Dr Alan Shiell, Centre of Excellence in Intervention and Prevention Science (CEIPS)

Dr Erich Fitzgerald, Museums Victoria – 2013 A W Howitt Lecture

Professor Barbara Howlett, School of Botany, Melbourne University

Prof Andrew Holmes, Bio 21 – 2013 J E Cummins OBE Oration

Prof Stuart Hooper, Monash Institute for Medical Research

Prof Frances Separovic, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne

Dr Andy Herries, La Trobe University

Biological Sciences (non-human)
Katrin Hug
Microbial arsenic resistance in Champagne Pool, New Zealand
Niharika Sharma
Exploring Marchantia transcriptome to identify genes contributing to sexual reproduction using mRNA-SEQ

Biomedical & Health Sciences
Katie Ardipraja
Imaging vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques with radiolabelled single chain antibodies
Annie McAuley
Novel proteomic biomarkers in diabetic retinopathy

Physical Sciences
Hua Zhou
Super durable, robust super hydrophobic fabrics
Liyu Jin
Plastic crystals for future batteries

Prof Michael Clarke, Dept of Zoology, La Trobe University

Tony Woods Grattan Institute, Melbourne,  Mike Sandiford Melbourne Energy Institute and Simon Holmes-a-Court Director of Embark Project

Dr Marcus Kitchen, School of Physics, Monash University – Winner of 2013 Phillip Law Postdoctoral Award for the Physical Sciences

The Royal Society of Victoria’s 2013 symposium.

Dr Heather Jackson, School of Historical & Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne

Prof David Griggs, Climate Works Australia

Professor Mark Burgman FAA, School of Botany, The University of Melbourne – 2013 Recipient of RSV Medal for Excellence in Scientific Research

Assoc Prof Paul Stoddart, Faculty of Engineering & Industrial Science, Swinburne University of Technology

Dr Tim Entwisle
CEO and Director of The Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

Dr June Ross
Adjunct Professor, Dept Archaeology & Palaeoanthropology, University of New England

Prof Rob Shepherd
Director, Bionics Institute University of Melbourne

Please note earlier start time

Prof David Macmillan
Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne

Dr Suart Mills
Geosciences Senior Curator, Museum Victoria

Professor Steven Chown
Head School of Biological Sciences, Monash University

Dr Jason Tye-din
Head, Coeliac Research at Walter & Eliza Hall Institute

Dr Rosemary Lester
Chief Heath Officer, Department of Health

2014 winner Dr Madhu Bhaskaran will present her research

Dr Andrew J R Prentice
School of Mathematical Sciences, Monash University
Computational Engineering and Science Research Centre, University of Southern Queensland

Dr Gillian Dooley
Special Collections Librarian & Honorary Research Fellow, Flinders University

Prof Caryl Nowson
School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University

Judging and presentation of the Awards

Dr Andrew McCowan
Managing Director, Water Technology

Prof Joel Brugger
Monash University

Prof Doug MacFarlane
School of Chemistry, Monash University

A celebration of the work of winners of the Science Talent Search

Presentation by the Winner of the RSV Research Medal (Biomedical & Health Sciences)
Professor Jane Visvader
Walter & Eliza Hall Institute

Professor Patrick McGorry
Orygen, National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health

Professor Peter Taylor
Department of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Melbourne

Dr Euan Ritchie
Faculty of Science, Engineering & Built Environment
Deakin University

Dr Robyn Arianrhod
Adjunct Research Fellow
School of Mathematical Sciences, Monash University

Professor Jenny Martin
School of Chemical & Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science. University of Queensland

Papers for this Thursday’s AGM are available online.

Mr Christian Wallis
Principal Scientist & EPA appointed Auditor (Contaminated Land)
Golder Associates Pty Ltd

Dr William Birch AM
President, Royal Society of Victoria
Curator Emeritus (Geosciences), Museum Victoria

Expert Panel & Audience Q & A Session
Chair: Professor Doug MacFarlane
Panel: Associate Professor Martin Sevior, Dr Gavin Mudd, Dr Jim Green, Mr Graeme Weber

Ms Leonie Walsh
Lead Scientist, State Government of Victoria

Professor Brian Oldfield
NHMRC Principal Research Fellow
President Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society
Department of Physiology Monash University

Associate Professor Ivan Williams
Director, Australian Clinical Dosimetry Service

Professor Jenny Marshall Graves AO FAA
Department of Genetics
La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science

Dr Jillian Garvey
ARC DECRA Fellow, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
La Trobe University

Dr Alexander Johnson
Senior Lecturer, School of BioSciences
The University of Melbourne

The 2015 Young Scientists Research Prizes
Eight finalists will present their work for judges to determine prize winners

What practical steps can we take to help Victoria’s native species and ecosystems survive the impacts of climate change?

Assoc Prof Mark McDonnell
Director, Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Dr Marcus W Doherty
Postdoctoral Fellow, Laser Physics Centre
Research School of Physics and Engineering
Australian National University

The 2015 Cummins Oration
Associate Professor Matthew Hill
Team Leader, Integrated Nanoporous Materials, CSIRO
2014 Physical Scientist of the Year, Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

Professor David Karoly
Professor of Atmospheric Science
The University of Melbourne

Professor David Karoly
Faculty of Science
The University of Melbourne

Free Professional Development for Teachers of Science, Maths and Careers.
Providing students & teachers of science an opportunity to network and make contacts with members of the science community.

Professor Gary Egan
Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function

Dr Marissa Parrott
Reproductive Biologist
Wildlife Conservation & Science, Zoos Victoria

Professor Sharon Lewin
Director, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
Professor of Medicine, The University of Melbourne
Consultant Infectious Diseases Physician, Alfred Hospital
NHMRC Practitioner Fellow

Colleagues involved or interested in research aligned with the NHMRC human microbiome policy, US National Institute of Health microbiome research directives, and the International Human Microbiome Consortium goals are warmly invited to consider this collaborative research proposal with food scientists and industry.

Addressing forest conservation and management in an era of climate change. Featuring leading researchers in forest ecology, the biosciences, and environmental and resource management.

Experience one of Victoria’s signature conservation projects in action, led by research staff at Mt Rothwell. Please join us to gain insight to the remarkable conservation and rewilding efforts underway, tour the remnant indigenous woodland eucalypt biota, enjoy a barbeque dinner and finish with a torch-lit walk on dusk to catch some of the returning crepuscular and nocturnal animals in action.

An invitation for RSV members to join hosts Russell and Ellaine Downie on a guided tour of Western Europe, discovering the history of the scientific revolution.

Please join us to review and discuss our draft goals to ensure we have the full benefit of your thinking in this important, future focussed work.

Professor Tiff Walsh
Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University

Science in Public holds regular media training courses for scientists in Melbourne and around Australia. These courses are designed to help you understand what the media needs to bring your work to life; and to teach you how to help the media tell your story accurately. They are fundamentally different to corporate media training. The Royal Society of Victoria is hosting courses on March 21 and April 19, 2016.

Housing some of the most advanced manufacturing technologies available, the Advanced Manufacturing Precinct brings design and engineering together, from digital design to digital manufacturing.

The facility particularly focuses on 3D printing of advanced, high value-add products and components. Specialised equipment and experts assist companies with developing new conceptual products, performing multiple design iterations, or further developing existing products and enhancing manufacturing processes.

All voting members of the Royal Society of Victoria are warmly encouraged to attend the Annual General Meeting in April to review the Society’s performance over the course of 2015. The annual statement will be circulated ahead of the meeting for review and discussion on the night.

Professor Matt King
Professor of Polar Geodesy & ARC Future Fellow, University of Tasmania

Located in the heart of the Parkville Medical Precinct, the Doherty Institute brings together the expertise of leading biomedical scientists, public health specialists and educators focused on infectious diseases and immunity. A partnership of Melbourne Health and the University of Melbourne, the Institute integrates teaching, training, research and public health activities. The only facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere, the scheme allows space to be reconfigured and encourages the seven different organisations it houses to work closely together.

Joint Lecture with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria
Dr James Waghorne
University Historian, The University of Melbourne

Hosted by the VicNature2050 partners: La Trobe University; Bio21 Institute/University of Melbourne; Arthur Rylah Institute/ Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning; Victorian National Parks Association; the Royal Society of Victoria; Greening Australia.

This symposium builds on the first VicNature 2050 symposium, Managing Victoria’s Biodiversity under Climate Change, which was held at the University of Melbourne’s Bio21 Institute in October 2015.

