RACI WA Branch Newsletter: June 2011

THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN CHEMICAL INSTITUTE INC (WA BRANCH)

A.B.N. 69 030 287 244 A.I.R.N. A00 403 86D A.R.B.N. 102 726 429

PO Box 114, North Beach WA 6920 Telephone: 0403 022 968 E-mail: wabranch@raci.org.au Website: www.raci.org.au/wa

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Welcome to the June 2011 edition of the W.A. Branch Newsletter. Special thanks to Tim Brown and Ben Fletcher for taking over my RACI duties whilst I travelled overseas for the past month. I recently attended the National Assembly in Melbourne and was heartened by all the good things being done across the various groups, branches and divisions as well as efforts being put in at National Office and Board level. There is an enthusiasm to increase our membership and provide tangible benefits to all RACI members. There was also a proposal put forward for an OHS & E Division that was well received. These are all positive steps in growing the RACI and there is a strong will to succeed. In this edition, our getting to know you article is on our newest Branch Committee member, Magdeline Lum. Magdeline brings some great ideas and youthful exuberance to the committee. The recent running of the 40th Bayliss Youth Lecture series has been a great success and some further venues are under consideration for later in the year. There has also been interest in running it in the Northern Territory and funding/ sponsorship for this is being sought. Later in 2011, there will be three distinguished scientists visiting Perth and giving lectures. There will be other IYC2011 events being held and some of these are being organised by the WA Chemistry Consortium which includes the RACI WA Branch. The topics, venues & dates will be advertised in your Newsletter when finalised. All people with a fascination for science are welcome and encouraged to attend. This Newsletter is a great way of getting news and information out to our members. If you have an interesting article you’d like to share with us, please send to Paula McLay for consideration. Pictures are also encouraged. Shane Koenig, FRACI President, RACI WA Branch

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NATIONAL CHEMISTRY WEEK DINNER AND AWARDS NIGHT

Special awards will be presented during the evening by the RACI WA Branch President

to the recipient of the Wilf Ewers Award Citation; and Certificates will be presented to successful FELLOW applicants. There will be a short talk by an invited guest speaker.

WHEN: Friday 22ndJuly, 6.45 pm for 7:30 Dinner

WHERE: Centenary Room, Perth Flying Squadron Yacht Club The Esplanade, Dalkeith

To get to the Club take the Esplanade towards the Westerly end, the Club is ~600m past Nedlands Yacht Club on your left. Parking is opposite the Club. A map will be sent out to attendees along with a menu choice before the event.

SUBSIDISED COST: $65 for members and partners $85 for non-members and partners $50 for student/retired members Dinner consists of soup, choice of main course and alternate drop for dessert. Tea, coffee and some drinks included.

Places will be limited, so please make your bookings early to avoid missing out

To register via the RACI website, please click here or contact the Branch coordinator for more information (0403 022 968, wabranch@raci.org.au)

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Introduction to Ergonomics

Think that ergonomics is just about sitting properly at your computer workstation? Think again! Ergonomics is the study of work, how work is done and how to work better. Applying ergonomics principals in the workplace can produce work environments that maximise safety and efficiency, and increase overall productivity. The Health Safety and Environment Group is very pleased to offer an ‘Introduction to Ergonomics’ seminar by Rodney Powell, Senior Scientific Officer (Human Factors/Ergonomics) with Worksafe

WA. Rodney will give an overview of the field of Ergonomics, including case studies of relevance. Rodney, whose qualifications include a B.Psych, and a Grad Dip Psych, has been a member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society for over 20 years and has been with WorkSafe since 1994. Afternoon tea will be provided at the end of the seminar, and participants will have the opportunity to chat with Rodney and other attendees. Where and when: Australian Research Resources Centre, 26 Dick Perry Ave, Kensington, Tuesday 7th June, 3 pm (for a 3.15 pm start) to 5 pm. Cost: $5 for RACI members and students, $10 for non-members To register Click here or for further information contact: Kathryn Linge (k.linge@curtin.edu.au) with your name, affiliation and RACI membership details by 3rd June.

Did you know WorkSafe provides free lunchtime seminars to the public?

