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Credit: Alexander Kubicki and Roger Curtain, Electron Microscopist - Advanced Microscopy Facility (Bio21 Institute Node and the University of Melbourne)
GradSci NEWS

Hi there,

We hope you’ve settled in to your Semester 2 studies and are looking forward to Science Festival next week! Make sure you check out the program and register to attend some of the fantastic free events!

There is a lot going on this month, so keep reading to see a great list of upcoming events and seminars as well as opportunities specifically catered to Graduate students, such as the ever-popular GSA Thesis Bootcamp.

All the best to the Science PhD students competing in the heats of the 3MT Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition - we hope to see you in the upcoming finals! For those that are interested in attending the Semi Finals or Grand Final of the UoM competition, you can register as a spectator here.

We’re also very pleased to see that the number 1 ranked podcast in Australia is currently a science podcast! Check out “Science Vs”

Happy reading!

IN THIS ISSUE

  • Science Festival
  • Events
  • Job of the Month
  • Opportunities
  • Sci-Comm 101
  • Services
  • Science in the Media

 

Science Festival

Science Festival 15-19 August

Next week, free events and activities will be happening all over campus including speeches, trivia nights, movie screenings, workshops, forums and pop-up demonstrations. Have you registered for any events yet?

Check out the Science Festival website for all the event details.

Our GradSci-News picks:

 

Liquid Nitrogen ice-cream

See chemistry in action and satisfy your sweet tooth with quick, free, spectacular and delicious liquid nitrogen ice cream! Outside of the chemistry building entrance, Wed 17 Aug 1.30pm.

 

SCINEMA

SCINEMA International Science Film Festival showcases not only the best, but also the diversity of science films from across the globe. This event will showcase the best of the best from the 2016 Festival. Popcorn and soft drink will be provided.

Tues 16 Aug 6pm. Register here.

 

The Science of Earthquakes

This exciting talk by one of the world’s leading earthquake geologists and science communicators - Dr Mark Quigley, will explore new cutting edge research into the science of earthquakes and their effects.

Mon 15 Aug 6pm. Register here.

 

Events

 

Researcher@Library Week

Runs from Mon 22 Aug to Fri 29 Aug. View the program here.

Our pick of the events -

Panel Session: “Science Communication – How to Promote Your Research”

Panellists will discuss their own experiences in science communication, as well as the value and impact of employing a range of methods of communication, and the skills that researchers need to enhance their outreach activities.
Panel Members: Rose Hiscock, Stephen Luntz, Dr Katie Mack, Dr Jenny Martin.

Tues 23 Aug 1pm. Details and bookings here.

 

Sharing your Article: Scholarly Communication and Open Access

This event will bring together representatives from the publishing industry, academic social networks, the University's repository and the academic community to discuss scholarly publishing and research publication sharing in an open access context.
Presenters: Gemma Hersh (Elsevier), Stephen Cramond (Manager, Institutional Repository), and Fred Kiernan (Open Access Consultant).

Wed 24 Aug, 2:15pm. Bookings required via the website.

 

Career Wise Program

The Melbourne Careers Centre has a huge program of events this semester which are filling up quickly. Click on the Career Wise tab on Careers Online for information and bookings.

Career Wise: Networking for Career Success
More than ever, getting your first job, and progressing in your career depends on your ability network effectively. This session offers strategies to build your professional networks. Thu 18 Aug, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Career Wise: Ultimate Guide to Resumes and Cover Letters (multiple sessions, search Careers Online Events)
Do you want to be noticed by employers when you send in your resume and cover letter? Learn how to market yourself effectively and stand out from the crowd!

 

 

Climate Energy College Seminars

Winds of change: SA wholesale electricity market developments

In this seminar, an in-depth report will be presented that investigates the evolving dynamics in the wholesale electricity market in South Australia. Presented by Dylan McConnell.
TOMORROW Fri 12 Aug 2:30pm. Register here.

Can the Commonwealth’s climate targets be legally negligent? An Australian Urgenda

Presented by Tim Baxter, Australian-German Climate and Energy College and the Melbourne Law School. Mon Aug 22 1pm. Register here.

