In the fourth installment of our Pioneering Minds Podcast series, listeners meet this week’s guest, Professor Jeanette Kennett from the Department of Philosophy.

Jeanette is a pioneer of neurolaw – a new interdisciplinary field that investigates the relationship between neuroscience and law. In her interview with Ben Mckelvey, she discusses the implications of this field on moral agency, criminality and culpability, the establishment of the neurolaw database, and how she was drawn to questions of justice.

Missed others in our podcast series? Meet Rifaie Tammas, last week’s featured interview, and hear from others in our series.

Missed others in our podcast series? Find out how this series came about and listen to the first two episodes featuring Distinguished Professor David Christian and Associate Professor Malcolm Choat.

The launch included the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the occasion, and Mr Howard spoke about the tough decisions made during his tenure as Prime Minister and how the international security landscape has changed since his time in power.

“There is no greater weapon against terrorism than timely intelligence,” said Mr Howard. “We need the resources of objective, academic study for the future of intelligence agencies.”

Mr Howard also answered questions from the audience, which included Faculty of Arts staff members, the business community, and current and future students of the new department.

Formerly the Centre of Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism (PICT), the new name of the Department of Security Studies and Criminology will reflect the department’s expansion in research and teaching offerings in applied security studies, most notably in cyber security and criminology.

The Department will look at the big questions facing us, such as: how should Australia position itself in the Asia-Pacific; how do we effectively counter violent extremism in Australia; and, how we can tackle the challenges posed by the ‘darknet’ and transnational organised crime.

“Over the years, the Department’s role and scope has changed significantly. We transitioned from an independent centre providing specialist training to the law enforcement community to a fully-fledged academic department within the Faculty of Arts,” said Professor Schreer.

John Howard has a strong connection to Macquarie University, with the campus falling within the former Prime Minister’s electorate area of Bennelong; a seat he held for 33 years. Mr Howard also holds an Honorary Doctorate from Macquarie University, awarded in 2012.

Academic promotions are an opportunity to recognise and reward the staff who have demonstrated and sustained excellence in the three elements of academic endeavour – teaching, research and community engagement.

To be considered for academic promotion, candidates must demonstrate that they meet the criteria of the level they seek promotion to and demonstrate that their all-round performance exceeds the expectations and criteria of their current level.

Congratulations to the following staff, in no particular order:

Lecturer

• Milena Gandy
• Vince Polito
• Wei Deng
• Robert Pfeifer
• Stephanie Russo
• Bingyang Shi
• Murray Taylor
• Daniel Ghezelbash

Senior Lecturer

• Michael Proctor
• Leanne Carter
• Lurion De Mello
• Meiting Lu
• Ying (Candy) Lu
• Sophia Su
• Dalbir Ahlawat
• Paul Formosa
• Saskia Kohnen
• Helen Little
• Justine Lloyd
• Lee Spitler
• Dale Tweedie
• Gregory Walkerden

Associate Professor

• Michael Batanin
• Ross Gordon
• Ayse Bilgin
• Matthew Bower
• Trevor Evans
• Diane Hughes
• Annabelle Lukin
• Kristian Ruming
• Paul Sheehan

Professor

• Dorrit Jacob
• Genevieve McArthur
• Nickolai Titov
• Shawkat Alam
• Brian Atwell
• Gillian Heller
• Phillip Taylor

Learn more about academic promotions.

Getting the student experience right is the biggest challenge that faces any university. The biggest part of this challenge is offering a learning and teaching program that is engaging and interesting, challenging, meaningful in the context of individual aspirations, and well matched to expectations.

And now, following endorsement from the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) are proud to release the Learning and Teaching Strategic Framework 2015-2020.

“Learning for the future sets a bold course for our learning and teaching, capturing the full potential of new technologies and changing landscapes but always keeping the capabilities of our graduates at the heart of all that we do,” says Professor Dowton, Vice-Chancellor “Our students remain our constant purpose, and this framework will help us provide each of them the greatest possibility for success in their studies.”

Developed in collaboration with the University community, Professor John Simons, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) says that “the Strategy presents an opportunity for Macquarie to build its reputation around excellent student experiences and outcomes.”

Presented in short-form, three key objectives capture a range of goals that, when combined, forms a connected learning community dedicated to the service of its students.

1. Provide connected, creative and innovative learning experiences.
2. Ensure deep, broad graduate capabilities through a connected curriculum.
3. Foster a culture that supports excellence.

