Insights from invasion ecology: Can consideration of eco-evolutionary experience promote benefits from root mutualisms in plant production?
By: Ramoneda, Josep, Johannes Le Roux, Emmanuel Frossard, Cecilia Bester, Noel Oettlé, Beat Frey, and Hannes Andres Gamper. AoB Plants 11, no. 6 (2019): plz060. | Find with Google Scholar »
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Dear all,
I am back from Leave this week and we have FSE Orientation Day on Tuesday.
Find out more department news below.
Cheers,
Michelle
Save the Date
This week 17th – 21st February
Tues 18th Feb: Faculty Orientation Day
Mon 17th Feb: 6WW Teaching Lab Induction; 9am to 11.30am; 6WW-106.
Wed 19th Feb: 14ER Teaching Lab Induction; 9am – 11.30am; 14ER-120.
Wed 19th Feb: Department Seminar (special time) – Professor Bob Wong, Monash University; 1pm – 2pm; 14EAR-280 (Biology Tea Room).
Wed 19th Feb: Biology Bushfire Appeal Bake Sale; 10am – 11am; Biology Courtyard
Fri 21st Feb: Molecular Sciences Special Seminar; 2pm – 3pm 4WW-322
Following week 24th – 28th February
Wed 26th Feb: Science & Research Breakfast Seminar; 7:30am (breakfast) 8am-9am (Seminar)
Wed 26th Feb: Department Seminar – Serena Ding, Imperial College London 12pm – 1pm; 14EAR-280 (Biology Tea Room).
Fri 28th Feb: Biology Social Club; 2pm – 3pm Biology Tearoom E8A 280
Future Events
Wed 11th Mar: Undergraduate Student Welcome BBQ; 12.00pm-1pm Biology Courtyard
Weekly Events
Wed: Shut up and Write Sessions; 11.00am – 12.00pm; 6WW(E8C)-212 or 14EAR(E8A)-360A.
Fri: Writing Workshops with Prof Ken Cheng – to support HDRs and ECRs with scientific writing; 2 – 4pm; Ken’s office at 205b Culloden Road, G12.
Weekly Biological Sciences seminar program click here!
General News and Announcement
Know Anything About Bushfires? The Parliament of Australia House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy is holding an Inquiry into the efficacy of past and current vegetation and land management policy, practice and legislation and their effect on the intensity and frequency of bushfires and subsequent risk to property, life and the environment
The terms of reference include:
- Past and current practices of land and vegetation management;
- The science and research behind activities such as hazard reduction burning, clearing and rehabilitation;
If you have expertise in this area, it is well worth your time writing a letter as a submission to the committee. Such contributions are a useful way to demonstrate the impact and relevance of your research, particularly if they are cited in the committee’s final report.
For more details visit the Parliament of Australia website.
If you have not done this before and want some suggestions on how to put a submission together, have a chat to Grant Hose or Lesley Hughes. Submission closing date is Tuesday, 31 March 2020.
Sydney Wildlife Rescue partnership
In the wake of the bush fires, Macquarie has partnered with Sydney Wildlife Rescue to provide rehabilitation housing for animals prior to release back into the wild. Our first resident is a juvenile king parrot, pictured, that is still growing its tail feathers, and we are expecting some channel billed cuckoos shortly – which need a large aviary in order to build up wing strength before they migrate to PNG for the winter. Not all animals that we will assist are directly effected by bushfire but housing them will take the strain off other Sydney Wildlife resources so they are able to better focus on bushfire survivors. Macquarie will provide enclosures and some assistance with feeding the animals.
For more information, contact Robby Miller.
Plant of the Week
This week we have: Cassia fistula, the Golden Shower Tree
The Golden Shower Tree, Cassia fistula, from south-east Asia and the Indian subcontinent, produces masses of pendulous clusters of glorious golden yellow flowers in summer. No wonder it is the national flower of Thailand and the state flower of Kerala in southern India.
OPPORTUNITIES
Outreach Opportunity with National Maritime Museum
Get ready for some sci comm fun! For International Women’s Day the museum is hosting 400 girls who are interested in hearing all about science, our careers and our research. Macquarie will have two expo tables where we will engage the students with hands-on activities and props. The event will take place on Friday 6th March at the National Maritime Museum (Terrace room) during 2 sessions (10am-12pm and 1:30-3pm with lunch included). If you would like more information or would like to join for one or both sessions please email Julianna Kadar – <julianna-piroska.kadar@hdr.mq.edu.au> by Friday 21st February.
