Science & Nature

Garden evolution

Volume 6 Number 9 September 6 - October 10 2010

Tucked away behind the School of Botany is Melbourne’s unique and historic System Garden. Tim Uebergang, a member of the grounds department with responsibility for the garden’s maintenance, talks about his labour of love.

Research without boundaries

Volume 6 Number 9 September 6 - October 10 2010

The complexity of problems facing humanity calls for a broad and multidisciplinary response. To succeed, however, each of those disciplines must maintain depth and excellence. Shane Cahill reports on the University’s responses to these twin challenges.

Celebrating women in science

Volume 6 Number 8 August 9 - September 12 2010

Zoe Nikakis talks science with 2010 Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow Professor Suzanne Cory.

A new creative wave for Melbourne

Volume 6 Number 8 August 9 - September 12 2010

Melbourne’s Parkville Precinct partnership with internationally recognised hospitals and affiliated research institutes has placed the University at the forefront of global medical research, education and clinical practice. Now attention is being turned to a comparable model led by the University’s capacity to contribute to solving Australia’s urgent and critical challenges in water, energy, natural resources, infrastructure and cities. Shane Cahill reports.

Researchers recognised

Volume 6 Number 8 August 9 - September 12 2010

A biologist working to protect threatened ecosystems and a physical chemist exploring the applications of quantum materials are both recipients of highly esteemed science awards – Australian Laureate Fellowships, administered by the Australian Research Council. Sally Sherwen reports.

Venomous cures

Volume 6 Number 8 August 9 - September 12 2010

As scientists continue to unravel mysteries of nature, the importance of conserving our valuable ecosystems and biodiversity is becoming increasingly critical. Sally Sherwen reports.

The future is electric

Volume 6 Number 8 August 9 - September 12 2010

On 29 April 1899 Camille Jenatzy broke the world land speed record by travelling at 106km/h. M Jenatzy was driving an electric car, and his record-breaking effort – it is reported – was an attempt to prove the potential of electric vehicles in the Parisian automotive market. By Emma O’Neill.

Sustainable communities

Volume 6 Number 3 March 8 - April 12 2010

A group of motivated students has organised a ‘Sustainability Week’ challenge to the community. By Nerissa Hannink.

Climate change and Copenhagen

Volume 6 Number 3 March 8 - April 12 2010

Arts student Linh Do was an eyewitness to the events at COP15 in Copenhagen. She talked to Zoe Nikakis about a life-changing experience.

Securing the food bowl from climate change

Volume 6 Number 3 March 8 - April 12 2010

Melbourne alumni Dr Michael Robinson has been appointed Director of the Australian Primary Industries Climate Change Centre. By Shane Cahill.

A changing climate

Volume 6 Number 3 March 8 - April 12 2010

A shrinking mainstream media landscape and uncertainty on the future of ‘news’ could have profound implications for how Australia and America respond to climate change, according to Dr Jennifer Day. By David Scott.

Smart tool for carbon emissions

Volume 6 Number 3 March 8 - April 12 2010

As organisations around the world pull back on carbon emissions, Melbourne mathematicians have developed a new software tool to ease the way. By Nerissa Hannink.