You can find more information at: http://www.worksafe.wa.gov.au

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The Analytical Chemistry Group will be presenting a one-day seminar:

Global Food: Issues and Solutions

The objectives of this seminar are to bring a number of food experts and other interested people together to exchange experiences and to transfer knowledge on current thinking in food safety and related fields. The seminar will provide information and promote discussion on trends occurring on the international stage. We can then assess how this will impinge on the Australian scene and what we are doing or going to do about it. The seminar will include the latest research areas, the latest food safety issues, the latest food processing techniques and the latest measurement issues. The knowledge gained and contacts made will assist in limiting the liability faced by organisations and to promote health to the community. The seminar includes the following speakers:

o Alexandra McManus, Curtin University, Food Security, Seafood and Sustainability.

o Brian Jones, Dept of Fisheries, Aquaculture, The Future for Safe Seafood.

o Keith Pitts, Dept Agriculture and Food, Food Security in WA - A Food Manufacturing Perspective.

o Ron Khor, Brownes Foods, Implementation of World Class Manufacturing at Brownes Foods.

o Annie Thompson, Granny’s Pies and Cakes, Current Challenges of Quality Assurance in the Food Industry.

o Stewart Jones, NMI, International Measurement Trends and Food.

o Madassar A. Qureshi, Western Radiation Services, Probable Radioactive Contaminants of Foods After Nuclear Accidents.

o Rebecca Licata and Stuart Johnson, Curtin University, Sorghum: A Sustainable Grain Crop for Future Health?

Date: Wednesday 22nd June Time: 9:00 am to 3:15 pm Where: Theatrette, Australian Resources Research Centre (ARRC),

26 Dick Perry Avenue, Kensington, WA, 6151.

Cost: RACI Members $100 Non-Members $130 Student/ Retirees $50 The closing date for registration is the 15th June.

Lunch, morning and afternoon teas are included in the registration fee. The fees include GST. To register please e-mail peter.anstis@measurement.gov.au or call Peter Anstis 9368 8421. Note that vegetarians are automatically catered for but we will need to be notified of any additional dietary requirements (such as gluten free or halal).

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RACI Getting to Know You: Magdeline Lum Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Graduate Diploma Extractive Metallurgy from

Murdoch University. Currently enrolled in a Master of Science Communication at the University of Western Australia

Current Employer: Self-employed Current Position: Freelance Science Writer Describe a typical workday: The first thing I do is read the news wire services for science as well

as making contact with people involved in science in Western Australia for possible news stories for the publications I write for. I currently write for Science Network WA and Australasian Science. I try to look for chemistry and metallurgical stories but I struggle to find anything to report so if any members have any research they would like a little publicity over, let me know.

Career highlight: I don’t know. I’ll let you know when I get to the end of my career path. It has been

a wonderful adventure so far. I have had jobs that have placed me in remote places in Australia where the animals are curious about humans instead of fearful. Other jobs have had me atop tanks filled with mineral slurry and mills grinding ore. And now I have a job where I meet talented scientists from all over the world on their projects finding out about the latest in science and technology.

What is your dream job? I have never had long enough to dream about it. I tend to weigh up

opportunities as they present themselves. I enjoy working most in roles where I am able to discover new things.

Any children? I don’t have the time for a pet fish so children would be a bad idea. How do you maintain balance between your work and personal life? I’m currently failing at this

between finishing a Masters and working so I make sure I enjoy what I’m doing in all areas. I’m looking forward to a well earned break in the summer.

Any volunteer or community roles? WA Museum in the current AC/DC Exhibition Hobbies past/present I have trained in Kendo in the past but due to injury I had to stop. In the

future I hope to begin training in Iaido. For now, I fence at En Garde Fencing Club based at Murdoch University.

Last Holiday Ten days in Queensland in 2007 where I scuba dived on the Great Barrier Reef and

visited the Daintree Rainforest.

Have you heard the one about a chemist who was reading a book about helium and just couldn't put it down? Q: What kind of ghosts haunt chemistry faculties? A: Methylated Spirits! Why did the chicken cross the Mobius strip? To get to the same side.

