BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT MATTERS | August 21, 2015

Dear all,

Plenty of activity in the department this week and upcoming to read about. I’d especially like to encourage people to attend the session on ARC Linkages next Friday to learn all about process – see the info below. Also if you are interested in the Saving our Species funding opportunity please let me know as we will get together interested parties this coming week. Finally a heads up that Learning & Teaching week is fast approaching (14-17 Sept) – further info here.

Cheerio,

Michelle

General News and Announcements

HDR Learning Advisor – Adèle Thomas

Adèle supports our HDR students and helps develop their learning skills. As part of the HDR learning skills team, she organises and runs lots of workshops. For example:

• Working with Supervisors
• Attention and Distraction in the Research Process
• SPSS
• Endnote
• Writing courses
• More information about the HDR Workshops https://hdrworkshops.mq.edu.au/

Adèle also conducts one-to-one consultations with HDR students, providing candidates with the opportunity to discuss any issues or difficulties they are encountering with the research process.  These appointments can be arranged at a mutually suitable time via email (adele.thomas@mq.edu.au). Her office is in E8B309.

More about Adèle:

Adèle has a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Aberdeen, UK. She has completed several post-doctoral research positions in the fields of cannabinoid pharmacology, rheumatology and public health. In addition to her laboratory research experience, Adèle has also developed and run university preparatory courses for ESL students in New Zealand and Australia and contributed to the teaching of science communication skill courses.

Behaviour 2015 Conference

Last week, the behaviour researchers in the Department hosted the international Ethological Congress, Behaviour 2015 in Cairns. We had 780 delegates from Australia and around the world. The conference was a great success and attracted considerable media attention and twitter activity. The organising committee is grateful to the many HDR volunteers from the Department. Check out the conference Facebook for a flavour of the conference: https://www.facebook.com/behaviour2015?ref=hl

Construction work to be undertaken around E8A (near Eastern Rd entrance)

As part of the redevelopment E7A & E7B buildings a separate project has also commenced to replace the 42 year Chamber Substation, in E7B, which currently supplies power to several buildings occupied by Science. New larger capacity electrical infrastructure is to be built close to the existing substation and over the existing tunnel system so that the existing building electrical sub-mains can be transferred to the new facility via the tunnel. To facilitate the early works program (a) the garden area is to be cleared in preparation for trenching and diversion of existing in ground services then once completed (b) the Car port will be demolished ready for commencement of construction phase of the project.

Please note, part of this work will entail investigative digging within the garden of E8A. Sustainability is aware of this, and acknowledge the necessity of this work for the success of the project. Property have ensured all due care will be taken, and garden/plant disturbance will be kept to a minimum and plants will be replaced at a suitable time and location.

Contact Samantha Newton if you have any questions.

Seminars

Department Seminars

We have 2 internal speakers in next week’s lunchtime seminar series:

Graeme Lloyd

Title: Detecting phylogenetic signals of endemism and dispersal: the effects of Pangaean breakup and avian flight on Mesozoic dinosaurs

Abstract: An organism’s ability to disperse can be restricted by major barriers such as oceans, or enhanced by an enabling trait such as powered flight, and this can have downstream effects on survival and diversification. Most currently adopted palaeobiogeographical methods require a priori designation of discrete areas to infer patterns of vicariance. Although this has the advantage of simplifying the associated methods and data input, it bears a cost in terms of assumptions regarding dispersal barriers. Here, by contrast, we use the raw continuous data of palaeocoordinates of latitude and longitude as input, and combine this with phylogenetic data as a means of inferring the existence or breakdown of barriers to dispersal.

Dan Noble

Title: Can we predict phenotypic evolution in nature? Challenges and prospects.

Abstract: Predicting phenotypic change has been met with great challenges in many natural systems owing to the multivariate nature of phenotypes, the interplay between genetic and non-genetic factors during phenotypic development, and the complex patterns of selection in the wild. In this talk I will outline some of the challenges we face in explicitly making predictions of phenotypic change using examples from my own research and discussing whether an extended evolutionary synthesis might be helpful. I will highlight some important shifts in approaches that I believe are required for us to make more informed predictions on phenotypic change in nature and discuss important gaps in how we quantify phenotypes, selection and heritability that currently leave out the key role of development and the environment in affecting key evolutionary parameters.

Writing for Research Grants: Developing a strategy

Date: 2 September 2015

Time: 12:30pm

Location: C8A 310 Senate Room, Lincoln Building

At this seminar Professor Amanda Barnier, ARC Future Fellow, will discuss various aspects of academic writing with a particular focus on research grant writing – planning, resources and techniques. The seminar is not aimed at any specific grant scheme, but rather at developing a broader grant writing strategy. There will be opportunities for questions throughout and after the seminar.

