sherman expects no easy solutions, the ing natural bacteria to reduce the need for antibiotics settle the contentious issue of whether trees should be $600,000 experiment is expected to provide insight in fish farming. planted on discharge sites to treat dry land salinity. into managing destratification of water storage in Such planting has worked well in some areas and Australia's warmer regions. Revealing secrets ofthe rainforest failed in others. CSIRO is developing a world-class rainforest interpre­ Aquaculture research centre opens tive display for Barron Falls Station on the new Laboratory upgrade in Townsville A NEW Co-operative Research Centre for Australian Skyrail cableway in far north Queensland. DAVIES Laboratory in Townsville is undergoing a Aquaculture at the Fisheries Research Institute in The $30 million Skyrail cableway, due to start $2.2m upgrade, in line with its strategic importance as Cronlllla, New South Wales, was opened on February operating in August, will carry more then 260,000 a CSIRO research facility in northern Australia. 2 I by the Federal Minister for Resources, David people a year over the 7.5km route from Smithfield, a The laboratory's OIC, Or Ross Covcntry, says the Beddall. subnrb of Cairns, to Kuranda, a village in the rainfor­ complex had become shabby and I1mdown and staff Aquaculture is Australia's fastest-growing primary est. Barron Falls is one of two stops along the way. are excited about the building project. ''The new industry and is expected to be worth $500 million by Skyrail is building a $650,000 interpretive centre construction will help us carry out sophisticated the year 2000. The industry produces and exports building to house the CSIRO display. After skimming research projects with other research centres in mainly high-value species and luxury products from over the rainforest, tonrists will alight at the centre and Australia and overseas," he says. more than 60 cultured species, including prawns, enjoy a integrated display that will combine interactive CSIRO research in the region has been of critical salmon, tuna, abalone and oysters. computer programs, digital sound recordings, high- importance to northern cattle and cropping industries. A.chance to refine your media skills The CSIRO Media Skills electronic media journalists. Course is being run again It covers topics such as media this year, to help scientists releases and staging a launch, take their message into the with separate sections Oil radio. community. television and print media. Brochures about the course It will be conducted by are available from Divisional CSIRO communicators Jenni Communicators or Personnel Metcalfe (Division of Tropical Officers. Crops and Pastures) and Toss This year's course dates are: Gascoine (Centre for Environ­ Media skills - Canberra, May 4-5 meutal Mechanics), who (register by April 20); Melbourne, May developed the course in 1992. 22-23 (May 8); Sydney. June 26-27 The scientific approach is (June 12); Brisbane, July 24-25 (July 1D); Perth, August, 14~15 (July 31); Canberra, Launch ofthe SET! project at Parkes ObservalOlY: From l~li, Robin Williams (ASC), Dr fill Tarter often at odds with the media's September 7-8 (August 24); Adelaide, (SET! Institute), ProjRon Ekers (Director ojATNF) and DI' Marcus Price (OIC Parkes Observatory) need to get to the point simply. October 16-17 (October 2) The media course aims to Presentation skills - Canberra, April 27-28 (register by April 13); Melbourne. demystify the media's modus May 25-26 (May 11); Sydney, June Time for ET to phone home operandi, to introduce scientists 29-30 (June 15); Brisbane, JUly 27-28 to working journalists and to (July 13); Perth. Augusi 17-18 (August 3); The scientists wiJl be looking by CSIRO that converts radio Adelaide, October 19-20 (October 5); US scientists have begun a give scientists interview SYdney, October 23-24 (October 9); search for extraterrestrial at nearby stars similar to the signals from space over a very experience with print and Melbourne, November 13-14 (Oclober 30). life, using CSIRO's Parkes Sun, in the hope that these wide range of wavelengths into telescope in western New might have planetary systems electrical signals. South Wales. that host advanced civilisations. The receiving equipment Aerospace work on The search, called Project As stars, galaxies and other divides the incoming signal into Phoenix, began in February. It objects in the universe produce more than 28 million channels display at airshow will be conducted by scientists their own natural radio signals, and will look at each channel from the SETI (Search for looking for the artificial signals about once a second. CSIRO's contribution to the lion; llniqne capabilities in Extraterrestrial Intelligence) from the technology of other Most scientists believe that aerospace industry is being testing and characterisation of civilisations is like looking for a Institute, who will look for the idea of searching for radio highlighted in an Institute materials; and machine vision needle in a haystack. specific types of radio signals signals is reasonable. Even if of Industrial Technologies and manufacturing systems However, man-made signals interstellar travel were possible that appear to be from technolo­ display during the Aus­ work that is helping business gy similar to our own. from television stations, for an extraterrestrial civilisa­ tralian International improve efficiency in manufac­ The co-ordinator of the military radar and communica­ tion, it would be cheaper and turing and service industries. Airshow at Avalon airfield Australian side of the project, tion satellites will be weeded out quicker to communicate by Members of the public will CSIRO's Or Kelvin Wellington, with the help of a second CSIRO radio. fl'om March 24 to 26, be invited to make a paper says: ''The SETI people are telescope near Coonabarabran, Project Phoenix is a direct The show enables CSIRO to plane, the CSIRO Flier, while going to look at about 1000 250km north of Parkes. descendant of a NASA program demonstrate its expertise to also enjoying the display's more stars in all. They have come to The SETI Institute's contract cancelled by the US Congress in leading local and international traditional aspects, such as text, Australia to study 200 stars that with CSIRO will bring more October 1993. The SET! manufacturers and customers. photographic and sample can only be seen from the than $2 million to the Australian Institute, a non-profit organisa­ The display will emphasise product exhibits. Southern Hemisphere. CSIRO economy. The cost of the search tion, raised funds from the three areas of CSIRO research: The display will also be taken has the best telescopes for this has been reduced by special private sector to continue the the development of advanced to the Australian Science part of Project Phoenix." equipment designed and built search. materials for aircraft constmc- Festival in Canben'a in May.

361-1995 HeWN Director eyes lNorld·best target Dr Chris Mallett has been Dr Mallett took several initia­ of Australia being the leading, Dr Mallett sees today's appointed as the new tives to improve the Division's most effective and emcient CSIRO as a dynamic, forward­ Director of the Institute of business performance. These producer of particular materials," looking organisation. He says: Animal Prodnction and included reorienting the he says. "It is a privilege to be "I think CSIRO is now much Processing. Division and focusing its allowed to lead the Institute and more flexible, and given that its mission, vision and operating the real work is to build the mission is to become the most Dr Mallett came to CSIRO principles on external corporate disciplines in the Institute and to effective research organisation, from industry only a year ago as customers, and initiating a focus on its application to it requires both scientists of Chief of the Division of Food strategic review of the Divi­ benefit Australian industry and exceptional talent on the one Science and Technology. He sion's research infrastructure. the public." hand but also people who are brought with him leadership and He also contributed to the Prime Or Mallett strongly supports able to manage the interface managerial experience in a Minister's Science and Engi­ a free-flowing exchange of staff between science and industry. range of companies in the food neering Council's Working between CSIRO and industry. "I think it is still possible to industry, including an impres- Party on Food ill Asia. Speaking of his time as Chief of have a very satisfying and si ve record as a general Or Mallett, who takes up his the Division of Food Science and enjoyable career in CSIRO. But, manager of the innovative Birds new post in April, says his key Technology, he says: "We have I thiuk the attitude that 'you Eye Wall's in Britain, and challenge is to pursue CSIRO's had a number of people in the now have a job for life and radical ideas for applying R&D goal of becoming the world's Division seconded to some of our we'll put you in a laboratory to enhance indnstry competi­ most effective and efficient major customers to learn more and let you get on with science, tlveness. scientific research organisation. about their operation and to just let us know when you want Dr Chri.\· Mallell: "A privilege As Chief of the Division of "1 am working in an Institute understand the context in which your retirement' is well past, to lead the Institute" Food Science and Technology, where there are many examples our research work is applied." and those days will not return." Off to the revolution McLennan award Dr John O'Snllivan, the was way beyond what other Deputy Chief of the Divi­ [;J//~.~ ,~ people were talking about - up nominations open sion of Radiophysics since to lOO megabits per second ­ Nominations are being Smith and his Lateritic Environ­ 1989, has left CSIRO to I'; .••.. and going to frequency ranges ments Team from the Division called for the Sit' Ian that went well beyond what join News Limited as McLennan Achievement of Exploration and Mining were Technology Dil'ector. anybody else was talking about. recognised for their contribu­ This took the Division to a for Industry Award. This He will be involved in the tions to the Australian mineral world leadership position." annual award is made to very sophisticated technological CSIRO scientists and exploration industry. Or innovation dema.nded by Before joining the Division Possingham, who used to lead of Radiophysics as Principal engineers whose achieve­ the Division of Horticulture, contemporary mass media, ments have been of benefit especially in Pay TV, informa­ Research Scientist in 1983, Dr won for his contributions to to Australian industry. tion services and infotainment O'Sullivan was head of the Australia's grape-growing and technology. Engineering Department of the Winners receive the Sir Ian wine industries. As Deputy Chief 01' Radio­ Netherlands Foundation for McLennan Medal and a grant of Brochures explaining the physics, Or 0'Sullivan saw Radio Astronomy. up to $15,000 for an overseas award have been sent to all sites study tour related to their himself as principally a co­ Dr John O'Sullivan: "There:, He says his involvement with and nominations close June 30. achievement. This year's award ordinator responsible for the part (!fme that's sad to go" CSIRO has been challenging For more details, contact overall management of the and rewarding. "And I've will be presented at a lunchtime Karen Robinson, CSIRO various scientific activities of "The Division had very enjoyed the company of the ceremony in Sydney in October. Corporate Communication, PO the Division. strong antennae research work, people," he says. "So, there's Last year there were joint Box 225, Dickson, ACT 2602; "The major thrust of what I strong signal processing, and certainly part of me that's sad to winners, Or Raymond Smith phone (06) 276 6108, fax was doing was to bring the also had people doing great go and there's part of me that's and Dr John Possingham. Or (06) 276 6641. various parts of the Division work on the design and proto­ sad I won't be part of the future together," he says. typing of radio integrated there. Or 0'Sullivan was instru­ circuits. So we started a project "[ feel confident that from the SDR ClInical Technology mental in establishing new to work on particular radio or Division of Radiophysics' point offers a range of structures so that different parts wireless applications, the major of view, there are bigger and Scientific Software Packages, of the Division could more one being wireless connection brighter things ahead. On the effectively combine on big of computers. other hand, I'm somebody who Jandel Scentific Software SigmaPlot Powerful scientific graphing software (Win, DOS, Mac) projects. One of the major "These were wireless looks forward to change and projects was to develop high­ networks that were aimed at new things. I'd like to be part of SigmaStat Statistical software for scientist (Win. DOS) speed wireless computer providing capabilities up to and the new information revolu­ TableCurve 2D Automated 2D curve fitting software networks. including multimedia, which tion." (Win. DOS) TableCurve 3D Automated 3D surface fitting software (Win) Communication review PeakFit Non-linear peak analysis software (DOS) SigmaScQfJ/lll1oge Image measurement software (Win) As part of its evaluation of groups across the organisation. the review. Mr Bright's proposal SigmaSnite Integrated graphics, statistics and image measurement (Win) CSIRO's structure and A task force has been was selected from five invited A low priced ooxed set conuu.ning SigrnaPlot, SigmaStat and SigmaScan/lmage. way of doing business, the established to oversee this expressions of interest to SigmaPlot Graph Library Voll 150 scientific graphs for SigmaPlot Win V2.0 Board has decided that a review. It comprises Dr Tom undertake the review. Biegler (Division of Minerals), Over tile next month Mr review of CSIRO's internal Moella Automated image analysis software (Win) communication procedures Or Simon Can'oll (Division of Bright will conduct interviews Biopac Biomolecular Engineering), Dr with a range of staff as well as AeqK'lOwledge Signal analysis software (Win,Mac) is needed. several focus group discussions. Pauline Gallagher (Division of (Hardware: Targa+ frame grabber, Digitisers & Data Acquisistion Sytems also available) In particular, the Board wants Animal Health), Ms Wendy Any staff with a particular to examine the effectiveness of Parsons (Institute of Natural interest in the review are Ring (02) 958-2688 for further details. current mechanisms used for: We offer local support. SDR Clinical Technology specialises in equipment Resources and Environment) encouraged to contact Lindsay for physiology and clinical measurement. • transfer of infonnation on key and Mr Lindsay Bevege Bevege or any other of the task Board and Executive decisions (Corporate Public Affairs), who force members. Mr Bright's Buy direct from the Australian Distributor: to staff and management; and will act as Secretary. report will be made available as CLINICAL 213 Eastem Valley Way • the two-way flow of The task force has engaged a discussion paper before going Middle COlla NSW 2068 Australia information between staff and Mr Steve Bright of Catalyst to the Executive Committee and SDR TECHNOLOGY Tol: (02) 958 2688 management, and between Communication to assist with the Board. PItIP<1a~:ClirOOal Tllchnology PI)' Um:u.d. ACN 002 881 ails Fax: (02) 958 2655

361-1995 'Zimmie' awarded CSIRO Medal "Or mwood Zimmerman," has never been any doubt that Division of Entomology, and said John Stocker, "is one Zimmie's Australian Weevils is Curator of Weevils for the of the tnlC believers." a major contribution to science, Australian National Insect In hi, last public appearance and in particular to the study of Collection. He retired, officially, in Canberra, the out-going Chief biodiversity. in 1982. In practice, he has Executive presented a Special I But there is more to Aus­ continued to work with the CSIRO Medal to "Zimmie" (a, i tralian Weevils than mere Division (according to local I he is known to friends and taxonomy. Zimmie's fellow legend, 12 hours a day, seven colleagucs) in recognition of an entomologist, and feared critic, days a week) as an Honorary extraordinary career in science. Roy Crowson of Glasgow wrote Research Pellow. At 82, Zimmle ha, produced in a review: In the preface to ALl.llralllln ,ome 10,000 page, of scientilic "Dr ZlmmermuJ1 never Weevils, Zimmie wrote: lntorl11alion. Hi~ musterwork i!-l forgets that the study of " ... one of the greatest the clght-volume Auslralwn Curculionoidae is a human rewards of being a systematIC Wen'd,l, launched In l-'ebruary activity; he writes in the manner entomologist IS thm when one 1994 by the then lVlinister for of a cultured human being, not a gets old with at least some of Science, Chris Schacht. IfJohn Stocker 1rvith Ehvood Zimrnerm.ar! at the medal presentotion computerised committee, with the vital senses intact, one need According to Zimmie, he ha, many personal touches, literary never want for somethmg new catalngued and de,cri bed 4000 Washington, in 1912. He says ment was as field entomologist quotations and figures of and stimulating to do, and one specle...; 01 Australian weevil ­ that he had decided to make at the Bernice P. Bishop speech; such qualities are too can look forward ill eager and there may be a~ many as insects his life study even Museum in Hawaii in 1934. rarely seen in the major works anticipation to what exciting, 6000 species to go: before he left high school. He Twelve years later he became of scientific specialists of any previously unknown fact or Australia has a 11l1lque wcnt on to the University 01 the museum's Curator of variety, and make for unusual organism may come, to greet profusion of weevils, and in California, where he wrote his Entomology. During this time pleasure in reading tllis one." tomorrow's ~unrise. How Zimmie, ,aid Or Stocker, they first scicntific paper before he he wrote the definitive nine­ Zimmie joined CSIRO in fortunate it is for one to be able have met lheir match. linished his first year. volume Insecls ofHawaii. 1973, He became a Senior to do so." Zimmie was born in Spokane, His lirst scientific appoint- Among the specialists, there Research Fellow with the -Nicl{ Goldie 'Board should have power to sack' .Ii'0111 page 2 confronted in the organisation's than any of the fOl'mal parades whether CSIRO should suhsume career development opportuni­ I think the drawback 01' the evaluation. I think that divisive­ or presentations that I partici­ them. Do )'OU think you should ties for many staff members. CSIRO Act at the moment is ness, the setting-up internally of pated in. have seized those opportunities? On the personal level, the job that the Board doesn't have the boundaries that get in the way ofChi~t"Execulive Wlwl was the worsllhing? As Chief Executive of is grinding of us being the world's most ultimate authority to assess the Missing the plane in Sydney CSIRO, I've never felt in long hou"" you have to travel etfective multidisciplinary performance of and if necessary on Friday evening when I was particularly acquisitive mode, I all over Ihe coulltry, How do research organisation. are the fire the Chief Executive. This is trying to get to Seymour to don't think bigger and bigger is you keep fit and heallhy? a of government. I main threat. prerogative spend the weekend tending my better and beller, In particular, I The single most important believe the Act should be Externally, I think it is all the grapevines, felt that the continuing separate sanity factors in this job are changed to make tile relation­ caterwauling that goes on about Wilh hindsight, would you identity ofANSTO, given the having a family for which yOll CSIRO from ginger groups, and ship between the CSIRO Chief still haw joined CS/RO? nuclear emphasis within that find some time and also having a Executive and the Board the same other lobbies who have long With hindsight, with fore­ group, is good for ANSTO and completely different and outside as is usual in all private corpor­ looked with jealous eyes upon sight, with any other sort of probably good for CSIRO. In interest. I've got a fantastic ations and lllallY government the government appropriation sight. It has been one of the our submission to the McKin­ family and a tenuous vineyard. agencies, where that authority is we get and wanted it diverted highlights of my career, I've non Review of Marine Science, Are you looking forward to {/ vested with the Board. into other areas. These are benefitted enormously from it; we did make a case for AIMS quielel" lilestyle in your new Now that you are leaving jealousies that are going to I've learned a lot in my time in being incorporated into CSIRO, existence? CS/RO afew other people are occur in any democracy. But if. the organisation and developed and I still think that would be No, my new existence is wondering whelher CSIRO is as happened in New Zealand, a deep affection for it. sensible, because it reinforces showing every sign of being a the voices of doom win. there is ,lIill worth working.f(J/: During your time here there the multidisciplinary approach to very noisy lifestyle and one that a real danger that a structure as CSlRO is a great national was discussion ahout AIMS, science that CSIRO can muster, will keep me running just as fast resource and a tremendously important as CSlRO will just be ANSTO and AGSO, and and also probably gives better as I've ever nm. important national organisation. swept away in a flood of I think that it is most certainly economic orthodoxy. DR GEORGE MUNRO, a gained him his doctorate of worth working for, and the next What was the besllhing in pioneer of ionospheric science from the University of chapter of my life in industry your lime as Chi~lExecutive al research, died on September New Zealand in 195 I. will be very much trying to CS/RO? 14 last year, aged 93. Research Board at Melbourne utilise the resource that is By far the best thing was Or Munro was born in New University. His work provided BRIAN POTTER, a highly represented by CSIRO to meet getting out and meeting people, Zealand and obtained his BSc valuable data for the planning respected physiologist who corporate objectives. I think the particularly at rather remote and MSc from the University of the national broadcasting carried out extensive studies of nourishing of CSIRO that I sites, Things like visiting the of New Zealand, Auckland network, as well as forecasts salt and water metabolism in foresee in the next five years Australia Telescope at Parkes College, for Charles Kingsford-Smith's sheep, died on February 3. will be due to people in industry and getting up on top of the As a research scholar, he first trans-Tasman flight. In 1948 Brian joined the taking a greater interest in its dish, going right up to Useless carried out experiments that During the second world Division of Biochemistry and workings. It will only be able to Loop in WA and seeing the led to his discovery of the war, Dr Munro established and General Nutrition (now the be effective in this context if the burrowing bettongs tnking their ionosphere in the Southern operated the Australian Division of Human Nutrition), people in CSIRO can be highly first tentative footsteps again on Hemisphere. Scientific Liaison Office in having obtained his BSc from motivated and can work to the mainland of Australia after This was published in the London and then Washington. the University ofAdelaide in sllared objectives. It will be part extinction on the mainland. UK in 1926, the same year that, The initial emphasis of these 1945. He was awarded an MSc of my job to interact with Those things gave me a real he joined the UK Department offices was on radar but in 1950. people in the organisation to set buzz, as did going into laborato­ of Scientific Research at eventually the whole field of Brian was elected a Fellow and agree upon objectives, and ries in the Division of Radio­ Slough, where he was involved science was covered. of the Royal Australian sec that they are met. physics or Chemicals and in research that was the basis After the war, he headed the Chemical Institute in 1976. He What do you see as Ihe Polymers, or a host of others, of what became known as Sydney Radio Research Board retired from the Division of grealest harriers 10 Ihal sorf of" and actually sitting on a bench radar. until his retirement in 1966. Human Nutrition in 1985 after positive.liltllre Fir CSIRO? and talking to scientists about Dr Munro came to Australia His paper Travelling Dislur­ a decade of work on various This is an issue that the their work. Those certainly were in 1929 and joined the Radio hances in the Ionosphere iodine deficiency projects, Board sub-committee has more outstanding memories