Professor David Vaux
Assistant Director
Joint Division Head, Cell Signalling & Cell Death
Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

The 2016 A W Howitt Lecture
Dr Erin Matchan
Noble Gas Geochronologist
School of Earth Sciences, The University of Melbourne

2016 Joint Lecture with the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering
Professor Maria Forsyth
Alfred Deakin Professor, Australian Laureate Fellow
Deputy Director
Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University

Lunchtime Lecture
Emeritus Professor Ian Polmear, AO
Professor Max Lay, AM

The John Monash Science School focuses on science, mathematics and associated technologies. It is the result of a unique partnership between the Victorian Government and Monash University, and is located in a purpose-built facility on the university’s Clayton Campus.

Georgia Roberts – La Trobe University’s Department of Archaeology & History
Matthias Egglseder – Monash University’s School of Earth, Atmosphere & Environment
Yang Chen – Monash University’s School of Earth, Atmosphere & Environment
Rebecca Hull – The University of Melbourne’s School of Biosciences
Thanh Kha Phan – La Trobe University’s Institute for Molecular Science
Chi Hai Ly – The University of Melbourne’s School of Biomedical Sciences
Rebecca Leane – The University of Melbourne’s School of Physics
Dene Murphy – The University of Melbourne’s School of Physics

In a celebration of art, science and history, Melbourne micro-publishers Scale Free Network will be launching their new book The Invisible War with the Royal Society of Victoria on Saturday August 20th, 2016. A National Science Week event.

Lunchtime Lecture
Dr Linzi Wilson-Wilde OAM
Director, National Institute of Forensic Science

Anne Marsden‘s new history takes a close look at the fifty men elected to the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institution’s first committee and their pioneering role in the settlement of Port Phillip, revealing the broad social platform that led to the cultural identity of present-day Melbourne.

Professor Jonathan Stone
Executive Director, Bosch Institute
School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney

Panel discussion chaired by Toby Kent, Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Melbourne
Panellists: Dr Jerril Rechter, CEO of VicHealth; Mr Dylan Brady, Conductor of Decibel Architects; Dr Rachel Carey, Research Fellow with the Victorian EcoInnovation Lab’s Foodprint Melbourne project, and; Mr Michel Masson, CEO of Infrastructure Victoria.

A two day, intensive course imparting the essential skills and strategies required to effectively convey your work to the media, government, research grant bodies and the general public.

The Royal Society of Victoria presents a science and art-based school holiday activity from the Scale Free Network, featuring a “Microscope Drawing Laboratory” and “Small Friends Storytelling.”

An event for Secondary School-age girls and their parents/guardians, Ada Lovelace Day is about celebrating the achievements of Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to inspire the next generation.

Professor Elisabetta Barberio
Chief Investigator, ARC Centre of Excellence for Particle Physics at the Terascale
Professor of High Energy Physics
School of Physics, The University of Melbourne

Professional Development for Teachers of Physics, Science, and Careers (Certificate of Participation Provided). Extension and Leadership Development for Outstanding Students.
Science teachers and late secondary students are invited to attend the 2016 Growing Tall Poppies Symposium, a great opportunity to explore and develop your potential as a part of Melbourne’s science and education community.

Dr Samintha Perera
Lecturer in Geomechanics
Department of Infrastructure Engineering
The University of Melbourne
The Phillip Law Postdoctoral Prize for the Physical Sciences – Lecture & Award

An 2016 Innovation Week Launch Event with the BioMelbourne Network.
Advances in genomics have created opportunities to deliver patient specific information to tailor treatments to the individual in a way never before possible.

Dr Andi Horvath
Media Advisor & Podcast Producer
The University of Melbourne

If you’re keen to raise your (or your organisation’s) profile on social media, this is the session for you.
Featuring Melbourne Uni’s Dr Katie Mack, Deakin Uni’s Dr Euan Ritchie and Swinburne Uni’s Dr Alan Duffy (AKA @astrokatie, @EuanRitchie1 and @astroduff).

This year the Royal Society of Victoria is sponsor to a pre-conference workshop for the 2016 Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) Conference on Sunday, 27 November, available to postgraduates and early career researchers. RSV student members are eligible for a discounted rate.

Professor Lloyd Hollenberg
Thomas Baker Chair in Physical Biosciences
Deputy Director, Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology
The University of Melbourne
The 2016 RSV Medal for Excellence in Scientific Research: Lecture, Award & President’s Soiree

Mr Tim Smith
Executive Director, Heritage Victoria

Chair: Tanya Ha, Associate, Science in Public & MSSI
Panellists: Ben Knight (ABC News Victoria), Alison Caldwell (Freelance, Formerly ABC RN), Adam Morton (The Age & SMH) and Cathy Alexander (MSSI, Formerly Crikey & AAP)
What turns environmental science and issues into news for media outlets and their audiences? Where have all the science and environment reporters gone? How do you get your sustainability story into the news?

Associate Professor Brad Potter
Co-Director, Asia Pacific Social Impact Centre
The University of Melbourne
Professor Ian Woodrow
Head, School of Environmental & Forest Science (2017)
The University of Melbourne

Associate Professor Sally Gras
Director, ARC Dairy Innovation Hub
Reader, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne

A day trip to the Brisbane Ranges – to the west of Melbourne – with legendary eucalypt expert Leon Costermans.

Professor Miles Prince AM
Director, Centre for Blood Cell Therapies, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Director of Molecular Oncology & Cancer Immunology, Epworth Healthcare

For this Eucalyptus Day exhibition, the beauty and majesty of the mighty Mountain Ash, the tallest flowering plant in the world, is presented together with a retrospective on the commercial harvesting of plantation Mallee species for the production of Australia’s iconic Bosisto brand of eucalyptus oil.

AfroX – The New Conventional is a free event that will showcase the success of 5 unique African-Australian speakers.
Receive valuable tips and tricks from some of the brightest, boldest and most brilliant minds, who have taken an alternative career path to their own idea of success.

Our members and friends will congregate at the Royal Society of Victoria, 8 La Trobe Street, Melbourne at 12:30pm on Saturday, 22nd April before joining the main march at the State Library of Victoria at 1:00pm. Please register your intention to join us, and we’ll look out for you!

Featuring Laureate Professor Peter Doherty AC on “The Challenges Facing Us.” RSV members are asked to register their intention to attend the 2016 AGM, noting a quorum of 50 will be required. If you cannot attend, please nominate your proxy on the form provided here.

Dr Mark Norman
Chief Conservation Scientist and Director of Environment and Science, Parks Victoria

Members of the RSV and YSA (Melb) have been given a back-stage pass to see some of Museum Victoria’s vast scientific collections!

Rose Hiscock
Inaugural Director, Science Gallery Melbourne

Chair: Professor Rachel Webster
Panellists: Dr Katie Mack, Associate Professor Alan Duffy, Dr Upulie Divisekera, Dr Morgan Saletta

Join RSV President David Zerman for a convivial discussion of issues and ideas over morning tea! RSV members only please.

Dr Andy Tomkins
Associate Professor, School of Earth, Atmosphere & Environment, Monash University

Professor Gordon G. Wallace AO
Executive Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science
Director, Australian National Fabrication Facility, Materials Node
The University of Woollongong

Professor Lynne Selwood AO
School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne

Emeritus Professor James Warren
School of Biological Sciences, Monash University

A big night of presentations on the latest work across a range of science fields from outstanding Victorian PhD candidates. Prize finalists will be announced in late June 2017.

Calling all interested Kids’ Conference Science presenters and their teachers!

LUNCHTIME LECTURE
Professor Kate Smith-Miles
Director, Monash Academy for Cross & Interdisciplinary Mathematical Applications (MAXIMA)

Professor Mark Boyce
Professor of Ecology, University of Alberta

Dr Kaye Morgan
VESKI Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Monash University
Chair of Biomedical Physics, Technische Universität München, Germany

Are you a professional with a STEMM background (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine) who now lives in Australia? Is English your second, or even third language? Are you finding it difficult to develop networks that can help you explore various career pathways, and then help you secure or progress your career in a STEMM-related profession?

Dr Thomas Oxley
Founding CEO, Synchron
Director of Innovation Strategy, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City
Head of Vascular Bionics Laboratory, The University of Melbourne

Are you a professional with a STEMM background (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine) who now lives in Australia? Is English your second, or even third language? Are you finding it difficult to develop networks that can help you explore various career pathways, and then help you secure or progress your career in a STEMM-related profession?