Everyone is welcome, no RSVP required.

ARC Linkage Grants

Did you know…

• The success rate for ARC Linkage is double that of ARC Discovery
• The cash contribution to ARC Linkage grants provided by industry partners needs only be 25% of the total budget requested from ARC. In-kind contributions can make up the balance of the requirement to match ARC with industry funding.
• If your partners are not-for-profit, the minimum cash contribution is waived and in-kind contributions are sufficient
• Government departments (e.g. NSW OEH, NSW DPI etc) can serve as industry partners
• You can hold up to 4 ARC Linkage grants at once
• Track records are only worth 20% of the assessment of ARC Linkage Grants.

Interested?

• Applications are due in November – funding rules and instructions to be announced soon
• The Faculty has arranged for an expert, Emeritus Professor Peter Baverstock PhD, DSc, MAICD, to address the Faculty and assist with applications. Even if you are not applying this year, you are encouraged to attend the presentation “Improving your chances of winning ARC Linkage”. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers.
  • Title: Improving your chances of winning ARC Linkage
  • Date: 28 August 2015
  • Time: 12.00 – 1.00 pm
  • Location: E7B-T5

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is looking to increase its participation rate in the ARC Linkage Projects scheme. To this end, the Executive Dean, Professor Barbara Messerle, has arranged for an expert, Emeritus Professor Peter Baverstock PhD, DSc, MAICD, to address the Faculty and assist with applications. Even if you are not applying this year, you are encouraged to attend the presentation “Improving your chances of winning ARC Linkage”. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers.

Please bring with you a copy of the “Instructions to Applicants” and the draft Application form. It is likely that although the New Rules (ARC LP16) will be out by 28 August, the “Instructions” and Form may not be, in which case please bring the current (ARC LP15) rules.

The Department of Biological Sciences will follow with this with a Q & A session in early-mid Sept on Linkage successes and failures, and a grant review process closer to the deadline for those wanting feedback. Stay posted for more information.

Need help with finding partners?

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1akMoM8oVXMmf-vEWKF8VQNLXNdIxONWwRzO9_0nzdqA/edit#gid=0

Please feel free to update, browse and contact relevant staff members if you are in need of an introduction. However, keep in mind that solid partnerships take time to develop and are responsive to partner needs.

Visitor to the Department

Dr. Manuel Esperon-Rodriguezis a new Visiting Associate from Mexico (timeframe: August 2015 to 30 June 2016). He has come to MQU as a Postdoctoral Stays Abroad fellowship – identifying likely climate refugia and corridors to support species range shifts. He is working with Linda Beaumont.

“I am biologist and I recently obtained my PhD degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). My main interests are vulnerability, climate change and ecology. I have also ventured with much enthusiasm in plant ecophysiology, bioclimatology and even socio-economic analyses. My work mainly developed in the cloud forest in central Mexico, but I have also worked to a lesser extent in temperate and arid ecosystems. Recently, I was involved in paleoecological studies. I am currently working with Dr. Beaumont in the Department of Biological Sciences, on a fascinating project regarding identification of climate refugia for species conservation.”

Grants & Scholarships

NSW Environmental Trust Grant Programs Now Open!

Saving Our Species Partnership Grants
The NSW Environmental Trust is inviting Expressions of Interest for Round 2 of its Saving Our Species (SoS) Partnership Grants Program (Expressions of Interest close 28 September 2015).

Grants are available for partnerships working to secure threatened species in the wild. Round 2 will target landscape-managed species as a priority.

Partnerships can include government, the community, NGOs and industry.
A total of $3.6 million is available for grants between $300,000 and $1,000,000 to fund and support coordinated partnerships that will run for 10 years.

Program information
Go to the Trust’s website for more information about SoS Partnership Grants and application materials: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/grants/SOSPartnerships.htm.

Restoration and Rehabilitation Program Grants
The NSW Environmental Trust is inviting applications to the 2015/16 round of its Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants Program (Applications close 18 September 2015).

A total of $5.3 million is available to the following organisations for projects working to protect, conserve and restore our natural environment:

• $2 million for projects by community organisations
• $2 million for projects by government entities
• $1.3 million for projects by owners and managers of NSW State Heritage Register-listed properties for environmental works and activities.

Grants of between $5,000 and $100,000 are available.

Program information
Go to the Trust’s website for more information about the Restoration and Rehabilitation Grant Program and to access application materials:
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/grants/restoration.htm.

