The Royal Society of Tasmania

The advancement of knowledge

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Studies on a broad cross-section of aquatic invertebrates in Lake Pedder – 6th May 2012

Presentation by Dr Andrew Osborn

QVMAG – Inveresk

Sunday, 6th May 2012 Commencing 2.30 pm until 4.30 pm

 

About the Speaker

Dr Osborn gained his PhD at the UNSW in zoology and entomology. He worked for CSR, and later became head of Biology and Chairman of the School of Science at Capricornia CAE. He was Science Liaison Officer in the Research Department of the Reserve Bank. He came to Tasmania to become Head of School of Applied Science in the TCAE/TSIT where he later also became Head of Department of Aquaculture, the establishment of which led to very important developments in aquaculture in this State. Dr Osborn is currently Emeritus Professor, University of Tasmania and Honorary Research Associate, QVMAG.

 

Brief Abstract of the Talk

The talk will describe research initiatives to date on Lake Pedder by Prof. Nigel Forteath and Dr Osborn in conjunction with several other researchers. These studies span more than twenty years. Two genera and seven species of invertebrates will be discussed, all of which are new to science. The crucial importance of maintaining relatively stable water levels in the lake on populations of many invertebrate species will be discussed. The biology of a lacewing, Sisyra pedderensis, with aquatic larvae is to be elaborated upon. In addition the talk will focus on the fates of a number of invertebrates that have not been seen since the expansion of Lake Pedder in the 1970s or have been seen only once. A preliminary long-term ecological study will demonstrate how essential it is for a regular sampling programme to be undertaken as opposed to infrequent snapshots for a species.

History of Steam Driven Cars – 1st May 2012

Presentation by Wally Mounster

Clarence Senior Citizens Centre 17 Alma St Bellerive.

Tuesday, 1st May 2012 Commencing 8.00 pm until 10.00 pm

Please note change of venue due to building works at the Museum

 

About the Speaker

 

Brief Abstract of the Talk

My talk will describe the development of steam cars from the very early days when a motorist had a choice between steam and internal combustion engined cars. I will then describe the features of the more popular and successful designs up until commercial manufacture finished in the 1930’s. I will also have a little to say about the development work which was done in the 1970’s to built a car whose exhaust emissions were non polluting. In conclusion I will describe a 2009 attempt at a world record speed for steam cars.

Evolutionary landscapes of lizards – the accidental story of a climate change biologist – 3rd April 2012

Presentation by Erik Wapstra

Clarence Senior Citizens Centre 17 Alma St Bellerive.

Tuesday, 3rd April 2012 Commencing 8.00 pm until 10.00 pm

Erik Wapstra is the M R Banks Medal recipient for 2011

 

About the Speaker

Dr Wapstra is one of the leading Australian scientists in the field of evolutionary ecology. His work is interdisciplinary in nature, using a variety of model systems combined with field work and experimental approaches. His specific work, gaining international recognition, has included climate effects in reptiles; maternal effects and developmental plasticity; and sex allocation and sex determination. His research is of fundamental biological importance because it shows the mechanisms by which selection in nature produces evolutionary change. Erik has achieved significant contribution in publishing.

 

Brief Abstract of the Talk

I will be exploring evolutionary and ecological processes that affect reptiles in Tasmania from the evolution of live birth from egg-laying, the evolution of temperature dependent sex determination from ancestral genetic-dependent sex determination and how climate affects all these processes historically and currently and into the future.

Musquito: Translating the Language of Black Resistance. – 1st April 2012

Presentation by Dr Michael Powell

QVMAG – Inveresk

Sunday, 1st April 2012 Commencing 2.30 pm until 4.30 pm

FULL TITLE : Musquito: Black warrior on the Hawkesbury and catalyst for the

 

About the Speaker

Dr Michael Powell is a lecturer at the University of Tasmania in Launceston and has taught in World History, Australian and Colonial history, South Asian and Southeast Asian Colonial history and Aboriginal Studies. He is the author of several books including FL Woodward, a Buddhist Scholar in Ceylon and Tasmania which again looks at the complex story of colonial intrusion and people caught in cultural transition.

 

Brief Abstract of the Talk

Musquito first led Aboriginal resistance on the NSW Hawkesbury frontier before capture and exile to Norfolk Island. After further exile in Van Diemens Land he first colluded with white occupation then turned again to resistance along side the Tasmanian Aborigines in a surprising pan-Aboriginal alliance, launching a tirade of attacks on settler occupation. His infamy led to a price on his head similar to that placed on Howe and after his capture and execution he passed into the fabric of vandemonian folklore as a potent symbol of savagery and fear, repeatedly blamed as a catalyst for the Black War. Beyond the character constantly re-invented by writers from that time to the present, who was this person and what were his motives? A complex character of the “people in-between” culture, his is a personal struggle for identity. He was no simple savage, two-dimensional heroic warrior or base wanton criminal but a man straining for meaning in a collapsing world. Translating that action into a language fathomable to the present is the task of this paper. It is not the story of particular Aboriginal exceptionality but one within the common stream of human response.

Genetics; A fast-track to the discovery of new therapies – 6th March 2012

Presentation by Professor Simon Foote

Clarence Senior Citizens Centre 17 Alma St Bellerive.