361-1995 A marathon effort in WA A CSIRO team called The their colleagnes' support for Siromins braved treacher­ navigation, direction, suste­ ous seas and other dangers nance and safety. to participate in the 20km A constant shark watch from Perth to Rottllest Swim­ the front and back of the boat ming Race on February 18. ensured no loss of life or limb, but little could be done about This event is becoming one tile menacing jellyfhh stings. of the world's most popular When Simon Cook received a marathon swims, ranking with bad sting in his mouth he was those around Rhode Island in temporarily replaced by Tim the United States and across the Wiese, who was fighting his English Channel. own problem of seasickness. The mnlti-division team was The swimmers alternated named after Siromin, a mineral every 15 mitmtes and refreshed additive/supplement for themselves with Colin White's agriculture/livestock invented "CSIROjuice" and his by CSIRO in Western Australia, perfectly calculated energy and used extensively across the replacement meals prepared by south and south-eastern areas of Forestry researcher Janine The Siromins swimmers alld support crew, fivm left, back row: Sarah Davies, John Bell, SinlOn Cook, Australia. The swimming team Catchpole. Tim Weise, Colill White, John Mo/gall alld boat skipper Briall Whelan; FOllt row: Elspeth Cook, Robyn flew a Siromin bag from its Ingenuity and effort paid off Dylles, Narelle Chamberlain, He/en Q'Dolloghue, Peter Carrol, Janine Catchpole and GOIlZ Mata boat's mast as a flag. and The Siromil1s completed the impressive achievement just to The team's swimmers­ marathon in six hours, 48 finish the perilous swim. John Bell, Simon Cook, Colin minutes and J0 seconds. Noel's innings White (one of the inventors of Although international This year's participants Siromin) and Tim Wiese (a WA champions can cover the included 90 four-swimmer relay Agriculture Department distance in four-and-a-half teams, 25 duos and 25 individ­ takes the cake adviser) - relied heavily on hours, it is considered an ual competitors. Noel Tregoning, Planning Data Analyst in the Strate­ Recognition frolJ1 US gic Planning and Evalna­ tion Unit in Canberra, Dr John Philip, whose Director of the CSIRO Institute celebmted 40 years with pioneering research in soil of Physical Sciences. CSIRO on February 22. water hydrology and Dr Philip's 45-year career Fifty colleagues attended an related fields has affected with CSIRO makes him one if aftellloon tea in his honour, at the design and operation of its five longest-serving mem­ which Arthur Blewitt, Director irrigation schemes around bers. Although now formally of Corporate Services, made a the world, has been made a retired. he puts in long hours at speech and presented Noel with the Centre for Environmental Foreign Associate by the a letter of congratulations from Mechanics, where he is Dr John Stocker. US National Academy of producing his 290th paper. Engineering. Noel began his career as a Dr Philip's relentless clerk at Head Office in East This honour has been dedication to his work has not Melbourne. He remembers his conferred on only one other prevented him from cultivating flrst day as "a bit terrifying for a Australian, Sir lan McLennan, a various other interests: he is a kid from the Gippsland bush". former chairman of BHP. published poet, an accomplished His first job, as the Records Dr Phi lip, who retired from cook and a connoisseur of Dr John Philip: dedication office boy, was to index the CSIRO in 1992, had previously architecture. In the latter mail. "I got the staff clerk, Ian Noel Tregoning cuts the cake to been elected to the Australian CSIRO's Division of Plant capacity, he brought into being McKenzie Ross, mixed up with mark his 40th anniversaty Academy of Science, the Royal Industry in Deniliquin and the Environmental Mechanics the Chairman. Sir Ian Clunies 1988 he became the Research Society of London and the began a phenomenal output of building, regarded by many as Ross, with the result that the Russian Academy ofAgricultur­ scientific papers. the most architecturally Data Officer in the CO!1Jorate Chairman got all the staff mail." Finance Unit. In 1992, this al Sciences. I-lis work replaced discon­ successful laboratory in Noel has seen much change, position was transferred to the The son of a dairy inspector nected and often folkloric Australia, and has subsequently particularly in technology, over Corporate Planning Office, in Ballarat, John Philip was a theories about the way water served as a judge of the Sulman the years. In 1955, he learnt which became the Strategic child prodigy who matriculated moves through soil with prize for architecture. how to operate the first photo­ Planning and Evaluation Unit at 13 and graduated from physically based mathematical Reconciling such seemingly copier at Head Office, which after a 1994 review. Melboume University as a descriptions. competing interests is not "involved intricate juggling Surprised and touched by the bachelor of cl vil engineering at In 1959 he became bead of difficult for Dr Philip. "I don't with both positive and negative aftemoon tea, Noel realised that 19. Ajob as graduate assistant the Agricultural Physics section think they're very different, to photographic paper". It had an two-thirds of those present in agricultural engineering with of the Division of Plant Industry be frank," he says. "I guess I get output of 25 copies an hour. "weren't even a twinkle in their that university found him in Canberra. In 1972 he was a lot of my kicks in life from, A few years later, in the fathers' eyes" when he started at spending much of 1947 at the appointed foundation chief of shall we say, pursuing the hunt finance area, he had one of the CSIRO. CSIR lITigation Research tile new CenU'e for Environmen­ for new connections and new flrst electric calculators - "a Station at Griffith. tal Mechanics in Canberra. He insights wherever they are. Despite his own success as a mechanical monster, weighing Early in his career, he laid out held this post until he was made "It's all a matter of creativity long-term CSIRO employee, abollt 28 pounds, that went the first stages of the Burdekin the inaugural CSIRO Fellow in and doing the most interesting Noel regards the mobility of clack, clack, clack. More often Irrigation Scheme in Queens­ 1991, except that from 1980 to things you can during your brief today's graduates as a good than not, we would have land. In 1951 he joined 1983 he was foundation existence," thing. "I don't think it is in worked out the equation on a theirs or CSIRO's interests to jotter before it finally belted out hang in there for 40 years with the answers." the one show," he says. "The By 1972 Noel was promoted type of experience we and they to Manager of the Overseas need nowadays can't he Accounting Unit in the Canberra obtained in-house but comes head office Finance Section. In from various areas."

361-1995 362##1995

CS I RO AUSTRAtlA Ne1NCEO Mve YoU ReAJ)~t appointed COMMUNIGAirD# R~PORT An Australian scientist, Dr Commillec of Inquiry into Malcolm Mclntosh, has Technological Change in YeT? been appointed as the new Australia, and Secrelmy to the Chief Executive of CS!RO. Australian Department of Indus­ The CS IRO Board selected try, Technology and Commerce. Or Mc lntosh I"rom an outstand­ Announcing the appointment, ing internationaJlield 01" the Minisler for Industry, candidates. The recruitmcnt Science allll Technology, process involved a rigorous Senator Petcr Cook, said Or national and international search. Mdntosh would bring to with a shorllist 01" 14 candidate.' CSlRO a unique combination o!' interviewed in Melbourne, management, commercial and London and New York. internatLonal experience with solid scicntHic credentials. For the past live years Or Dr Malcolm MclnlOsh: career McIntosh has worked in Britain has focused un t)wuaging the "He has been an excellent ~~3-~~~~~>-~i­ for the Mmistry of Del'ence. At hue/lace "efween the public ambassador for Australia and I present he is rhe most senior and private sectors believe his contribution to the non-British executive in the UK Australian seientiJic community civil service. A~ Permanent tee continue to be addressed. in leading CSIRO will be Communication LJlHler,'leCret<.lry o( Stale for Dr Mclntosh, 49, has a PhD invaluable for ollr future," Del"ence Procurement, he is in physics I"rom the Australian Senator Cook said. responsible for a budget of £ I 0 National University and worked Or Mclntosh said he was repo released billion, primarily for sophisti­ as a research scientist at the looking forward to his new role, catedtechnology, and a slaiT of Weapons Research Laboratory. and to bringing his family buck Action is already being tions have been acted on Immediately. lip to 35.000. After a period of service in the to Australia. taken on the recommen­ Chief Executive Dr Roy BlCc<.Iuse of commitments in Australian Army, he embarked "It has always been a source dations in the Bright Green says internal communi­ hi, current posilion, Or Mclntosh 011 a career that has focLlsed on of national pride to me to see Rcport, which has given cation is a major concern to IS unable to join CSlRO until managing the interface between how highly regarded CSIRO is guidelines for improving both stall and management January. Actll1g Chici' Or Green the public and private sectors. internationally. I will be CSIRO's internal com­ ancltlle report gives a real h,l.s been appoinled as thc Chief His experience includes a determined 10 see that its munication. opportunily I'or positive action Executive until then to ensure that number of senior appointmcnts reputation for scientilic excel- The reporl, prepared by to improve the situation. the key strategic issues identi­ ill Australian eC0110111ic min­ lence maintained, and its talents ~. Stephen Bright of Catalyst "I think it's been a long­ lied by the Evaluation COll1ll1il- iSlries, Secretary of Ihe Mycrs applied in the national interest." ! Communication Consultants, running problem," he says. stresses that the current "CSIRO's spectrum or debates and uncertainty activity and its geographic within CSlRO are typical of spread make it an extremely hundreds of Australian complex organisation to organisations of all sizes that handle in terms of communi­ j are struggling to increase cation ~~ in both the accountability, effectiveness technology as well as the and perfonnance. practice. An Executive Forum response to the Discussion Paper. Divisions. with Illulti-Divisional But it points out that CSIRO "There's no one answer; meeting on July 26-27 will The staff forums were held in teams coming togetller for is well placed to cope because there's a set of answers. One be finalising action on some April, when Acting Chief speciJic projects. it has highly intelligent, is the technology: we don't of' the key findings of the Executive Dr Roy Green visited It suggests that the Executive skilled and dedicated tal k very well to each other evaluation process. CSIRO sites in each capital city be restructured as a team of personnel, the support of the with e-mail. because the to talk to staff about the Group Executives/Executive Australian society and a packages \-ve have are 110t all The !'orum will consicler Discussion Paper. General Managers. wilh more reputation as a world-class communicable across the reports from four task forces The evaluation process is emphasis on their corporate and force in the development of system. covering CSIRO's role, culture, examining ways to strengthen strategic responsibilities. technology and ideas. "But the other is more the structure and clients, CSIRO's service to custolllers. The Discussion Paper The report was based on way we behave. One of the It will also consider submis­ enhance accessibility to its acknowledges that inlernal extensive surveys of staff at clear messages is that sions from two subcommittees research, increase flexibility and communication i~ a critical all levels and across all areas. cornmunication is best done covering internal communications improve talent pooling across issue. and this has been the The lindings will be red vocally or face to face. and research support services. the organisation, as well as subject of a separate report (see into the evaluation process "We are going have to The task forces have been Illaintaining CSIRO's traditional story at right). and the recommendations make sure that the geographic examining lhe issues raised in research excellence. It also recommends analysing have already been considered distances are handled and that the Board Discussion Paper, as One of the Discussion the effectiveness of researdl by the Board and Executive the OICs Jind the time to do well as the views of stall put Paper's major recommendations support, with the aim of directing Committee. the talking to the star!'." forward during staff forums and is to abolish the Institutes and to more resources to research. Many 01" the recommenda- continued page 7 in some 80 submissions in have less rigidly structured continued page 2 No longer an actor Letters to Aftel- several months as leadership that John Stocker Acting Chief, DJ- Roy showed, and put a number of Green has been appointed things in place ready for the new the Editor Chief Executive until Dr chief. I certainly haven't just Malcolm McIntosh's been keeping the .scal warm!" arl'ivaI next year. Or Green says his visits to am writing to congratulate pleased [0 sce that it occurred in CSIRO ccntres around the the Siromins on their his home state of Western O!" Green admits that wlren I country to discuss the proposed achievement in competing in Australia. While it's a bit early he was Ilrst asked to stel' in as restructure were extraordinarily the Perth to Rottnest Swimming to say. I am sure Senator Cook Acting Chief. he was a bit useful interactions. "I will be Race. would like to participate in reluctant. recommending that the new From my reading of the some way next year." "This was my final year as Chief Executive should have article in CoResmrch it seems Meanwhile, the Siromins Director of [he Institute of these Wits of meetings on a that the swimmers and the have had inquiries from CSIRO National Resources and fairly regular basis to get support team have worked personnel in other parts of the Enviromnent, and I was instant feedback on staff together as a well-oiled country about joining the team particularly looking forward to Dr Roy Green concerns/' he says. swimming machine. I vvas for next year IS marathon SWiITl, my last chance to visit all the Next year Or Green is going particularly pleased to read that to be held on February 18. The laboratories and do my annual role challenging and rewarding. to Paris work with the Inter­ the shark watchers successfully lure al' shark- and jellyllsh­ review of Divisions," he says. "I think I have managed to governnlental Oceanographic discharged their duties. infested waters has clearly But he has found the new carry forward the ideas and Commission. I would appreciate it if you proved irresistible to CSIRO's could let me know the secrets of adventure lovers. CSIROjuice so that I can pass "It may well be that we Ilcld them on to my colleagues in a couple of teams next year," Action on evaluation says John Bell. "We may even Government. trom page 1 deliberations of the Task Forces, whether the new system would It's great to see Western fielel a men's team and a women·s Dr Green says [Ire Executive "However, our fundamental work better, about how tile Australians, and pmticularly stall team, or a mixed team or two. I Committee and the Board driving force is to work to funding and management of CSIRO, once again leading stress that none or us had done decided about 18 months ago Australia's advantage by trying arrangements would be handled, the way in sporting endeavol1l'. anything like this before." that a re-exall1ination of to make sure that our research is and how to recognise and Peter Cook It just goes to show what CSIRO's structure was timcly. used effectively," he says. "That reward team efforts. Minis1erfor Industry, Science some relentless training and the "It was a matter of determining means looking for outcomes of He says there was concern and Technology power of CSJROjuice can our own future rather than research, rather than research about the "conundrum of Parliament House accomplish. After a merciless letting other people do it for per se, We can do excellent reducing research support to put Canberra interrogation session, John Bell us," Or Green says. research that josl goes onto the more funds into research, while would only divulge the follow­ "We arc not talking from a shelves or we can do excellent at the same time trying to make Editor's Note: ing: "CSIROjuice is Colin position of weakness, because research that is valued." sure that our researcll leaders Wbetber the Siromi.ns have let White's secret formula. But I our client base, including But he stresses that this have the time to take that Senator Cook in on the "secrets can tell you he is a mineral Government, see us as having doesn't mean all work must leadership role rather than be of CSIROjuice" is itself a secret. nutritionist so we had carefully performed extraordinarily wel! produce COlll111erdalrcsults. "A buried in a(hninistration". However, Siromin John Bell, a prepared meals that we ate over the years. It's really just lot that: we do is 'for the Or Green says that staff CSIRO communicator in the between each lap of swimmIng. emphasising the areas in which national good I- environmental submissions showed there is West, was able to reveal that he "Colin worked out to the last we can see room for further studies, for example. This is as general su pport for the three has been in touch with the kilojoule exactly how much improvement." important as any other work." principles set out in the paper Senator: "We've put it in energy we had to replace after A key staff criticism of the The recommendation to - flexibility, listening beller writing that we'd like to include each swim. He looked at the Discussion Paper was that it abolish the Institutes and bring and getting a 1110re corporate bim in the Siromins team in various drinks that. are endorsed didn't give enough emphasis to together multi-Division research orientation. some capacity." by the Institute of Sport and his the need for CSIRO to groups to work on particular Staff will be advised of the Peter McGuinness, from attitude is that he is one of the maintain its scientific excel­ projects has been contentious. results of the Executive Forum Senator Cook's office, con­ international experts in this area lence. Or Green says this is Dr Green says staff submis­ via e-mail and in hard copy firmed that the Senator is a keen so he could provide us with being addressed in the sions raised questions about tlHough line management. yachtsman who, when time something just as good or better." permits, loves nothing more Dr Colin White, a memher of than to sail the perilous waters the swimming team, is one or Union puts SUbft1;ssion between Fremantle and Rottnest. the inventors of the CSIRO He says: "The Minister thought mineral additive Siromin after The CSIRO Division of the teams and networks based on saw it ns more concerned with the Siromins' achievement was which the team is named. CPSU has put a submission cOlllmon interest in problems upper management rather than great. He was particularly Go for it, Siromins! to the Board in response to that require a multi-disciplinary the staff in general and their the Discussion Paper, approach. worries." [[ says the evaluation process "This will provide a more The biggest worry, she says, should be an opportunity to effective meaus of reducing is funding, "Some staff feel that A winner again 'tribal' barriers than the top­ basic or stralegic research even increase staff participation in Matthew Barber, machine decision-making and to expand down processes involved in the' has to be sacrificed to keep up the independence of research formation of multi-Divisional with commerciat demands and shop apprentice with the teams. projects," it says. also that people's jobs are Division of Minerals, wun It expresses concern at the The union also says it is insecl1l'e if they don't bring in the 1994 thil'd level Appren­ paper's "top-down" perspective, unconvinced by the Paper's the dollars at any cost. tice Achievement Award. "which implicitly regards assumption that an increased "Their second concern is the CSIRO trains mauy appren­ participation in the decisioll­ orientation to research clients is perception that there's too much tices in different trades and making process on the part of possible without impact on management, that careers in industry has received some working scientists and CSIRO CSIRO's disciplinary base or science are now secondary to highly tmined tradespeople as a employees as a privilege to be core public-interest functions. careers in management. It's up result. conferred at the discretion of Michelle Smyth, Federal to people in higher places to CSIRO gives an annual senior management. President of the CSIRO explain the need for good award to the apprentice The union favours the Division of the CPSU, says quality management and that it demonstrating the highest level removal of the Institutes and a some staff were very dis­ costs money to have it." of achievement in their previous move to flatter and more appointed by the Discussion She says more participatory year's training. flexible management, but says Paper. "They thought there management, including staff The judges consider TAFE many staff have doubts about would be more in it to do with representation on the Board, college results, examples of judges have been impressed the practicability of sectoral their lives, rather than the would give the Board a better work done and supervisors' with the standard of Matthew's c1usterings. relationship to government and idea of what is going on and reports. achievements: he WOIl a sirnHar It calls for the fostering of the structl1l'e," she says. "They make CSIRO work better. This is not the first time award as a first-year apprentice.