Dr Larry Sherman
Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology & Senior Scientist, Neuroscience
Oregon Health & Science University
A multi-media musical performance and exploration of the origins of music, how our nervous systems develop and age, and how music can affect the structure and function of the brain during development and throughout life!

Are you a professional with a STEMM background (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine) who now lives in Australia? Is English your second, or even third language? Are you finding it difficult to develop networks that can help you explore various career pathways, and then help you secure or progress your career in a STEMM-related profession?

Professor Paul Sunnucks
Leader of Persistence & Adaptation Research Team, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University

Are you a professional with a STEMM background (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine) who now lives in Australia? Is English your second, or even third language? Are you finding it difficult to develop networks that can help you explore various career pathways, and then help you secure or progress your career in a STEMM-related profession?

Are you a professional with a STEMM background (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine) who now lives in Australia? Is English your second, or even third language? Are you finding it difficult to develop networks that can help you explore various career pathways, and then help you secure or progress your career in a STEMM-related profession?

Tanya Ha
Director of Engagement, Science in Public
Associate, Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute

Digital health is one of the most exciting and fast growing areas of innovation, with huge potential to improve the care and well-being of Australians. At the launch of Innovation Week 2017, hear from ANDHealth CEO Bronwyn Le Grice, Innovation & Science Australia CEO Dr Charlie Day and two emerging growth stage companies who are bringing new digital technologies to market that will drive the future of healthcare.

IMNIS Mentees and RSV PhD Student Members are invited to attend this special night to hear from scientists who have taken the leap into industrial, government and other non-academic settings, making use of their STEM skills and experience to lead and excel in a range of rewarding, specialised roles. Featuring Dr Richard Huysmans, Dr Michael Wilson, Dr Jennifer Henry, Dr Catherine de Burgh-Day and Dr Krystal Evans.

Professor Trevor Lithgow
ARC Laureate Fellow, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University

Dr Courtney Ennis
Research Fellow, La Trobe Institute of Molecular Sciences

Join us for the premiere screening of Remember the Wild’s “Community Conservationists” video series, supported by the Wettenhall Environment Trust and sponsored by Inspiring Australia and the Royal Society of Victoria. Part of the Sustainable Living Festival.

Dr Duane Hamacher
Senior Research Fellow, Monash University Indigenous Studies Centre

Dr Stephen Poropat
Research Associate, The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History
Postdoctoral Researcher, Swinburne University of Technology

A wonderful opportunity to explore the beautiful Brisbane Ranges National Park to the west of Melbourne with botanist, geologist and author of the iconic “Native Trees and Shrubs of South-Eastern Australia,” Leon Costermans.

Dr Ken Walker
Senior Curator of Entomology, Museums Victoria

Join us to celebrate National Eucalypt Day with the launch of Remember the Wild’s documentary series “Eucalypt,” supported by Eucalypt Australia.

The ABC podcast Ockham’s Razor is a soapbox for all things scientific. Different speakers from diverse backgrounds share their stories, insights, arguments or tributes—anything that can grip an audience by the ears for 10 straight minutes.

In 2018, the ABC is taking the program around the country, recording the talks at special live events. They might even bring an actual soapbox.

Dr Duane Hamacher
Senior Research Fellow, Monash University Indigenous Studies Centre

We are delighted to be bringing the National Science Week program together for Victoria this year, and warmly invite everyone interested in being a part of this state-wide celebration of all things Science to come along to our information and networking session here at the Society.

Joining us will be the Victorian Minister for Trade, Innovation & the Digital Economy, Philip Dalidakis MP, Victoria’s Lead Scientist, Dr Amanda Caples and Questacon’s acting Director of Science and Learning, Dr Bobby Cerini. The Minister will be launching the broader Inspiring Australia program for the state, and we’ll be discussing opportunities for our communities to engage.

Full RSV members (ie. with voting rights) are asked to register their intention to attend the 2017 AGM, noting a quorum of 50 will be required. If you cannot attend, please nominate your proxy.

Professor Elena Ivanova
Professor of Nanobiotechnology, School of Science, Engineering & Health, RMIT University

All RSV members (ie. financial) are asked to attend this important briefing and discussion forum on the future of the Royal Society of Victoria.

Professor Katie Allen
Director, Australian Centre of Food & Allergy Research

Dr Duane Hamacher and Ms Krystal de Napoli
Monash University Indigenous Studies Centre
Launch of the Monash STEM Network @ Clayton Campus, Monash University

All subscribed RSV members (ie. financial) are asked to attend this important briefing and discussion forum on the future of the Royal Society of Victoria.

Professor Cordelia Fine
School of Historical & Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne

All subscribed RSV members (ie. financial) are asked to attend this important briefing and discussion forum on the future of the Royal Society of Victoria.

All subscribed RSV members (ie. financial) are asked to attend this important briefing and discussion forum on the future of the Royal Society of Victoria.

Since 1970 a majority of structures in Australia and some in New Zealand, Asia, Europe and North America have had their wind engineering studies carried out by MEL Consultants Pty Ltd. Much of the advice given is by the way of preliminary desktop studies of environmental wind conditions or estimates of wind loadings on structures and cladding and building response. Each year a number of these studies progress to the stage of conducting wind-tunnel studies using physical models and the provision of design wind load or velocity data. Their list of major projects in Australia and the World includes over 100 tall buildings (some “supertall” at 300+ m or “megatall” at 600+ m), 12 large stadium buildings (including fully operable roof systems), 6 tall freestanding towers, 7 bridges, 2 offshore platforms and many other major industrial and smaller buildings, and some unusual structures such as ships, photovoltaic arrays, and full-scale facade components.

Professor Jenny Graves
Distinguished Professor, La Trobe University; Professor Emeritus, Australian National University; Thinker-in-Residence, University of Canberra; Professorial Fellow, University of Melbourne

Opening in 2007 at its site in Clayton, Victoria, the Australian Synchrotron is Australia’s largest and arguably most successful scientific user facility, benefiting over 3000 researchers from academia, medical research institutes, government and other research organisations, and industry. In simple terms, a synchrotron is a very large, circular, megavoltage machine about the size of a football field. From outside, the Australian Synchrotron, for example, looks very much like a roofed football stadium. But on the inside, it’s very different. Instead of grass and seating, there is a vast, circular network of interconnecting tunnels and high tech apparatus.

Full RSV members (ie. with voting rights) are asked to register their intention to attend this Special General Meeting of the Royal Society of Victoria, noting a quorum of 50 will be required. If you cannot attend, please nominate your proxy on the form provided.

Professor David Cantrill
Executive Director of Science, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Chair, Geological Society of Australia Victoria Division
The 2018 Howitt Lecture

Professor Arthur Lowery
Director, Monash Vision Group
Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering

We need your help in getting materials out to Science Week event holders across the state. We’ve set aside the afternoon of Wednesday, 18th July from 1 to 5, transforming the Burke and Wills Room into the “Science Week Dispatch Centre!” We need all hands on deck to help us package up materials, label boxes and get all the Science Week gear out to libraries, community centres, schools, local governments and universities in metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria.

Associate Professor Andrew Pask
ARC Future Fellow, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne

We’ve all been there, having that age old argument: what’s the bigger breakthrough? The existence of atoms or quantum mechanics; DNA or CRISPR; the wheel or sliced bread?

To celebrate National Science Week, the Science Nation is going to answer this question once and for all. Join the fun and mayhem as the best, brightest and bravest science aficionados in the land do battle in a tournament of wits and wittiness in order to find out: what is the Greatest Discovery Ever Made?

INVENT.   EVOLVE.   DECIDE.

Augmented brains and bodies, or a return to nature? Cyber or solar? Humans 2.0 – what is the future of our species?
Humans 2.0 is presented by the Victorian Coordinating Committee for National Science Week and The Royal Society of Victoria, and supported by Phoria.

Let’s Torque and Sisters in Science are joining forces to deliver an exciting panel discussion on a topic that humans have puzzled over for centuries: space exploration. We’ll be asking what humans are doing in space currently, why we’re there, and what we might find. We’ll ponder the implications of humanity entering space and visiting other planets, and weigh up the pros and cons in an interactive dialogue.

To foster and recognise excellence in Victoria’s early career scientists, the Royal Society of Victoria has established four prestigious competitive prizes open to Victorian students in their final year of doctoral candidature, in all areas of the Biomedical & Health Sciences, Biological Sciences (Non-human), Earth Sciences and Physical Sciences.