Careers beyond the horizon event

‘What's the best way to beat post-thesis blues? Start a great career!’

Presented by Dr Inger Mewburn (AKA the Thesis Whisperer), this lecture will present vital tips for PhD students in creating a career. It is perfect for research students nearing the end of their degree, but useful for students at any stage of their candidature. Tues 6 Sept, 10:30am. Register here.

 

 

ALGA Student Night

The Australasian Land & Groundwater Association is hosting an event for technical and environmental students to hear from successful members of the industry on their roles and careers in the industry. This is a great opportunity for students to get a first-hand briefing and meet industry professionals in a relaxed and open environment.

Wed 17 Aug, 5.30pm. Register here.

 

 

School of Geography Seminar Series

The School of Geography runs weekly lunchtime seminars from 1:00-2:00pm on Tuesdays.

Dr Collette Mortreux will speak on the topic of ‘Unsettling and resettling: the role of government in managing displacement’ on Tues 23 Aug.  More information here.

 

Melbourne Law School Panel Discussion – ‘Scholarly Misconduct’

Melbourne Law School is hosting a panel discussion featuring eminent figures in the legal, medical and science fields to explore issues including research fraud, plagiarism, sexual predation and defamation.

Join Dean of the Faculty of Science Prof Karen Day, Prof Ian Freckelton QC (for the launch of his book, Scholarly Misconduct), the Hon. Justice Robert Redlich (Victorian Court of Appeal), and Laureate Professor Peter Doherty AC.
Tues 16 Aug 6:00pm. More info and register here.

The Graeme Clark Oration - Science & Technology: New Frontiers for Helping People with Mental Illness

Mental illnesses are some of the most common and disabling disorders in medicine, yet we have a very limited understanding of their medical basis. This lecture by Dr Thomas Insel, a world authority on mental illness, will describe recent scientific advances and explore ways research advances can help those suffering from a serious mental illness. Tues 30 Aug. More information and registrations here

 

Jobs of the Month

 

Patent Internship Program,
Davies Collison Cave

What:  The internship is a three week paid placement to be undertaken during the 2016/2017 summer break (exact dates are flexible to suit the candidate). The program will provide an invaluable opportunity to explore the role of a patent attorney and gain an understanding of how your technical and scientific experience can be adapted to a career in IP law.
Who: Postgraduate students or undergraduate students in the final years of a science degree
Remuneration:  $27.21 per hour
Applications close: Sun 21 Aug
NB:  This internship may align with an internship subject (SCIE30002 or SCIE90017) if eligible.

See Careers Online for this job and many others!

Research Assistant – Genomics and Epigenetics,
The Garvan Institute of Medical Research

What: Opportunity for a talented Research Assistant to join the Transcriptomic Research Group, to investigate the complexity of human gene expression and its contribution towards disease. The focus of this position will be to help in the production of synthetic standards for genomic and transcriptomic sequencing technologies.
Who: First class honours or a Research Masters in Medical Science or related discipline with experience in molecular biology, genomics and next-generation sequencing.
Where: Sydney
Remuneration: $65000 + and tax free benefits
Applications close: Fri 19 Aug

See Careers Online for this job and many others!

 

Opportunities

 

Global Health Case Competition: Applications now open for Postgraduate Students

Have you got what it takes to solve a Global Health Problem? The University of Melbourne will be entering a team of six postgraduate students in the elite Emory Global Health Case Competition to be held in Atlanta in March 2017 and you could be part of the team! The UoM 2016 team was made up of students from different faculties and took out 3rd place at this year’s event.

The 2017 team will be selected from participants in the University of Melbourne Global Health Case Competition, which is happening on October 14. For more information and to apply, click here.

Statistical Consulting Centre: assistance for research students

The Statistical Consulting Centre (SCC) can help Masters by research, MPhil and PhD students through the graduate researcher statistical assistance scheme.
Eligible students can obtain up to 5 hours of individual advice in one calendar year for assistance with their theses; if extra time is required that is on a fee-paying basis. Consultants can assist with all stages of a research project and graduate researchers are strongly encouraged to see a consultant when they are planning their study.

