Note to Staff 9 May 2006

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Waterfront facility for Centre for Marine Science and Technology

Last week Professor Jeanette Hacket attended the signing of a lease agreement between Curtin and the Fremantle Sailing Club (FSC) enabling the establishment of a waterfront facility on the premises of the FSC situated in the heart of Fremantle's marine community.

The agreement will provide Curtin's Centre for Marine Science and Technology (CMST) with dedicated waterfront and jetty access which until now has been provided on an ad hoc basis at various waterfront facilities.

The waterfront facility will showcase Curtin's capacity in the area and enhance research and project outcomes. A series of Curtin research programs involving Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), the West Australian Marine Sciences Institute, the WA Energy Research Alliance and the Fisheries Research and Development Council are expected to benefit from the usage of the site.

In addition the facility offers easy access for marine oriented field work in disciplines such as Applied Physics, Environmental Biology and Applied Geology, providing hands on practical work for marine oriented research students.

The site works are expected to be completed in September.

L to R: Dr Kim Klaka, Director, CMST; Mr Peter Hector, Commodore, FSC; Professor Jeanette Hacket, Vice Chancellor; Dr Steve Algie, External Chair, CMST Advisory Board; Mr Dennis Allison, Chief Executive Officer, FSC

Appointment to the National Transport Commission

I am pleased to advise that Professor Fred Affleck has been appointed a part-time member of the National Transport Commission (NTC). Professor Affleck is Executive Director of the Planning and Transport Research Centre (PATREC), a collaboration between Western Australia's four public universities.

The NTC is a national body established in 2003 by the Commonwealth, States and Territories to develop a national approach to regulatory and operational reform of road, rail and intermodal transport. Its aims are to improve transport productivity, safety and environmental performance and regulatory efficiency in a uniform or nationally consistent manner. NTC commissioners are elected by the Australian Transport Council, a ministerial forum for Commonwealth, State and Territory consultations and providing advice to governments on the coordination and integration of all transport and road policy issues at a national level.

Before taking up his present role with PATREC, Professor Affleck had a long career in the transport industry in consulting, government and as a senior executive in the rail industry.

NARST Lifetime Research Award for Professor David Treagust

I am also pleased to announce that at the recent 2006 annual conference of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) held in San Francisco, Professor David Treagust of SMEC was the recipient of the NARST Outstanding Contributions to Science Education Through Research Award. This lifetime career award is the most prestigious award given by the world's most respected association for accomplishments in science education research.

Professor Treagust's winning of this award in 2006 follows Professor Barry Fraser's winning of the same Award in 2003, making Curtin the only university in the world that has had two recipients of this esteemed lifetime career award for research in science education.

This is a fantastic achievement for both Professor Treagust and the University!

John Curtin Medal Nominations

Each year, Curtin honours former Prime Minister John Curtin, by awarding the prestigious John Curtin Medal. This award is presented to members of the community who have made significant contributions in their field, either within Australia or internationally. These individuals personify John Curtin's outstanding attributes of vision, leadership and community service.

In the past eight years, 21 medallists (including one joint Award) have been chosen from a list of nominees. Last year's Medallists were:

• Ms Lynne Evans, a dedicated advocate for improving the quality of care and support for people with mental illness;
• Dr David Joske, founder of the Browne's Cancer Support Centre, which offers complementary therapies free of charge to people with cancer or leukaemia, and their carers.

Other previous Medallists include:

• Ajahn Brahm, a Buddhist Abbot, who has tirelessly worked with the Western Australian community and promoted religious harmony through regular encouragement and participation in interfaith activities;
• Ms May O'Brien, a leader in the field of education and in the Aboriginal community;
• Dr Eric Tan, a pioneer of endoscopic 'key hole' surgery in Australia , a campaigner against racism and a dedicated worker for Australia 's youth; and
• Dr George O'Neil, an obstetrician best known for his life-saving work in the treatment of drug addicts.

The John Curtin Medal is awarded annually as part of the October anniversary of John Curtin's swearing in as Prime Minister. This year's presentation will take place on 6 October 2006.

I invite you to nominate candidates for the John Curtin Medal by completing and returning the Nomination Form to the John Curtin Medal Coordinator, Corporate Communications, Building 104. Nominations should be received by 5pm Friday 14 July 2006.

Further information can found on the John Curtin Day website or by contacting Julia Nicol, Public Relations Manager on x 7711.

Please note that nominations are strictly confidential and potential candidates should not be contacted to assist in completion of the Nomination Form.

Greg Craven
Acting Vice-Chancellor