In large part, racism stems from the human brain’s tendency to engage in prejudice, a process that allows our brains to make judgments based on visual information in milliseconds. These preconceived opinions about other people are not based on reason or experience but on instinct — and they have a basis in neuroscience. But why does the brain do this? More importantly, can we use what we known about the neuroscience of prejudice to overcome this reaction, potentially developing methods to combat prejudice and end racism? Join Dr. Larry Sherman, a Professor of Neuroscience at the Oregon Health & Science University, who will explain how our brains react to people who are “different” and explore possible ways to overcome the automatic prejudice that contributes to racism in our society.

The Let’s Torque Grand Final returns to the Royal Society of Victoria for another night of top quality presentations by the next generation of STEM communicators. Come along to learn from our finalists about some of the most exciting STEM solutions and mingle with members of the STEM communication community!

Dr Andrew Weeks
Director and Ecological Geneticist, cesar

Dr Gillian Sparkes
Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Victorian Government

This special event at Plenty Gorge, hosted by the new Banyule-Nillumbik and Whittlesea Tech Schools, will feature experts talking about how to monitor wildlife numbers using a range of methods, including collecting DNA samples from the environment that can tell us the range of animals that live there. We’ll also be hearing about their work and sharing the special knowledge they’ve attained through years of study and exploration.

Martin Brocklehurst
Chair, Policy Working Group, European Citizen Science Association

Women in STEMM Australia is hosting a special event to connect high school students, teachers and parents with PhD students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine (STEMM)! There will be the chance to ask questions about studying these fields, going to University, the future career opportunities, and more!

Dr Sumeet Walia
Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellow & Senior Lecturer, RMIT University
Dr Nishar Hameed
Group Leader of Smart Polymers and Composites Research Group, Swinburne University of Technology

Professor Susan Blackmore
Visiting Professor, University of Plymouth

Campfires and Science is a new and growing community of people who head outdoors, light a campfire, and share knowledge. We lead regular, free events in wild places to support scientific fieldwork and provide hands-on training in the research methods that help us to best protect the environment. Welcome to citizen science! Join us at our very first environmental DNA sampling event, where we’ll be teaching people how to gather samples and look for a critically endangered species of fish. We’ll also be inviting speakers around the campfire to share their knowledge.

Dr Stephen Poropat
Postdoctoral Researcher, Swinburne University of Technology
Research Associate, Australian Age of Dinosaurs

Dr Amy Hahs
Director, Urban Ecology into Action

Dr Drew Berry
Biomedical Animator, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

Mr Charlton Clark
General Manager Strategies, The Australian Antarctic Division

You are warmly invited to a conversation with Julian Burnside QC and author of The Balfour Correspondent, James Dryburgh.  

Presentations & Interdisciplinary Panel Discussion
Dr Colleen Boyle, Artist and Art Historian with RMIT’s School of Design
Dr Jenny Gray, CEO of Zoos Victoria and the President of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Professor Rachel Webster, Head of Astrophysics at the University of Melbourne’s School of Physics
Dr Lynette Bettio, Senior Climatologist with the Bureau of Meteorology
Alicia Sometimes, broadcaster, poet and writer (MC)

It’s an evening of science in the style of the great panel shows – think mixing Mock the Week, Spicks and Specks, and just a dash of QI.
Featuring Joel Gilmore, Alanta Colley, Alan Duffy, Claire Farrugia, Anna He, Tom Lang and Belinda Smith.

Professor Anthony Burkitt
Chair, Bio-Signals & Bio-Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne
Professor Jamie Rossjohn
Head of Infection & Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Centre, Monash University

Dr Rebecca Ford, Senior Research Fellow, School of Ecosystem and Forest Science, The University of Melbourne
Dr Lindy Lumsen, Principal Research Scientist, Wildlife Ecology Section, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research
Dr Graeme Newell, Research Scientist, Ecological Analysis and Synthesis Program, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research
Associate Professor Craig Nitschke, Senior Research Fellow, School of Ecosystem and Forest Science, The University of Melbourne

An exploration of the opportunities and challenges of delivering both a benchmark proposal for urban sustainability and facilities that are fit for the organisation’s 21st century purpose. This membership conference will run over two consecutive Fridays with a 9.15am arrival (for 9.30am start), finishing by 4.30pm on both days.

Featuring: Dr Amanda Caples, Victoria’s Lead Scientist; Dr Gillian Sparkes, the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability Victoria; Dr Angie Bone, Victoria’s Deputy Chief Health Officer; Dr Andrea Hinwood, Environment Protection Authority’s Chief Environmental Scientist, and; Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea, Co-Founder and CEO Women in STEMM Australia. Facilitated by Dr Bridie O’Donnell, Head of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation.

Dr Joshua Soderholm
Research Fellow, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University

Panellists: Dr Leah Heiss, Master of Design Futures: School of Design, RMIT University; Dr Nolene Byrne, Senior Lecturer: School of Engineering & Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University; Dr Rajesh Ramanathan, Senior Research Fellow: School of Science, RMIT University; Dr Lyndon Arnold, Research Fellow: School of Fashion & Textiles, RMIT University.

Professor David Lindenmayer, Professor of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University
Professor Simon Jones, Professor of Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, RMIT University
Dr Emma Razeng, Research Scientist, Persistence and Adaptation Team, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University
Dr Peter Kriesner, Research Scientist (Genetics), cesar
Ms Vanessa Craigie, Senior Policy Officer (Threatened Species), Biodiversity Division, Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning

Professor Lewis Dartnell
Professor of Science Communication, the University of Westminster

Panellists: Associate Professor Meera Parish, Associate Professor: School of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University; Dr Carlos Kuhn, Postdoctoral Research Fellow: School of Science, Swinburne University; Rebecca Orrell-Trigg, PhD student: School of Engineering, RMIT University

Campfires and Science is a new and growing community of people who head outdoors, light a campfire, and share knowledge. Auspiced by the Royal Society of Victoria, we lead regular, free events in wild places to support scientific fieldwork and provide hands-on training in the research methods that help us to best protect the environment.

We are delighted to once again bring together the National Science Week program for Victoria in 2019, and warmly invite everyone interested in being a part of our state-wide celebration of all things Science to come along to our information and networking session here at the Society.

To celebrate National Eucalypt Day in 2019, the Royal Society of Victoria and Eucalypt Australia are offering a rare opportunity to explore the beautiful Brisbane Ranges National Park to the west of Melbourne with botanist, geologist and author of the iconic Native Trees and Shrubs of South-Eastern Australia, Leon Costermans.

An expert panel of STEM professionals in industry will discuss transferable skills, implicit skills (also called ‘soft’ skills), the value of a professional network, potential jobs of the future and their top tips for career success. Think outside the square and dream big about future careers!

Dr Tien Huynh
Senior Lecturer: BioSciences, School of Science, RMIT University

ABC Science returns to the Royal Society for a special podcast recording event. Ockham’s Razor is the ABC’s soapbox for all things scientific: stories, insights, arguments or tributes – anything that can grip an audience by the ears for 10 straight minutes.

Associate Professor Sam Robertson, Head of Research & Innovation: Victoria University and Western Bulldogs; Professor Damian Farrow, Professor of Skill Acquisition: Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, Victoria University

Panellists:
Dr Amy Edwards Homeward Bound 3; Postdoctoral Research Officer, Ecology, Environment & Evolution, Latrobe University
Dr Anita Goh Homeward Bound 3; Superstars of STEM 2019; Clinical Neuropsychologist and Research Fellow, National Ageing Research Institute Neuropsychiatry Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital. Academic Unit for Psychiatry of Old Age, The University of Melbourne
Dr Kudzai Kanhutu Superstars of STEM 2019; Infectious diseases physician, Telehealth Clinical lead, Deputy Medical Information Officer, Royal Melbourne Hospital. University of Melbourne
Mr Simon Pampena Discovery International’s Outrageous Acts of Science, Australian Numeracy Ambassador 2009-2017

The Annual General Meeting for the Royal Society of Victoria’s 2018 Financial Year. Voting members only please.

Professor Murat Yücel
David Winston Turner Chair in Addiction and Mental Health, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences

Bayside Fossil Fundraiser Event for Museums Victoria, featuring:
Dr Erich Fitzgerald, Senior Palaeontologist, Museums Victoria
Murray Orr, Bayside Earth Sciences Society
Hosted by Vicki Karalis AM, Sandringham Foreshore Association

Wander the heritage rooms of the Royal Society of Victoria, discovering new ideas, hypotheses, and research findings presented through 19th century salon-style discussions, exhibits and performances. Featuring Dr Monica Gagliano, Ms Anna Madeleine, Ms Vicki Hallett, Dr Sapphire McMullan-Fisher and Adjunct Professor Freya Mathews.

