The Science Futures Foundation is continuing to host public and industry-based events to showcase the groundbreaking research and world-class scientists housed within UWA’s schools and centres.

The foundation followed up the highly successful tours of the School of Sports Science, Exercise and Health; and the School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences with a visit to the School of Anatomy and Human Biology.

Again, the univeristy’s “Rising Stars” took centre stage. Dr Thea Shavlakadze outlined her work in the area of skeletal muscle. Dr Stuart Hodgetts discussed spinal cord injury. Mr Oron Catts introduced guests to SymbioticA, the award-winning Centre of Excellence combining art and science. Dr Jennifer Walsh gave an insight into one of the newest areas of research – sleep science.

The official launch of the Zadko Telescope earlier this year was a stellar event.

Budding young scientists rubbed shoulders with some of Australia’s brightest academic minds, politicians, and distinguished alumni at the official launch of the telescope at the UWA Centre for Learning Technology on April 1.

The university’s dream of a new research facility for sleep science was outlined at an industry seminar titled Night Vision: The Future of Sleep Science Research at UWA.

The event was hosted by the faculty and the Science Futures Foundation.

Over the past decade, UWA’s Sleep Science Centre has been funded via a range of competitive national and State-based grants, and conducted research in conjunction with the WA Sleep Disorders Research Institute (WASDRI) at the QEII Medical Centre.

Headed by world expert, Professor Peter Eastwood, the Centre has played a key role in researching sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea. It is also a leader in analysing the effects of travel and sleep quality on the performance of elite athletes, neuro-cognitive function and depression.

A number of high profile guests, including a number of distinguished Alumni attended the European Launch of the Science Futures Foundation the Royal Automobile Club London on October 22.

In his pre-dinner speech the Vice-Chancellor, Alan Robson, outlined his vision for the university and the role the Science Futures Foundation will play in enlisting high-performing academic staff and the brightest and best students, develop state-of-the-art facilities, encourage talent and reward outstanding achievement. Special guests at the launch included David MacKinlay, Chair of the Friends of UWA in the UK and Europe; Professor Geoff Laurent, Chair of the Science Futures Foundation UK and Professor Barry Marshall, Nobel Laureate, UWA graduate and staff member.

Professor George Stewart, Dean of Life and Physical Sciences, hosted a number of awareness raising events including in-house information sessions for faculty staff and a cocktail party for 100 of the University’s senior academics and administrators.  

Professor Stewart both applauded the achievements of existing academics, such as Professor Peter Hartmann; the worlds leading expert on human lactation, and highlighted the need to support those researchers commencing their science career at UWA.

“When I get applications for tenure and promotion from my young staff, I am in awe of their achievements,” said Professor Stewart. “I look back on my own career and ask myself: ‘How they can achieve so much in such a short time?’”