2

362-1995 Diseases xplosi n gilJ 5 anim I health lab a hectic nine mant s The CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geclong has had an extraordinary nine months. According to Dr Tony Dellll­ Porta, Deputy Head of the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL), the laboratory has tested for more exotic diseases ill the pU1'lt nine months than the previous five years. At times stall and resources were stretched, with scientists ami technical support stall working round the clock; others worked for weeks without a break. Leji: Allan Gould, who started to sequence the virus genes; ohOl'e: Over the past nine months the Vets working with ir(lected animals al AAHL wore hreathing hoods laboratories have not only like these to prevent then! coming in contact with the virus carried out tests on the high­ found in the tissne culture at the collecting more than 2500 prolile horse virus, but als" for Lab in GeelDng. horses and ISO human samples. kangaroo blindness, ostrich infected 14 horses, their trainer, Over the fDllowing weekend, Under strict security at No new cases were detected, fading syndrome, for two Vic Rail, and a stable hand. The major bacterial diseases, such as AAi'lL, two trials on horses indicating the diseases had been suspected avian disease stable hand recovered slowly, anthrax. and poisons, such as made them sick within 10 days. cDntained. outbreaks, the pilchards deaths but Mr Rail died. The 14 horses paraquat, and plant toxins were Their lungs cDntained the same NobDdy knows where the off southern Australia, and an also died. ruled out by QDPI investiga­ virus. Queensland Health also virus came from, and the search outbreak of Japllllese encephali­ The infection caused hyper­ tions. isolated the same virus from is cDntinuing. lis in northern Australia. acute respiratory disease, with On Monday, September 26, kidney samples from Mr Rail. The lessons from th is As well as their exotic high fevers and bloody froth the AAHL's diagnostic team had AJlan GDuld from AAI-IL extraDrdinary piece of detective disease work, the scientists and coming from the nose of the its Ijrst break. Tissue cultures, started tD sequence the virus work are clear and simple. technical staff had to deal with horses at death. inoculated three days earlier, genes and soon it was clear that Speedy co-operation between their normal testing program, were showing signs of virus the mystery vims belonged to state and federal agencies i, checking imports and some What amazed many scientists growth. the Morbilliviruses. vital and Australia n1ust havt a export animals and fish. around the world was how fast A team led by Alex Hyatt This virus, now called equine facility like AAHL ready at all During January and February, the identilicatlOn of the cause of identified the virus using morbillivirus, is Dnly the second times with the best pcople and the labs tested 1000 imported the infection was made. electron microscopy. The virus morbillivirus disease reported in technology ready to spring into ostriches, which involved more Frederick Murphy, an expert exhibited some characteristics people since the 10th century. action. than 10,000 tests to clear the on emerging viruses at the of the Paramyoxviridae family. The other is measles. Overseas scientists think we birds from quarantine. University of California, Davis, What was puzzling was that From the time the samples do. Alex Hyatl. from AAHL's There are also tests associated in America's Science magazine none of the viruses in this arrived at AAHL, it tDok an Microscopist, has just returned with normal research. such as declared the work of the family was known to cause amazing 12 days to Hnd the virus from America, were he was the rabbit calicivirus trials under Australian team as "Excellent. seriDus disease in both horses and confirm it had caused the frequently told that "we way on Wardang Island otl the Absolutely superb." and people. death of the horses and Vic Rail. couldn't have done it here with coast of South Australia. The team included people QDPI also managed tD isolate Tests tD detect the virus were the speed, accuracy and co­ Just over 20,000 tests were from the Queensland Depart­ a virus in two 1110re horses, then developed at AAi'lL, with operation you Aussies did." carried out during the nine ment of Primary IndLlstry which were the same as those QDPI and QoeenslandHealth -Christian Peter-son months. (QDPI), Queensland Health, Building and running a Fairfield Infectious Diseases world-class facility such as the Hospital in Melbourne and Australian Animal Health CSIRO's AAHL at GeelDng. Laboratory is not cheap, but the On Friday, September 23, investment paid for itself many AAHL received samples from times over in the past few the horses' lungs, spleen and months. bloDd. Samples were also sent The most dramatic example to Fairfield and to the Centers was the horse virus mystery, fDr Disease CDntrol in Atlanta, equine morbillivirus. It started Georgia SEARCH SCANFILE ON SIM on the September 22, when By 4pm that afternoon an For all your management information needs Queensland government AAHL team, led by Paul veterinarians were called to Vie SelIeck, had excluded the major Also available on CD-ROM Rail's stables at Hendra to exotic viral diseases of horses, Call the Corporate Library & Information Service check sick and dying racehorses. such as African hDrse sickness Phone (06) 2766232, email: [email protected] An unknDwn disease agent and influenza.

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362-1995 "·,""""""""~,."....,"==""",=._.-._,A"" __ "''''t;.._"",,~~~,,,,,,~,,,,=~S,",:''' ~~""""'r=-'"~"",'"",-,'"O',:,,m"l':m'l:e·~'~~"'1m'~."""""""='~~""'\";'''''''' sibility for Corporate Public Affairs and Strategic Planning and Evaluation. Shortshots Or Biegler was Chief of "'~"'.·"""'~~O"''''~'==:;W771O'".~,=~ the Division of Mineral r_=~==""~."""",ci"'k;,..". =t=~~=iml~~~"'1 Products until ils incorpora­ Crunch time for genetically tion into the new Division of enhanced potatoes Minerals at the beginning of 1995. He brings to Corpo- SeIllltor Peter Cook, Minister for Industry, Science and rate Business a successful Technology. was among the first in Australia to tasle track record in CSIRO genetically enhanced food- potatoes developed by research management. CSIRO Planl Industry. Dr Biegler says he has greatly enjoyed his lirsllcw Senator Cook tested the Kennebec variety for weeks at Head OJ'fice. "I am really delighted to be able cooking quality and taste with television personality to bring a Divisional perspective directly into tile work and chef Peter Russell Clarke. of a corporate activity." he said. Parliamentarians. scientists, journalists and agri­ food industry representatives tasted the potatoes at a specially catered lunch on the Division's lawns at Foodfor thought Black Mountain, ACT, in March. CSIRO's travelling EatSmart exhibition won second The spuds have been given in-built resistance to the prize for an exhibit in the Technology Pavilion at Ihe polato virus PLRV, a major disease in potato-growing Sydney Easler Show. Just on 11,000 visitors tried their areas. hand at the EatSmart CD ROM. which was released at the show. So with all of tilis information available, it is "Potato growers spray up to eight times per season CARTOON BY NICK GOLDIE to prevent disease-carrying aphids," said Senator slightly surprising that one of CSIRO's explainers, an Cook. "These genetically modified potatoes should similarity between the slandard and genetically expert on food safety. came down with an alleged case save farmers money, reduce crop losses and also enhanced potatoes. of food poisoning during the show - although somc satisfy consumer deniands for clean-green food." This research is sponsored by the Smith's Snack­ claim it was the latest flu virus. We can keep a secret il" Senator Cook said the technology was becoming a food Company Lid and has been carefully monitored you can, Brigille l commercial reality, with demand for genetically by GMAC. enhanced food in the United States exceeding supply. Why is it so? "I am keen to raise awareness and to encourage New Manager ofCorporate Business Christian Peterson's rcsearch for his story on the informed debate on gene technology," he said. Dr Tom Biegler has joined that CSlRO Corporate Australian Animal HeaIih Laboratory (see page 3) The genetically enhanced potatoes were tesled last Business Department as Chief General Manager. revealed a couple of sll1'prising facts: December by CSIRO's Sensory Research Centre. This He will be assisting the Director Corporate Busi­ I. Australia imports budgies! AAHL eleared 145 birds taste evaluation exanlined aron1a, appearance, tex­ ness, Mr Peter Bradfield, in the management of key from quarantine between September 22 and November ture/mouthfeel, IJavour/taste, after-taste and overall aspects of the Department's responsibilities and in 17 last year. acceptability. The results were extremely positive, with providing advice and support on policy development 2. New Zealand imports emus from Canada - number the expert panel of 35 reporting a very high degree of and business initiatives. He will have specific respon- unknownI Minerals merger The l?ederal Ministcr for Minister Beddall said he was Resources, David Beddall, conJident that the Division of ofticially opened csmo's Minerals will continue CSIRO's elTective partnership with Divisiun of Mincrals at industry and help keep Australia Clayton, Victoria, on May 2. at the forefront of technological The Minister told the development in the minerals audience of industry guests, sector. Government repre.sentatives and The new Dlvision of Miner­ CSIRO staff that Australia was als has resulted from the merger /~!,t, a world leader in exploration, Launching the new Division (!!,MilJerats:.fi'lJ!J1 Roh La Nauze (Chiel of' the Division), D,. A/an He id of the former divisions of (Director ~!,CSlRO Institute ol'Minerals, Energy and COlJstl'llction) and Minisfer David Beddatl mining and mineral processing Mineral Products and Mineral tccllllology. and Process Engineering. "CSIRO has a long associa­ CSIRO Minerals brings tion with research and develop­ together the skills and knowledge ment, and the development of of more than 300 stall' in the CSIRO and DSTO offer leading-edge technologies for science and engineering of mineral the mining ancl mineral process­ and metal production and down­ ing sector," he said. "There have stream product development. research fello1llfships been some outstanding success­ With facilities in New South es providing both economic and Wales, Queensland, Victoria and CSIRO and DSTO havc CSIRO term transfer comli­ Applications for the 1996 environmental beneJits." Western Australia, the Division introduced a new annual tions will apply (staff will CSlRO-DSTO Research CSIRO has been responsible has a unique position to best research fellowship scheme remain CSIRO employees with Fellowships, prepared in for delivering many R&D serve its industry customers. to strengthen collaboration on-going benefits). consultation with your Division outcomes (0 the Australian "The merger prepares CSIRO between the two organisa­ Applicants may propose any Chief, should be submitted 10 mineral processing and metal to meet tile needs of a projected tions. field of research, but DSTO Or Colin Adam, Chair. CS1RO­ production industries. upturn in the metals industry." Each year the fellowships would most welcome applicants DSTO Research Liaison and These include Sirosmelt lead said Dr Rob La Nauze, Chief of will enable two CSIRO stall to in the following areas: radio Co-ordination Commitlee. and copper smelting technology, the Division of Minerals. be seconded to work in a DSTO science and technology, CSIRO Head Oflicc. Parkville. industrial refractories for lining "We will consult with the Division for approximately one information technology, ground by August ID. high-temperature kilns, the industry and government to year on a topic in which they penetrating radar, peace keeping For further information synthetic rutile enhancement establish the strategic directions have a special interest but (for example, detection and contact Malcolm Robertson, process, the Hlsmelt process for that will further enhance our cannot pursue in the course of countering land mines), counter CSIRO Corporate Services. iron and steel production and international competitiveness in their normal work. DSTO proliferation of weapons of Canberra, phone (()6) 276 6222. the Coalscan range of on-line this vital economic activity for scientists will enjoy reciprocal mass destruction, oceanography fax (06)2766.\66. e-mail coal quality analysis systems. Australia." -Annu Cousins opportunities at CSIRO. and simulation technology. [email protected].

362-1995 The role of the CSIRO Board

reviews, with management and large part of the Board meetings By csmo Board Chairman Dr Adl'ienne Clarke CSIRO's auditors (ANAO), (there will usually be a need CSIRO's annual financial also for a short private session During the reccnt staff or trust between the Board and statements. dealing with matters such as tbe consultation meetings at the Organisation's senior appointment of the Chief majOl' sites around the managers. Executive). A board therefore has the task Internal country, there was a lot of The I1rst two such meetings of balancing the need to give intcrest in the role of the communication have been successful and will management the freedom to Hoard. I undertook to In ti,e course of the work 01' the continue to refine the operating develop and "own" strategies outline the Board's role Evaluation Comn1ittee, it arrangements. The objective is and plans for the future of an became clear that there were to improve the communication and how it operates. organisation on the one hand, some internal communication between the Board and senior The composition and and on the other hand being in issues that needcd to be management by direct contact. functions of the CSlRO Board effective control. addressed. The Acting Chief are set out in the Science and When everything is going To complement this, we have Executive subsequently Industry Research Act 1949. smoothly, boards generally do commenced production of cOlnmissioned an examination The Board consists of between little beyond monitoring; when regular bulletins from Board of this area. eight and I() members. all an organisation faces problems, and Chief Executive meetings. external except for the Chid' as all do I'rom time to time, the One 01' the communication We anticipate that this initiative Executive. board becomes more involved. agendas together. ivlanagement shortfalls identilied was will lead to more informed The external members are A board usually does this by then prepares papers for the between senior management dialogue on CSIRO's future cllOsen to rellect (not represent) advising senior management Board's consideration and and the Board. During Or John direction and also enable staff to the range of interests served by and/or by being involved in approval. The Board may Stocker's term as Chief keep abreast of what issues are CSIRO. Tile Board is the key changes to senior management approve a plan presented or Illay Executive, the conduit for this currently under consideration by mechanism for ensuring that (usually the Chief Executive). request further information lnl'onnation was the Chief the Board and Executive CSIRO is accountable to the Generally a board's most and/or make suggestions, but it Executive, although, on Committee. government (and other commu­ important task is to select the does not develop alternative occasions, he invited one of his The fjrst bulletin, reporting nity stakeholdcrs) for its Chiel' Executive; boards are also plans. senior team to present material on the June Board meeting, was pcrJurmance, commonly invoJved in selecting An example would be the to the Board and to participate released by Dr John Radcliffe Under the Act, the CSIRO the next layer of senior manage­ recent plan to consolidate in discussion. (who did an excellent job as Bnard has a responsibility to ment - that is the top team activities and sites in IAPP. The Or Roy Green, our Acting Acting Chief Executive during ensure the proper and efficient which is responsible for Chief Executive initiated the Chief Executive, and the Board Or Green's absence overseas). [ performance or the Organisa­ management. plan and presented a paper have recently tried a new format understand that the response to tion. But, as \vilh company Ti,e CSIRO Board differs setting out the details of the in which the whole senior Or Radcliffe's summary of the boards, the CSIRO Board's role from company boards in that the proposal, the costs and the management team (the Execu­ meeting has been extremely is not to manage, but to monitor Board makes recommendations problems. There was a dlscus­ tive Committee) is present for a positive. management and to provide to the Minister with regard to sion in which the principle was very broad strategic leadership the appointment of the Chief approved and requests for ancl support for senior manage­ Executive, but the Minister further information made. A Challenge to change: Australia in 2020 menr. Management is entrusted makes the appointment. The rev ised paper was presented Ht a In this exciting new book fifteen of CSIRO's senior scientists and to the Chief Executive and CSIRO Bnard also differs from subsequent meeting for final executives present optimistic scenarios, options and choices his/her team. This distinction company boards in that the approval. highlighting how science and technology, creatively applied, can hetween the roles of boards and remuneration of the Chief Another example would be contribute to a preferred future for Australia. Topics include: managen1enl is fundamental to Executive is dealt with by the the Organisation's recent capital corporate governance. Remuneration Tribunal. expenditure program; the ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~r:~~ ~c~~~r~~ ~;~;~ The monitoriljg role of a The control a company board proposed program was present­ : climbing .111111- • Coastal zones and the new sea harvest .. board requires that it is fully has nver the hire, lire and ed and there were requests from • Climate change - its impact on town and country c.~,\,~? informed ahout the activities remuneration of the Chief the Board for further informa­ and performance of its organisa­ Executive is tile major point of tion on the Organisation's • Information in 2020 - anywhere, anytime tion. The CSIRO Board control it has over an property strategy and on • Future landuse in Australia - thriVing or surviVing? generally acquires this organisation; for CSIRO, as individual proposals (in relation • Biotechnology - disease resistant plants and livestock inl'ormation by enquiry (by with some statutory authorities, to matters such as the cost • Mining in 2020 - expotting services and knowledge requesting papers on particular this control is somewhat effectiveness of the proposcd 280 pages with 46 diagrams/line artworl, and photographs. issues) and this is supplemented modi tied. expenditure). Share in planning the future - Order your copy now! by a range of discussions and Like most boards, the CSIRO The CSIRO Board, like other site visits. Board has several formal boards, has an Audit Commit­ ORDER FORM Discount price for CSIRO staff $30. Please send me The "duty to be inl'ormed" meetings throughout the year tee, which meets about four Challenge to change: AlIstmlla in 2020. No. of copies...... I enclose a requires the Board to have with a program designed to times each year. This Commit­ cheque/money order payable to CSlRO Information Services for sufficient knowledge to address the broad issues that tee assists the Board with its $ Name: . undertake a generaL on-going management brings to it for responsibilities relating to the Title: ,, Institution: ,, . monitoring of the affairs and consideration. In the past, the accounting and financial Address: , ,,. reporting practices of the policies or CSIRO, but does not Board has met around six times Postcode: Phone: or require a detailed knowledge of each year. When particular Organisation. It monitors the charge my: 0 American Express 0 Bankcard 0 Mastercard 0 Visa day-to-day activities or an issues arise, special meetings identification and assessment of Card number: . intrusion into management. It are called. the risks and the implementa­ requires open and honest Our Board operates by the tion and maintenance of policies Expiry date: with the sum of $ . disclosure of information from Chairman and Chief Executive and control procedures. Signature: CSJRO Bookshop, PO Box 89, EastMelbourne, management and a relationship working out the meeting The Audit Committee Victoria 3002, Australia. Phone: 1800 64S 051 Fax (03) 419 0459 CORF.S'/95

