WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY ANNUAL REPORT Contents 1 | President's Report 2 | Foundation Members 2 | 2004 Foundation Council 3 | Head of School and Director's Report 4 | Structure and Management of the Science Foundation 5 | Support for the School of Physics 5 | School of Physics Research Success in 2004 6 | Honours to School Members 7 | Undergraduate Teaching 2004 7 | Postgraduate Teaching 2004 8 | Scholarships and Prizes Awarded in 2004 9 | The Julius Sumner Miller Fellow – Dr Karl Kruszelnicki 1o | STW2004:The New HSC Physics Syllabus 11 | Plasma Physics and ITER 12 | Institute of Astronomy 13 | CUDOS 14 | Physicists Under Pressure 15 | Masters of Medical Physics 16 | The Messel Endowment 18 | Science Foundation for Physics 50th Anniversary Dinner 2o | Lots of scars book launch 21 | Universal Solar and Selective Surfaces 22 | Financial statements 24 | Bequests 25 | School of Physics and Foundation Staff 2004 The Science Foundation for Physics In 1954 Professor Harry Messel established the Science To further these aims the Foundation will undertake the Foundation for Physics as the Nuclear Research Foundation.The following activities: first of its kind not only within the University of Sydney but also G raise funds from fees, donations, bequests, sponsorships and within the British Commonwealth, the Foundation was formed the like as a voluntary philanthropic association of individuals and G build a strong financial position to ensure than it can public and private organisations dedicated to the pursuit of continue to meet its aims in the long term excellence in science education and research. G provide funding to support appointments in the School of Physics Although there have been minor changes, today’s aims are G provide grants to the School for the purchase of plant, consistent with the overall objectives of the Foundation from equipment, and materials to support the work of the School its inception.The aims are: of Physics G to promote, foster, develop and assist the teaching and G promote seminars, courses and workshops in the field research work of the School of Physics within the University of Physics G to co-operate with the School of Physics to promote the G assist the University to acquire and turn to account patents, significance of science and develop an understanding of its patent rights or inventions, copyright designs, trade-marks or importance, both within Australia and internationally. secret processes G encourage senior secondary students to consider science as an exciting and rewarding choice through the Professor Harry Messel International Science Schools G support the work of high school physics teachers in NSW and the ACT through regular in-service training. President’s Report As we enter the International Year in student numbers, and constant re-assessment of courses on of Physics, it is with pleasure that I offer and the relevance of courses to the needs of present the Annual Report for the contemporary society. year 2004. Sadly, we said goodbye to Dr Jenny Nicholls, who resigned her It was a year of great significance position as Executive Officer in September to further her career. as it marked the fiftieth anniversary Jenny served the foundation with absolute distinction for nine of the establishment of the Science years and will long be remembered for her outstanding Foundation for Physics by Professor contribution.We were very fortunate to gain the services of Harry Messel in March 1954.This Dr Chris Stewart who has very ably taken over the role of Patrick Donovan AM anniversary was recognised with a Executive Officer, and Ms Alex Viglienzone who has joined us as celebratory dinner in the Great Hall of the University in the Administrative Officer. Fundraising and Alumni Co-ordinator presence of many distinguished guests, including the Governor Ms Alison Thorn has served the Messel Endowment Campaign of NSW, Her Excellency, Prof. Marie Bashir AC.The proceedings of Committee with distinction and has also focused on the the night included the official launch of the Messel Endowment, alumni activities of the Foundation. income from which will support future Harry Messel International Science Schools. A highlight of the evening was the Dr Emery Severin, the Deputy President of the Foundation, was commitment from Mulpha Australia Limited for $1million promoted by his employer, Boral Ltd, to the position of towards the Endowment. It was indeed a memorable evening, President of their U.S. operations, and accordingly he was and thanks to all concerned for a job well done. obliged to resign from the Council.We wish him well in his new appointment.The Council appointed Mrs Louise Davis of Mr John Hooke CBE undertook the chairmanship of the Messel IBM Australia to the position of