Applications close Mon 24 Feb 2020.This is a great opportunity for ECRs to showcase your work and maybe get an all expenses-paid trip to Europe! FamLab is a live science communication competition, targeted at early career scientists who can inspire people to see the world from new perspectives. Short-listed applicants are given 3 minutes on stage, to present their research to a general audience.
Postdoctoral fellowships at the National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore invites applications for the Lee Kuan Yew postdoctoral fellowship. This promotes the development of young academics in science, medicine and engineering. For more information, visit their website: http://www.nus.edu.sg/research/funding-opportunities/lee-kuan-yew-postdoctoral-fellowship
Applications close 28th Feb 2020.
Note: NOT suitable for HDR candidates
L’ORÉAL-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowships- 2020 Climate Edition
Applications now open!
This year, the For Women in Science Australia and New Zealand program will be supporting solely women researchers tackling issues around climate change.
In 2020 we will award five For Women in Science Fellowships worth $25,000 – four for Australia and one for New Zealand. We will award these Fellowships at the For Women in Science ceremony in November 2020. Eligible candidates must be within five years of completing their PhD and an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. Applicants must undertake research contributing to issues associated with climate change. If interested in applying please first contact Head of Department if they would like to be nominated to the Faculty.
More information and the online application form can be found at: www.forwomeninscience.com.au
In 2020 we will award five For Women in Science Fellowships worth $25,000 – four for Australia and one for New Zealand. We will award these Fellowships at the For Women in Science ceremony in November 2020. Eligible candidates must be within five years of completing their PhD and an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. Applicants must undertake research contributing to issues associated with climate change. If interested in applying please first contact Head of Department if they would like to be nominated to the Faculty.
More information and the online application form can be found at: www.forwomeninscience.com.au
Applications close Monday 2nd March 2020.
Upcoming Early Career Researcher and Practitioner Event: Beyond SDG11
In 2020 Future Earth Australia will be hosting a number of Early Career Researcher and Practitioner Events. Our first is Beyond SDG11: a focus on environmental sustainability and liveable cities, in partnership with Western Sydney University at their Parramatta city campus. This event encourages applications from any early career researcher and/or practitioner whose work aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities. This can include but is not limited to those conducting research/practising in engineering, science, urban planning, the built environment, social sciences, public policy, economics and business.
Applications close on 3 March – find out more information about the event here: https://www.futureearth.org.au/events/ecrp-event-beyond-sdg-11-focus-environmental-sustainability-and-liveable-cities
Research Subjects – Blue Tongue Lizards! – Your Help Needed! If you happen to see a fat blue-tongue skink that looks like it might be pregnant, or happen to have a resident in your garden, please contact Martin Whiting. We only need to borrow them for a brief behavioural experiment (about 4-6 weeks) during which time they will be very well cared for! Think of it as a holiday. Mum and babies will then be returned to their site of capture. <martin.whiting@mq.edu.au>.
Winston Churchill Trust is offering funding to do research overseas
See the Churchill Trust website to apply.
Note: NOT suitable for HDR candidates
Aurora Internship Program in Indigenous-sector organisations
Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous students and graduates are able to apply for 4-6 week internships working with organisations across Australia with an indigenous focus.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and graduates are also eligible to apply for scholarships.
See the website for more information
2020 Eureka Prizes program announced
The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are back – and in 2020 we’re marking 30 years of celebrating outstanding scientific achievement. This year, there are 17 prizes on offer across the categories of Research & Innovation, Leadership, Science Engagement and School Science.
Prizes cover a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines, aiming to recognise the work of scientists, researchers and science communicators at all career stages. There’s a prize pool of $170,000 to be shared between winners, and it’s free to enter!
Entries open Wednesday 4 March
SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
Biological Sciences Seminar – Date/Time: Wednesday, 19th February; 1pm – 2pm. Speaker: Prof. Bob Wong, Monash University. Title: Gobies in the desert: behaviour, genes and persistence in a challenging world. Venue: 14EAR-280 (Biology Tea Room). More information on this and all department seminars ON OUR WEBPAGE HERE.