“The strength of this strategy is assured by our dedicated staff, committed to achieving objectives across our community of faculties, departments, disciplines and partnerships,” says Professor Sherman Young, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching). “It highlights unique and valuable ways for every office, portfolio, department, and engages with the University’s educational mission.”

The long-form version of the strategy is anticipated for release in early 2016, detailing an implementation framework to further guide strategic planning.

Confident about this strategic approach to learning and teaching, John says: “The future is already here, and this is how we will distribute it. Macquarie will actively embrace and prepare to respond to the uncertainty that comes with life on the cutting-edge in the service of innovation and a more valuable experience for every student.”

Access a copy of the short-form Learning and Teaching Strategic Framework

• download a short-form PDF copy of the White Paper
• download a screen reader compatible version

A limited number of hard-copies are available. Request a copy by emailing pvclt@mq.edu.au

Words by Mrs Pam Goesch, Emeritus Professor Angus Martin and Faculty of Arts staff.

Keith was born in the town of Cootamundra in 1927, and as Keith always reminded anyone, this was also the birthplace of Don Bradman. Like many country children of his and previous generations, he was the first of his family to finish high school, and the first to go to university.

He commenced his academic career at the University of Sydney and graduated with First Class honours, and then completed his Diploma of Education. In those days, it was not possible to do a higher degree, like the Doctor of Philosophy in Australia, so anyone hoping to teach at a university level tried to win a scholarship to study overseas. Keith won a French Government scholarship and left to study in Paris. Despite the final terrifying ordeal of defending his thesis in a medieval courtroom atmosphere against the Sorbonne examiners, he was awarded his doctorate.

Upon returning to Australia he took up a teaching post back at his alma-mater, the University of Sydney as a teaching fellow. He enjoyed being part of french language teaching in schools and the wider community. Keith worked with the ABC on its “French for Schools “ programmes, lectured to WEA classes, produced French recordings for use in schools through Australia, was on the Alliance Francaise committee for many years, and was a member of Department of Education committees, and was Chief Examiner for the Leaving Certificate in NSW.

Returning to France in 1960 he became more and more interested in the work of one of the major French writers of the twentieth century, Francois Mauriac, who had won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1952. Keith’s work on Mauriac received the Medal of the City and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bordeaux III.

Back home, he continued at the University of Sydney, progressing from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer, and then Associate Professor. In 1964 the NSW Government decided to set up a third city university, to be called Macquarie University. Keith was appointed as one of the founding professors, and first Head of the School of Modern Languages. In the School of Modern Languages, eventually fourteen languages were taught as part of the curriculum, while others were available in the Continuing Programme. As part of this expansion, Keith briefly visited various universities overseas to help arrange exchanges of students and teachers.

Keith was Professor of French, and Head of the School of Modern Languages for over 30 years. Somehow he also helped run open days for the general public, shows like “It’s a Small, Small World” sound and light show for over 6000 students and their teachers, ably supported by his staff. It was sometimes hectic, but always enjoyable, as Keith and his staff sought to make the study of languages a useful and worthwhile study.

He was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Literature and the title of Emeritus Professor.

Keith also tried to make Australia better known in France, speaking at conferences and writing articles. These included writing on the opening of the Opera House for a French periodical, and on Patrick White when he won the Nobel Prize.

Keith enjoyed a long and productive life. His written work will live on for students and lovers of French literature. Others may remember him for his devotion to his extended family, and to the game of tennis. He will be missed by many.

“The acceptance of these four researchers to this distinguished panel demonstrates the high calibre of academics at Macquarie,” says Professor Sakkie Pretorius, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

“These experts will complement the College of Experts committee by bringing a rich and established knowledge of their respective fields, which is a knowledge that has been cultured by the longstanding research excellence of our academic community,” he added.

Successful applicant Professor Denise Meyerson, from the Macquarie Law School, hopes to be able to do great things in her new role.

“It is a great honour to be appointed to the ARC College of Experts and I am very much looking forward to making a contribution to advancing Australian research via the National Competitive Grants Programme in the area of humanities and the creative arts,” she says.

Members of the committee are expected to assess grant applications, make funding recommendations, and provide strategic advice to the ARC in order to achieve a thorough and fair research funding process and ensure Australia’s research community remains at the forefront of innovation.

“Australia is world-renowned for the quality and impact of its research. Through my role on the College of Experts I hope to strongly support Australian research,” says an excited Professor Marie Herberstein, from the Department of Biological Sciences.

