Emily Banks (ANU) receives the President’s Award from the Thoracic Society of ANZ.

Michael Conry moves from Murdoch U to become DVC Finance at Uni Notre Dame Australia.

Sandra Eades (dean of Curtin U’s medical school) joins the board of the Burnet Institute.

The Commonwealth’s Equity in Higher Education Panel is in place. It’s more portmanteau than panel, with 13 members; Rob Heferen, chair, Department of Education, Skills and Employment. Penny Jane Burke, Uni Newcastle. Daniel Edwards, Australian Council for Educational Research. Leanne Holt, Macquarie University. Denise Kirkpatrick, Western Sydney U. Nick Klomp, CQU. Simon Maddocks, Charles Darwin U. Adam Shoemaker, Southern Cross U. Guinever Threlkeld, La Trobe U. Denise Wood, Uni Sunshine Coast. Paul Denny, National Indigenous Australians Agency. Sarah O’Shea, Curtin University. Amanda Franzi, (executive officer), Department of Education, Skills and Employment.

Megan Munsie (Uni Melbourne) joins Science and Technology Australia’s STEM sector policy committee.

The shortlists for WA scientists of the year awards is announced. Nominees in lead categories are, Scientist of the Year: Steven Tingay (Curtin U), Wendy Erber (UWA), Ryan Lister (UWA), Eric May (UWA). Early Career Scientist:  Xihong Zhang (Curtin U), Chris Brennan-Jones (Telethon Kids Institute), Arman Siahvashi (UWA), Sam Buckberry (UWA).