Dr Scott Rawlings, Head of Science and Research, Office of the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Victoria
Mr Andrew Marshall, Science Writer, Office of the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Victoria

Dr Bill Jackson, Environmental Consultant, Formerly Chief Executive of Parks Victoria & Director of National Parks for the State of Victoria
Mr Braden Jenkin, Institute of Foresters of Australia, Australian Forest Growers
Dr Thomas Fairman, Forest Regulation Policy Officer, Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning
Professor Patrick Baker, Professor of Silviculture & Forest Ecology, The University of Melbourne

Join us in Lilydale for a unique ‘Campfires and Science’ event where we will hear from experts in the area of forest management, and help us inform our response to government proposals for new Regional Forest Agreements in Victoria. You can also learn about the work ‘Science for All’ has been doing to understand biodiversity in the region, and learn how you can get involved! We’ll also be covering the principles of ‘critical appraisal skills’ for those who want to learn how to take part in the process of creating peer reviewed science.

Associate Professor Adrian Dyer
Vision Scientist, School of Media & Communication, RMIT University

A teachers’ professional development workshop facilitated by the Monash University Faculty of Science, in partnership with the International Science Council and the Royal Society of Victoria.

Dr Johan Strandroth
Safe System Lead, Safe System Road Infrastructure Program, VicRoads & TAC,
Project Director, Road Safety Strategy, Department of Transport
MC: Mr Kenn Beer, Principal Engineer, Safe System Solutions Pty Ltd
Panellists:
Dr Marilyn Johnson, Senior Research Fellow, Monash University
Mr David Shelton, Principal Consultant, Safe System Solutions Pty Ltd
Dr Max Lay, Former Director, ConnectEast, VicRoads and Australian Road Research Board
Ms Samantha Cockfield, Senior Manager, Road Safety, Traffic Accident Commission

Speaker: Professor Mike S. Schäfer
Professor of Science Communication, Department of Communications & Media Research
Director, Center for Higher Education and Science Studies (CHESS)
University of Zurich
Panellists:
Professor David Karoly, Leader, Earth Systems & Climate Change Hub, National Environmental Science Program, CSIRO
Dr Linden Ashcroft, Lecturer in Climate Science & Science Communication, School of Earth Science, The University of Melbourne

Liza Barbour
Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Monash University

National Science Week is coming up, officially spanning 10 to 18 August (with a bit of action either side). As the managing organisation for the Victorian effort, the Society is charged with getting event holders across the state “kitted up” with promotional materials and ready to be a visible part the national effort. We need your help in getting materials out to event holders across the state.

Associate Professor Stephen Gallagher
Reader, School of Earth Science, University of Melbourne

Join the next citizen science outing with Science for All, with an environmental DNA (eDNA) collection and sampling field trip.

Speakers include: Peter Noble (Ballarat Environment Network), Irene Kelly and Kerry Davies (Knox Gardens for Wildlife), Anthony Bigelow (First Friends of Dandenong Creek), Charlotte Fletcher (Cranbourne Gardens) and more, with interactive sessions and networking.

Join us for the July 2019 meeting of the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Citizen Science Association. This meeting will focus on citizen science and education. The meeting will commence with three presentations, which will be followed by break-out group discussions. There will also be plenty of time for sharing your project stories, networking and developing our community of practice. Speakers include Sandra McCullogh from Earthwatch Australia, Julian O Shea from Unbound, and Edmond Lascaris from the City of Whittlesea.

Dr René Van der Sant, Land Asset Practitioner, Melbourne Water
Professor Patrick Lane, School of Ecosystem and Forest Science, the University of Melbourne
Mr Jason Alexandra, Managing Director, Alexandra & Associates
Ms Rachel Brown, Senior Project Officer, Hydrology & Climate Science Team, Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning
Dr Tim Peterson, Research Fellow, Department of Infrastructure Engineering, The University of Melbourne

Professor Elizabeth A. Croft
Dean of Engineering, Monash University

Join us for the latest ‘Campfires and Science’ event at Toolangi, where we’ll be teaching people how to look for critically endangered animals and leading trips to plant trees and remove invasive species.

We’ll be joined by Taungurung man, Shane Monk, who will give a Welcome to Country and a ‘walk and talk’ education session in the forest. We’ll also be learning how to gather DNA samples in the wild and analyse them in the forest with a portable ‘lab’. 

Associate Professor Elisa Hill-Yardin,
ARC Future Fellow & Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow, School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University
Associate Professor Ashley Franks,
Director of Research, School of Life Sciences & Leader of Franks Lab for Applied and Environmental Microbiology, La Trobe University

Join us for the public launch of National Science Week 2019 at Melbourne Museum! Featuring:
Dr Darlene Lim, Geobiologist with NASA Ames research Center, California, USA
Dr Kate Selway, Geologist with Macquarie University
Dr Dianne Bray, Senior Collection Manager for Vertebrate Zoology with Museums Victoria
MC: Nate Byrne, Meteorologist and Weather Presenter with ABC News Breakfast

Augment your reality. AI, bionics and smart devices are here to extend and enhance your senses. So what are the possible futures of human perception? At this event combining performance, storytelling, and experimentation, make sense of the world of the senses, and find the limits to your own. The 2019 major event for National Science Week in Victoria, delivered by the Royal Society of Victoria and generously hosted by the Parliament of Victoria.

Dr Simon Cropper, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne
Ms Kat Clarke, Artist, Writer & Assistant Curator at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image
Dr Lynne Kelly, Science Writer, Author of “The Memory Code” and “Memory Craft”
Dr Duane Hamacher, Monash Indigenous Studies Centre, Monash University
Moderator: Dr Meredith McKague

Come and join BioQuisitive and Science For All at Monash Tech School for this hands-on workshop about how everyday citizens are working to protect critically endangered species using DNA detection and other advanced technologies.

To foster and recognise excellence in Victoria’s early career scientists, the Royal Society of Victoria has established four prestigious competitive prizes open to Victorian students in their final year of doctoral candidature, in all areas of the Biomedical & Health Sciences, Biological Sciences (Non-human), Earth Sciences and Physical Sciences.

ARC Laureate Professor Veena Sahajwalla
Founding Director, Centre for Sustainable Materials Research & Technology, The University of New South Wales

Australia’s best and brightest scientists will present three scientific ‘facts’; the catch is, only two are correct! Your job is to discern the truthful statements from the fiction while the scientists do their Oscar-winning best to fool you into believing the latter.

A workshop to help students and their teachers prepare for the Melbourne Kids’ Conference on 18 November. Bring your Science, Geography, History, English, Maths or Music ideas and teachers to this Facilitators and Presenters workshop at the Royal Society of Victoria!

The Let’s Torque Grand Final returns to the Royal Society of Victoria for another night of top quality presentations by the next generation of STEM communicators. Come along to learn about some of the most exciting STEM solutions and mingle with members of the STEM communication community! 

Featuring:
Professor Richard Eckard, Director of Primary Industries Climate Challenges Centre, the University of Melbourne
Professor Roslyn Gleadow, Professor of Plant Sciences, Monash University
Professor Nigel Tapper, Professor of Environmental Science, Monash University and the Water Sensitive Cities Cooperative Research Centre
Dr Pandora Hope, Principal Research Scientist Australian Bureau of Meteorology

Associate Professor Alan Duffy
Astrophysicist, Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University
Lead Scientist, Royal Institution of Australia

Ms Zoe Ryan
Head of Business Development, Climate Friendly
Associate Professor Lauren Bennett
Ecological Scientist, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, the University of Melbourne
Dr Heather Keith
Senior Research Fellow, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University
Professor Rod Keenan
Chair of Forest and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science, the University of Melbourne

Dr Luke Kelly,
Centenary Fellow, School of Ecosystem & Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne

This two-and-a-half-day symposium will bring together top Australian and international scientists, students, and early career researchers to present the latest advancements in investigating the evolutionary dynamics of these profound events, with an emphasis on methods for integrating modern and palaeontological data. 