Digital Teaching Lab Inductions for S1, 2020 – the compulsory lab inductions for teaching and demonstrating for in the Biol/Mol Sci teaching labs are on again. You must have done the requisite induction in the last 2 years to teach in the 14ER, 6WW or 4WW teaching labs.
Mon 17th Feb: 6WW Teaching Lab Induction; 9am to 11.30am; 6WW-106.
Wed 19th Feb: 14ER Teaching Lab Induction; 9am – 11.30am; 14ER-120.
Contact <ray.duell@mq.edu.au> to sign up. Please state if you are attending as a first time inductee or as a refresher.
Shut Up and Write Sessions – every Wednesday 11am. It’s pretty simple, we shut up… and we write. Using the pomodoro technique we’ll meet at 11am to write, stop 25 minutes in for a 10 min break, then settle down again for another 25 minutes of writing. You’ll be amazed how productive you can be. More details on the concept here: https://thesiswhisperer.com/shut-up-and-write/
Room will be either 6WW(E8C)-212 or 14EAR(E8A)-360A, email <lizzy.lowe@mq.edu.au> to confirm or with any questions.
All welcome!
Invitation to the Science & Research Breakfast Seminar – Wednesday 26 February 2020 – The Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer
invites you to the Science & Research Breakfast Seminar Series
Scientia Professor Rose Amal AC presents: Harnessing Solar Energy to Power Our Planet
Where: Parliament House of NSW. Entry is via Macquarie Street, Sydney. Guests are required to undergo routine security screening.
Time: Breakfast, tea and coffee will be served from 7.30am.
Seminars will commence at 8am sharp and conclude by 9am. Tea and coffee will also be available afterwards.
RSVP: Friday 21 February 2020
To register: Please click here.
For further information email <events.rsvp@chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au>.
Venture Café – Want to know more about innovation, and how to achieve it? Come along to the Venture Cafe, Thursday, 3pm – 8pm, (map). Find out what is on each week here – https://venturecafesydney.org/
This week: 3.00pm: State of Innovation in Macquarie Park; 4.00pm Interactive: The Intersection Effect; 4.00pm Interactive: Play the Polynize Boardgame; 5pm: Workshop: How to Run a Kick-Ass Crowd Funding Campaign; 5.30pm: VCS 2020 Program Partners; 5.30pm: Play the Polynize Boardgame; 6pm: Emergy and Transport Leaders Launch; 7pm: Play the Polynize Boardgame Grand Final.
Wildlife at the Watering Hole – 3rd Tuesday of each month, 6:30pm @ Botany View Hotel, King St Newtown!
HDR NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Research Enrichment Program (REP) Workshop Series – The Department now has a fully fledged research enrichment program – you can find out about upcoming workshops in the coming weeks. All HDR students are encouraged to attend several of these workshops each year to develop their skills and track record for the post-PhD world. Supervisors please encourage your students!
Val Williams Scholarship 2020 – The North Shore group of the Australian Plants Society invite Masters, Honours and PhD students of Botany to apply for the Val Williams Scholarship (worth up to $3000).
The important criteria are that the project must contribute to the knowledge of the ecology, conservation, or propagation of native plants in the Sydney and surrounding region; must be carried out within this region; and the applicant must be attached to an Australian research institute.
Applications close Friday 8 March 2020 and all applicants will be informed of the result by 17 April 2020.
STEP’s John Martyn Research Grant for the Conservation of Bushland in Sydney is now open for applications.
To apply, complete the application form electronically, save it and email it to <secretary@step.org.au> by 31 March 2020. We will announce the winner by 30 April 2020.
For more information go to http://step.org.au/grants and if you have any queries please email Helen Wortham <secretary@step.org.au>.
ADMIN THINGS
Volunteers – Are you looking for an extra pair of hands to help in the lab, field, etc? We have a huge list of volunteers who are keen to get experience in a range of biological science fields, so if you are looking for some free help, please contact Calli <calli.miller@mq.edu.au> for the latest Volunteers List.