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362-1995 he nd of an era in the Top End Two decades of ecological Wildlife & Ecology held a Pastures. from the NT, Western research drew to a close on public open day at Kapalga on Australia and Queensland. It is May 31, when CSIRO April 5. The event was launchcd funded for seven years with $16 ceased managing Kapalga by Pederal Minister for Primary million from the Federal Industry and Energy. Scnator Government, and will focus on Research Station in the Bob Coli ins, who is a former land management issues such as NOl,thern Territory's CSIRO research officer, and one jJi.lsloral ism, tourism. traditional Kakadu National Park. of the first to work on Kapalga Aboriginal land-use. conserva­ Kapalga has been at the in the I970s. Acting Chief tion and mining. forefront of research for Executive Or Roy Green and Kapalga's future will be conservation management in Wildlife & Ecology Chief Or decided by the Australian tropical Australia since the Brian Walker also attended. Nature Conservation Agency, Division of Wildlife & Ecology CSIRO reI inquished its the I1lanager of Kakaclu established the site in 1976. management role at Kapalga to National Park. The Ofticer-in­ Studies have focused on the Kakadu'sfimlOus wetlands were a/ileus ofthe Kapalga Open Day. expand its stuelies across northern Charge of Kapalga, Or Dick wildlife of Kakadu's famous Wildlife & Ecology's Garry Cook (le/i) explains to Acting Chiel Australia as part of a new Co­ Braithwaite, says CSIRO would wetlands, including the impact Executive DJ' Hoy Green Ihe importance qfnative 'vvild rice to operative Research Centre for like to see Kapalga continue of the feral Asian Water waterhirds such as the Magpie Goose. the Sustainable Development of operating as a research station. Buffalo, and recently on fire, the Tropical Savannas. The CRC, "We hope that the future Top End's most contentious agencies, and universities from resulting from 130 researclJ based in Darwin. draws together managers of Kapalga build on land management issue. Australia and overseas have projects. 12 organisations, including the the great research tradition we Scientists Ij'om several CSIRO worked on Kapalga, with more To commemorale these CSIRO Divisions of Wildlife & have established," he says. Div i~,dons, land management than 190 scientific publications achievements tlJe Division of Ecology, and Tropical Crops & -Barbara McKaige Two Divisions get new Chiefs cally transplanted to the ty'. He is still active in research, ~!l#.~ Australian scene. I have a recently in manipulating the realistic vicw alJout how long it atomic structure of materials for With a record of over 10 "The Division of Applied takes to develop solutions specilk needs. Physics 11as a strong manage­ years industdal research appropriate to tbe local culture." Or Ounnazd expects to ment team that is in tune with experience with AT&T Bell Or Ounnazd believes continue some level of rescarch the needs and potential of Laboratodes to draw on, Australian science can play a activity. "For me it's been Australian industry," Or the new Chief of CSIRO's valuable role in Australia's important to remain involved in Ounnazd says. "1 hope to be Division ofApplied Physics, interactions with its neighbours. research even when I have taken able to contribute from a 1)1' Abbas Ourmazd, is The National Measurement 011 management responsibili­ different perspective, based on Laboratory has already built an ties." he says. "Por one thing it expected to bring a wealth my experience of industrial important network in Asia in tbe keeps fresh in my mind the of knowledge to the job. research anel best practice in standards field. under the diflkulty or doing good research. Or Ounnazd intends to carry corporate America. direction of Or Barry Inglis. Or Or Ahhas Ourmazd For another it gives me a on the work of the former Chief, "Many industrial and Ourmazd believes this is a collegial channel for interaction Or Bill Blevin, and the current scientific global trends are significant asset in Australia's He joined AT&T Bell witll those around me." Divisional Management established in the United Slates, geopolitical dealings. Laboratories in New Jersey in Or Ourmazd is familiar with Committee led by Or John but that doesn't mean that Or Ourmazd studied physics 1984, where he has been a Head Australian culture through his Coli ins in "delivering research solutions formulated for at Oxford, gaining his doctorate of Department since 1987. Most wife, Ann, who is from Ade­ value {O Australian industry". problems there can be automati- and becoming a fellow of Merton recently he has been responsible laide. The couple met at Oxford College in 1979, beforc taking for 'R&D and technology where she was a PhD student. "1 up an Alexander van Humboldt transfer in silicon electronics, am pleased to be bringing her Pellowship at Gtittingen power-efficient technologies home," he says. Be a CSIRO ambassador University in Gennany in 1982. and design for manufactmabili- -Christine Williams IndUlge yourself Thank your staff and clients ~a;t'Ja-~iW~

Dr John TaylOl' was appoint- and the community in northern Ideal for corporate gifts, ed Chief of the CSIRO Australia through excellence in presentation awards and Division of ll'opical Crops research on the sustainable conference items and Pasture on .July 1. development of the livestock Announcing the appointment, and cropping industries. CSlRO mug, coaster, CSIRO Acting Chief Executive Or Taylor has tertiary executive pen, polo shirt, Or John Radc1iffe said Or qualifications from the Univer- . umbrella, golf ball, pocket Taylor was a leader of excep- s!ties of Queensland and New diary, tie, scarf, mouse mat, lional quality. England. key purse, stubbie holder, "He is internationally From 1980 to 1984 he was bilby, pen and pencil set, recognised for his personal with CSIRO in Darwin. where lapel pen, legionnaire's cap research on the development of he developed new methods for sustainable management studying the impact of buffalo and disk wallet Or .101711 7rlylor practices in extensive grazing and wildlife on the vegetation lands in northern Australia. Or and fauna of tropical wetlands ciaI paddocks and properties. Want to know more? Radcliffe said. and Savannas. In 1989, Or Taylor was Call or fax CSIRO "He is also an experienced In 1985, he was transferred to awarded a Churchill Fellowship Information researcb manager, and presently south-east Queensland to lead a to study the sustainable . Tel: (03) 9662 7108 leads a team of 45 staff in the research project on sustainable management of extensive grazing Fax: ( Division's Laud Management and land management practices in lands in the United States. Agricultural Systems program." subtropical woodlands. Or Taylor replaces Or Bob In accepting the appointment, He built a multi-disciplinary Clements, who became Director Or Taylor emphasised his team to study practical issues of the Australian Centre for personal commitment to confronting graziers, particular, International Agricultural meeting the needs of industry ly at the large scale of commer- Research on July 1.

362-1995 Inspection on the Merbein site. probably in June 19/9 DOllg Shears opens the new Cor,ferellCf Centre and Laboratory Horticulture l11arks 75 years at Merbein The Division of HOI,ticul­ production, and by a grant from steady expansion of the (Agriculture Victoria), Dm"eton across the nation and earned ture's new $2.7 million the Commonwealth Advisory Merbein Research Station. (New South Wales Agriculture) international reputations for the Conference Centre and Council of Science and Indus­ As Merbein expanded, so did and Loxton (Primary Industries, dedicated scientists who have Laboratory extension at try, later called the Common­ tbe Division. From humble South Australia, and the South applied their talents to our core Merbein in Victoria was wealth Institute of Science and beginnings at Merbein, it has Australian Research and industries," he said. officially opened on April 28 lndustry, which preceded CSIR established laboratories in Development Institute). The Mr Tankard said that the and CSlRO. Adelaide, Darwin and Brisbane. cooperative arrangement, called raising of the first shilling on by Doug Shears, a member The first research at the site, ln J988 it incorporated the Riverlink, is a historic initiative eacll dried tonne to fund or the CSIRO Board, under tile direction of Mr A. V. Sydney post-harvest horticulture in tbe management of Aus­ research was the catalyst for all The ol1icial opening coincided Lyon, focused on the fungal laboratories from tile former tralian horticultural research and that has been achieved. The with celebration.s to commemo­ disease of grapevines called CSIRO Division of Food development. transition from solving the rate 75 years of research at the black spot. Tbis successful Research. Former Chairman of the immediate threats to the rVlerbein site. research led to improved Close cooperation with Division of Horticulture's devclopment of superior plants, About 140 guests, including a methods for control of black industry and with State horticul­ Advisory Committee and past and revolutionary management largc number of former staff, spot and other fungal diseases, tural research centres in Chairman of the Australian practices l and production attended the official opening. It and in turn led to other work Sunraysia-Riverland has been a Dried Fruits Association, tecbniques has been spectacular. was followed by two open days such as fcrtiliser trials, develop­ feature of the Merbein Research Henry Tankard, was a speaker Mr Tankard said the ability to that attracted almost 2000 people. ment of dipping mixtures for Station over the years. A new at the official opening. He control pest and diseases, and to The Merbein station has a quicker drying of grapes and era of even closer cooperation praised the achievements of better manage irrigation and rich history. At its inception it fumigation techniques for dried was established in 1991 scientists at Merbein over the salinity, were fundamental in was principally hnanced by a grapes in storage. between the four centres of years. providing greater security of per-IOn levy on dried grape This was tbe beginning of Merbein (CSIRO), Irymple "The benehts have extended production in the early years. Comml,n;cafion review recommends changes from page 1 with a lot of great ideas on bow impossible, instead of looking the Division and the rest of the of eommunication ancI support Dr Green says that naturally to improve communications. outward, managing tbe organi­ organisation, processes for program and tile report found both strengths Blit the research uncovered sational boundaries and The reporting process is project managers as the key and weaknesses. He was significant frustration and supporting staff. singled out as unduly complex, interface between management heartened by its finding that: alienation among staff at most The study found that listening as are the formal processes that and staff. "CSIRO has what organisations levels. It says: "Generally, people and feedback skills at all levels govern information flow. The It also recommends a review across the world are spending feel powerless ... they observe of CSlRO are not highly report says the performance of reporting, and a variety of huge development resources to significant gaps at the senior developed and tlmt there is an evaluation system inhibits improvements to facilitate attain - highly-effective, management level between what absence of shared purpose communication and creates a better communication, from highly-motivated work teams is said, and what is done." between different levels. culture of divisiveness and self­ enhancing the MOP co­ which are flexible, innovative Constraints arc largely assumed interest. ordinator role to developing and adaptive to their enviroll­ Under stress to be intractable, creating Lack of direction, poor speeialist support to manage­ ment. Thcy communicate well A problem is that CSIRO, barriers to communication by communication of purpose and ment in dealing with internal amongst their members and like many other organisations, is encouraging the development of unwillingness to engage in open communication issues. people clearly say that they under stress: many managers and 'jjefdom' thinking at tile discussion are cited as inhibit­ Divisional efforts eould be have the information they need staff have sucb heavy workloads Institute and Divisional levels. ing CSIRO's ability to meet the supported by CSIRO-orienled to fullil their tasks effectively." that it is difficult for them to Organisational purpose, needs of its customers. publication packages and The report found that hear what eaeh other is saying. objectives and aims are not Among the report's recom­ Divisional Chiefs should develop teamwork was higbly effective One theme to emerge was the widely understood or aecepted, mendations are a series of search a meeting schedule to ensure and that informal networks of perception that managers were the reports says. Therefore, conferences to define the CSIRO their visibility and accessibility communication work very focusing inwards, searching for communication is often of the future, a clarification of at all the sites under their effectively at a number of blame and micro-managing to inhibited by a connict in values reporting and communication responsibility. Development of levels. It said CSIRO had a the point where two-way and aspirations between teams responsibilities between those e-mail (IS a preferred communi­ highly committed workforee communication was virtually and the organisation, or between two levels, and the development cation tool is reeommended. The lengths we'll go to

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362-1995 r-""'~"'~~~'~~'~'~"-~'._~~.. ~"'~~' ~..,~n~~~.'~_"""·"-' The heat ~ Edu-taining: bringing ;s off for science to life Trebor Edutainment - a combi· monthly Iccture series, which entrance fee of $4 for adults and CSIRO's Division of nation of education and will provide research informa­ $2 for children is realistic, and Applied Physics certainly entertainment - will help tion to end-users. predicts 150.000 visitors in the has a good tracl, record bring science to liI'e School groups are one of this Iirst year. incrcasing to 2S0.000. with staff. Last year Bill through tile !)roposed project's primary targets. Along This project is not only an B1evin retired after 42 CSIRO Innovation Centre. with the "lab_in_action", the ideal opportunity for CSJRO to years with the Division. Centre hopes to house the promote its research to the Tllc Centre, proposed for "Green Machine" - a joint public, but will also be a chance This year, on May 18, Canberra's Black Mountain project between Canberra to present Australia as one of 'lhbor Jones said goodbye Site, will offcr interactive CSIROSEc. the CRC for Plant the premier innovation and after 47 years. exhibits illustrating CSIRO Science (Centre Education technology centres in the Asia­ Anyone who has visited the Trebor .Tones: goudhye «{Ier research and its applications in Programs) and the ACT Pacinc region. hallowed halls of tbe laborato­ the cOlTlmunity. 47 years Education Departmenl. The The concept of the Centre is ry at West Linfield may try to This uniquc facility will Green Machine, currently supported by CSlRO Public argue tbat scientists get lost standards. He constructed the regularly open its doors so the located at a temporary sile, run1'i Affairs, CSIRO Corporate and iltakes them 40 years to Iirst photo-electric pyrometer, general public can participate in a scries of activities for junior Property and Divisions in INRE find their way out of the replacing the human eye as the CSIRO's science and sec studcnts and workshops for and IPPP. The Centre Working labyrinth of corridors. colour-matching detector, and scientists at work. Areas such as tcacher training. Group is producing the Centre's But one scientist shed some this resulted in a four-fold the "lab-in-action", displaying Apart from the interactive business plan. for review by all light on the subject, saying improvement in the precision scientific techniques and exhibition areas. the Centre will evaluation review committee tbal. as standards go. CSIRO of the International Tempera­ facilities, will give visitors the have conference rooms, a established by CSIRO's Applied PI,ysics is Ihe place to ture Scale above the gold chance to have hands~on sound-proof auditorium, a Executive Committee. Prelimi­ work in Australia. Trebor melting point. experience of science. CSIRO shop, kiosk and nary discussions with govern­ Joncs certainly made his mark He was the first co-ordinator The Innovation Centre will SIROCREDIT among its ment and industry are also being as one of the leaders of high­ of tile Asia Pacific Metrology not only raise public awareness facilities. undertaken, temperature lneasurement Program and has been a about the uses science and lIsing radiation. driving force in co-operation or Market research has uncov­ technology in the innovation He started as a technical between the \'ariOllS national ereel a strong public demand for Comments and suggestions on process, but wiU also demon­ assistant with the Division of standards laboratories in the a CSIRO-focused science tllis proposal would be greatly strate CSIRO's commitment to Food Preservation and Western Pacific. centre in Canberra and that this appreciated, Contact: Una research. Transport in Brisbane. While Trebor had a long commit­ facility could complement Meleor Nichcle (06) 246 5077, there. be completed a scicnce mcnt to laboratory accredita­ The Cenlre will also host existing local attractions. rax (06) 246 5299, cmaillina degree. part-time, at the tion and served as chairman of some special evenls such as a Research indicates that an @pl.csiro.au. University of Queensland. the Heat anl! Temperature Subsequently he transferred to Registration Advisory Com­ the Division of Physics at the mittee of the National Associa­ National Standards Laboratory tion of Testing Authorities. Silk road to success in Sydney. More than 1000fTrebor's Susan Banks, the Mel­ and cellular images, to wool In a distinguished career, friends and colleagues, pa~t fibres and l she says. them. assistant lo several Officers in her to tackle complex designs Shc chose two colollrways Charge and Assistant Chiefs. Susan designs her products to and achieve impeccable results. for the scarves and ties: one in She is now tile personal be wearable and lasting fashion In recent years Susan has blues and greys and one in rich assistant to the Centre's accessories and treasured gifrs, been discovered by the corpo­ terracottas and reds. Director, 10hn Vercoe, and is tile This emphasis on quality. rate sector and her clients now SlIsan employs only one secretary for many of its aesthetics and practicality is include BHP, CRA and the other person in her business and committees and boards. something Susan brings from Royal Australian Chemical enjoys taking a hands-on Bev has worked at four CSIRO her background in producing Institute. The latter commission approach to every aspect of the sites in Rockilampton, and for Bel' Mar/er: valued assislanl silk scarves for the top-end of led to her CSIRO involvement. operation. the last 15 years at Ibis Avenue. the Australian souvenir market. Working from resource She started as an administra­ She also accompanied Greig which still makes up mosl of material provided by CSIRO, For more iq!()rt!wfion abouf tive assistant with the Division TUrner and Phonse Sehleger to her work. Susan created a design that CSIRO's range olcorporme of Animal Health and Produc­ Belmont where she was a Since starting out in I981, captures a wide range of CSIRO merchandise, conlacl CSlRO tion when the Cattle Research technical assistant for the early, she has developed a method of concerns, from molecular Infrll'/nalilJllon (03) 9662 7l0S, Laboratory opened for business ground-breaking research into printing silk by hand that allows structures, electron micrographs Fax: (03) 96627140. in Rockhampton at the Hunter temperature regulation in Street laboratory. different cattle breeds. CoResearch is produ('ed by Corporate Comlllunication for CSlRO staff and interested outsiders. Bev's career proves that 10lln Vercoe, with whom Bev Editing and makeup by Myriad Comlllllnit'atirms. Distrihution 8,500. Readers are en('ouraged to multi-skilling is not new. In her has worked closely for more contribute or offer suggestions for articles, Stories lIlay be reproduced, provided acknowledgement time she has typed, licked the than IS years, says slle is an is given to both CoResearch and CSIRO. The deadline for ('ontrihutions is foul' weeks after the stamps and cut stencils for the ideal working partncr whose her preceding issue, Send contributions to PO Hox 407. Royal Parade, Parkville, Vic 3052, roneo machine in the days advice nnd wise counsel have Phone: 0" 9662 7186, Fax: 0" 9662 7185. Email: Jan.Werner(uillO.csiro.au before photocopying. often been invaluable.