Candidates for the ARC College of Experts are selected not only for their experience, but also for their cross- and multi-disciplinary expertise. There are only 170 current members in the College, and with eight members from Macquarie, it’s no wonder the application process is highly competitive.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with researchers from other disciplines, learn about Australia’s top research projects and have input into funding decisions,” says successful applicant Professor Jennie Hudson from the Centre for Emotional Health and the Department of Psychology.

All the successful applicants agree that their acceptance onto the committee spells good things for our research community. Professor Julie Fitness, from the Department of Psychology, hopes her successful nomination will help her to help others within the research community at Macquarie.

“The better we understand the current research funding context, the better equipped we are to improve the quality of our own applications and to enhance our chances of successful funding outcomes in the future,” says Julie.

Learn more about Julie,  Marie, Jennie and Denise.

“Our international reputation is built upon the excellence of the research undertaken by our highly committed and talented researchers across a broad spectrum of research activity,” says Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sakkie Pretorius. “The night was a true showcase of the outstanding research and innovation being undertaken at Macquarie.”

The 2015 Research Awards were this year aligned with our five Future-shaping Research Priorities which were developed as a means to support the University’s current and emerging areas of disciplinary research strength with the significant challenges of today and tomorrow.

“Their breadth and local, national and global relevance offer researchers a considerable level of stability over the next 10 years. Each recognises the world-leading research with world-changing impact undertaken across the range of disciplines by researchers at Macquarie,” says Sakkie.

The Awards also honoured Excellence in Higher Degree Research, Excellence in Higher Degree Research Supervision, Early Career Research and Excellence in Research Leadership.

Congratulations to six staff, recognised with Excellence in Research – Five Future-Shaping Research Priorities Awards

Professor Jennifer Hudson
Healthy people: Improving emotional health
ARC Future Fellow and Centre for Emotional Health Director Professor Jennifer Hudson is working to stamp out childhood anxiety. Through international collaboration with more than 15 different institutions and anxiety clinics from around the world, the team is able to create tailored, individualised treatment for children with anxiety disorders. “If we can improve the emotional health of young people, then we can have an impact on individuals across their lifespan – improving their life satisfaction, their happiness and their emotional health,” she says.

Professor Wendy Rogers
Resilient societies: Supporting surgical innovation
ARC Future Fellow Professor Wendy Rogers is on a mission to make surgery safer for patients around the world. Her team developed the Macquarie Surgery Innovation Identification Tool (MSIIT), a questionnaire that identifies how much a surgical intervention differs from usual practice. If it meets a certain threshold, the tool triggers support to make it safer for the patient. “My grand plan is to use the conceptual tools from moral philosophy and ethics to identify and understand practical issues in healthcare and to try to resolve them in ways that make healthcare safer and better for people,” she says.

Professor Stefan Trueck
Prosperous economies: Modelling electricity prices
Centre for Financial Risk Co-director Professor Stefan Trueck wants to keep utility prices reasonable in Australia. He creates statistical or econometrical models to forecast the price behaviour of electricity. This is particularly important for large customers such as retailers who buy electricity on exchange and could be at risk with extreme price fluctuations. His models help hedge those risks. “I want to do things that help people, that help the economy and help financial markets to achieve better outcomes,” he says.

Associate Professor Brian Atwell
Secure planet: Improving our crops
Associate Professor Brian Atwell wants to feed the planet. Conservative estimates show that the Earth’s temperature will rise on average 0.9 degrees Celsius over the next century, which could mean disaster for plants that are highly sensitive to their environment. Atwell’s team has found a gene in heat-tolerant rices in northern Australia that allows photosynthesis at higher temperatures, enabling higher productivity of the plant. “There will be a group of people who have an open mind about using wild plants in Australia to try to improve the 15 or 20 major foods that feed almost everybody on this planet,” he says.

Professor Nicolle Packer
Innovative technologies: Understanding disease
Professor Nicolle Packer is helping in the fight against every disease in humans. Data from all over the world come together in her team’s project, UniCarbKB, to understand how sugars attach to the surface of cells and interact to bring about diseases. With the innovative technologies and the informatics needed to analyse data, the project makes it possible to develop new targets and diagnostics for these diseases. “I truly believe these molecules are important in the way our bodies function and how they stop functioning,” she says. “As one of my post-docs has said to me, ‘It’s all about sugars. It always was and always will be.’”