Deputy President, a role that Endowment Capital Campaign, and he and his committee have she has carried out most capably. worked very hard and very successfully.With help from Alicia Watson, of What’s On Consulting Pty Ltd, they are well down The committee system of management has again worked the path of raising $4.5 million needed to support the effectively. Members of the Finance Committee, chaired by Jim International Science Schools in perpetuity.Their endeavours O’Connor, have closely monitored the finances and continue to have been greatly assisted by prominent Sydney businessman provide valuable advice to Council.The Development Mr Albert Wong.The Foundation Council were pleased to Committee, chaired initially by Dr Emery Severin and then by recognise Albert’s efforts by conferring him Life Governorship. Emeritus Professor Richard Collins, have addressed the question of closer and more effective relations with members of the Later in the year, the Federal Government gave the Messel School as well as other issues pertinent to the future growth Endowment its generous support, with the Minister for and relevance of the Foundation. Richard Collins also chaired Education, Science and Technology, Dr Brendan Nelson MHR the Constitution Committee and, although the new presenting the Endowment with a cheque for $1 million. constitution for the Foundation has been a long time coming, Discussions with the State Government regarding a similar it is hoped to be finalised shortly.The excellent work of John contribution are ongoing. Hooke and the MECC has been mentioned previously. As we still have a way to go in raising the balance of funds I exhort Dr Jenny Nicholls, the Foundation’s Executive Officer, once all Governors to do their utmost in supporting John and again organised another successful Science Teachers Workshop. his committee. This activity was extremely well supported and feedback from a record number of attendees indicates that this activity fulfills a In conclusion, may I thank all Governors for their participation real need in the promotion and teaching of Physics. and wise counsel, the Director and support staff, the Head of School, and all who contributed to making 2004 another On the personnel side, Associate Professor Robert Hewitt has successful year for the Foundation.The challenges for 2005 are carried out the duties of Director of the Foundation with skill many and varied, but working together will enable us to and enthusiasm, having overcome the hurdle of a broken leg. achieve the desired outcomes. The Foundation has also been ably supported by Head of School, Associate Professor Brian James, who continues to work closely in advancing the role of Physics in the community.The Patrick R. Donovan AM RFD ED efforts of Brian and his staff have resulted in continued growth President 1 The Foundation Past Presidents Governors Emeritus Professor Max Brennan, AO (initial year of Presidency shown) Cochlear Limited Emeritus Professor Richard Collins Dr Richard GC Parry-Okeden (1954) Boral Limited Professor Lawrence Cram Sir James N Kirby, CBE (1957) Griffith Hack Mrs Louise Davis Sir Frank Packer, KBE (1960) Venture Corporation of Australia Pty Ltd Mr Graham Hall Sir Noel Foley, CBE (1963) Mr John Hooke, CBE Sir Walter Leonard, DFC (1966) Life Members Dr Peter Jones Sir Robert Norman (1969) Alcatel Australia Mr Raymond Kirby, AO Mr James A Macpherson (1972) Commonwealth Bank of Australia Emeritus Professor Dame Leonie Kramer, Sir Walter Leonard, DFC (1973) CSR Limited AC DBE Mr J Keith Campbell, CBE (1975) Huntsman Chemicals Australia Limited Dr Allen Lowe Mr Herman D Huyer, AO OON (1978) James Hardie Industries Limited Emeritus Professor Harry Messel, CBE Mr Raymond J Kirby, AO (1982) Mr Ian McCloy Mr Jim O’Connor Mr John R Slade (1986) National Australia Bank Limited Mr John Paterson Mr Peter Douglas (1989) Pacific Dunlop Limited Dr Jim Patrick Dr Peter Jones (1993) The Australian Gas Light Company Mr John Slade Mr Paul Slade (1996) The Shell Company of Australia Limited Mr Paul Slade Mr Graham Hall (1999) Woolworths Limited Mr Raymond Walton Mr Geoff Whitford Past Directors Honorary Governors Mr Albert Wong (initial year of Directorship shown) Mr Tony Aveling Emeritus Professor Harry Messel, CBE Mr John Boettcher, OAM Ex Officio Members (1954) Emeritus Professor Max Brennan, AO Hon Justice Kim Santow OAM Emeritus Professor Maxwell Brennan, AO Emeritus Professor Richard Collins Emeritus Professor Ann Sefton, AO (1987) Professor Lawrence Cram Professor Gavin Brown Professor Lawrence Cram (1991) Mr Graham Hall Professor Beryl Hesketh Emeritus Professor Richard Collins (1997) Dr Peter Jones Associate Professor Merlin Crossley Professor Bernard Pailthorpe (2002) Emeritus Professor Dame Leonie Kramer, Associate Professor