Need to Contact the Biology Admin Team via Email? Please send your email to <fse.bio-adm@mq.edu.au> or drop in and see us. The old google group (sci.bio-adm) email no longer works, if you have this email as a remembered address please delete.
Social Media – Have you participated in some exciting field work, biology-related events, or would like to share your research, and publications via Social Media?
Please send photos and a little blurb to Calli Miller: <calli.miller@mq.edu.au> so that your work can be promoted on the department social media pages.
Outreach Activities – Have You Participated in an Activity for Biology Recently? Don’t forget to fill in the super-quick form here – ACCESS OUTREACH FORM HERE
Building Name Changes – Cheat Sheet – If you are trying to identify buildings on campus with new names or old names, please use this link to convert them from old to new or vice versa.
THIS AND THAT
Bushfire Appeal Bake Sale to raise funds for the Rural Fire Services and the RSPCA.
When: Wednesday 19 February 10am to 11am
Where: Biology courtyard
How to get involved?
Bake (or buy) some sweet/savoury treats, which will be available for purchase by donation at Morning Tea.
Tea and Coffee will be provided – please BYO Mug!
There will also be games and a Raffle to win beautiful plants and other prizes.
* Participation requires a donation.
If you can’t make a monetary donation, please donate your time to help organise the event on the day.
Please contact Calli Miller by Tuesday 18th with your interest to volunteer.
The Biology Social Club
The Biology Social Club and the ECR committee have combined our forces to bring you a new initiative for 2020.
We will be running a friendly board games session every second Friday in the Biology tea room from 2 PM to 3 PM. There will be plenty of board and card games to choose from and you are very welcome to bring your own games too. Of course, you can join in anytime during the hour and the session can be extended later into the afternoon depending on participants’ enthusiasm.
It will be a great opportunity to get to know your fellow Biology colleagues while forming some secret alliances or battling for world domination (or obliteration!). As per the social afternoons, there will be snacks and drinks available on donation.
The first board games fiesta will kick off on Feb 14 (with CAKE!). So mark it in your calendars and come join us for some fun (and mild competition). We look forward to seeing you there!
Please feel free to contact Lizzy (lizzy.lowe@mq.edu.au) or Shubham (shubham.chhajed@mq.edu.au) with any queries.
Correct Method for Submitting to Department Matters
Department Matters submissions now have their own email address. Please send all your news items for the newsletter to <fse.bionewsletter@mq.edu.au>
Also, please see the following to correctly format your additions, and keep them rolling in!
You may have noticed that we try to keep all the articles to the same format for the Department Matters, however, rest assured, they do NOT all turn up in this format! To help keep your Department Matters looking as good as possible, when sending in additions to the Newsletter, please try to keep these formatting guidelines in mind.
- Please write in third person. The information is coming from the Newsletter, not directly from you.
- Do not use fancy text formatting. Bold heading, normal text, and only italics or bold to highlight. No font size changes will make it through, sorry.
- If sending via email, set your email output to basic. HTML output will add all sort of formatting that will have to be removed before your article can go into the newsletter.
- Keep your submission short and direct (two paragraphs) and if possible provide a document, email or link where readers can get more information. Any long submissions will be cropped.
Keeping to these guidelines will streamline your article’s addition to the newsletter. Thank you.
Have You Missed Out on an Issue of Department Matters? Back issues can be found at this newsletter archive link for your reading pleasure.
New Publications
In the Media
Dr Alessandro Ossola was featured on Channel 7 News regarding an invention using specialised drones with equipment to fire seedpods into the earth to help the bush recover from fires.
Read more »
Dr Robert Kooyman was featured in the Sydney Morning Herald calling for a recovery plan for Gondwana rainforests that were destroyed in the recent bushfires.
Read more »
Professor Culum Brown was featured on ABC Darwin Afternoons regarding the underestimated intelligence of fish.
Read more »
Professor Andrew Barron contributed the article ‘The evolution of sexuality’ to New Scientist.
Read more »
Professor Andrew Barron provided comment to New Scientist about how the study of spiders’ brains may help to understand consciousness.
Read more »
Dr Vanessa Pirotta was interviewed on ABC Far North Mornings about World Women in Science Day.
Distinguished Professor Lesley Hughes, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research Integrity and Development provided comment to Reuters about climate politics following the recent bushfires.
Read more »