The bizarre controversy over the existence of a dwarf ape-like creature dubbed the ‘hobbit’ of Flores has drawn attention to the very real tragedy of iodine deficiency which still affects millions of people.

The controversy surrounding the discovery of the fossilised remains on a remote Indonesian island in 2004 has led to one of the most heated anthropological debates in recent history.

Scientists at UWA were invited to join their colleagues at one of China’s most prestigious universities, the University of Science and Technology of China in a joint symposium to celebrate USTC’s 50th anniversary.

USTC is located in the city of Hefei in Anhui Province and attracts the top science students from all over China.

The symposium was organised by the College of Life Sciences with the theme of ‘Frontiers in the Life Sciences’.

A group of Year 11 students from Raffles Junior College in Singapore got a good taste of WA – and UWA – during their short-term study program in November-December last year.

The visit was also successful in broadening the horizons of the 38 students to the possibility of studying science or technology at UWA.

For decades, the School of Physics has been able to pride itself on its outstanding outreach program involving local Perth schools. Last year saw an incredible expansion of this program overseas, with 23 students from Jurong Junior College and 18 students form National University Singapore High School, visiting UWA. The students took part in week-long specialised research outreach programs held in November and December.

Funds are being sought to develop a centre for rehabilitation research at The University of Western Australia. UWA is in a unique position to host such a centre, as it has considerable expertise in rehabilitation research. The proposed centre would capitalise on existing expertise across the campus, build capacity and – through excellence in research – deliver significant benefits to Western Australia and beyond.