362-1995 363##1995

N 0 363 September 1995 CSIRO's staff Ilewspaper CS I RO AUSTRALIA I t ;r' t ur CSIIH)'s Chief Executive C'hich, F)rogrnm "tvtanagers. III Canberra. Or Mclntosh designate, Dr Malcolm members ot Industrial PartiClpa­ met several Government 'Vldntosh, returnc(1 to lion C'Ol11rJlHtcC'i and ol"hcr IVlinl~ler.s, IIlcluding Science Australia for two wccks in Sl'ntor staff in L;al'11 capItal city. Milllsler Petet CooL August and visited major Informal TI1on1mg and He dlso gave racl!o and afternoon leas enabled him to newspaper inlerview~ in several csmo sitcs around the lll~er othCl stalE at some of the slate~, country. sill'S he visJtcd, b,111l0 general Dr Melnlosh returned 10 illS IxlSy Itll1ernry cumed 10 staff meelmgs were included, as England on August 29. 10 HO>I'ill'd Lee shows Dr McIntosh some fC/uipment associated with on ~!Jve hun an uvervlew oj Ihis was .IUS1 an introductory complete his linal year With Ihe Alp,on 1011 Loser during his visit to the Division (~rMinera!s. Clowol! CSH{O\., rl'~earch current V1\1t. Ministry Df Defence as Perma­ <.Ictlvitlc:, and to provide lhe A more structured vif-lil nent Undersecretary of State for plans for CSIRO, but indicated dollar we can lay our hands on opporlulllly for hlln 10 lilt\:{ Cl plof!ralTl,inclLlding all Divi­ Delence Procurement. that he is keen keen to review ils on the science and as lillle a C"bs-sectloll ot CSlRO slatf sions, will be arr'lI1ged when Or Arter J1ve years away from administrative and research possible on the administration," and .... fakeholclcrs. MCtnl(l\Il talces up hlS position Auslralia, Dr McIntosh could support. "I have very strong he said in an interview on ABC Dr Mclnl(bh met CStRO III January. not yel be specitle ahout his views about spending every Radio's Science Show, swool.set .. t

j. ollowing the Executive Ammlll Hcalih: ['c"coc!, lotH'UIll Oil ./uly 27-21l, a (PlamlndustrY)I"n i~\ Sjluriing new task fone has Iwen (Chemicals and Polymer>;), Run ,""tablished to dcvelop Sandland (MathematiCs and derailed proposals fur Slallsttcs), Brian Walker (Wildlife "ltd Ecology) and Adriau ('SIRO\ structure and Wllimms (Petroleum Resol1l'ces), operational alTangemellts Its terms of ret'erence requ ire as il approaches 2000. the Il1sk force's propo,sals for The EXL'l'u!IVe Forum CS1RO's structure to lake t:l)JI~lden:cl rCfhHb trom loUl account of sector-specific needs, id:..l\. forces. dnlwll Irom Chiel\ the customer base and tbe alld [Jin:clur". plus eX\C"Il.'d\'C comnlCfcialisrHion process. ')till'! kctlback un the l..)iscu:-'~l\m 't he task force is also to Paper an .... lllg lrOlll lh~ l~oan..l'~ develop statements tor Ihe ev,tlualion o! CSIRO\ Illanage­ proposed roles, responsibilities mell! and SlfUClll\C. and tille,s of Ihe Executive and The 11l'W task force b chaired Chief levels, propos"ls lor /)1' Chris !vial/eft, Director ~/'the Institufe ~rAn/ma/l'mductionand ProcessinM ,1,re,lelw il by Hob I'nller, Director 01' the r~::,ource allocation processc.... Sporl.\I,.oolfoo/billl guernsey in/he West Coast Eagles' c%urs to 01/1' orthe leam',l greale,ll lanl, JnstilUle of lnlormallon SCIence and proposals for WHyS to SenalOr Pe/er Cook, the Mimsler/or lndustly, Science and Teehl7ology, during his v/si/IO CSII?O and Engllleering, Olher members ensure the maintenance and Head 0ljicl' /his month, Spol'lswool was developed by the CSII?O Divi,liotl of Wool Techn%!'.v, are Arlhul' Blewitl (Director, development of CSIRO's ,~enator Cook's souvenir guel'n.\'(?Y IS part ofa market trial bell/.g conducted hy a ma./or Curporate Scrvice:-.) plus Divl:-;­ strategic research base. lonal Cblc!> Obver lVlayo/Mike The task force's recommen­ mal1l;tilc!ul'er licensed to produce official sporling garmenls, There arc /5 lop AFL p!oven a/readv Rlckard \Ammal Produclion/ datiDns are clue in mid-October, Sports\·voo! and the number is likely to Increase greatly by flex! year. eMf Chief for Division of Entomology Dl' Paul Wellings tuok IIJl record of SCientific research lion of biological conlrol for and London 111 Bntain, population dynamiCs of insects, hb Jlosition as the new excellence. pests and weeds, evaluating He began his career as a Or Wellings, who became Chief of the CSIRO Divi­ ''This Division is clevelopmg novellransgemc viruses and research fellow at the Assistant Chief or the DiVISion siun of Entomology in July. wOrld-leacling technologies to plants and carrying out research University of East Anglia in lasl year. replaces Max Whillen. the Chief for the past 14 years, In accepting the appointment, meet the needs of rmal indus­ inlo the role or insects in nalural 1980, He joined CSIRO [or a live-year term, Dr tries in reducing dependence 011 Hnd managed ecosys[cms." Division of Entomology in PAGE 3: Division wins Welllngs emphasised his pC'lticides:' he said. "We are Or Wellings has terlHlry 1981, where he has carried oul internalional distinction perslHwl commitment to looking al better pest manage­ qualiticalions from the Ul1iver­ research into biological contro!. PAGE 5: Staff farewell as mainlUil1ll1g the Divi"w!1·s ment pracliccs. the tmpJementa- si lies of Eust Anglia, Durham host plant resistance and the Max takes wing Workshop at a Letters to the Editor critical time conl"erencc of industry and aided by Western technology companies need l(lng-tenn Planning is now well A research leaders in Sydney and iovestment, but most of strategic resciJrch. under way 1'01" our first in May - OL'ganised by the them do not have enough Dr M. Shibaolw workshop with Govern­ Australian Science and Technol­ capability to carry out funda­ Division of Coal and ment departments. The ogy Council in the Primc mental research. Energy Technology workshop will be a key Minister's Deparlment­ Some Pacifk islands arc North Rydc, NSW input to discussions with concludcd that CSIRO should facmg common problems, such Government over our next be pnvatised, partly sold as the conservation of rain Yel all r.lperimc," is an arch fnnding for the triennium 0lT8hore and developed into an forests and the development of 1'/'h"rClhl'O' starting in 1997-98. international science export energy resources and technology, Gleams Ihaf IlIlfral'clled world. corporation. but individual governments are ",·ho.\e margin lildn A decision on that triennium It was envisaged that CSIRO unable to spend sufficient For el'er andfiJ/' el'er when I funding is due in next year's would be mainly owned by money for such research. nUJI'e, budget, schedu led for May, local banks and super funds. as On the other hand. in his striking and enigl1ll1lic and I urge all stalT to re-double well as by individuals and some Australia, CSIRO has become a piece or Tennyson /s as ert(,rts to l,r01110te CSIRO\ T ovcrseas shareholders. How­ heavy financial burdcn for the good a mission statement (or achievements and capabilities ever, I doubt if banks and others Government. CSIRO as any. It is also a good to stakeholders and the will be intcrested in investment These days. research and missi.on statement ['or a mod­ commuuity during tllis time. ments do not have the scientif­ in CSJRO. If CSIRO has to bc technology development are ernist society. The workshop was proposed ic capability to del1ne national sold ofT, thcre must be beller exceedingly expensive for a Organisations like CSIRO in the Discussion Paper from research needs and the oplions. small government. It is impossi­ that cxplore "that untravelled the tirst stage of the evaluation scientiJic marketplace the So far, CSIRO has been ble for a single government to world" are the CUlling edge of process. That paper noted that Commis.sion envisioned wOlild funded mainly by the Australian support various research any modernist society. CSlRO CSIRO has very good standing be artificial. Government is Government. but multi­ activities. from fundamental is a large part or the ethos of with Government departments. more of a stakeholcler than a government ownership is research to the development of Australiall modernism. The workshop is intended to customer and so the' market­ conceivable. For instance. the manufacturing technologies. So long as CSIRO is explor· build on this by providing a place' wonld not deliver the countries in tbe Asia-Oceania This can be done only by ing the un travelled v\lorld. and is formal Government input to economic disciplines being region could become joint international collaboration. doing so with reasonable CSIRO's planning processes as sought. It is pleasing to note owners of CSIRO together with Expansion of R&D to the el'liciency. it is achieving its well as increasing the use of that the departments generally Australia. whole Asia-Oeeania region. objectives. Constant quibbles CSIRO's scientific capabilities supported this view. CSJRO could appoint with the possibility of a firmer over CSIRO's budget. or over bv Government. In its final report, the excellent researchers from these funding basis, sl'ould stimulate the way CSIRO is organised. - It will draw together senior Commission apparently countries. Basic operational researchers ~ morale. are a disguised attack on stall from Government accepted this argument. It costs would be shared by tbe However, to be effective. modernism itself. departments and CSIRO. dropped the notion of depart" joint owner countries, and funds CSIRO woold need to be Criticism of CSIRO from Departments will present their ments as customers and for individual projects would be internationally competitive, anti-modernist elements in pot icy objectives and identify endorsed the concept of tbe raised by subscription. meeting cnstomers' require­ society implies that CSlRO is where Australian research annnal workshop as a step CSIRO itself and the member mentsHs well as being cpst doing its job. The stronger such could assist. CSIROstaff "".ill towardimproving interactio11 countries could propose efficient. criticism. the better we are. respond by presenting our between Government and research projects. Such joint CSIRO researchers should be Modernism mean exploring the capabilities to provide this CSIRO. ownership should be benelicial prepared for free trade of R&D. possibilities and ramifications of assistance. The workshop comes at a to both Australia and these other Nevertheless this should not scientific knowlcdge. Modernism The workshop will also be critical time for CSJRO. It will countries. mean the death-knell of is innovative and non-traditional. an important step towards set tbe scene for discussions Many Asian countries are fundamental research, because Tile exploration costs money, devclnping a 'whole of with Government on our next exporting high-tech products many Asian governments and confinued page 7 Govel'1lment' view of what the triennium funding. Those Government wants from discussions will be a key focus CSIRO. of the Board and Executive The Government is clearly Committee's activities in the Inaugural CSIRO's most important coming months. stakeholder. It provides nearly During this time, it is Priestley 70 per cent of our 1\1I1ds absolutely essential that we through direct appropriation as raise the awareness of Lecture well as contributing funds CSIRO's cHpabilities and through competitive granting achievements among stake­ To commemorate the 80th schemes and contracts. holders and the community at birthday of Dr Bill Pl"iest­ Tbe Government has large. We need to make it ley, founding Chiefof the expectations of CSIRO in widely known what our Division of Atmospheric return for this funding. These science has achieved and will Research, the Division has include scientitic excellence of continue to achieve in the established the annual international stanclillg~ an national interest. and reinforce Priestley Lecture. efl"ective relationship with the our record of delivery. In this The lecture will be an users of our research to ensure way we can generate support important annual event in the that it is applied in the national PI'I!f Akiva Yaglom wilh Frances Philip and her IWrlrail o{Dr Bill for a strong national investment life of the Divisinn. and in interest; and an injection of in CSIRO. Prieslley Australian atmospheric science. SCientific expertise into the I hope that all staff will help The inaugural Priestley he and Dr Priestley have reference to the importance of I"ormulation of national policy. promote CSIRO in the coming Lecturer for 1995 was Prol"essor contributed so much. support stafl" "keeping the place In the draft report of its months and I encourage you to Akiva Yag]om, an eminent Before the address, a number ticking over. Left to the Inquiry into R&D. the Industry put ideas forward and to Russian-born scientist based at of former staff members professional staff, goodness only COlllmission canvassed several participate in our promotions. Massachusetts Institute 01' reminisced about the early days knows what might happen!" different options for funding Technology. Prol"essor Yaglom of the Division. A portrait of Dr CSlRO. One of these was to The event was a resounding is highly respected for his Priestley, kindly donated by have Government departments success, with our thealre packed achievements in boundary-layer Frances Philip, wife of Or John with staff and visitOJ's. directly commission CSlRO's meteorology. Philip (ex-Chief of the Centre While in Auslralia as a guest research. His tbeme was turbulence for Environmental Mechanics). We argued that this was of the Division, Professor (atmospheric, not political), and was unveiled. , taking the concept of the Yaglom also spoke at scientific he presented a fascinating Connie Priestley represented Government as a 'customer' Dr Roy Green institutions in Adelaide, ~ review of international develop­ bel' husband, giving an enter­ Canberra. and Newcastle. t_.~~too far; Government depart-_._~._ ~.Chief Executive~ .. _.._._.__ c . •• _.•.. ments in the lield to which both taining talk including Il pointed -Paul Holper

363-1995 i ; ion of Ent m 10 y ,IIfII ; tern tion I distinct; n The CSIRO Division 01' The Division bas been saved over one million shade Entomology receh'ed an undertaking extensive research trees in northern China li'om the AII'anl of Distinction at the on nematodes for the past Jll carpenter l11olh,lJo!cocerrn Uth International Plant year",. Several years ago the trlSU/GlrlS Protection Congress in the wuod wasp Sirex, a major pest The Division has also used Netherlands in June. 01 pine ['oresls. was successfully nematodes to control the black controlled by the nematode vine weevil and the banana file Division's Clner, Dr Paul De/aden".1 slriCldicola. using weevil borer. Researchers are Wellll1gs. "ceerted tbe "warll. CSIRO research. now looking ror ways to use which \VH~ lnadc in rel'oglllliun The Division had another nematodes against Hwide range of the Division\, 'vvork Oil major SlIcce:-;s in a collaborali ve or other pests. including the ulternatlve~ hlologlcal to nematode research pro.iecl wi\\l co(lling moth, a serious problem pe .... tiLidcs, ~pecihcally ih China. tundcd by the AustrallHn 101' apple and pear growers. pIoneering use of nematodes for Centre. for [nfernational The 13th InternatIOnal Plan! l,.'rop Pl'OtCC!IOll. Agncultur,,1 Research. Nema­ Prolectloll Congress was helel in :'\emulot!c .... are tiny round­ todes have been ::,hOWll to be a the Hague and drew 1000 worms that lIlvade and parasitise cost-eflective mean~ ul- control­ panicipHnlS from 60 cOlllltries. the bodIes of other organjsll1~. ling Carposina nlponensi~, the Its other awards this year went ~01l1e are insecticidal, and can major pest of China's one to a SWISS company, Ciba Crop Or Paul Welling.1 presents rhe III/ernallOnal Plant Pm/eC/ioll be llsed to control insects in million hectares or apple Protection, and a Dutch Congre.ls Award ol'0islillelioll to Or Rohin Beclding, Ihe lIem(({ode place 01 chemical pesticides. orchards, and they have already company, [(oppert. projel'l Icader G ss- ots s Strong demand and development of these forages tor presentation Ni"k (Jo/dic, CSIROjournalist has been clone by CSIRO's wilh COI,!,or"l!' All'lirs ill Division ofTropical Crops and Con!Je,./"u, 1-'1)(1.\ us/\ed af very Pastures. Many of the tree seeds skills courses .~horr no/ice to go to S'ourl! (Vietnam is full of gUIll trees and '''''0)·'!L',h' ,_. 01 d10 presenters Eosl A.lio UI place o/Thol/w.1 and cl\suarinas) come Would you like to take U'le \\

363-1995 """"""~__•. ~_.""".""'IfflII~~I"i!l'm'~.~~~~~~'II trn"'~~~~."""02!~!l:!.mo~<~ Forestry in Canberra. is 'I much expanded and updated edition (lflhe wcllll'celved mnnograph on Cyclic !J('lIgm. Cvc/if and COrnpUf('" (;NlerO(cd ~~~~~~_~~r~ !Jesigns. published by Chapman and lIIm"'Fmll?n~~~=--~'~ Ilall, is being distnhnted by Thomas Calling all CSIRO cyclists Nclson in Austral ta. A cycling team from the Division of Materials. SClellce and Technology in Melbonrne has agarn University honours entered the annual "Around the Bay in a Day" ride to Or Richard Milllllgtoll. a tormer chief ot compete for the Corporate Cup on Sunday. October IS. Ihe Division of Land Research Last year's team nf28 riders came fourlh and this (l973-19X2) and 01 the Division 01 Land year. with 40 cyclists enlisted already. they are aiming and Water Resources Cl 9X2 -1l)X7}. Dr for even greater success. They are IIwiting cyclists Max Richards. CS1RO Board mcmber from all Divisions to join them in flying the Ilag for since 199 J and Chairman of Abcrl(1Vle CSlRO. Limitcd. and Dr Bill Blcvin. formCl' The ride leaves Melbourne and circuits Port Phillip Staffat DMST dusfmg ofF fh6,. I}/'kcs ill preparation {O,. the annual Chief of Applied Physics t I9XX-1 9941. Bay, with a ferry ride across the Heads. Bicycle Araund the Bay in a Day ,.ide were among thiS year'.:; recipient<.; 01" the Victoria has ample back-up facilities such as water Distinguished Alumm Award ['rom the stops, break-down vehicles, traffic control people. food "The Ministry of Construction in Japan has indicated University of New England. and enterlainmenl, plus a sag wagon to return you to that it is happy to work with CSIRO to lind a way The honour recognises graduates' outstanding the start il' you cannot complete the full distance. around any technical barriers that Au;.;lralian exporters personal contribution to Ihc enrichmcnt of soclcty This is not intended as Cl race but rather a personal may encounter," through innovation and c1edicnlion. challenge. All types of bikes and riders are entered. A Memorandum of Understanding between The other 1995 recipient was Colonel Pml e"or from the young (16 years) to the very old ("like some DHARD and ti,e Ministry of Construction includcs Dato' Kamarudin Hj Kachar. a distingLllslled of us!" say tbe DMST riders). commencing procedures for the recognition of CSIRO Malaysian educator. So. dust off your old bike, pump up the tyres. and as a foreign testing organisation. for more information contact: Peter Curtis, This could brillg great opportumties for Australia's Which widget? Cm) 9542 2700 email [email protected]. or Bob construction and materials industries because Japan Ramon Cornejo-Rios. CSJRO's librarian in Canberra. Brett. cm) 9S.42 2970 email [email protected]. builds around 1.6 million housing units each year, and is trying to identify II1IS device. following a letter fro\ll could import at least SO per cent of the materials used. a puzzled person in Hertfordshire. England. It is. as the Opportunities in Japan lettcr notes, "a tool The Division of Building. Construction and Engineer­ New book on cyclic designs or gauge markcd ing is deVeloping opportunities for its industry to Cyclic and Con/pUff!' Generated Designs is a book wilh tile initials 01 maximise the potential of falling trade barriers in that will be of use to graduate students of statistics and your oJ'!!-<.lllisa­ Japan. 10 all those statisticians engaged in the design and lion". But nothing fn May, DBCE's Or Lam Pham and Or Bob analysis of experiments in almost any area of else is certain. The Leicester joined representatives of Austrade and the application. letter concludes: Department of Housing and Regional Development on It is concerned with the statistical design and "Its purpose has a trade mission to Japan, intending to build relation­ analysis of experiments, and provides useful and up­ long been a myslery. and if you can provide any ships and investigate possibilities for cooperation. to-date coverage of incomplete blocks, row-column information at all. 1 would bc most grateful." Or Pham said: "We fOllnd that lhe}apanese are very (le"~iglls and factonal experiments and thell ..•YX,?)l',?~ll?l,?)J) turn this into a CoResearch competl­ serious about deregulation and are looking for ways The book, by Nye John of the Centre for scnd us your suggestions. The best. or for Australia and.Japan to achieve mutual recognition Physics at the UllIvers;ty ofWaikato in New Zealand. at least most imaginative. will be rewarded with of each other's standards. and CSIRO's EmIyn Williams. from the Division of the usual prize: copious publicity in the next issue. Senator Cook opens ME program

The Minister for Industry ourselves "lOIllC target.s for the Science and Technology, next 12 months." Senator Peter Cool{, this The ILMs arc to approach 2S0 month announced CSIRO's companies allCl Mike I(enyon latest initiative to work expects that SO will become with small to medium invnlved with CSI1

