The University of Melbourne Voice
Issues, views, debate, University news and events, fortnightly Vol. 5, No. 2, 11 May - 8 June 2009 Cover StoryBuilding a greener future
Nerissa Hannink and David Scott report on initiatives that are helping green the property and construction industry. Conserving our urban amphibians
When the term ‘biodiversity’ is mentioned, our backyards don’t immediately spring to mind as hotspots for species conservation. However, a new project on frog populations in Melbourne shows that while the growth of cities threatens the habitat of many animals, urban areas are also important for conservation. Nerissa Hannink reports. Boom crash no opera
Gentle rain falling on a roof comforts. The single drip torments. Music to clubbers is ecstasy while the doof doof to suffering residents is hell. And as for car alarms and barking dogs… By Shane Cahill NewsBaillieu Library turns 50
At 50, the Baillieu Library is remembered as a bookworm’s paradise, a narcolepsy-inducing zombie’s retreat, but mostly as an inspiration to learning. Katherine Smith reports. Light side of the moon
When astronomer Galileo first looked through his telescope and marvelled at the surface of the moon, he launched a lunar fascination that has endured for centuries. Rebecca Scott reports. A dream for drivers
A multi-technology device under development could help reduce road accidents caused by driver fatigue. Emma O’Neill reports. From the Vice-Chancellor: Tackling carbon targets
The University of Melbourne is a community of more than 50 000 students and staff, with infrastructure dating from its beginnings in the mid-19th century to modern sustainable buildings. In 2007 the University adopted an Environmental Sustainability Strategic Plan, with the aim of a 50 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by the close of 2010. Mutant virus discovery
Scientists are inching toward understanding how to defeat the HIV virus. By Rebecca Hyde. A decade of dedication
Since 1999 the University of Melbourne and the Catholic Education Office have been providing professional learning experiences to help teachers respond to young people’s social and emotional needs. The power to change the world
Thirteen Indigenous students from around Australia are part of the first intake to the new Bachelor of Arts (Extended) program at the University of Melbourne. Reviews and PreviewsFear and loathing in suburban Melbourne
He has won a literary prize for writing an essay reflecting on a close encounter with neighbourhood violence, and while the neighbours at the centre of these traumatic events have gone, poet and novelist Associate Professor Kevin Brophy, is still dealing with the recurring memories of his experience. Talking ethics
Of all the health professions, psychiatry is probably one of the most called upon to resolve ethical issues on a day-to-day basis. Antiquities unveiled
The David and Marion Adams Collection features more than 200 significant artefacts from antiquity dating back to the 6th millenium BCE, and forms the basis of an exhibition at the University’s Ian Potter Museum of Art. By Katrina Raymond. Knowledge TransferAccording to Plan
The new head of Urban Planning in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, Dr Richard Tomlinson, considers whether planners will play more active roles in the future of city building. Home among the goldfields
Research is proving that lessons learned from the past still have much to teach us about making a home in Australia. Melanie Ryan reports. The place for a village
Originally built over and around rivers, swamps, and coastal and laval plains, the city of Melbourne’s urban sprawl is skewed to the east, south and south-east. Dr Gary Presland, Fellow of the University of Melbourne’s History and Philosophy of Science program, is author of the 2008 Museum of Victoria publication, The Place for a Village. He explains how he came to document the way the natural landscape shaped the development of Melbourne’s built environment. Activist meets academia
While millions of people around the world are being entertained by the award-winning movie Slum Dog Millionaire, Sheela Patel deals with the reality of Mumbai’s slum-dwellers on a daily basis. Zoe Nikakis reports. ProfilesBeauty of the bush
Succeeding generations of migrants to Australia have failed to really ‘see’ our native landscape, according to Melbourne’s Professor of Landscape Architecture, Catherin Bull. She spoke with Silvia Dropulich about how maintaining and supporting natural systems is at the heart of good landscape design. AlumniNancy Millis: a life in science
Nancy Millis says it was her determination and interest in “anything that ferments” which drove her on to make significant contributions in the fields of science, higher education and public policy; and at almost 87 she is still a familiar face at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. A bright future
Matthew Tilleard, Melbourne Law and Science alumnus, and recipient of a 2009 Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship, believes the greatest challenge of his generation is the elimination of absolute poverty. SportHonouring Uni Blues
Sport enjoyed for friendship’s sake contributes a huge amount culturally to student life, says Vice-Chancellor Glyn Davis. Rugby 100
Former Wallabies Matt Cockbain and Dave Fitter will be playing with the Melbourne University Rugby Football Club (MURFC) in 2009 – the centenary year for the Victorian Rugby Union (VRU). What's Onhttp://events.unimelb.edu.au/
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