Operations

2015 Metcalf Prizes go to Brisbane and Perth researchers

Teaching stem cells to forget the past – Ryan Lister, Perth

Stem cell encyclopedia leads to new discoveries – Christine Wells, Brisbane

Winners of the National Stem Cell Foundation’s Metcalf Prizes announced today

Wednesday 13 May 2015

Scientists available for photos and interviews in their labs.

Professor Ryan Lister of the University of Western Australia and Associate Professor Christine Wells of the University of Queensland have both received $50,000 Metcalf Prizes from the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia in recognition of their leadership in stem cell research. [Read more…] about 2015 Metcalf Prizes go to Brisbane and Perth researchers

Photos of the winners – 2015 Metcalf Prizes

Teaching stem cells to forget the past

Read the media release
Photos available here

Ryan Lister has discovered how adult stem cells retain a memory of what they once were.

He believes he can make them forget their past lives, as for example skin cells, so their history doesn’t limit their new potential to become brain, heart, liver, blood and other cells.

In recognition of his leadership in stem cell research, Professor Ryan Lister of the University of Western Australia has received one of two $50,000 Metcalf Prizes from the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia. [Read more…] about Teaching stem cells to forget the past

Stem cell encyclopedia leads to new stem cells

An online encyclopedia created by Christine Wells has led to the discovery of a new kind of stem cell. And that’s just the beginning. Christine’s small Brisbane team has created a resource that the global stem cell research community is using to rapidly share knowledge and fast track stem cell discoveries.

In recognition of her leadership in stem cell research, Associate Professor Christine Wells of the University of Queensland and the University of Glasgow has received one of two $50,000 Metcalf Prizes from the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia. [Read more…] about Stem cell encyclopedia leads to new stem cells

A $1.4 million state-wide initiative to inspire South Australians to enjoy, engage, do, and be inspired by SA science

Launch today, 11 am, 17 April 2015, South Australian Museum with State and Federal Ministers and children’s activities on the lawns.

From the ancient rocks of the Flinders Ranges to the mysteries of the Southern Ocean;
From the chemistry of wine to the engineers who keep our submarines hidden;
From life-creating research into fertility to life-saving stem cells;
From growing wheat with less water to farming tuna;

Science is central to South Australia’s cultural and economic future. South Australia needs a science-aware community ready to make informed decisions in a rapidly changing world, and ready to grab science-driven jobs.

The State Government, Federal government, all three SA Universities and the South Australian Museum have joined forces to create a statewide science-engagement program as part of the national Inspiring Australia program.

The three year initiative will:

Boost National Science Week activities in South Australia
Catalyse arts, civic, community and science groups to join together in holding regional and suburban science events – from putting telescopes on streets to citizen science projects tracking plants and animals as they adapt to a changing climate.
Build science event networks in regional and suburban centres
Support the creation of science clubs.

The program will build on the success of the first three years of Inspiring Australia which included:

See the Earth’s oldest animal fossils – training Flinders Ranges locals to be science communicators, working with them to develop the tourism potential of the region’s Ediacara fossils – national ‘Hidden Treasures’.
Putting a portable planetarium on the road in the Eyre Peninsula.
Creating 3D virtual tours of the 30,000 years old art and mining areas of Koonalda Cave on the Nullarbor.
Putting young researchers’ discoveries in the national media spotlight through Fresh Science.

Media contacts

Andrea Murphy, Manager Communications and Marketing, South Australian Museum, 08 8207 7385; +61 475 834 072, andrea.murphy@samuseum.sa.gov.au

Lydia Hales (Science in Public), 03 9398 1416, lydia@scienceinpublic.com.au

South Australia Comes to Life with Science

Inspiring South Australia

A 3D printed dinosaur head, a tent full of butterflies and a brain that lights up.

South Australia launched a state-wide $1 million program on Friday 17 April at the South Australian Museum – featuring the 3D printed head of a Plesiosaur, a light-up brain and a tent full of butterflies.

From the bionic ear to the ‘audiologist in your pocket

The Aussie hearing system you can set up yourself or for your gran: online and on your phone

From the bionic ear to the ‘audiologist in your pocket’ – high performance, low cost hearing for the four million of us who don’t want to admit our hearing loss

Images and background information below.

An Australian company has completed a trifecta of tools to help Australians take care of their own hearing without the stress and expense of audiology visits. It’s the product of decades of government-backed research. [Read more…] about From the bionic ear to the ‘audiologist in your pocket

Twice the coral trout in Great Barrier Reef protected zones

Media resources:

Media release and backgrounder (below)
Photos (below)
Video of coral trout on the reef (let us know if you require the original file)
Full paper

Coral trout in protected ‘green zones’ are not only bigger and more abundant than those in fished ‘blue zones’ of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, but they are also better able to cope with cyclone damage, according to a long-term study published today in Current Biology.

Coral trout biomass has more than doubled since the 1980s in the green zones with most of the growth occurring since the 2004 rezoning. These and other changes identified by the study show that the green zones are contributing to the health of the Great Barrier Reef and that similar approaches may be beneficial for coral reefs around the world. [Read more…] about Twice the coral trout in Great Barrier Reef protected zones

The world’s first printed jet engine

Made in Melbourne and on display at the Avalon International Airshow

Opening new manufacturing opportunities for Australia in aerospace, medicine and light industry

Media call 11 am Thursday 26 February at the Victorian Government Stand, Hall 2, Avalon International Airshow. HD overlay of the printers at work also available.

Monash University researchers along with collaborators from CSIRO and Deakin University have printed a jet engine. In fact Monash and their spin-out company Amaero, have printed two engines. One is on display this week at the International Air Show in Avalon, while the second is displayed in Toulouse at the French aerospace company Microturbo (Safran).