363-1995 t cean mil a IIIIIIJ

Em'lier this yem; the Division seconuary cducallon 111 a I\ubery Hards says Karma Townsville boardmg school, will prohablyI'take a divmg of Fisheries' Brisbane madne labonltory appoint­ before returning to Thursday course and gam a Queensland ed the lirst cadet through Island ancl obtaining work £1<., Cl boating licence hefore taking CSIRO's Aboriginal and dental aSSISlallt with the part in lieldwork in the Tones Peninsula and Torres Strait Stnul region latcllhis year. TOlTes Strait Islander Regional Health Authority. "The cadet selectIon criteria Recruitment and Cm'eel' Thanks to a chance encounter placed importance on knowl·­ Development Stnltegy, with CSIRO marine sctentht edge of thc Torres Slnut l~ I(arina HirakH\·va, 21, now GeotY Dews, Kmina spent SIX community," he says. "Commu­ a,"lStmg Ihe Tropical Benthic months visiting 14 islands in the nication is imporrant in a cros,s­ Ecology Project group in the Torres Strait to collect catch cultural environment." collection of marine environ­ statistics ham local fishermen Karina believes language mental and lishery information for CSlRO. She applied for the diniclIltics are the main barrier m the Torres Stnllt. She llas also cadetship after completing this to effective communication. begun an applied ~cicnce degree contract. "Tol'I'es Strait Islanders are very course Ht QUT, Karilli1 has been a~sistil1g with reserved people:' she says. Born ami r,used on Thursday lobster feeding tralls since joilllng "Sometimes they won'ttalk to Island, Karma is quite at home the CSlRO marine laboratory m you simply because they don't with crustaceans - her father Brisbane, last March, where she believe their English is goocl Kyozo (".Ioe"), who migrated is supervised by lisheries enough." from Japan to Australia alier ecologist Aubery Harris. She had Karlna, who speaks Torres World War lI, is a sell'­ also undertaken computer work Strait Creole and understands employed craylish diver. and analysis of underwater viden several Islander dialects, is The fourth m a family of live footage of the bcnthic environ­ well-placed to deal with such children, Karina completed her ment on the Great Barrier Reef. issues. -.Judith Mishinsld Fishenes Cltdet Karino Hirakawa wilh one ot' her research subiee!;

--jf-;,;~tJ'a/i~-l1 Ci~;~l£;~- [nclude" illustrations ' ofCSlRO fmm 1926 tu J949, Hardcover, 374 pages. (1987) H..RP $50 $25 FOl'cst Treeso{ Australia Describes more than 200 Australian native 8pecies. A superb reference for llaturaliMs and bushwalkers. Hardcover 687 pag,l:s (984) RRP $85 $75 Mill' Whlucn wllh his biowtiv seuiplllre and otherlc/rewel! gijis SIIQ1·ks and Rays of Australia Thi~ large and bcalll'ifully ptoJllced book i., a superb gift (-or divers. fi,hermcn, and ,1lIyone f:lscinated by sharb. Hardcover, ') 13 pages (1994) RRP $'59,:)') $50 Management of Bndal'lgel'et! Plants Staff farewell as n~ltllr1IJ:.ts 1'or who arc COlllIII itted to prc!>crving Australia's biodiver.<;iry! This full co!uur book dr:scrib~.'. comClvatJon t ....chniql1es .md pres<.-·ms caSt' Hudies. .soCtcovcr; 182 page.'. [199:3) RRP $!J9.9'j $40 Max takes wing Gal'l!l.ll'l;ng DOI/J}l~undeJ' A gUide to soil im_prowll1cm, \'{lth :lurhnnt:ttive adl'ice on fenilisers, CUl11post1llg, water rn,\Ilagemenr, ,oil testing, 'stery of the environmeiHal dcsu'uctJOn ofllluslon Bay. IUtP $69.95 $60 guests at Ihe function, commissioned by the Division Assistant Chief Dr Jim to celebrate Max'5 role as a Cullen welcomed the guests and scientist and his major contribu­ introduced the speakers. tion to research on the genetic Dr Green paid tribute to Max, control of blowtly populations. saying that his stancling as a Accepting the gifts, Dr Max sciel1list was very high and that Whitten thanked his staff and we can all he very proud of colleagues at CSIRO, whom he what the Division has achieved commended as being a terrific under his leadership. team. He also pointed out the locoming Chief Dr Paul range of cutting-edge research Wellings said Max had offered being conducted by CSIRO the conditions that enabled Entomology and its significance research to excel, by allowing to the Australian economy.

363-1995 Making 5 ac for Au t~ lia CSIRO scientists are COSSA's Head, Dr Brian planning civilian earlh observ­ worldng to (ake advantage Embl.eton. "Iys tbe ofllce is now ing satellite programs:' he say~. of opportunities in space coneentr"ting on helping to ('OSSA is a small manage­ while keeping (heir feet meet CSlRO's scientilic ment and technical team of firmly on the ground. research and industry devel"p­ about 10 stalT. Its main activi­ ment objectives through the CSJRO's OffIce of Space ties are managing CSIRO wise use of space technologic ... Science and ApplicatiDns, access to rc">earch aircraft: such as satellite imaging. (,OSSA, celebrates its 11th "icrvices In proJect and program birthday in Decembcr. Its work includes co­ management in space technolo­ ordinating CSIRO's Earth gy and science: alld developing 11 Vv'(;lOS conceived at a time wben tbc Australian Govern­ Ohscrvatioll J'cscarch groups strateglcs f'or CSIRO\ space and facilities. ment wa~ analysing the need for research, particularly in thc held a national "ipacc program, and Or Embleton says CSIRO is of remote sensing:. initial task~ were designed ['() maintaining a strong dTort m CSIRO's astronomical mergc CSIRO", 1'&0 expertise international space co-opera­ observatIOns arc earned out by with the project management' tion, to help lill gaps in global the Australia Telescope National COSSA's 'Jilsnlanian Eorth Nesofl/'I'es Sotel!ite Station ill Ilobarr' ~co~I'II!]hic ~cncrr(' fi·a.~tnclI­ and space mi"isiol1 operation space research programs, while Facility, with headquarters in The pl'oh!ems assocrated with the and needs. bcneliting from the work being Epping, New South Walcs. talion o/rem.ote sensing 11'er<' highlighted in ({ recent review carried out by the much larger COSSA, based ill Canberra, More than I0 years and Research Institute. and Japan's sensing c.lala: tor data product and older space agencies and \cveral major govcrIlIT1Cn( provides site services for two Institute of Space and Astromlu­ managcrnenl. including corc­ research bod ics elsewhere. reports lafer, the status of 11 senior ATNF researchers. and lical Sciences. level processillp.: and strategic "CSIRO's II1ternational space WOl'ks with the ATNF III national space program is ')till COSSA helps the ATNF, and research tu pacc cOl11l11unicaUol1, the talented and dedicated individu­ trade display attracted CSIRO Division of Radio­ als with the nght mix of'sclcnce. broad illterest. Exhibits physics is the logical rncal point englllcering. Clnd management fea.lw·ed "emo{p-scl/sing within the Organisalion. skills. The CSIRO Earth imoges. !norine assessment "However, in the area of Earth Observation Centre is expected capabilities and tecl'/llo­ observation. or remole sensing, to operate in a similar way. logical dCI'elopmellt around hall' of CS[RO's 34 "[n the past. most remote designed to a....'s;.,·1 research Divisions have devoted sensing researchers worked in Govern.ment and industry. some research effort, covering units whose main buslnc"is \\1(1 .... ()/lwl'ticular interest was the range from instrument some other lield. The Earth the Auspl'o!Je. Cl retrievable design and engineering. to Observation Centre will "lluw instl'ument ,...pecia!!:)' ground station opcration and researchcrs to specialise in developed bv CS/fiO discipline- or market-based remote sCllsi;1g. with the marine lahoralories applications." mission of' helping CSIRO techfl/ca! stoff ill Hoharr The problems associated with Divisions. multi-Divisional to record the dispersion of' the geographic and generrc Programs and external clients lo jat'Oslfe when it is dnmped fragmcntation of remote apply remote sensing products at sea. sensing in CSIRO were and methods to their lield of' highlighted in a recent review, interest." led by Dr James Simpson, an The CSIRO Earth Observa­ expert in Earth observation and tion Centre's first laboratory h geographic information being eSlablished in Canberra. c~~:~~m:~:'77~ systems, from the Scripps commencing with the transfer f" ..-. --._-'" CSlRof--I'"'' -_ ... _- Institution of Oceanography in of' Or Dean Graetz, Murray .I!'!! sean I ;:.':,ormation ~ San Diego, California. Wilson and Sue Campbell from t AUS1"RAllA ~ - e :-. The review report recom­ the Division of' WildJiI'e and -,&_._~ -.~ -" -- -. ~-- -~ - .- -- -~ --_':'~--'---"'-~~ mended that CSIRO adopt a Ecology. The Ccntre 's head­ new approach, forming teams of' quarters will be in Canberra, remote sensing workers with a located with COSSA, which SEARCH SCANFILE ON SIM combination of essential skills, will provide administrative and For all your management information needs functions and discipline bases, resemch support. Also available on CD-ROM al several locations. For further information about These units would be kn"wn COSSA ami the CSlRO Earth Call the Corporate library & Information Service as the "CSIRO Earth Observa­ Observation Centre cont"ct .kIT I>hone (06) 2766232, email: [email protected] tion Centre", and would be KingwelL (06) 216 non. GPO responsible for obtaining remote Box 3023, Canberra. ACT 260 I.

363-1995 X-ray work a mine of benefit

Keith Non'ish is a tena­ dinner party conversution. but it malerial- a sample that hUll cious person, hUl'inl( is spoken 01' highly in the becn analysed using the wOI'ked on x-ray fluores­ mining industry. standard chemical metllDd, 101' cence for lJlore than 50 II' you are an exporter of dclcrmin1l1g the chemical yean. Along the way he minerals and coal you cannot composition of matenal~, defied conventional scien­ export any old mineral or coaL A I'ter two yea]'.s 01 practice You have to export your goods and refinement of the XRF tifk wisdolJl and is still to the spec; lications negotiated melhod, all labs were obtainmg rewritinl( the text book on 111 the sales contract. It' you are results that were preClse 10 0.1 '1, x-rays in the mining below the specification. you in Iron. industry. are penalised. and .if yOll are But there was something When asked why he sluck al above you are wasting your weird going on. Although the It for so long., hb answer is not money. labs agreed with one another. very scientillc: "Something in Keith pioneered the technique their XRF results did not agree my guts." he "lyS. to accuratcly and quickly with the long-time cerlilicHted Keith Norrish. now 1I1 hIS analyse more than 80 elements result. The differences were 71b. is a Post Retirement Fellow ill natural materials during any small, but signi fkanl. at CSIRO Division of Soils in stage of processing. Ovet' the next four years the Adelaide. X-rays are his For example, in mineral mystery was solved. over­ pa:-.sion. sands processing, the XRF turning conventional wisdom in Back in 1945, while sludying technique can pick up within 15 the process. for his Masters Degree in West minutes changes in composition To solve the discrepancy. Australia, Keilh Norrish built of the ore, allowing adjustments Keith re-cvaluatedtheir X-ray his first machine 10 measure to be made to the composition Keith Norrish and an x-ray speetlOmeter: jllst testing 14'ore technique. This took some lime. x- ray fluorescence. "A home­ before loading on to ore C()},J'ljJosition means sign/jicCln.t savings in shipping ('osts Next, in collaboration with made job." he called it, as none carners. Before the XRF Japanese and Australian of iron in the shipmeut to be Developing the latest were available olT the shelr. technique, testing the composi­ laboratories, Keith and Sally determined. technique is one thing, but Keilh wanted to determme tion of ore took a couple of devised an experiment to check having it accepted as the the elements in soil and plants dnys. The XRF technique is also the certified reference materials. preferred way to test mining from the Iluorescence of Being able to test the ore so used during the exploration the results of which have been exports for contract specijjca­ panicles when X-rays are quickly produces significant stage to determine if an ore used for more than 30 year,. tions is another. This is where beamed at them. He soon savings in shipping costs, as in hody is suilable for mining. Ore Using an improved version of Keith and his assistant Sally realised that X-ray Iluorescence the past a ship may have been bodies that are too rich might be the wet chemical technique. the Birch ran into unexpected might be useful to the mining held up a day or two while tests left in the ground because new analyses agreed with the difficulties. industry. were compleledund the ore potential buyers can't afford the results obtained by XRF composition adjusted. Tbe cosl market price. Mining IS like any To have the technique technique. It appears old Ul~j{tiling belief of holding a ship at berth is high other business: the right product accepted requires a manual to certified reference matcrial Early in the I950.s, Dr und the cost to Australia', at the right price at the right be written and accepted by the results had been inal:curate in Radoslovich and Keith designed export reputation as a supplier time to the right market. Standards Association of the first place! and built an x-ray spectrometer of consistentqua] ity goods In 1959 the Zinc Corporation Australia or the International Keilh and Sally presented that they usecl for JO years in calmot be calculated. at Broken Hill was the first in Standurds Organisation. It also thereTIITdill1S,unltc meeltng-of their laboratory work. With an The XRF technique involves the mining industry to start requires experienced techni­ the International Standards unfailing belief in their ideas, focusing an x-ray beam onto a using XRF for chemical cians in different laboratories to Organisation (ISO) in Ottawa in they demonstrated to the mining glass disc that contains dis­ analysis in its milL Next Broken be able to prepare test samples September 1994. Based on theIr industry the value of x-ray solved ore or other material. Hill Associated Smelters at Port to the same high standard. This results, the ISO has agrcedto techniques. Each disc is made very careful­ Pirie installed one and Mt Isa did not prove to be an easy task. begin a major test program this When commercial spectrom­ ly. The sample is mixed evenly Mines was close on its heels. Laboratories in Australia, year tn confirm XRF as the best eters became available, Keith through the molten glass, The machines started to pop up Brazil, Canada. China, Japan, method for determining the and Dr Radoslovich were in the ensuring that there are no in the iron orc, aluminium, Sweden and the UK participated composition of iron ores - and box seat to help the mining bubbles or other imperfections copper, tin. coal and cement in validating the technique. an International Standard Illdustry use the machine on the disc surface. industries. method will be published. effectively. Tntnsferring When exposed to x-rays, the By world slandards, the Assessment Keitb and Sally are patient research to industry is a bit like material embedded in the disc Australian mining industry was This involved a monthly and tenacious people and it is real estalc. It's about position, gives off a signature lluOJ'es­ quick to take up the XRF assessment ot their methods of reassuring that truth, justice amI and timing. cence, which reveals which technique. Today the industry is analysing iron ore. Each the scientific way do win out 111 Today X-ray iluorescence chemical elements are present. using more than 100 x-ray laboratory was given samples of the encl. (XRF) is not high on the list of Knowing this allows the level speclrometers. ore from a certi1ied reference -Christian Pe!crson

"-·..·OLC....."' =="'·"'""'"'=..."'"""':a=~J ...='""""'"·~.~~I~ __~~~~~~ ...... ~.....,..~=;.~".-"."'""_~i~~ ''''''''.c...~'''''' '''_~~=.'''' .... ,,(.;i,,''''"'.,..'''~ .....,=~~i!":~==~,~\i''~=~,,~.~=;"'~=.i.>I;~~~==~="':,O; ....~\'~cii'iil;~.:a<.""'WI '="'''''''-''"'=~~''''''"'"'''~''''~''''''''~''''''''''-''''''''~='~~l.'=~~~~';''''.

363-1995 Sfi', wading a er 34 years The lnauguml Director of of tbe Centre for Irrigation and the MUlTay Darling Freshwater Research. Vying for Freshwater Research the Career Juggling Champion­ Centre, David Mitchell, ships, David took up the directorship of the ficclgling retired from the CSIRO in MDFRC in 1986, while August. continuing his -commitment to But he won't be hanging up the Gril'fith laboratory for a wadcr~ hi..., or shelving hb further two years until it word processor. because he has became part of tbe new accepted a position as profes­ Division of Water Resources. Dr Cail'd Rannay (pOlllliIl8) demollsllale.1 a room hlllll/n. tmm le/I sorial associate at the Charles Re!lecting on his time at Larry Lillle. Or Max I/i.lwlds awl 01 Alalll/cid Sturt Ul1Ivcrsity. CSIRO, David says: "I've rh is l1onorary position giveo Dal'id Mitchel/: reliring hUll1IJI rcally enjoyed working with D,lVld the flexibility to pursue people in a range of different ;v;s;on on show slojJjJlI7g hi..., intcre"it III aquatic weeds capacities and. working for CSIRO Board member Dr lied ",wings to the mIlling and wC'llanch as \-vell as to SOl' Bill Williams at the CSIRO has been a real Max Richards \'ecently industry and has application 10 contribute to the university University of Adelaide. privilege. H gave me the the construction and rood through research and lecturiug. This gave bim tbe opporl.ll­ opportunity to explore con­ spent a day at the Division uldustrIe,: the multi-Divisionat David's career in research nity to investigate tbe problem cepts of research cooperation of' Building, Construction project on sewerage investiga~ I"" spanned 34 years. Ilalf the of aquatic weeds througbout and interaction as \;I,lcll as many and Engineering's Highett tion teehnology: the project on globe and a variety of appoinl­ Australia and laid tbe basis for other exciting chalJenges." site, in response to a improvecl ventilntioll tcchnolo menh. a national management On a lighter note, David is personal invitation from gies, which relate"! to!ll(' As a young scientist in his strategy that was later devel­ prepared to admit that he has Division Chief LaiTY Little. CSlRO multi-DiVisional pn>jel·t native Zimhab\ve, he swdicd oped by the National Coordi­ become a I'IIily-ockerised "We have sent il1v.itations to a on air quality; ilnd lhe mlhesiun anclnamed the noxiolls weed nating Committee for Aquatic Iiml1ologist, having enriched nUlllber of board members and technology prolecl. which has S(/{I';tII0 molesta. Weeds. his vocabulary with terms such welcome the opportunity to attracted widespread illtcrcr.;t ill TakIllg sabbatical leave from Subsequently, he joined as biJlabong and Sydharbs demonstrate the excellent and the UOlverSlty of Zimbabwe, ('SIRO at Griffith where he (which oj' course is the amount industry-valued science carried the automotive industry. where he lectured for 16 years, became Omccr In Charge of water contained in Sydney out in tbis Division," LaiTY said. Or Richards said: "I Wlh he came to work With Profcs- (1982), ,melthen Chief (1988), Harbour), Project leaders showed Dr Impresscd by the range 01' thc Richards and Or A lan Reid projects, the o..,CiCllC:C illvolvcd. and some of the research bemg the ingenuity of lhe researcher... , undertaken. This mcluded the and this was an expenence I ew things in t mixing project. which has have already recommended to already demonstrated .substan- I'ellow Board members" Two-thirds of CSIRO's rUlTent staff members were yet to he born on the Hrsl Eminent working day ill 1950 when tile 16-.vear-old David lleanlsmorc nervously in nut f'otere

363-1995 364##1995

'r No. 36 4 December 1 9 9 5 CS I R0 J S t af f newspaper CS I RO AUSTRALIA Virus cause me ,• pIa u By CHRISTIAN PETERSON except the Sydney Mormng booklet was mailed to more Thomas Austin has a lot to Herald. than 7000 people, more than answer for. Next day, under the headline 300 information packages were issued to the pllblic, and more Mr Austin was a prominent 'Rabbit virus alert as test goes than SOOO calls were tielded by grazier, a Royal hosl and liked wrong', a media frenzy started. the AAHL's team and CSJRO to do things in style. On It lasted for nearly three weeks. Christmas Day in 1859, he All major news outlets ran the Information Network. imported partridges, hares and story, reporting the breach, the At timef" media attention wa~ 24 wild English rabbits, which spread to the mainland and even Immense. In the space ot' halt an he released on his property, that a journalist had inadvertent­ hour, three news crews arrived Barwon Park, near Geelong in ly spread the virus to Yunta in at AAHL in two helicopters and Victoria. His reasons were South Australia. Now it appears one station wagon. simple: to provide sport for his the virus was spreading by Occasionally there were wealthy mates and a delicacy rabbits and unknown carriers at unfortunate errors in the for their tables. about 40 to 50 kilometres a reporting. For example, ADC Twenty years later rabbits week. TV News ancl Current Affair, were 011 the rampage in New Over the next month there incorrectly announced that Sonth Wales according to an were hundreds of headlines and CSIRO wmild vaccinate pet article in a Sydney newspaper radio and TV reports. Headlines rabbits for free. This launched on December 31, 1879, and Rabbits continue to damage the range/ands id inlaud Australia, announced 'CSIRO joy on an avalanche of calls from pastoralists were predicting ruin despite ('onlprehensive ('on/lool efforfs. SOURCE· D.LORD,THAC1Gary Johns, the Minister for and Torres Strait Islander people community." government, industry and Territories.

