Science Career Conversations: Entrepreneurship…New ways of thinking

Do you want to be empowered to develop, launch, create, make, innovate? 

The Faculty is hosting an interactive panel discussion with emerging and expert entrepreneurs so you can hear what it takes to navigate the world of startups and innovative ideas in Science. Thurs 28 July, 5.30pm–7.30pm. Registrations opening soon. Keep an eye out on Facebook. 

Grattan Institute Public Lecture

Join a panel of influential scientists who will discuss “Is Australia keeping up? Science and technology graduates and the workforce”. Panellists include Alan Finkel AO (Australia’s Chief Scientist), Renee Hindmarsh (Executive Director of the Australian Technology Network for universities), and Andrew Norton (Higher Ed Program Director at the Grattan Institute). Tues 19 July 6:00pm-7:15pm. Register here.

Science Festival 2016

During the week of 15-19 August there will be free events and activities running all over campus including speeches, trivia nights, movie screenings, workshops, forums, and pop-up demonstrations.

We are excited to announce our keynote speech will be by Prof Tim Flannery on Fri 12 Aug, 5.30pm. Registrations opening soon.

Keep an eye on the website, as details will continue to be updated over the next few weeks.

Three Minute Thesis Competition

We encourage all our PhD students to participate in the upcoming Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) research communication competition. The challenge is to consolidate your ideas and research discoveries so they can be presented concisely to a non-specialist audience. Heats start Tue 19 July, finals start Tue 23 Aug. Read more or register to compete at the 3MT®’s web page.

Six Minutes With a Scientist

We are seeking final year graduate students (Masters and PhD) to participate in Six Minutes with a Scientist as part of the Faculty’s Science Festival. This event is a facilitated and high-energy social activity to encourage a large group of students to speak with scientists. This is a great opportunity to share your knowledge and inspire undergraduate students. If selected you will be invited to participate in at least one 30 minute timeslot between 3:00pm and 5:00pm on Wed 17 Aug.

Please email Monique Alexander if you are interested in participating.

Shut Up and Write

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) have teamed up with Resbaz to deliver Shut Up & Write – a weekly social writing event that helps you put aside both procrastination and isolation. Attendance is completely free and no booking is required.

Fridays, 1:30pm. CoLab Space, Old Quadrangle (enter through G07).  

Winter Writing Festival 

Get a head start for Semester 2 and sign up for the popular Academic Skills’ Winter Writing Festival (Mon 18 July, 9.00am – 3.30pm). This all-day workshop offers an overview of key skills and targeted writing practice for undergraduate and graduate coursework students.
For details and to register: log into SAS > select Events > and search for this event.

ePoster competition: Visualise your thesis

Graduate researchers are invited to take the ‘classic’ conference poster to the next level, develop their communication skills, and be in the running to win $1,000. All poster submissions will be displayed at Parkville and Southbank campuses throughout Researcher @Library Week (22-26 August), and in a web gallery. Read more or pre-register interest

Competition opens: 18 July. ePoster submission deadline: Sun 14 Aug, 11.59pm

Asia Investment Banking Conference (AIBC)

The AIBC is the largest student-run conference in Asia focused on corporate advisory and financial markets. Students who are interested in finance and are keen on pursuing a career in finance in Asia are strongly recommended to attend, and will benefit from insightful panel discussions and networking opportunities. Mon 5 & Tues 6 Sept, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. To attend as a delegate, students can register online.

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.

McCoy Project PhD Scholarships 

The McCoy Project is currently seeking expressions of interest from joint-supervisors from the University of Melbourne and Museum Victoria with PhD research projects that align with the objectives of the McCoy Project and its research themes; including science and Indigenous cultures. Current students whose research aligns with the projects aims are encouraged to apply for PhD Scholarship funding. For more information visit the website.
Applications open Wed 29 July, close Mon 19 Oct.

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.

What animals can tell us about sleeping

Birds do it and bees do it, but exactly why we sleep is still a relative unknown. Is it time to give the science a wake-up call? Find out more in this article by Annie Aulsebrook from the School of  BioSciences.

Unlocking the inner workings of plant growth

An international team of scientists, including Prof Staffan Persson from the School of BioSciences, have identified several proteins that are essential to producing the main component of plant cell walls – cellulose. Find out what this means for sustainable biofuels in this article.

How energy is hidden in colours

Why are roses red? Why are violets blue? What is it that gives something its colour? And how could playing with colour give us wearable solar panels? In this article find out about work by Dr Wallace Wong from the School of Chemistry and Bio21.