Members of the public will have the opportunity to hear five outstanding scientists discuss their research in laypersons terms at a free forum next week.
Four of the five 2003 Queensland Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science (AAS) and the 2003 AAS Pawsey medallist will talk about everything from neural stem cells to information systems and quantum physics on Wednesday, September 10 from 5–7pm at The University of Queensland’s Customs House, 399 Queen St, Brisbane city.
“The event is designed to celebrate the election of five Queensland scientists to the Australian Academy of Science, three of whom are from UQ, one from Griffith University (GU) and one from James Cook University (JCU),” said Chair of the Queensland Fellows of the Academy and event organiser Professor Julie Campbell from UQ’s School of Biomedical Sciences.
The speakers will include:
* Professor Perry Bartlett, the Foundation Chair of Molecular Neuroscience in UQ’s School of Biomedical Sciences, who will discuss his research into stem cells and the brain’s capacity for repair and plasticity;
* Head of the Information Systems Group in UQ’s School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Professor Maria Orlowska, will explain her research into information systems, including e-business collaboration, business process modelling and verification, workflow technology and transaction processing and distributed/integrated databases;
* theoretical physicist Professor Peter Drummond from UQ’s School of Physical Sciences was talk about his work on quantum theory and computational, laser, communication and information physics;
* carbohydrate chemist Professor Mark von Itzstein from GU’s Centre for Biomolecular Science and Drug Discovery was one of the scientists responsible for the development of the anti-influenza drug Relenza (TM) and will discuss its design and synthesis; and
* unfortunately evolutionary geneticist Professor Ross Crozier from JCU is unable to attend, however the 2003 Pawsey Medallist for the physical sciences, Dr Howard Wiseman from GU’s School of Science, will detail his research into the creation, manipulation and management of quantum physics.
Queensland Minister for Innovation and Information Economy Paul Lucas will also give an address at the event, which will conclude with refreshments.
Established in 1954, the Academy aims to maintain the highest standards of scientific endeavour, promote scientific knowledge and recognise outstanding scientific contributions. It plays a major role in education and international scientific collaboration and provides advice to the Federal Government on science policy issues.
Each year, only 16 leading scientists from across Australia are elected to the Academy following a rigorous and competitive process.
People interested in attending the event should contact Professor Campbell (telephone 07 3365 4658, 0418 984 602 or email julie.campbell@uq.edu.au) by Monday, September 1.
Media: For further information, contact Professor Campbell (telephone 07 3365 4658, mobile 0418 984 602, email julie.campbell@uq.edu.au) or Joanne van Zeeland at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2619).