Questions?
Contact the Trust
P: 02 8837 6093
E: info@environmentaltrust.nsw.gov.au

NSW Environmental Trust Grant Programs Now Open

Enderby Trust

Dear Sir/Madam,

I work for an expedition company in New Zealand, we offer travellers the opportunity to explore where few have been before, and experience wilderness, wildlife and cultures in a genuine and responsible way www.heritage-expeditions.com. Every year the Enderby Trust in conjunction with the Heritage Expedition programme releases opportunities for recipients aged 18-30 to apply for a scholarship berth to travel on board selected expeditions in the Southern and Pacific Ocean. This has been a very successful programme over a number of years and has supported students studying science including biological, ecology, geology, botany, environmental, zoology and marine life.

We have noticed over the past few seasons that we are receiving applicants from Australia, students who have become aware of our programme via word of mouth or social media. With this in mind, this year I thought it might be a good to also forward the details to university establishments across the ditch who offer various science study options.

Details of the scholarship are attached

Best regards,

Lynn

SO 1516 Enderby Expedition Dossiers

Enderby 2015 release – SO1516

Job opportunity

University of Canterbury is offering a continuing lectureship in field of Comparative Physiology.

We seek an animal biologist who will apply modern approaches and augment our existing strengths. The successful applicant will be capable of running effective lab- and/or field-based research and teaching programmes and be broadly trained in animal biology and associated laboratory skills. He/she will have a high level of skill in a related sub-discipline such as animal behaviour, aquatic biology, environmental physiology, environmental toxicology or global change biology. It is expected that the successful candidate will establish an active, externally funded research programme that takes advantage of the variety of natural and/or modified habitats New Zealand has to offer. They will also help to advance research linkages with research institutes and/or industry groups, and participate actively in postgraduate supervision and undergraduate teaching in biology.

Applicants should have a PhD or an appropriate equivalent qualification in biological sciences, an ability and willingness to deliver high quality teaching from cellular to whole-organism and/or ecological scales, and a commitment to do world-class research in an area of biodiversity, biosecurity and/or biotechnology, consistent with the School of Biological Sciences Strategic Plan.

The successful applicant will demonstrate potential for academic excellence in teaching and research, be able to conduct innovative and effective lectures and laboratory classes from first year through postgraduate level, publish research at the highest level as assessed by peer-reviewed publications, successfully supervise postgraduate students and, where appropriate, demonstrate impacts for community stakeholders. We are looking for an adaptable colleague who can work with others to seize opportunities that contribute to our core mission.

The School of Biological Sciences has a high national and international profile and has an excellent teaching and research infrastructure, including multiple field stations in alpine, lowland and coastal habitats, and new research facilities. We have well-established research programmes from molecular/cellular to whole-organism and ecological scales, as exemplified in the Biomolecular Interaction Centre (http://www.bic.canterbury.ac.nz/) and the Centre for Integrative Ecology (http://www.biol.canterbury.ac.nz/cie/). We have strong linkages with other research institutes. For more information on the School of Biological Sciences see the webpage www.biol.canterbury.ac.nz.

More details with details on how to apply are here: Search for Job #2760.

Closing date: September 20, 2015

Requests

Looking for Clinometers

Does anyone have 2 handheld clinometers and 2 voice recorders that I could borrow for a couple of weeks in October? I have a couple of extra people doing aerial surveys with me. Thank you!

Thanks,

Lisa

Contact: Lisa-Marie Harrison. lisa-marie-katarina.harriso@students.mq.edu.au or 0459 723 705.

Plant Biology Volunteers

I am looking for  volunteers of work experience (in plant biology) for a few hours next week? If you are interested please contact Melanie (melanie.zeppel@mq.edu.au)

Breakfast burritos – Wednesday Aug 26

If you would like to order a breakfast burrito, please do all of the following by MONDAY Aug 24, NOON:

1. pick your burrito from here
2. email Sam with your order (samantha.newton@mq.edu.au)
3. bring $10 to HOD office

Burritos will be delivered around 9am on Wednesday morning to the E8B215 tearoom.

Volunteers!

New list of people wanting to volunteer their time attached: Volunteers 2015 AUG 21

Prizes

Congratulations to Tom White, who has won the 2015 AES Phil Carne Prize for “Signal design and courtship presentation coincide for highly biased delivery of an iridescent butterfly mating signal.”

Plant of the week

Next week’s feature plant is Banksia robur – the Swamp Banksia

New Publications

In the Media

Recent Completions

PhD – Amy Asher: Molecular epidemiology of Giardia duodenalis in Australia

Supervised by Michelle Power & Grant Hose

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