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WILF EWERS AWARD 2011

Nominations from RACI (WA) members are now required for the W E Ewers Citation Award. The citation recognises contributions made to furthering the profession of chemistry. It is expected these contributions will normally be made by virtue of the nominee’s activities within and for the RACI Western Australian Branch. The Wilf Ewers citation is not meant to cover achievements in chemical science and technology since these are recognised by other RACI awards such as the H G Smith and Applied Research Medals. Previous Wilf Ewers award winners are: 1990 Dr David Phillips, Curtin University (Editor, Branch Newsletter) 1991 Mrs Margaret Martin, Aquinas College (BYL activities) 1992 Mr Reg Wray, Wray Associates (WA Branch President) 1993 Mr Chris Dodd, CCWA (Analytical Chemistry Group activities) 1994 Mrs Jan Hosking, CSIRO (12AC/3EC Chair and organiser) 1995 Dr Armand Zurhaar, Zedcon Scientific Services (NCW activities) 1996 Mr Harry Douglas, E&DG Consultancy (WA Branch Coordinator) 1997 Professor Mel Sargent, UWA Chemistry Dept. (SAC Chair for WA) 1998 Mr Ian Sills, Curtin University (Chair, Analytical Chemistry Group) 1999 Dr Steve Errington, Curtin University (WA Branch activities) 2000 Mr Roger Schulz, CCWA (Health, Safety & Environmental activities) 2001 Dr Mauro Mocerino, Curtin University (Chair Chem. Ed. Group) 2002 Mr Stewart Jones, Aust. Govt Analytical Labs (WA Branch activities) 2003 Mrs Oana Chirila, Aust. Govt Analytical Labs (WA Branch activities) 2004 Mr Peter McCafferty, CCWA (WA Branch activities) 2005 Mr Mike Rowe, Dept of Industry and Resources (Services to the WA Branch) 2006 Dr Paula McLay, National Measurement Institute (Branch Newsletter Editor) 2007 Mr Rick Staker, SGS Australia Pty Ltd (Chair, Analytical Chemistry Group) 2008 Mr Reg Rowe, Rowe Scientific Pty Ltd. (WA Branch Committee, Treasurer, Sponsor) 2009 Mr Kelvin Lord, Lord & Co (WA Branch Committee, Treasurer, Sponsor) 2010 (not awarded) Nominations must be submitted to the RACI WA Coordinator, PO Box 114, NORTH BEACH WA 6920, before COB Friday, 3 June 2011. All nominations will be considered by a selection committee consisting of the Past President, current President and two non-Branch Council RACI members. The award is a cheque for $250 and an official scroll which will be presented at the National Chemistry Week Dinner in July 2011.

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Hazardous Materials Data Sheet : MAN Analysis: Has been going on for many years. No results yet available Element: Man Symbol: Bd (From the Latin ‘Beerus Drinkus’) Discoverer: Eve Atomic Mass: Average about 80kg but can go up to Super Mega size Occurrence: Large amounts found in close proximity to ethanol deposits. Smaller quantities found near refined petroleum deposits. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES 1. Surface is usually rough and covered in a furry substance 2. Boils in saturated solutions of ethanol, no known freezing point 3. Melts if kept near domestic appliances but seems to have a high tolerance for direct sunlight, especially if doused in cold liquids 4. Found in various grades from gem to v.poor. Amazingly if kept in prolonged contact with Wo (Woman) grade will tend to decrease CHEMICAL PROPERTIES 1. Has great affinity for ethanol, animal fats and dirt 2. Reacts badly to over usage – structure can break down 3. If combined with low-grade Wo a massive explosion will result 4. When combined with expensive foodstuffs becomes very malleable COMMON USES 1. Very useful for small repair jobs but requires careful handling in case of spontaneous combustion 2. Has an amazing ability to turn money into thin air TESTS 1. Pure specimen is impossible to find but supposedly will co-exist with Wo indefinitely 2. New sample will turn green in contact with large amounts of ethanol 3. Old sample will turn reddish in contact with even larger amounts of ethanol

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Travelling Chemistry Exhibitions - As part of IYC 2011 the RACI have touring displays made up of showcases and banners travelling around Australia being displayed in public libraries. The WA display is ‘Eat, drink and chemistry’. South Perth library 2 May – 2 June. The Grove Library, Cottesloe 2 June – 4 July

Lecture - The Marie Curie Lecture Series will bring Professor Lynn Francesconi, a well-known, internationally-renowned female chemist to Australia to promote the important role that females are playing in chemistry and the chemically-related sciences. Professor Francesconi will be presenting a lecture in Perth on August 23rd at a venue to be announced.

Lecture - Professor Dame Julia Higgins, Imperial College, London will be in Perth as part of her Selby Fellowship presenting a lecture at Curtin University on Tuesday November 15th.

WA Innovator of the Year 2011 Launch Innovation Festival 26 April- 31 May 2011

Professor Lyn Beazley with Oana Lord

The launch of The Australian Innovation Festival and the 2011 WA Innovator of the Year Awards took place at the Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay, Fremantle, Thursday, 5 May.