For more information about courses and services, phone: 8344 6995, or visit the website.

 

GSA Thesis Bootcamp

Sign up for the next thesis bootcamp, run by GSA, in November this year. This is a 3 day weekend of intensive writing with other graduates, designed to help you overcome writer’s block and beat procrastination. The event is only open to a small group, so register quickly so you don’t miss out! Fri 4 - Sun 6 Nov. Register here.  

 

 

Melbourne Careers Centre: Video link appointments available

Melbourne Careers Centre is piloting a new online service utilising Zoom. Zoom is very similar to Skype, the advantage being that software does not have to be downloaded and it is supported by the university. Students can request an online appointment for a job application review or a career query via our general email. A careers consultant will then make contact with you within 24 hours to find a suitable time. Please email the careers team to find out more.

Paid Forestry Placement Opportunities

Forestry students undertaking the Master of Forest Ecosystem Science program and interested in a career in plantation forestry have the opportunity of a paid summer work placement in either Queensland or Victoria, from late October 2016 to late February 2017, with HQPlantations or HVP Plantations. To express your interest, forward your resume to HVP Plantations (Victoria) or HQPlantations (Queensland) by Wed 17 Aug.

RIOT Workshop - Publication and Communication workshop

Learn and put into practice principles of responsible research communication. Thurs 25 Aug 12 PM. RSVP here.

 

Library Help for New Students

Are you new to the University of Melbourne and not sure where to go to find text books, printers, old exam papers, computers, bookable project rooms etc?  Find the answers to all these questions and more here!

Academic Skills Workshops

Critical Thinking, Reading and Writing

What is meant by 'critical thinking' at university? We all think critically every day and this sessions build on these thinking skills. Tues 16 Aug 12:00pm.

How to Write Your First Literature Review

This workshop identifies the structure and purpose of the literature review and looks at features of excellent lit reviews. Tues 6 Sept 12:00pm.

Enrol via SAS. Find the workshops in the 'events' tab and click RSVP.

STEM Women in Entrepreneurship Bootcamp

This weekend startup workshop will bring together a select group of University staff and students, from a variety of STEM backgrounds, to develop their entrepreneurial skills. Register here.

 

Sci-Comm 101

 

Each newsletter we feature tips from our very own science communication extraordinaire in the School of Biosciences, Dr Jenny Martin. Follow Jenny on Twitter @scidocmartin or check out her blog, Espresso Science.

Scicomm Tip #6 How do I tell a story?

Telling a story about science is no different to telling a story about other topics. The key is to capture the heads and hearts of your audience so they are desperate to find out ‘what happens next’. The character of your story could equally be an animal, a red blood cell or a scientist. The trick is to makeyour audience care! To get some tips on effective storytelling techniques, check out this great article.

 

Scholarships

 

Westpac Future Leaders Scholarships 

Applications for the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarships for Masters coursework or PhD study commencing in 2017 are now open. The scholarships are valued at up to $120,000 over 2-3 years and may include funding for an international opportunity. Recipients will also take part in a Leadership Development Program and become members of the Westpac Scholars alumni. Applications close Wed 31 Aug. See the guidelines and apply here.

The Carl de Grucy Scholarship 

This scholarship will support a student to undertake a Coursework Master’s degree with a research thesis component in medical history or a higher degree by research in Medical History. The value of the award will be $6,000 per annum and paid annually for the duration of the degree. Students who are currently accepted and enrolled in a higher degree by research that includes a research component that relates to medical history are eligible to apply. Applications close Wed 31 Aug. Apply here.

 

Science in the Media

 

Making megacities healthy for humans

In this article read about how urban ecology can provide a greener alternative to the concrete jungles of the future.

Hiding in plain sight

Geomicrobiologist Dr John Moreau and PhD student Caitlin Gionfriddo have discovered significant quantities of methylmercury – an especially toxic form of mercury – in sea ice in the Southern Ocean. Find out more in this article.

 

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We also welcome your feedback about our GradSci Newsletters. Let us know what you think by email.

Until next time we are truly yours,
Science News

 

Faculty of Science webpage