SoMS Newsletter - September 2005
Research
Paper of the Month
The Research Committee is pleased to announce that the Paper of the Month for August goes to a study by Nicole Jackson, Hong-Wei Wang, Nicodemus Tedla, Patrick McNeil, Carolyn Geczy, Andrew Collins, Michael Grimm, Taline Hampartzoumian, and John Hunt entitled "IL-15 induces mast cell migration via a pertussis toxin-sensitive receptor" published in Eur J Immunol 35: 2376-85. Nicole has just graduated with her PhD and this is her first paper. Well done to all the team! The award will be presented at the next SOMS seminar.
Century Club
The Research Committee is delighted that we now have 14 Century Club members. Congratulations to Liz Burcher, Denis Wakefield, Glenda Halliday, Rolfe Howlett, Rakesh Kumar, Andrew Lloyd, Stephen Lord, Erica Potter, William Rawlinson, John Tapsall and Thomas Torda, who have all published at least 100 papers, (and in some cases many more!). We're still keen to hear from any other eligible staff. We'll be presenting these awards, along with this year’s Citation Classics, at a special occasion later in the year - more on this later.
Grants and Awards
Australian Academy of Science - Oxford Nuffield Medical Fellowship
Support is provided under the Scheme for Oxford Nuffield Medical Fellowships in either a clinical medical or medical science department of Oxford University. There is no limit as to age or status; applications from keen young research students are welcomed. The post is tenable for two years, with the possibility of an extension for a third year. Research Office Deadline: 22 September 2005.
Website: http://www.science.org.au/awards/nuffield.htm
Glaxosmithkline Australia Award for Research Excellence
Nominations are called for the GlaxoSmithKline Australia Award for Research Excellence. GlaxoSmithKline Australia Limited provide a trophy and a sum of $50,000 to be awarded in recognition of a distinguished discovery and its demonstrated or potential use in the field of human health.
Research Office Deadline: 26 September 2005.
Website: http://www.gsk.com.au/gskinternet/publishing.nsf/Content/Corp_ResearchExcellence
Australian Research Council Linkage International Awards
The Australian Research Council (ARC) has just informed Research Services that the next batching of ARC Linkage International (Awards) will take place on Friday, 14 October 2005. If you wish to have your ARC LX (Award) application consider in the October round, would you please submit a draft of your application to Peter Dolnik, Pre Award Officer, UNSW Research Services by Friday, 30 September. If he receives your application by this date, he will be able to provide you with full and comprehensive feedback.
Deadline: 30 September 2005
Contact: Peter Dolnik
Website: http://www.ro.unsw.edu.au/arcnhmrc/2006/arclia1.shtml
Faculty Research Grants
Applications for support under the 2006 UNSW Faculty Research Grants Program are now open. The Guidelines and Application Form are available from the UNSW Research Services website.
Deadline: 7 October 2005
Website: http://www.ro.unsw.edu.au/funding/frg/2006/index.shtml
Rebecca L Cooper Medical Research Foundation Research Grants
The Rebecca L Cooper Medical Research Foundation was founded in 1984 with the purpose of funding medical research in Australia. The value of each grant will be between $8,000 and $18,000 and is preferably for specific equipment.
Research Office Deadline: 07 October 2005.
Website: http://www.cooperfoundation.org.au
Marie Curie International Fellowships
The EU is looking for top class Australian and New Zealander researchers to take part in its Marie Curie Fellowship program - a scheme which allows experienced non-European researchers to undertake a project with an institution in the European Union. Apart from obtaining space, time and funding for their research, Marie Curie fellows also receive individual training in areas like management, ethics and communication.
Deadline: 18 January 2006
Website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/mariecurie-actions/action/fellow_en.html
OHS
New National Exposure Standards
NOHSC has declared 31 revised or new national exposure standards to take effect from 1 September 2005 - the largest number declared since May 1995. To view the standards for all substances, see the Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS) on the NOHSC website.
OHS Act 2000 Review
WorkCover are reviewing the policy objectives of the OHS Act 2000, as required by section 142 of the Act itself. The intention and responsibilities contained in the Act, to protect health and safety for all employees by employers, will not change. RMU have coordinated responses from all UNSW OHS Practitioners, and this was sent to WorkCover for consideration before their submission closing date.
Department of Pathology OHSMS Audit on Training
Now the new OHS Coordinator is with us, the audit date for this Department has been set for the 26th October 2005. The RMU audit will primarily focus on the Department of Pathology, but may also extend to broader SoMS training. RMU will be looking for documented evidence on training, including: induction and orientation packs given to new staff and students, training in the Risk Management process including Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures, Legislative and RMU training requirements before duties commence, relevant competencies for your role which need to be achieved through training, and any other staff training as per the Careers Development Scheme relevant to your work in SoMS.
Staff and students are reminded of their need to attend relevant OHS training programs. For program details and schedules visit the RMU Training web site. Please email training enquiries and requests to Michelle Price with the registrant’s full name, staff/student number, contact number and course date preference so enrolment can occur.
Reminder - Renovation Hazards
There has been some accumulation of discarded materials near the lift well and in the general areas around Wallace Wurth. This refuse represents a health and safety risk in terms of fire and obstruction. Please contact UNSW Facilities on ext. 54981 to arrange for the disposal of any refuse in your work area
SoMS Email OHS Alerts
School-wide email alerts will recommence now the new OHS Coordinator Michelle Price has settled in. These emails remind all staff and students about training, the School OHS website, Security alerts, policies etc. Please read these emails as they contain relevant information for either yourself or those who work in your area.
Please forward any OHS related issues to OHS committee members or Michelle Price for comment and consideration.
Museum
The Museum is now back in full swing after downtime during the relocation to the ground floor of Samuels Building in the first half of 2005. The official launch of the new facility is scheduled for Monday 5th December 2005, 5pm – 7pm (please pencil this in your diary). The occasion will begin with refreshments in the Post Graduate Lounge area and Arcade room. SOMS Research activities will be showcased in a Medical Research EXPO related to the investigation and solving many of the problems of disease. This will be followed by a tour of the new Museum precinct and an unveiling of the latest exhibition titled “Gutsy Stuff” looking at disorders of the digestive system. The UNSW Chancellor, David Gonski, has signaled his intention to attend and a special guest speaker is being sought. New Museum Education Officer, Fran Cato, is at present working on elements of the new exhibition amid the daily teaching frenzy of a very busy client schedule.
The Museum staff are very proud of the final outcomes after so many months work. It is gratifying that so many SOMS staff have paid us a very welcome visit. When bringing external visitors to the Museum, please inform the Museum Manager beforehand by email, book appropriate times and ensure that all external visitors sign the official Visitor’s Book.