Dr Sapphire McMullan-Fisher
Mycologist, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Dr Rajesh Ramanathan
Senior Lecturer & Co-lead, NanoBiotechnology Research Laboratory, RMIT School of Science

Ian Thompson
Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer, Department of Agriculture

Competing in Melbourne for all the glory science has to offer is: reproductive biologist, science communicator and prospective Ig Nobel laureate, Dr Kiri Beilby; theoretical physicist and jazz pianist manqué, Prof Jared Cole; biomedical engineer who believes diamonds really are a girl’s best friend, Dr Kate Fox; science educator, boardgame designer and comedian, Tom Lang; engineer of novel materials, writer of non/fiction and bow tie enthusiast, Dr Mohammad Taha; and immuno-virologist, turning being curious into a profession and wannabe artist, Dr Carolien van de Sandt; with another participant to be announced. This event will be hosted by scientist, comedian and TV personality, Dr Joel Gilmore.

Professor Uta Wille
Head, Wille Group, Bio21 Molecular Science & Biotechnology Institute
Professor Chemistry & Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne
Dr Caroline Kyi
Art Conservator

Gene Tree Project Quintet
Contemporary Jazz, Experimental and Multi-Artform Projects
Professor Andrew Pask
Geneticist, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne
Dr Amy Coetsee
Threatened Species Biologist, Zoos Victoria
Ms Elissa Goodrich
Independent Musician, Sound Artist and Composer

Join us for the latest ‘Campfires and Science’ event at Yellingbo, where we’ll be teaching people how to look for critically endangered animals and leading trips to plant trees and remove invasive species.

We’ll be joined by Taungurung man, Shane Monk, who will give a Welcome to Country and a ‘walk and talk’ education session in the forest. We’ll also be learning how to gather DNA samples in the wild and analyse them in the forest with a portable ‘lab’. 

Professor David Grayden
Clifford Chair of Neural Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne

Professor Andy Pitman
Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes

Members are invited to commemorate 160 years since the official opening of the Royal Society of Victoria’s Hall on 10th December, 1859 by Sir Henry Barkly, Governor of Victoria.

The evening will begin with the presentation of the Society’s Medal for Excellence in Scientific Research, now in its sixtieth year, to the 2019 Medallist (to be announced shortly), and the Medallist’s Lecture. Following the presentation, members and their guests will celebrate an outstanding year of science engagement with Victorian communities at a special cocktail dinner function, featuring short presentations from our President and a small selection of the RSV’s many wonderful partners and collaborators.

Associate Professor Jan J Eldridge
Astrophysicist, School of Physics, University of Auckland

Professor Andrew Barron
Deputy Head, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University
Dr Riki Lane
Research Fellow, Department of General Practice, Monash University

Dr James Driscoll MRSV
Geologist, Assistant Lecturer, Faculty of Science, Monash University
Dr Chloe Mackallah
Climate Scientist, Climate Model Development Division, CSIRO

Kevin Parkyn
Senior Meteorologist, Bureau of Meteorology

Associate Professor Kate Fox
Biomedical Engineer, School of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, RMIT University

Dr Wallace Wong
Senior Lecturer, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne and Program Leader, ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science

**Please be advised this event has been cancelled to minimise transmission of COVID-19 and undue pressure on the Victorian health system.** Come and learn how to get involved in restoring native habitat and species at Organ Pipes National Park. Hear from experts, learn about using DNA to find species, go ‘Fishing for Science’ and hear from Wurundjeri elders. Activities for all ages and abilities!

**Please be advised this event has been cancelled to minimise transmission of COVID-19 and undue pressure on the Victorian health system.** We are delighted to once again bring together Victoria’s National Science Week program for August 2020. The Royal Society of Victoria warmly invites everyone interested in being a part of this state-wide celebration of all things Science to come along to our information and networking session here at the Society’s historic headquarters.

**Please be advised this event has been cancelled to minimise transmission of COVID-19 and undue pressure on the Victorian health system.** Short, 3-minute presentations by researchers and entrepreneurs will share how they are contributing to eradicating disease or poverty, ensuring the security of our food for generations, preserving our natural environment, or reinventing the future of our industries. An amazing opportunity to witness first-hand the cutting-edge research making a difference. You will hurt your head, make meaningful connections and leave with inspiration to burn!

Dr Martin Cope
Principal Research Scientist, Climate Science Centre, CSIRO

**Please be advised this event has been cancelled due to our speaker’s inability to travel from the UK under quarantine measures to slow the transmission of COVID-19. We hope to feature Professor Mather in our program later in 2020.**
Professor Tamsin Mather
Professor of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford

Our first watch party features a half an hour looking at simulating the cosmic interactions of dark matter, the whims of fashionable science (and scientific fashion) and the neuroscience of addiction and compulsion. Join us to enjoy some of the highlights of the RSV’s science program!

**Please be advised this event has been cancelled to minimise transmission of COVID-19 and undue pressure on the Victorian health system.** ABC Science returns to the Royal Society of Victoria for a special podcast recording event. Ockham’s Razor is the ABC’s soapbox for all things scientific: stories, insights, arguments or tributes – anything that can grip an audience by the ears for 10 straight minutes.

Emeritus Professor Frances Separovic AO
Biophysical Chemist, Bio21 Institute

Our second watch party features a half an hour looking at the future of electronics, the interactions of our brains with the “second brain” in our gut and the remarkable medicinal and nutritional properties of the plant kingdom. Join us to enjoy some of the highlights of the RSV’s science program.

**Please be advised this event has been cancelled to minimise transmission of COVID-19 and undue pressure on the Victorian health system.** Successful fundraising requires strategy and a detailed action plan to succeed. In this very interactive workshop, RSV President & CEO of Possibility Australia, David Zerman will share secrets that have enabled him to lead and work with teams that have raised and disbursed more than $220 Million over the past 30 years.

Associate Professor Duane Hamacher
Cultural Astronomer, School of Physics, The University of Melbourne
Dr Tyson Yunkaporta
Senior Lecturer, Indigenous Knowledges, Deakin University

The Annual General Meeting for the Royal Society of Victoria’s 2019 Financial Year. Voting members only please. This meeting will be held online as a Zoom conference.

Featuring Catriona Nguyen-Robertson, Sarah Belet and Dwan Price.

Mr Alfons VandenBerg, Research Associate, Department of Sciences, Museums Victoria

Dr Colleen Boyle, Artist and art theorist, and Senior Advisor of Learning and Teaching with RMIT’s School of Design, Dr Jenny Gray PSM MRSV, CEO of Zoos Victoria and Past President of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Professor Rachel Webster AO MRSV, Head of Astrophysics at the University of Melbourne’s School of Physics, Professor Julie Arblaster, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment at Monash University, MC: Ms Alicia Sometimes, broadcaster, poet and writer.

Dr Delia Owens novel explores how isolated individuals behave differently from normal and how much we change when rejected by others. On their own and excluded, humans often revert to behaviours that resemble those of early humans, who survived aeons ago on the savannas, or of wild creatures who still live “way out yonder where the crawdads sing.”

Professor David Karoly
Leader, Earth Systems and Climate Change Hub, CSIRO National Environmental Science Program

We all cheer when the forensic scientist cracks the television murder case but how does the screen science stack up against the real thing? Join Virginia Trioli, presenter on Mornings for ABC Radio Melbourne along with forensic specialists Dr Richard Bassed and Professor David Ranson, as they put fictional forensics under the microscope.

Earth Sciences:
Mr Hayden Dalton, School of Earth Sciences, The University of Melbourne
Ms Megan Withers, School of Earth, Atmosphere & Environment, Monash University

Biological (non-human) Sciences:
Ms Charlene Trestrail, School of Science, RMIT University
Mr Martin Estermann, Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology, Monash University

Physical Sciences:
Mr Majid Laleh, School of Engineering, Deakin University
Ms Adele Goodwin, School of Physics & Astronomy, Monash University

Biomedical & Health Sciences:
Mr Roshan Selvaratnam, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Monash University
Ms Lakshanie Wickramasinghe, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University

A Place-Based Approach: The Goulburn-Murray Resilience Strategy
David McKenzie, Chair, Goulburn Regional Partnership
Claire Flanagan-Smith, Principal, Community & Strategy, RM Consulting Group

Climate Change & Systems Transformation
Associate Professor Lauren Rickards, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University

Preparing for Biodiversity Decision Making
Professor Brendan Wintle, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne

Agricultural Transitions
Professor Richard Eckard, Director of Primary Industries Climate Challenges Centre, The University of Melbourne

Preparing for the Transition of the Water Sector
Dr Briony Rogers, Director of MSDI Water, Monash Sustainable Development Institute

Building Community Agency
Professor Sarah Bekessy, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University

Join us from the comfort of your living room as Jon Seltin winds the clock forward on beer brewing. How will climate change and advances in sensory science affect beer production? How might our beer tastes change in the future?