2

364-1995 Iject boo t ean afety A CSIRO project to map but had the sinking occurred in greater detail. This detail ocean cUlTents will be a tilree weeks later all would have show, up unpredictnble eddies, significant benefit to perished because they would w\lich can carry buoys (and shipping, search and rescue, have hecn swept to the Southern boats) hundred.s of kilometres. fishing and the recreational Ocean by tile summer paltern 01' The satellite, 1340km above use of mal"itime water's. cOllverging currents. the earth, can record sea surface Or GeOl'ge Cresswell, a height to within 5cm accmacy. Tile project, initiated by membcr of tile Oceanography The hrst public view of the CSIRO Oceanography, is being Program team. says: "Because ocean maps will be in the Icad-up unveiled tilis montll as part of the of the studies of drifting buoys to this year's Telstra Mobilenet Oceans-EEZ analysis system. since the Blyrh Star sinking wc Sydney-Hobart yacht race, when Declaration of the Exclusive are much better off in terms of race skippers and navigators Economic Zone lEEZ) in J

Mrs Annick Chartier from the length l mass, temperature, time, Asia-Paeific Metrology Program. the Asia-Pacific Metrology monitoring also depends on Bureau International des Poids electricity, photometry and Or and Mrs Chartier brought Program, NML plays a vital role agreed measurements. et Me~llres France co-ordinated jonising radiation. with them the BIPM travelling in APEC's push for free trade in "The way to do that is to the laser intercomparison. BIPM It selected NML as a iodine stabilised laser used as our region. NML provides the ensure thalmeasurements are is responsible for overseeing the location for the direct laser the dehnitive standard against secretariat for tbe program, traced back to national measure­ international system of measur­ comparisons, based on NML's which the intercomparisons which invol ves 22 primary ment standards that are being ing standards of, for example, capabilities and its role in the were made. measurement laboratories. compared on a regular basis."

364-1995 ~"""~"",-"?,~".,~.~-n=~""'.""'T","·,,..,,..,~.m.~_"'""1!"'3'iw.%~"i'7"'{':"·~·"~''''''''.~.~_~'1 .'"~''''"'''iO'·_'''l'''W7.~,=,r::=·.","C:~_''!''l,"",",''lmi,~;':\:i''~=,;;~,~·'7''''')'''",= Second pressing for eatSmart CD CSIRO has ordered a second pressing of 500 units of orts o its ealSmart CD-ROM. The last 250 or the initial prcssing 01 IUUO have been taken by llarvey Norman ''''-~-··-=''''~''',''''''''~sm'''''''''''''''''=''''_'''"'''." ..•_.<-,r~."...",,~=~~'=~,"9 ~."_'":'""""",,,'\',="a_'II'm~=m;]f1~=":tWJ:"IT'l'~~.~n"":'"''''''''''f''''\,")~ln=·7m'Z';1l stores as part of.a national promotion or AU<.;lralit111 software. Three awards to CSIRO Publishing Harvey Norman will be selling CSIRO\ three mulli­ CSlRO Publishing has picked up three of the t995 media CDs. It has also ordered 350 copies of IIIS('('/.I Whitely Book Awards presented by the Royal -A World ofDiversliv and 500 copies 01" the ecologi­ Zoological Society of New Smith Wales. cal adventure Ecolrekker as part 01 the promotion. Sharks and Rays o!AlIstralia, by Peter Last and More than 2000 copies 01 IlIsecls have been sold John Stevens from the Division of Pisheries, won the since its release last year. and the more recenlly Whilely Medal as the most outstanding contribution to released Ecotrekker has sold nearly ROO copies. Australasian zoology this year. The book highlights (I.-I?) Jol7l1 Slevel/S and Peter Last{i'Om CSfRO Fisherie,1 the vasl diversity of shark and ray fauna in ollr region, receive Ihe presligiolls Silver Whitely Medal !i'Om Philil' Reed, Churchill Fellowship with more than 300 species identified so far. Presidenr (fthe Royal Zoological Society o!Neu' South WlIles. Applications for 1997 Churchill Pellowshlps close on Oecophorille Gellera o!'AlIstraiia, by lan Common February 29, 1996. The Fellowship is open to all from the Division of Entomology. was judged the Best works. "Asian markets dre often diflicult to entcr for Australian residents and is awarded for overseas study Individual Zoological Monograph for 1995. This Australian lirms and we expect this CSlRO-Itochu projects that will enhance the awardces' usefulness to volume;' the first of three and includes 91 genera initiative to help those companies develop a Japanese the Australian community. contailling 500 species of Australian molhs. presence," he said. "Itochu will also assist in commer­ Prospective applicants should send a stamped self­ Zoological Cataloglle ofAuslmlia. edited by Keith cialising CSIRO technologies in Japan and eventually addressed 24 x 12 cm envelope to: Application Forms. Houston. was judged the Best Zoological Series. It is a in othcr countries in Asia where the company has Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, 21 RNorthbuurne series of 90 volumes. covering a specific animal group business interests. In return, Itochu and CSIRO will Avenue. Braddon. ACT 2612. or groups, and will cite all known species in Australia. share some of the Illlancial rewards resulting fr0111 these commercial ventures, In time. we hope other Closer ties with Japanese company indust!'y sectors will benelit from this relationship." Ian William Wark Medal and Lecture A Letter of Intent to formalise closer ties between Nominations 101' the 1996 lan William Warle Medal CSIRO and tile Japanese trading giant Itochu, and to Seasoned cyclists in Melbourne ride and Lecture close at the end of this month. The medal and lecture recognise the signilicant ease acce~s by Australian companies into Asia, was CSIRO was well represented in the "Around the Bay in signed on October 24 at Itochu's Tokyo ol'lice. a Day" Corporate Cup bicycle ride in Melbourne on contribution to Australian science and industry by thc ltochu is a general trading company involved in October 15. Its team of 29 riders was drawn predomi­ late Sir lan Wark. and encourage those whose work, like media, energy ancl infrastructure. It has operations in nantly from the Division of Materials. Science and Sir lan 's, is at the interface 01 science and industry. 94 countries and annual turnover of $US 175 billion. Technology. Individual riders were allowed to For information and nomination forms phone Paye "We hope this Letter of Intent opens the door to a nominate the portion of the lotal 21 Ok distance they Nicholas on (06) 247 5777, Fax (6) 257 4620 01' write long and fruitful cooperation between CSIRO and wanted to complete. Medallions were awarded to those 10: The Executive Secretary, Australian Academy of Itochu," said Mr 1l1keshi Kondo, General Manager of who reached their goal. Science, PO Box 783. Canberra, ACT 260 I. ltochu's Research Division, who signed on behalf of Two of the CSIRO team received tileir medallions the company. upon finishing their lOOk ride and the remaining 27 Correction CSIRO's signatory was Dr Chris Mallett. Director went on to complete the 21 Ok. The team members' A caption in the last issue of CoRcsearch incorrectly of the Institute of Animal Production and Processing. ages ranged from the early 20s to the 50s. Bob Brett. referred to "COSSA's Tasmanian Earth Resources He described the agreement as a great opportunity for one of the organisers, says: "In fact, the best riders Satellite Station 1\1 Hobart". In fact. CSIRO is part of a the Australian food companies with which CSIRO were over 50 because they were seasoned riders." consortium that owns and operates the facility. Effluent Mi ,1/1 ht at the as,s1/1 project By PAUL HOLPER measurement regimes often .. stretching lVell into the night. wIns When the Flinders Univer­ Glass chambers monitored gas sity research aircraft uash transfers, a Iysimeter tracked BHP landed in an Adelaide golf water exchange from a six­ course in early OdobeJ', it tonne block of soil and plants. award Randall Falkiner a/Joard 'HMAV took with it a sizeable chunk while instruments on a 20-metre Bounly' with the BHP Lallilcare Award of experiments planned for high tower, a four-kilometre CSIRO's Wagga Wagga land management. It aims to OASIS, AustJ'alia's largest high kite and a motorised Effluent Plantation Project produce national guidelines evel' greenhouse gas research glider tracked the state has J'eceived the 1995 BHP based on experimental dala and measurement project of the atmosphere. State Landcare Research models that will assist local Luckily no one was seriously OASIS participants also Award for NSW. governments, rural industries, injured. but the Cessna's endured a procession of media environmental regulators and visitors and the odd brown The Millister for Land and absence caused many sleepless planners in the environmentally snake. the latter causing les.s Water Conservation, Kim nights for project co-ordinator sound design and management anxiety than the former. Yeadon, presented the award to Mike Raupach and the rest of of effluent-irrigated plantations. project representatives Randall the planning team. Mike is from Many thought it quite Palkiner (Division of Forestry) A manual entitled Effluent­ the Centre for Environmental appropriate that during the most and Colin Earnshaw (Facilities Irrigated Plantations: Desigll Mechanics, the lead group in intensive phase of the experi­ Engineer. Wagga Wagga City and Management was launched the two-year, $5 million ment, in October. the streets of Council) at a ceremony aboard at a recent national workshop investigation that began in Wagga Wagga featured large Chris Drury adjusting eddy HMAV Bounty on Sydney conducted by the project team, 1994. banners proclaiming Mental correlation equipment a( Wagga Harbour on October 27. which is led by. Brian J. Myers. Every self.·respecting field Health Week. Wagga during the OASIS The award is made annually The team has up to 17 staff experiment needs an acronym. OASIS involved researchers project to an individual or organisation from the Divisions of Porestry OASIS stands for Observations from the CSIRO Climate for outslanding achievements in and Soils, representing disci­ at Several Interacting Sites. The "The challeuge is to obtain Change Research Program and either land conservation plines of soil science, hydrology, sites doing the interacting agreement between measure­ other CSIRO Divisions; research or the development of plant physiology, silviculture stretched from picturesque Wagga ments made at small scales, Plinders University; the innovative landcare technology, and modelling. Wagga in southern New South such as a one-square-metre Australian National University; The Wagga Wagga project, As wmner of the State Award, Wales to Uram 100 kilometres chamber, and larger scales, such the University of Wollongong; which began 1\1 1991, is a six­ the project now becomes a to the west. The observations as an entire region," says Mike. Charles Sturt University; year study of the potential finalist in the National Landcare were of gas emissions and There was never a dull HortResearch and NIWA from productivity and limitations to Awards to be presented by the energy exchange from typical moment for the 40 participating New Zealand; and the Universi­ the sustainability of this form of Prime Minister in March. Australia landscapes. scientists, with gruelling ty of Colorado.

364-1995 Hig -tech l nch r ,lIJiI InD indust C

By NICK GOLDtt, ,"CCC" of the new CRC. (WA) contributed to the di,,·ov­ Thc CRC, which will have ih ery of the world-class PIli tonic An interactive electl'Onic headquarters at CSfRO's Floreal and Bronzewing gold dep,,,its, link-ulJ between Canberra Park laboratories in I.Jcrth. "CSlRO techniques for and Perth was used to bnngs together researchers I'rom geothennal exploratiun in launch the Co-operative the Australian National Univer­ weathered and lateritic terrains Research Centre for Land sity, Ihe University of Canberra, are now used successfully Evolulion and Mineral throughout Australia and in the Australian Geological Survey III the launch (!I'the CIIC LEME: From 1<11, Dr Rav Smith, Sellil(()/ Organisalion and CSIRO, Exploration on August 31. similar envirollments worldwide. Peter Cook, Dr Roos Fardon and Dr Graham 1rlylor (CRC ('xeclI~ Scientist:., and mining The CRC's Director. Or Ray They have contributed to finds live memba,Jioll/ the Univasity or Canberra) Il1du~try representHtjves took Smith of CSIRO, said it is a in Auslralia whose long-term par! Jl1 the launch at Parliament major research ini\iative that has value could exceed $2 billion," integrated into a national picture. assist in the traifllng of the House in Canberra and the strong support from the Or Smith said the involve­ The Federal Government will geosclentists of the luture. Floreal audilorium 111 Perlh. exploration and mining industry. ment of the Australian Nallonal provide $16 million seed At the launch, Or Ross Fardon At Ihe launch. Science Minister "The Centre builds on the University and the University funding over seven years to of MIM. the Chainnan 01 the CRC Peter Cook ~aid researchers on strong base of geoscientitic R&D of Canberra in the CRC will build research strength, tnrnslate Board, presented CRC LEME bOlh sides of the country were across Auslrali{I," he said. enable thell' expeliise in results into commercial scholarships to three studen!., in collaborating to ensure the "CSIRO work in the Yilgarn weal hedng processes to be explonrtion techniques, and Canberra and one in Perth. C -ordi ating the olifical m s By Toss GASCOIGNE substell1ces and maricullure as "The scheme brought "It's a tribute to Graham's Senior Fellow at AIMS in The Honourablc llan'y O. industry, invest.ment and effectiveness, and has proved Townsville, ,1oncs claims he was mis­ research bodies into working invaluable in our dealings with "I think it is very important partnerships, We would like to decision-makers, The Minister repol'ted. He nevcr called that the voice of the working work with government to was delighted to receive such a Austmliun scicntists scientist be heard," he says. introduce a revised scheme." comprehensive and broad-based "wilnps". "The Academ ies. departmental Infrastructure in research document at its launch in June,H But he does admit to accusing bureaucrats and ministerial staff organisations and universities is Tile document sets out policy them of wimpish behav iour, of advise government too, but our another priority area, as are in four areas: education, inciustry, not providing him with the opinion, come straight fL'Om the measures to make science a more government institutions and political muscle to win baltles in workbench, !l's the only rewarding and attractive career. national facilities (including Cabinet over funding for science. scientilic group that can really "One of the most important CSIRO), and university Hi, comment followed the advise on the latest in tech­ steps FASTS took under research and research training. disastrous science Budget of niqnes, technologies and Graham Johnston's presiciency It is probably just what Barry )984. Scientists demonstrated at international thinking," was to adopt a written science 0, Jones needed to win his Parliament Hmlse but Barry was Joe Baker believes some policy," Or Baker says. battles back in 1984, DJ' JOt Baker less than sympathetic. progress has been made. He sees wa~ The science cOlllmunity growing community recognition pricked into action, and the that S&T is important. following year the Federation of The role of S&T in strength­ Australian Scientific and ening Australian industry is Technological Societies was another challenge. "Australian established to give the working investment by industry in R&D ~cientist a voice in Canberra. remains pathetic. half that of FASTS has had its successes our Asian trading partner and since 1985. It lobbied on a competitor South Korea." serie, of issues - the 150"/0 tax incentive for R&D, development FASTS believes that a of the CRC' scheme, the Science scarcity of venture capital is Minister to be in Cabinet, the driving Australian inventions National Curriculu1ll Project overseas. Unless we integrate and ARC post-graduate awards. invention, innovation and Those were all wins. But product marketing, we will not there are plenty of issues left for really achieve recognition as incoming President Dr Joe "the clever country". Baker, the Board and their It is not enough for FASTS to combined persuasive powers, demonstrate how S&T can help Or Baker, who took over government and industry, Or from Professor Graham Baker says, It has to show Johnston in November, trained where available funds and as a chemist, and worked on the programs can support initiatives essential oils of eucalypts without additional cost. before switching to marine A small part of the new bioactive substances, In science savings generated by compul­ administration he drew attention sory superannuation should be to the significance of coastal earmarked as a source of processes anci resources, and venture capital for high-tech environmental studies in the companies, as well as boosting marine environment. industry investment in R&D. He also played rugby league "Investment in tl1ese companies 1'01' Queensland and is at present has to be made more attractive," Commissioner I'or the Environ­ Or Baker says, "FASTS was ment for the ACT. disappointed that the R&D Dr Baker has maintained his Syndicate Scheme was effectively research activities in bioactive killed off in the last budget.