Tuesday, 6th March 2012 Commencing 7.30 pm until 9.30 pm

AGM followed by lecture

 

About the Speaker

Professor Foote is the 2011 R M Johnston Memorial Medallist

 

Brief Abstract of the Talk

For several decades genetics, and in particular human genetics has been tarred with the brush of clinical irrelevance. While eminently successful in identifying genes for inherited disease, these diseases are often very rare and almost invariably the identification of the causative gene has not led to any useful treatment. Even with the advent of the new DNA sequencing and genotyping technologies, the genes that are being discovered contribute a very small percentage of the total genetic contribution to disease. While I believe that this work is very important, this is not a widely-held view at present. However, we have been using genetics to solve problems in human disease by proxy. We use the mouse to identify mutant genes that subvert the course of a disease process. We then identity the genes responsible for the “cure” of the disease to develop new drugs. The work of my group, located initially at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, then the Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, and very recently, the Australian School of Advanced Medicine at Macquarie University have used this approach to find new cures for malaria.

Building and testing of ship models and marine structures at the Australian Maritime College. – 4th March 2012

Presentation by STUART PHILLIPS

Nuala O’Flaherty Auditorium, Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Inveresk

Sunday, 4th March 2012 Commencing 2.00 pm until 4.30 pm

Northern Branch lecture following AGM

 

About the Speaker

Stuart Phillips has been a professional model maker for 40 years working in the architectural, commercial and maritime industries. He began training in 1964 with architectural design company, Fine Craft Models in Sydney creating models in plastic, steel and resins for some of Sydney’s most prominent skyscrapers. In 1998 he moved to Tasmania and has been involved with the Australian Maritime College at Newnham for 25 years, working with naval architects from around the world.

 

Brief Abstract of the Talk

This presentation will look at the construction and testing of ships, yachts and marine structures at the AMC’s test facilities and their capabilities, a variety of test programs that the AMC has undertaken and the invaluable information these test provide to the international maritime industry.

Great Scott! (and the ACY?) – 6th December 2011

Presentation by Prof Pat Quilty

CSIRO, Castray Esplanade Hobart

Tuesday, 6th December 2011 Commencing 6.00 pm until 9.30 pm

Lecture followed by Christmas Dinner Buffet

 

About the Speaker

Professor Patrick Quilty was Chief Scientist with the Australian Antarctic Division and now Honorary Research Professor at the University of Tasmania with experience in academia, industry and federal government. He first visited Antarctica (1965/66) with the University of Wisconsin and has been on many tourist ventures. He participated in many marine science programs and has published over 200 scientific papers. Honours include Membership of the Order of Australia (AM), Distinguished Alumnus from the University of Tasmania, US Antarctic Services Medal, Royal Society of Tasmania Medal, Distinguished Lecturer (Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia) and speaker in the North American Speaker Series (1998/99). He has five species, a range of nunataks and a bay named in his honour. He is a patron of the University of Western Australia Geoscience Foundation.

 

Brief Abstract of the Talk

He was here after all (or before). Early. And surprisingly, were so many of his family. The memorial by the highly-regarded angler (with a spare ‘s’). And even Evans! Architects, windows. Is there a role in ACY? The GPO? This part of our history. A 20 year quest, helped by Gillian and Dr Bronwyn. And appreciated. His fate the wrong focus. Much more than that. To eulogise? An overstatement

Mawson Symposium – 30th November 2011

Presentation by The Royal Society Of Tasmania

Dechaineux Theatre University of Tasmania

Wednesday, 30th November 2011 Commencing 8.30 am until 5.30 pm

Two day symposium. Full details under the education heading on this website

Another Day-Another Challenge- Pilotage on the Tamar – 6th November 2011

Presentation by Capt. Ron Riley

QVMAG – Inveresk

Sunday, 6th November 2011 Commencing 2.30 pm until 4.30 pm

 

About the Speaker

Capt Ron Riley is a Senior Pilot for Tasmanian Ports Corporation. He joined BHP in 1964 as a Marine Deck Apprentice and obtained a 2nd Mates Certificate in1967, a 1st Mates Certificate in 1969 and Masters Certificate in 1978. From 1972 to 1979 he spent time overseas with P&O Bulk Shipping and Bank Line sailing as 2nd Mate and 1st Mate. Captain Riley commenced piloting on the Tamar in 1980 and currently hold licences for the Tamar River and Devonport. he was called up for National Service in 1966 and joined RANR in 1969 and spent 28 years in Naval Reserve rising to Lieutenant-Commander. he was awarded IHO Category B Certificate in Hydographic Surveying in 1987 and accredited as Hydrographic Surveyor Level 1 in 1995. He was awarded the Australian Defence Medal and Reserve Force Decoration. His main interests are bee keeping, gardening, sailing and reading, with particular reference to early maritime explorers and methods of navigation and surveying. He sailed as navigator on replica sloop NORFOLK during the 200th anniversary re-enactment of Flinders’ voyage from Sydney to Hervey Bay in 1999.

 

Brief Abstract of the Talk

The aim of the talk is to look at the changes to pilotage on the Tamar over the last 4 decades.