Judges’ Panel:
Dr Jenny Martin
Senior Lecturer in Science Communication, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne
Professor Alan Duffy
Astronomer, Swinburne University and Lead Scientist, The Royal Institution of Australia
Alanta Colley
Comedian, Science Communicator and Health Promotion Professional at the City of Darebin

Professor Elizabeth Croft
The Dean of the School of Engineering at Monash University
Dr Kudzai Kanhutu
An infectious diseases physician and research fellow at the Doherty Institute, the University of Melbourne
Associate Professor Julie Mondon
The head of the marine sciences program at Deakin University’s Warrnambool campus
Dr Gail Iles
A senior lecturer in physics at RMIT University
MC: Natasha Mitchell
ABC Journalist and Broadcaster

Dr Muneera Bano
Senior Lecturer, Software Engineering
School of Information Technology, Deakin University

Mrs Nicola Williams, Vice-President, The Royal Society of Victoria
Dr Catherine de Burgh-Day, Councillor, The Royal Society of Victoria and Research Scientist, The Bureau of Meteorology
Mr Rob Gell, Councillor, The Royal Society of Victoria and Company Director for Sustainability Initiatives
Professor David Walker, Councillor, The Royal Society of Victoria and NDHD Research Program, RMIT School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Dr Samantha Grover
Lecturer, Environmental Chemistry, RMIT University

Dr Nisa Salim
Vice-Chancellor’s Initiative Research Fellow, Swinburne University of Technology

Dr Lynette Bettio
Senior Climatologist, The Bureau of Meteorology

Professor Bronwyn Fox
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), Swinburne University of Technology

Secondary students and teachers are invited to join this senior Victorian forum to explore the opportunities and challenges for girls and women in exploring careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEM). Delivered by the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Dr Gillian Sparkes in partnership with the Royal Society of Victoria. The event is an annual collaboration between the Commissioner, Victoria’s Lead Scientist Dr Amanda Caples and Victoria’s Chief Environmental Scientist Dr Andrea Hinwood.

This first webinar in the series focuses on the convergence of knowledge traditions, acknowledging the capacity for traditional European farming practices to adapt, the remarkable advances in the ecological sciences based on European classification systems, and the complex Australian Indigenous knowledge systems developed and maintained over a truly astonishing stretch of time, offering a deep cultural understanding and relationships with “country” to help us determine our common future in Australia.

This second webinar in the series focuses on untangling the knots in our system that frustrate beneficial change, from the fixed thinking enforced by our political culture to the slow-changing traditions of agricultural land management and business practices founded in European soils and ecosystems. We also look at how business, entrepreneurship and private property have an effective role to play in conserving and rebuilding ecosystems and biodiversity.

Dr Rebecca Tunstall
Senior Director of Stakeholder Engagement, MTPConnect

In this series of five-minute talks, you’ll hear from twenty postgraduate students, public land managers and scientists who conduct research on public land.

This final webinar in the series takes us to a broad view of the past to define our approach to the future. We range from the natural history of our continent’s diverse landscapes and species, confronting the cultural and systemic responses needed to redefine and strengthen our relationships with the living world and better adapt to the challenges facing us as a nation in the near future.

Professor Patrick Baker
Professor of Silviculture and Forest Ecology, The University of Melbourne

Dr Richard Marchant
Senior Curator, Entomology, Museums Victoria
Dr Melody Serena
Conservation Biologist, Australian Platypus Conservancy

Professor Will Steffen
Emeritus Professor, Australian National University
Councillor, Climate Council of Australia

Dr Gail Iles
Senior Lecturer in Physics, RMIT University

Dr Rebecca McIntosh
Research Scientist, Phillip Island Nature Parks
Mr Ross Holmberg
Data Analyst, Phillip Island Nature Parks

Full RSV members (ie. with voting rights) are asked to register to attend the 2020 Annual General Meeting, noting a quorum of 50 will be required.

Professor Brendan Wintle
Director, Threatened Species Recovery Hub

Professor Nicholas Coops
Canada Research Chair in Remote Sensing
Head pro tem, Department of Forest Resources Management, University of British Columbia
Professor Allison Kealy
Acting Chief Research Officer & Research Program Director
Advanced Satellite Systems, Sensors and Intelligence SmartSat CRC
Professor, Geospatial Science, RMIT University
Mr Rob Gell AM
Director, Attentis Systems Pty Ltd
Director, ReThink Sustainability Pty Ltd
President, The Royal Society of Victoria
Chair: Dr Peter Woodgate
Chair, SmartSat CRC

Professor Laura Mackay
Laboratory Head, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity

Professor Billie Giles-Corti
Director, Centre for Urban Research’s Healthy Liveable Cities Research Group
Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University

Professor Will Steffen
Emeritus Professor, Australian National University
Professor Brendan Wintle
Director, Threatened Species Recovery Hub

Associate Professor David Kennedy
Director, Office for Environmental Programs, The University of Melbourne

Mr Simon Holmes à Court
Senior Adviser to the Climate and Energy College, Energy Transition Hub, the University of Melbourne

Mr Jerome Holleman
Head of Middle School, Northcote High School
Dr William Birch AM
Emeritus Curator (Geosciences), Museums Victoria
Professor Andy Gleadow
Professorial Fellow (Thermochronology), The University of Melbourne
Mr Alfons VandenBerg
Research Associate, Museums Victoria
Mr Clive Willman
Geologist & Film Maker

Dave Wandin, Wandoon Estate Aboriginal Corporation, Luke Williams, RMIT University, Kerrie Saunders, Yinarr-ma, Joshua Gilbert, Reconciliation NSW, Karlie Noon, Sydney Observatory

Earth Sciences:

Owen Missen – Monash University

Kimberley Reid – The University of Melbourne

Biological (non-human) Sciences:

Sike Li – Monash University

Sarah McDonald – The University of Melbourne

Physical Sciences:

Sumaiya Kabir – RMIT University

Mark Vidallon – Monash University

Biomedical & Health Sciences:

Lauren Bleakley – The University of Melbourne

Ronnie Low – The University of Melbourne

Featuring presentations by:
Georgina Aiuto (Swinburne University) – “Take a Second for the Future”
Joshua Nicholls (Swinburne University) – “Bionics: Seeing into the Future”
Luke Antzoulatos (RMIT University) – “Nano-Terminators”
Sanjeeban Chattopadhyay (Swinburne University) – “Permeable Pavements: A Key Design for a Water-sensitive Future”

Dr Amy Coetsee
Threatened Species Biologist, Zoos Victoria

Dr Rachel Carey
Lecturer in Food Systems, The University of Melbourne

Professor Madhu Bhaskaran
Co-Lead, Functional Materials and Microsystems Research Group, RMIT University

Dr Christopher Draper-Joyce
ARC DECRA Fellow, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health

Professor Andy Ball
Director of the ARC Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia’s Biosolids Resource, RMIT University

Panellists:
Lisa Kerr, Program Manager of GM Vice
Dave Burton, CEO of Goldfields LLEN
Graeme Wiggins, Director, Bendigo Tech School
Facilitator: Mike Flattley, CEO, The Royal Society of Victoria

The First Astronomers takes us on a journey across space and time to reveal the wisdom of the Elders. These living systems of knowledge challenge conventional ideas about the nature of science and the longevity of oral tradition, pointing the way for a world facing the profound disruptions of climate change. The First Astronomers shows us how respectful collaborations can drive exciting and innovative solutions to global challenges that impact us all.

We often fail to acknowledge the importance of communication in the way science changes our world. Done well, communication can be transformative. Done badly, it can lead to lives being lost.

Speaker: Dr Shane Huntington OAM, broadcaster, speaker, trainer and facilitator.

ABC Science returns to the Royal Society of Victoria for a special podcast recording event. Ockham’s Razor is the ABC’s soapbox for all things scientific: stories, insights, arguments or tributes – anything that can grip an audience by the ears for 10 straight minutes.

Full RSV members (ie. with voting rights) are asked to register to attend the 2021 Annual General Meeting, noting a quorum of 50 will be required.

Join the Let’s Torque team for a workshop on the vital verbal and non-verbal aspects of science communication!

This forum will feature deliberative components to help our team develop a draft position paper for the Royal Society of Victoria, with recommendations for further work across the industry, government, academic and community sectors and developing effective investment strategies to help Victorians meet the goals of Biodiversity 2037.

