Science Week 4-13 May

3 May 2001

One of the key events will be the launch of Wollongong Innovation Week and the opening of the Duke Energy Observatory at the Science Centre in Fairy Meadow on Monday 7 May.

On Monday 7 May at 4.45pm the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) will launch a new Electrochemical Mapping Facility made possible through funding from the Australian Research Council and involving researchers from UOW and the University of Western Sydney. Scientists understand a great deal about designing and assembling structures at the molecular level. Engineers understand the issues involved in designing and processing bulk materials with desirable properties. Between these two worlds lies an amazing field of research that is now being revealed -- the field of nanotechnology. Materials have been discovered with nanodimensions (1-100 nanometres - that's approximately 1,000 times less than a human hair!) which have extraordinary properties. The venue will be the IPRI Meeting Room. Further information: Professor Gordon Wallace on 4221 3127.

In Canberra on Friday 4 May several scientists will present the latest findings from Wollongong on research into carbon nanotubes. The amazing electrical and mechanical properties of these small components are such that the development of appropriate ways to assemble them will result in the high performance "artificial muscles". The materials are also being explored for new sensing technologies as well as energy conversion and storage systems. [Contact Professor Wallace or Professor Leon Kane-Maguire (4221 3559) for further information on the above two events or any projects within IPRI].

Thursday 10 May: Biotechnology Seminars - "The Cutting Edge"

Friday 11 May: Oceans and Coastal Research Centre - Symposium on Water Quality in the Illawarra-South Coast Region

Professor John Bremner is the Director of the new Institute for Biomolecular Science Research which carries out research at the interface between molecular biology and chemistry. It is focussed on looking at (1) developing new drugs to target particular diseases and (2) understand the molecular basis of these diseases. Professor Bremner can be contacted on 4221 4255.

Associate Professor Dave Griffith and Associate Professor Steve Wilson (Chemistry) can discuss their recent Australian Research Council success involving current research on atmospheric budgets and discuss generally their national and international collaborations. Contact Professor Griffith on 4221 3515 or Professor Wilson on 4221 3505.

Synopsis of a book entitled TSUNAMI: The Underrated Hazard by Associate Professor Edward Bryant, School of Geosciences, to be released by Cambridge University Press in May 2001. Contact Professor Bryant on 4221 3172.

Exciting things are happening in the "French" Laboratory.

Other interesting projects from Biological Sciences include funding from the Australian Antarctic Science Grants.