364-1995 e 1 SCSI o Med Is Chairman's Medal where an immediate "category Over the nexl few days, CSIRO Medals 01' libre. In IY84, trials 01' these III alert" (the higbest level) was evidence of virus growth was lindings begau al the Adelaide The work of the Division of declared. found in tissue culture. Electron Or Harry Harrowfield and his combing plant 01' G, H, MichelL team - Gary Rollinson and Animal Health team that Within the month, the team microscopy identilied the virus This led to interest by the Ken Atkinson - from discovered tile equine had determined that a new virus as bclllllging to thc family French company Thibeau, CSlRO's Division of Wool mOJ'billivirus have been had caused tile outbreak. PaJ'wnyxovirid{/('. Detailed which called t.hc early results "a Technolo~y invented, devel­ recognised with the J995 The morbillivirlls group electron 111icrm;c:opic analysi~ revolution in \vorslcd carding". oped and commercialised the CSIRO Chairman's Medal. includes canine distemper, seal suggested that thc virus By the end 01' the decade, a Very High Speed Carding plague and rinderpest. However, belmlged to the genus Pammyx­ coli nboralive agreement had Dr Keith Murray and his Process, team -- Dr Alex I-lyatt, Dr the equine morbillivirus is the ovirus or IV/o)'hi!livirus. been signed bctween CSIRO, Tbe CSlRO Medal recognises Allan GOllld, Dr Peter Hooper, lirst human morbillivirus since Infected experimcntal horses G, H, MichclL the Wool this as a major contribution to Mr Paul Selleck, Dr Harvcy the 10th century, when measles developed similar symptoms, Research and Development the international wool process­ West bury, ami Dr Lauric was described, Polymerase chain reaction and Corporation. and Thibeau, ing industry, and to the mainten­ Glecson - have achieved Initially, Ihe team had to seljuencing protocols confirmed Meall'vvhile, research had ance or improvement of demand international acclaim for both consider whether the hDrses that the vinls was a new member doubled the speed of the new for Australian wool. the quality alld the speed of were infected or poisoned, of the genus MoriJiliil'il'lls. proces:-.. The "CA7 Card", as the their research. Among the morc important By October, serologic tests, The Very High Speed manufacturers call it. uses novel [n September 1994, an virus possibilities were the senl111 neutralisation tests for Carding Technology is an CSJRO technology that enables unknown disease struck a stable exotic diseases African horse the deteclion of antibodies, excellent. example of commer­ scoured wool to be converted to \11' horses and their trainer near sickness and equine intluenza. fluorescent antibody tcsts for cialisation 01' CSIRO research. a continuous assembly of Brisbane, Tissue samp1cs were These were quickly eliminated virus in tissue culture, immullo­ An Australian company gains disenlangled Jibres, known as rushed to the Australian Animal by specific disease diagnostic electronmicroscopyand an intel'l1ational foothold, "sliver", at more than twice the Health Laboratory in Geelong tests at AAHL. imllluno-histochemistry for CSrRO retains I'ulllille to the virus in tissue culture and the production rate of convenlional development, and the teclmolo­ lungs Df lield and laboratory cards. This signi!icantly reduces gy is being sold in Europe and horses had been developed, the capital cost of Ihe process, Asia by the world's major These tests conli rmed tlrat the Traditional hand spinners manufacturel" of wool process­ equine morbillivirus was in fact claw the fibres apart using two ing equipment, with royalties responsible for the infection of pinned surfaces, The modem returning to CSIRO. 20 horses and two humans, mechanical process is based on The speed and accuracy 01' this ancient t.echnology, with the VI' Nick Stokes and his team t.he identillcation was interna­ pinned surfaces attacheclto - Or Chin-Hsien, Or Xiao­ tionally recognised as being of cylinders to allow continuous Un Luo, Or John Mooney, Or the Irighest world standard, processing. Zili Zhu and Or Noel Harton CS1RO is also very pleased to Over Ihe past decade, - have been awarded it recognise the vital role played researchers at. the Division 01' CSJRO Medal for their worl, in the identification of eljuine Wool Technology have made a in developing a computational morbillivirus by the Queensland number of key findings relating fluid dynamics pro~ram called Dcpartment of Primary Indus­ to the speed of the various Fastflo, tries and QueensJand Health, rollers and the volume of flow The award recognises

Dr Bruce Thomas, fnHn Inn I'VlcLennan, a former CSIRO's Austmlia chairm an of BHP. Telescope National The Cluuies Ross Awards, Fadlity, has received two now in their lifth year, awards for research and commemorale the first head of CSIRO, Sir lan Clunies Ro", PERWfS 1\\~ S\\o\)1,1) %E. FEA1l1NG' devehljlment of satellite 1\\1::\lEL\X­ They arc chosen by an To!>N(S TofSCIEl4CE 1(4ffi\00T 1\\E.~~~ •• technology, His development of high­ Award Committee headed by Hugh Morgan of Westem CSIRO's Double Helix Science Club has been speed feed-horns used in radio Mining Corporation, who is promoting the vital contribution of scientific research to the telescopes and earth station community for 10 years, With 24,000 members, Double antennas won the J995 Sir [an chairman of the lan Clunies Helix has a significant impact in Australia with the McLeunan Achievement for Ross Memmial Foundation. community being more aware of the work of CSIRO and Industry Award and one of the Or Thomas was one of two other Australian research, Double Helix is for students six annual Clunks Ross CSIRO winners this year. Or from upper primary and for adults, It is supported by BHP, Awards for excellence In tire Robin Bedding, from tile Double Helix offers heaps for your whole family: application of science and Division of Entomology, received an award for his technology, Or Bruce Thomas • The Helix magazine six times a year - full of persistence and commitment competitions, science activities to try, regular freebie offers Presenting the Sir ran over 30 years in the develop­ and all the latest and greatest science, McLennan award in Mel­ now worth $100 million," bourne, Victoria's Minister for Telstra, through OTC, ment of technologies to al low • National experiments like "Earthworms Downunder" and Industry and Employment, scored in the international insect parasitic nematodes to the current "Dung Beetle Crusade" - your family con­ PhiIip Gude, said: "Over the marketplace, particularly in replace insecticides, tributing to valuable scientific research and learning about past 20 years, Dr Thomas and Vietnam and Cambodia, using As a world leader in basic it at the same time, research teams led by him in CSIRO antenna technology, research on these organisms, • Science activities and presentations in capital cities and the CSlRO Division of The same technology is Or Bedding has tnrned a number of country centres, Radiophysics have developed helping NASA track the laboratory curiosities into key Membership of CS/RO's Double Helix Science Club Australian-based designs for Galileo spacecraft. biological control agents, is just $25 a year antennas used in satellite The Sir Ian McLennan Or Bedding's work is of communications technology, Achievement for Industry great benefit 10 the forestry "The expertise developed Award was established in industry, It is estimated that by CSIRO in parlnership with 1985 by CSIRO's Advisory using nematodes to control the For more information, write to CSIRO's Double Helix, various companies has Council, a group of external Sirex wasp will save up to $4 PO Box 225, Dickson, ACT 2602, or contact Lynn Pulford, resulted in a new high­ - mostly industry ­ billion in evelY 30-year rotation phone (06) 276 6643, e-mail [email protected] technology industry in Australia, advisers, It commemorates Sir of Australian pine forests,

364-1995 of his research is to provide itself - without any intervelllng realistic and practical means by structures such as optical fibres­ which water can be managed, lo and {hat light beall1~ can aUract. provide the greatest environ­ repel and bend one another. mental and economic gain~. Snyder and MlIchell\ work on In Australia, Dr Syme's work light guiding light has lllspired a and knowledge of conflict major conceptual breakthrough. management has been used by The Snyder/Mitchelltheory bodies such as Sydney Water, has very practical application to the West Australian Conserva­ Ihe field 01' cOlllmunicatiolb tion Council, and the Chamber technology, Most of us are aware of Mines and Energy in WA. of the potential of the information The Australian Research superhighway; fe\ver al'e aware Centre for Water in Society, of of the impending traffic jaIm on which Dr Syme is Director, has the highway as eXISting com­ been invited to help the Tai­ munications Iletwork~ become wanese Government to resolve unable to deal with the increasing its water management problems. volumes of information. Atthe CSJRO Medall,re.l'entatiol1:/io/ll lefl: Dr Barry J-Jarrol1'sjield, Professor John de Laeter, Dr In March this year, Dr Syme Professor Snyder has come Geo!/i"ey Svme, Dr Nick Stokes, Dr Roy Green, Pro/es.I'or John Mitchell and Pr,,/essor AI/an Snyder helped to facilitate a complex up with an answer: to lIse light cloud-seeding agreement beams to form wave guides that Fastf10's outstanding contribu­ received a CSIRO Medal for public attitudes and social involving Australia, Israel, can steer, switch and route tion to Australian and interna­ his contribution to the impact, and he has introduced Jordan and Palestine. information already in an tional innovation in software successful application of new techniques in the area of optical formal. A new genera· development. resem'ch in the community. environmental management, Professor AlIan Snyder and tion of switching technologies is Many of Australia's mineral Geoff Syme 's research conflict resolution and econom­ Professor John Mitchell from on the horizon. processing and manufacturing focuses on designing method­ ic psychology. the Australian National The "light guiding light" industries have a critical need to ologies to measure community Dr Syme's work has attracted University in Canberra have concept has been experimental· understand, comrol and perhaps risk-benefit trade-offs. defining national and international been awarded the 1995 ly veri lied by researchers at the ll optimise fluid flows that may "fairness in water allocation, attention, and he has succeeded CSIRO Medal for work done Australian National University, involve turbulence, heat and advancing economic in shaping or changing the outside CSlRO. and the Australian Photonics transfer, ventilation, chemical psychological theory. agendas of national agencies Professor Snyder pioneered Cooperative Research Centre is reactions and molten met,)ls. He has been responsible for and government departments. the innovative notion that a beam now developing materials and The modern tool for analysing refining methods for assessing One of the primary interests of light can be guided by light devices based on the concept. these problems, computational Iluid dynamics, requires the solution of equations developed ISO years ago, but which have Sirocredit's growth reflects strong member support only recently been of practical Last year when the Credit Union's accounts a national basis with one in every four "people before profit" philosophy. use as cheap and fast computers were finalised at the end of June, the Board adults having a relationship with a credit Sirocredit alone funded $17 million of have become available. To of Directors were very pleased to report a union. This shift away from banks also home loans to our members across the describe a fl uid in mot ion 9% increase in assets. The 1994/95 financial shows up in the dramatic increase in country, Sirocredit is commit ted to continu­ involves calculating the effect of year has seen that growth continue with Australian Credit Unions' total housing loan ing to respond to the support and coniidence each small portion on each other assets reaching $115 million, which portfolios, which have grown from 28% of shown by members by providing them with part. To achieve this, Fastflo represents a further 12% growth. Sirocredit's total assets in September 1992 to 38% in a range of financial services - a range of used unstructured finite element Chairman, Howard Croz1er, attributed June 1995. These impressive figures send a services that caters for all members' needs methods, which can be used in Sirocredit's success to the loyalty and clear message to mainstream banks that as they progress through their working life three-dimensional situations strength of our membership Australia wide. credit unions are becoming more popular into retirement. This raises the question, with complicated boundaries. In Australia today, the trend continues on throughout Australia because of their "Why bank when yOlt call credit ltnioll?" To describe the physics and solution methods, Fast110 uses a high· level language called Fasttalk, developed especially for this project. The forces governing fluid motion are described by partial differential equations; Fasttalk enables the terms of which these are composed to be written down directly, so very complicated Like many bank customers you're probably feeling the impact systems can be built up quickly. The development of Faslflo ofvarious fees and account keeping charges. was a"isted by a grant from the So what is the difference between a Bank and a Credit Union? Industry Research and Develop­ ment Board. It was managed by Essentially it is this: What we olTer: a syndicate including BHP and A Bank's primary focus is ou profit to satisfy its shareholders, the engineering software linn hence fees and charges. A Credit Union's primary focus is on • Savings & Investment Accounts, • Visa Card & Redicard, , Compumod, which is responsible services to satisfy shareholders financial needs. • Home, & Personal Loans, • Investment Loans, I for commercialisation. In the last • Direct debit/credit facility, • Financial Planning Service, I veal', FasWo has been licensed Sirocredit members, with normal usage, enjoy virtually fee • National ATMlEFTPOS access, • Foreign Currency, I' ~~ to 19 external users in Australia free financial services confident in the knowledge that their • Competitive interest rates, • Periodical payments, I' I' and New Zealand, and it is in credit union operates under the highest standards and • No account keeping charges, • Insurance Service, "./ o~ regulatory controls. Sirocredit provides credit union services • LegalfTaxation referral, • SMART LINK. " ~,,~ use in many CSIRO Divisions. "I f:J~ to the scientific community Australia wide. / ;.:, has resultecl in a package which /~ • 0<;- Sirocredit, The Science of Managing ," I$'.§' on some problems performs up 1 .~o~ .a Your Money ,,1 to three times faster than the .. ' '/><;- ./ '$:''{,j market-leading finite element -- - - ",,' 4' ," ~'\~ morc accurate and robust. ,,," ,<,&~. SIIIIR.OC REDIY I" r.:,,:;,,& ~';' Dr Geoffrey Syme, a Senior Melbourne • Sydney • Canberra /1 <\0 ~o; 0;. 7 ./ ~ t\tJ Pl'incipal Research Scientist CSIRO Co-operatIve Credit Society Ltd. LlClmsed Dealer In Securities with the Division of Water Incorporated In 1957 /I"f ~~ Resources in Perth, has

364-1995 Geneticist showed New Chief appointed the way A gcomorpholo­ time member of gist with intema­ Australian Negotiat~ laywomen tional standing ing Missions to the and strong United Nations. I~le in science interests in was also sought by the UN's Asian hydrology, DI' Dr Bclcn Ncwton Tumcr, Group and led a cmincnt gcneticist and Gcoff Piclmp, has tasHorce that cal'ly membcr of CSIRO been appointed drafted the ASian staff, died on Novcmbcr ChicI' of the Annexe 10 the 26. agcd 87. Shc was a CSIRO Division Convention. pionccr both as a scicntist of Water His other interna­ and a woman pursuing Resourccs. tional work has consllltan~ profcssional intercsts that Or Pickup was Dr Gco[f Pickul' at the Unitcd Nations included wcre at thc timc a malc previously Assistant ctes for the World Chief of the CSIRO Division of sensing to calibrate process Bank. the UN Economic ,\nd domain. Or He/en Newton 7imler Wildlife and Ecology and Head models. Social COlllmission for Asia 'lIld Or Turncr was among the Bernie Binden. Direclor of of the Cenlre for Arid Zone His hydrological interests the Pacific. the UN Environ~ 11r~t women to graduate from the Calt le and Beef CRC at Research in Alice Springs. date back to his PhD thesis on menl Program. and the Gulf Sydney University when she Armidale. wmked with Or He is an expert in the use of unslable river systems. He has Cooperation Council. took out an architecture degree Turner from 1969 to 1976. He digital airborne video for high~ conslllted on water and se(li~ Or Pickujl has collaborated in with hOllours ill 1930. said: "I would call Helen resolution remote sensing, and ment issues and lectured in experiments with the Division However. the closest she could Turner the 11igh priestess of bas worked on modelling of hydrology and water resources of Water Resources in the past. get to entering the profession sheep genetics research in large~scale patterns of soil at the University of Papua New He worked with Dnvid Jupp's was working as a typist in an Australia. She made her name erosion, geographic Guinea. group on the early develoJlment architect's oflice. willl Iler landmark ljuantitative inl'mmation systems, and land Other research has involved of microBRIAN. and with Bob Within two years she became studies of merino sheep degradation assessment using rainl'all~runoff modelling. Wasson on design of the secretary 10 Ian Clullies Ross breeding. satellites. sediment transport. and geomorphology program for the at CSIR's McMaster Animal "She was Hrigorolls scientist Or Pickup has been with computer simulation 01' river Ol"lice of the Supervising Health Laboratory at Sydney - someone who demanded CS1RO since 1981. He pio~ behaviour and waste~disposal Scientist. University. high ~landards of accuracy, neered the application of scenarios from large open-cllt He took up his IJosition in Clunies Ross. later CSlRO's precision and honesty in paleohydrology to flood mines. September. based at the chairman, recognised Dr research." estimation in remote areas, and Over the last two years he has Division ';;; Canberra laboratory. Turner's potential and arranged Professor Laurie Piper, introduced more rigorolls advised the Department of and will hold the post until June 1'01' her to go to England for a Director of the CRC for hydraulic and s18tistical Foreign Atfairs on the Interna~ next year when. with CSJRO\ year to study statistics applied Premium Quality Wool at procedures. More recently he tional Convention on Oesertifi­ new CEO in place. a long~term to agriculture. This was to Armidale. knew Or Turner has used mullitemporal remote cation, and has been a three- appointment can he made. supplement the university from 1962 when he began mathematics course sl1e was work uncleI' her as a junior domg at night school. research SCientist. She eventually became a "As a person. she was Tertiary challenge ahead technical officer and then a absolutely single~minded consulting '\tatistician. She about her work although she Dr Kathlcen BOWIl1CI', long association with the was closely involved with the did have other interests and Dcputy Chief of the CSIRO CSIRO and quite clearly this is merino breeding experiments that included things like the Divisiun of Water set to continue with Or conducted by the Division of place of women in science and Resources, is Icaving to Bowmer's appointment as Animal Health and Production. industry," he said. takc up the post of Depnty Deputy Vice-Chancellor," Professor Blnke said. Helen Newton Turner was "She put herself totally into Vicc-Chancellor at Charlcs "More importantly. Or awarded a cloctonHc ill science her work and expected Sturt Univcrsity in Wagga Bowmcr's strong connections by the University of Sydney in everyone who worked for her Wagga in F'cbl'llary. 1970 for her published work to do the same. She was very with research institutions and Or Bowmer. who holds a Quantitati"e Genetics in Sheep encouraging to young people; industry throughout Australia PbD from the University of Breeding. Among the many she gave them a real measure will be a of great benefit to the Nottingham's School of honours she received were an of independence to get on with university as it seeks to build its Agriculture. became Deputy OBE (1977) and an Aa (1987). doing their own thing. but research profile." Chief of the Division in 1993. After retiring in 1973 she always withinlhe framework Or Bowmer. who describes maintained J1er association with of the team as a whole and the She has conducted extensive her research interests as very research in the areas of environ­ CSiRO as a research fellow. job that it had 10 do." broad. is looking forward to mental science, water resources 0,. Kath/cen Bowl11e,. moving back into the university and agriculture. and has been sector. appointed to numerous consul~ The Vice-Chancellor of "Having worked with tancies and Government Charles Slurt University. Australia's leading research committees. especially dealing Professor C.O. Blake. says Or agency 1 am very interested in with waste management and Bowmer has a strong back­ helping to raise the university's • Be a CSIHO ambassador aquatic ecology. ground in research and research research profile. and encourag~ Or Bowmer has also published management and has worked ing critical analysis as a basis of • Indulge yourself widely and has been awarded the actively with the university the research culture." she says. prestigious POL Eureka Prize in sector in an honorary profes~ "I also see my role as • Thank your staff and clients Environmental Science for her sional role and supervising ensuring that research is well Ideal for cOlporate gifts, presentation awards outstanding achievement in postgraduate students. integrated with the teaching role and conference items Australian science. "The university has had a of the uni versity." CSIRO mug, coaster, executive pen, polo shirt, umbrella, golt ball, tie, scarf, mouse mat, key purse, stubbie holder, bilby, CoResearch is produced by Corporate Public Affairs for csmo staff and interested outsiders. pen and pencil set, lapel pin, legionnaire's cap and disk wallet Editing and makeup by Myriad Communications. Distribution 8,500. Readers are encouraged to ,'ol1h'ih,,!p lIr offer suggestions for articles. Stories may be reproduced. provided acknowledgement is given to bot.h CoResearch and CSIRO. Tbe deadliue for tbe next issue is January 22. Want to know more? Call orfax CSIRO Information Send contributions to PO Box 407, Royal Parade, Parkville. Vie 3052. Pbone: 0396627186. lel: (02) 413 752& Fax: (02) 413 7635 Fax: 03 9662 7185. Email: Jan.WernerCciho,csiro.au

364-1995