Featuring:
Ms Fern Hames FRSV, Director, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning)
Mr Damein Bell FRSV, Atlantic Fellow and previously CEO, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
Ms Judith Downes FRSV, Chair, Bank Australia
Professor Brendan Wintle FRSV, Conservation Ecologist and previously Director, Threatened Species Recovery Hub

This World Environment Day, join leaders from across four sectors of the Victorian community – government, industry, community and academia – who will provide their perspectives on protecting and recovering Victoria’s biodiversity.

Come and learn how to get involved in restoring native habitat and recovering our local species while learning valuable citizen science skills at Organ Pipes National Park!

Professor John Webb
Professor of Environmental Geoscience, La Trobe University

Professor Bronwyn Fox
Chief Scientist, CSIRO
Panellists: Dr Amanda Caples, Victoria’s Chief Scientist and Mr Rob Gell AM, President of the Royal Society of Victoria

This NAIDOC Week, join two Indigenous environmental scholars seeking better connections between scientific and cultural knowledge practices.

Explore 420 million years of Melbourne’s geological and hydrological history with Geography Victoria and the Royal Society of Victoria.

Victoria’s Zoos, Museums and Botanic Gardens are more than interesting places for people to visit - they are also engines of cutting-edge research and field work. Join us at the Parliament of Victoria to hear from our state’s botanists, zoologists and collection managers caring for the rare in the face of mounting challenges.

A one-day symposium, addressing the impact of invasive vertebrate species across Australia through application of new and emerging biological control strategies.

Bringing together scientific and community knowledge on the costs and benefits of river floodplain restoration. *POSTPONED UNTIL 2023

Discover the work of eight Victorian early career researchers across four categories of science, and support our high achievers!

Examine Port Phillip’s historical changes, the geological landscapes that shape our foreshores and the bays, the impacts of climate change and more with Geography Victoria and the Association of Bayside Municipalities.

In 1922, the path of a total solar eclipse crossed the central part of Australia, presenting the first opportunity to validate Eddington’s claims that Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity was a ‘representation of nature’.

Dr Ashleigh Hood
ARC DECRA Fellow and Senior Lecturer in Sedimentology
School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, The University of Melbourne

Professor Rachelle Buchbinder
School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University
Director, Monash-Cabrini Department of Musculoskeletal Health and Clinical Epidemiology
Rheumatologist, Cabrini Health

The Christmas Treasure Hunts will be a fun learning experience for individuals, groups and families as a part of the the City of Melbourne’s Christmas Festival in December 2022. Catering for people of all ages, activities will take participants all around the City of Melbourne, exploring key Christmas installations to win prizes as well as increasing awareness of Melbourne’s iconic and lesser-known landmarks and locations.

MC & Moderator:
Ms Natasha Mitchell
Science Journalist and Broadcaster
Panellists:
Professor Madhu Bhaskaran
Co-Chair, Women in STEMM Australia
Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea
Director, STEM Careers Strategy, Australian Academy for Technology & Engineering
Associate Professor Sophie Adams
Medical Director, Mental Health Division, Austin Health
Dr Isabelle Kingsley
Research Associate, Office of the Women in STEM Ambassador

Dr Phillip Macumber MRSV
Principal Hydrogeologist, Phillip Macumber Consulting Services

Melbourne’s port is Australia’s largest container and general cargo port and a vital trade gateway. It handles around 35 percent of the nation’s container trade, with more than 3,000 ships calling at the port each year.

Full RSV members (ie. with voting rights) are asked to register to attend the 2022 Annual General Meeting, noting a quorum of 50 will be required.

Examine Port Phillip’s historical changes, the geological landscapes that shape our foreshores and bays, the impacts of climate change and more on this field trip with Geography Victoria.

Professor Andrew Mackintosh
Head, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University
ARC Chief Investigator, ‘Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future’

What is the profile of science, scientists, and expertise in policy and decision-making? Professionals Australia is hosting an evening of discussion and networking, open to all, where we will consider this question and many others. Featuring Professor Sharath Sriram, President-Elect of Science and Technology Australia.

Dr Paul T. Anastas
Director, Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University
Dr John Warner
Distinguished Professor of Green Chemistry, Monash University

Dr Philip Zylstra
Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University
Research Associate, The University of New South Wales

ABC Science returns to the Royal Society of Victoria for a special podcast recording event. Ockham’s Razor is the ABC’s soapbox for all things scientific: stories, insights, arguments or tributes – anything that can grip an audience by the ears for 10 straight minutes.

Featuring rare archival film & photography, this film is a revelatory work that allows its audience to reimagine the former glory of the lost City of Melbourne. Join Geography Victoria for a convivial outing to the Thornbury Picture House!

A Geography Victoria fieldtrip with local restoration and environmental specialists, exploring new ways of managing our urban environment.

Professor Raymond Cas
Emeritus Professor, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University

Discover the work of eight Victorian early career researchers across four categories of science, and support our high achievers!

Dr Muneera Bano
Senior Research Scientist, Data61, CSIRO

Scholars, policy makers and knowledge holders will address bushfire prevention, recovering threatened species, sustaining human health and wellbeing, and adapting to the regional impacts of climate change. We seek to understand how the end of logging operations will change the way native forests are managed, the challenges of future management, and the opportunities that this land-use change provides for regional prosperity.

Speakers:
Professor Amanda Berry
Professor of STEM Education and Associate Dean Research & Innovation, School of Education, RMIT University
Professor Jan van Driel
Professor of Science Education, Faculty of Education, The University of Melbourne
Panellists:
Ms Alexandra Abela
Assistant Principal & Head of Staff Development, Marian College Ararat
President, Science Teachers Association of Victoria
Dr Brendan Rigby
Director of Tech Schools and Performing Arts, Victorian Department of Education

Join Geography Victoria and the City of Melbourne’s architect and urban designer, Professor Rob Adams AM, to explore the city and discover the greening and infrastructure adapting Melbourne to the impacts of climate change.

Prof. Chris Vale, Chief Research Scientist, CSIRO and Director, Quantum Technologies Future Science Platform
Prof. Ian Rutherfurd, Research Director Alluvium Consulting
Cristina Bitzilis, Snr Territory Account Manager, Clinical Genomics, Illumina
Dr John Lasich, Chief Technology Officer, Raygen Resources Pty Ltd

The Christmas Treasure Hunts will be a fun learning experience for individuals, groups and families as a part of the the City of Melbourne’s Christmas Festival in December 2023. Catering for people of all ages, activities will take participants all around the City of Melbourne, exploring key Christmas installations to win prizes as well as increasing awareness of Melbourne’s iconic and lesser-known landmarks and locations.

Addressing the cultural and structural barriers to the advancement of women in Australia’s STEMM workforce, and the increasingly dynamic nature of leadership in a world that is changing rapidly in many ways.
Featuring:
Ms Fern Hames PSM FRSV
Former Director, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research
Dr Catherine Lopes
Board Member, Environmental Protection Authority Victoria
Associate Professor Jen Martin
Science Communication, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne
Associate Professor Vanessa Wong
Soil Scientist, School of Earth, Atmosphere & Environment, Monash University

Dr Cassandra Steer
Deputy Director – Mission Specialists, Institute for Space
Chair, Australian Centre for Space Governance
Australian National University

Professor Patrick De Deckker
Emeritus Professor, College of Science, Australian National University

Full RSV members (ie. with voting rights) are asked to register to attend the 2023 Annual General Meeting, noting a quorum of 50 will be required.

This event is designed to help intersectoral leaders strategically deploy Artificial Intelligence tools for enhanced productivity, with guidance from our panel of experts:
A/Professor Magdalena Simonis AM
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Melbourne & Board Director
Mr Finbar O’Hanlon
Consulting Innovator & Entrepreuneur
Dr Dimitrios Salampasis
FinTech Capability Lead and Senior Lecturer, Emerging Technologies & FinTech Innovation, Swinburne University of Technology
Mr Aaron Sempf
Next-Gen Tech Lead (Asia-Pacific-Japan), Amazon Web Services

Dr Gresley Wakelin-King
Consultant Geologist, Geomorphologist & Research Scientist

Mr Peter Yates AM FTSE FAICD
Board Chair in Financial Stewardship, Science Engagement and Not-for-Profit
Ms Anna-Maria Arabia
CEO, The Australian Academy of Science
Professor David Balding FAA
Statistical Geneticist, The University of Melbourne
Ms Tracy Chapman
Friend and Advocate to Kathleen Folbigg
Founder & CEO, Animal Assisted Growth & Learning Australia

Discover the work of eight Victorian early career researchers across four categories of science, and support our high achievers!