Professor David Raftos
Innovative technologies: Safeguarding our oyster industry
Professor David Raftos is working to future-proof Australia’s oyster industry. Besides being New South Wales’ largest aquaculture industry, oysters are instrumental in forming estuarine ecosystems such as that in Sydney Harbour and the Hawkesbury River. Working with the Australian oyster industry, Raftos’ team discovered a set of genes in oysters that allows them to survive disease and tolerate environmental changes. “So far our results are remarkable,” he says. “In just a single generation of breeding using this new technology, we’ve had a 30 per cent improvement in the number of oysters that survive disease outbreaks.”

See the full playlist of videos online, including those highly commended in these award categories.

Distinguished Professor Award: Seven of our academic finest bestowed with a mark of distinction

Also announced during the 2015 Research Excellence Awards, the Distinguished Professor award is the highest academic honour Macquarie can bestow on a member of our academic community, recognising professors who have made an outstanding contribution to their field of scholarship or discipline and to the University.

Seven staff will carry this title in 2016, including six renominated from the first cohort awarded in 2010.

The six continuing recipients of the 2015 Macquarie University Distinguished Professor Award are:

• Professor Mark Westoby, Faculty of Science and Engineering
• Professor Naguib Kanawati, Faculty of Arts
• Professor Sue O’Reilly, Faculty of Science and Engineering
• Professor David Throsby, Faculty of Business and Economics
• Professor Stephen Crain, Faculty of Human Sciences
• Professor Ronald Rapee, Faculty of Human Sciences

Newly nominated in 2015:

• Professor James Guthrie, Faculty of Business and Economics

Congratulations to all our award winners.

Read about our Early Career Research and Higher Degree Research Award winners.

This week, we focus on two award categories: Excellence in Research – Five Future Shaping Research Priorities (Healthy People, Resilient Societies, Prosperous Economies, Secure Planet and Innovative Technologies) and the Jim Piper Award for Excellence in Research Leadership.

Excellence in Research – Five Future Shaping Research Priorities

The awards in this category recognise the creation and application of research outcomes, the discovery of new knowledge or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way to generate new concepts, methodologies and understanding.

There are five awards within this category – see below for our 10 highly commended applicants and their research stories:

• Associate Professor Brian Atwell (Science and Engineering)
• Dr Nicholas Badcock (Human Sciences)
• Associate Professor Andrew Barron (Science and Engineering)
• Professor Jennifer Hudson (Human Sciences)
• Professor Nicki Packer (Science and Engineering)
• Professor Joseph Pugliese (Arts)
• Professor David Raftos (Science and Engineering)
• Professor Wendy Rogers (Arts, Medicine and Health Sciences)
• Professor Mark Taylor (Science and Engineering)
• Professor Stefan Trueck (Business and Economics)

 The Jim Piper Award for Excellence in Research Leadership

This award is to recognise, encourage and reward those researchers who are on a path to becoming research leaders at Macquarie.

Below are our two highly commended applicants and their research stories:

• Professor Amanda Barnier (Human Sciences)
• Professor Stephen Foley (Science and Engineering)

The film challenges Stanley Milgram’s controversial ‘Obedience to Authority’ experiment. In the wake of the Holocaust, Milgram wanted to understand how we respond when asked to do something that conflicts with our conscience. He concluded most of us will harm others if asked to do so. Kathryn says Milgram’s own documentary Obedience stayed with her, prompting her to conduct her own research into these experiments. Professors of psychology Alex Haslam and Stephen Reicher consulted and appear in the film.

“Milgram’s experiment has had an enduring impact. It is continually drawn on to support the idea most of us will harm others if asked to do so. I thought it was important to challenge this idea. There is lots of evidence to the contrary, including in Milgram’s own data and filmed records,” says Kathryn. “Most people actually resisted.”

“Plus, the experiment is particularly dramatic. It is as much art as science. I ​wanted to bring it alive for contemporary audiences,” she adds.

Shock Room, which combines hyper-real performances, animation, archival film and interviews, is the major output of an ARC Discovery, led by Kathryn. The project attracted post-production investment from industry partners.

“This film could not have been made without the support of Macquarie. ​Increasingly, there are not the resources in the screen industries to undertake the level of in-depth research and formal experimentation required for a project like this,” she says. “Macquarie contributed state-of-the-art facilities and academic and technical expertise.”

After working very hard to get the film in front of audiences, Kathryn will bring more psychological experiments to the screen.

“I plan to build on this project by working with teams across the arts and sciences to tackle some of social psychology’s classic experiments via screen media,” she concluded.

Learn more about Professor Kathryn Millard’s research, and watch the Shock Room trailer.