The event is the State’s most exciting and rewarding program promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across public, private and education sectors.

The WA Chief Scientist, Professor Lyn Beazley said in her presentation that innovation is a culture and needs to be promoted to the younger generation. She is proud to work with SciTech in attracting the primary and high schools students to the innovation circle. Professor Lyn Beazley was amazed by the ideas and ingenuity of the innovations submitted in the SciTech competition. Other talks followed from young and not so young inventors. They all admitted to the “hard road” an inventor is travelling and many times without the final reward, still they all said that is better to “have a go” than to regret all your life that you did not.

The event was organised by the Department of Commerce. The main sponsor is Mitsubishi Corporation.

I’m sure many of you are aspiring or already established innovators, so why not to have a chemist and RACI member winning the prize!

More information about The WA Innovator of the Year 2011 categories and how to apply can be found at: www.commerce.wa.gov./innovator_awards or www.commerce.wa.gov./stateofinnovation or www.ausinnovation.org/events

Good luck! Oana Lord, FRACI

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2011 Presented by Rowe Scientific Pty Ltd

www.rowe.com.au Date Event Location/ Comment Source 7.06.2011 Ergonomics Lecture Held at NMI, Kensington HS&E Group 14.06.2011 Branch Committee Meeting Held at NMI, Kensington WA Branch RACI 21 06. 2011 Titration Stakes Curtin University CE Group 22.06.2011 Global Food Issues & Solutions Held at NMI, Kensington AC Group 06.07.2011 Emotional Intelligence Venue to be confirmed M&CD Group 22.07.2011 National Chemistry Week Awards Dinner Perth Flying Squadron Yacht Club in Dalkieth WA Branch RACI 25-31.07.2011 National Chemistry Week Jul/Oct 2011 Crystal Growing Competition Venue to be confirmed. CE Group Aug 2011 National Chem. Analysis Competition Venue to be confirmed. CE Group 9.08.2011 Branch Committee Meeting Held at NMI, Kensington WA Branch RACI 13-21.08.2011 Science Week 13-21 August 2011 17.08.2011? Brain Break – National Science Week Venue to be confirmed M&CD Group

23.08.2011 Marie Curie Lecture : Professor Lynn Francesconi Venue to be confirmed

05.09.2011 Student Career's Night Venue to be confirmed. M&CD & TC Group 18.10.2011 Hackers Golf Afternoon In conjunction with ACG. Hillview Golf Course, Maida Vale. M&CD, AC Groups 11.10.2011 Branch Committee Meeting Held at NMI, Kensington WA Branch RACI 15.11.2011 Lecture - Professor Dame Julia Higgins Curtin University 18.11.2011 AGM & Symposium Dinner Venue to be confirmed. WA Branch RACI 26.11.2011 National Assembly Meeting Held at Holiday Inn, Melbourne Airport National Office 4-8.12.2011 Inorganic Division Conference University of WA 14.12.2011? Pre-Christmas Social Mixer Venue to be confirmed. WA Branch RACI

Enquiries to Branch Coordinator Ben Fletcher: 0403 022 968, wabranch@raci.org.au

E-MAIL ADVERTISING RATES

Three-quarters of the total RACI WA Branch membership and Environmentalists (totalling about 700 of a select and highly targeted group) are registered to receive e-mail notices from the Branch Committee. Those RACI members who have a need to circulate an urgent message or advertisement of general interest to WA Branch members can request approval (wabranch@raci.org.au) to have the advert (sans attachment) circulated free of charge. If the advert is of a revenue producing nature then the following charges apply:

ADVERTISEMENT WITHOUT ATTACHMENT, i.e. the message is contained within the body of the e-mail, a charge of $120 +GST will be made.

ADVERTISEMENT WITHIN AN ATTACHMENT, i.e. the message is contained in an attachment to the e-mail, a charge of $167 +GST will be made.

PAYMENT for advertisements must be made within 7 days of receipt of invoice.

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING RATES

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MULTIPLE ADVERTISEMENTS: for three or more consecutive newsletter issues, a discount of 25% applies.

PAYMENT for all issues must be made in advance and within 7 days of receipt of invoice.

Branch Newsletter Deadlines For 2011

Month of Journal Deadline Date

July Fri 24 June August Fri 22 July

Deadline is close of business (5 pm) on the nominated dates.

Please submit all articles to paula.mclay@measurement.gov.au