Science Alliance Newsletter
News and events for our community from the Faculty of Science
July 2024
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Welcome to the mid-year edition of Science Alliance.
The next few months are going to be an exciting time for science buffs with a great deal happening, including National Science Week, which kicks off next month with the theme of 'Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability'. The theme aims to highlight the importance of science and innovation in ensuring the survival and the health of different species in an ever-changing world. There are hundreds of events planned, both online and in person, so register now so you don't miss out.
In this issue we also look at how the Great Barrier Reef manages rapid environmental change; celebrate the government's new koala care centre, which will be built at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science's Camden Campus; and we do a round-up of the latest public and school events happening over the next few months.
Dr Karl discusses why touchscreen stove surfaces may look cool but are ultimately problematic, and we meet Mei Zheng, a PhD student using mathematical modelling to help stop the spread of Q fever among Australian cattle.
We hope you enjoy this edition.
The Science Alliance Team | Faculty of Science
The University of Sydney
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National Science Week
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology and kicks off next month from the 10–18 August.
This popular annual event features more than 1000 events around Australia, including sessions delivered by universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and science centres.
With topics ranging from agriculture, energy, space, nature, transport, mining, maths and everything in between, the week aims to encourage an interest in science in the wider community and encourage students to learn about the fascinating world we live in. Over one million people participated in science events across the nation last year.
This year the theme is 'Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability'.
Students will have an amazing variety of topics to investigate and will be able to dive into issues of particular interest to them, via in-person and online events, virtual tours, DIY science and more.
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National Science Week at the University of Sydney:
The Species Showdown
Join us this National Science Week for The Species Showdown. Scientists will go head to head in the ultimate scientific rumble in the jungle.
Get ready to engage your mind and join us for some serious fun as six University of Sydney scientists face off in a battle of wits about the survival of species on our planet.
Different viewpoints will be explored, ideas exchanged, and assumptions challenged. Take your seats and settle in for an evening of thought-provoking discussion and lively sparring. It’s time to throw down for The Species Showdown!
- Great Hall, Science Road, The University of Sydney
- Wednesday 14 August
- 6:30–8 pm
- Free, registration essential
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How one student turned her dream of studying
animal conservation into a reality
From a young age, Olivia Coppin dreamed of working with animals. When she found the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Taronga Wildlife Conservation) at the University of Sydney, she realised her dreams could become a reality. Outside of her studies, Olivia keeps busy working as a Student Ambassador for the University. This sees her working at events like Open Day, campus tours, speaker nights, school visits, residential programs and more.
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Induction stoves look cool, so why don't they stay hot?
While designers love the look of induction stoves, unfortunately flat controls and capacitive interfaces can cause problems. Water, sand, oil and cast iron saucepans can all prevent induction stoves from working. But why?
Story by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
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How did the early Great Barrier Reef manage rapid
environmental change?
A new study, conducted at the University of Sydney research station at One Tree Island, shows that coral reef growth wasn't halted after the last ice age when dealing with multiple enviromental stresses but just went deeper, slower.
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New facility to be built at School of Veterinary Science Camden campus dedicated to koala care
The Sydney School of Veterinary Science's Camden Campus will be the site for the NSW Government's new koala care centre. With $4.5 million in new funding, the facility will be part of the Wildlife Health and Conservation Hospital.
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Meet Mei Zheng, one of our science PhD students
We're proud to introduce Mei Zheng, a PhD student who is using mathematical modelling to help contain and stop the spread of Q fever in Australian cattle.
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 | The NSW Science and Research Breakfast Seminar Series
- The Strangers’ Function Room at Parliament of New South Wales
- Wednesday 14 August
- 7:30–9 am
The Science and Research Breakfast Seminar Series showcases excellence in research and development that is generating economic, environmental, social and technological benefits for New South Wales.
Join Dr Carolyn Hogg, from the University of Sydney, as she hosts an educational and inspiring talk focused on biodiversity, bilbies and battling extinction.
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 | Life of an agricultural scientist webinar
- Wednesday 21 August
- 4–4:30 pm
Are you looking for a career that's impactful, future-focused and vital to our nation's wellbeing? Then look no further than studying Agricultural Science at the University of Sydney.
Join this session with one of our very own agricultural scientists to learn about their career and what they get up to in a day. From agribusiness to influencing policy, sustainable practices and improving the food crops that feed the world, you will discover what our newly launched 3-year Bachelor of Agricultural Science and 4-year Bachelor of Agricultural Science Honours have to offer you, and the diverse and rewarding career that lies ahead.
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| Resources for high school students and teachers
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 | Towards Net Zero – Grand Challenges - Camperdown Campus
- For Years 9–10 ($0–$29 per student)
- 6 November
- 8.30 am – 2.45 pm
Year 9–10 students will spend a day with Future Anything learning about a real-life global problem i.e. the Grand Challenge. Students will meet Dr Eleanor Kearns from the Net Zero Institute who will talk about how we can battle greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere with new technology. They will then brainstorm, develop and pitch their own energy solutions to their peers and facilitators for a chance to win cash prizes.
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 | The crown-of-thorns starfish is on the march again, gobbling up vast areas of the Great Barrier Reef. Science researchers Professor Maria Byrne and PhD student Monique Webb discuss why these starfish switch to a broader diet as they mature.
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Second-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students Amity and Jono have turned their passion project of bee keeping into a sustainability initiative at @sydney_uni.
In the future, artificial hives could play an essential role in swarm sustainability.
| |  | The University of Sydney has secured its highest-ever ranking in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, climbing to 18th globally!
We’ve maintained our position as 2nd in Australia overall and 1st in Australia for the sustainability category.
| |  | Meet Natalie, a Master of Sustainability student, whose work is helping to decarbonise the transport sector.
For anyone interested in a career in sustainability, Natalie's advice is: “Go for it!”
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In case you missed it ...
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