22 Aug: Vol 24, #12 - UWA News staff magazine - The University of ...

12 UWAnewsNOTICESUPCOMING INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES EVENTSPROFESSOR PETER NEUMANNMathematics at Queen’s College, Oxford UniversityMathematically challenging childrenMonday, 22 August 2005 at 6.30pm Geography Lecture Theatre 1, UWATom Lehrer notoriously advertised the view that mathematics is so simplethat only a child can do it. Nevertheless, children, and especially gifted andtalented children, can benefit greatly from being challenged and shown thatthey can in fact understand that which at first seemed impossible, even tothem. This talk will be about the use of mathematical puzzles and challengesto develop mathematical thinking in able children from age twelve up to andbeyond my own.ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR MIKE ANDERSONHead of the School of Psychology, The University of Western AustraliaRace, Science and Politics: a case study ofacademic freedom and responsibilityWednesday, 24 August 2005 at 6pm Geography Lecture Theatre 1, UWAMany of us have been following the events surrounding Macquarie Universityacademic Andrew Fraser’s claim (among others) that we should considercontrolling immigration of sub-Saharan Africans because they have lowerIQs. Mike Anderson’s research concerns the nature and developmentof intelligence and he has some professional and personal acquaintancewith controversies surrounding claims about race and IQ. This case raisesimportant issues about academic freedom and academic responsibility that hewill address in this presentation.PROFESSOR HANOCH GUTFREUNDPresident Emeritus, Andé Aisenstadt Chair in Theoretical Physics,the Hebrew University of JerusalemAlbert Einstein—the Man and the ScientistMonday, 29 August at 6.00pm University Club Theatre AuditoriumA variety of events the world over are being held this year in order tocommemorate the hundredth anniversary of Albert Einstein “AnnusMirabilis”, the year in which he published several articles, which fundamentallychanged the worldview of physics. The character of these events reflects theincreasing interest, not only in Einstein’s scientific achievements, but also inhis outstanding personality and in his place in contemporary history. AlbertEinstein has become a cultural symbol and a scientist of renown among thewide public. The lecture will depict Einstein not only as the outstandingscientist of the 20 th century, but also as the man through whom the mostimportant developments and events of the century can be told.Disability Activism and the Price of Success;a British perspectiveWednesday 31 August at 6.30pm Social Sciences Lecture Theatre, UWAThis talk will focus on the history of the British disabled people’s movementand its successes over the last two decades. These include the reconceptualisationof disability as a social/political, the various legislative andpolicy changes that have subsequently occurred, and their relative impact ondisabled people and their organisations at the national and local levels.DAY OF IDEASInstitute of Advanced Studies 2-3 September 2005A Human Rights Act for Australia?Welcome DinnerFriday 2 September, 7.30pm at Lamont’s RestaurantDay of IdeasSaturday 3 September, 10am-4.30pm at the Holmes à Court GallerySpeakers include: Julian Burnside QC; Karen Brown; Andrew Clark; GregCraven; Natalie Hepburn, UWA Guild President; John Menadue; Jim McGintyMLA, Attorney General; Spencer Zifcak.Australia is the only Western country that does not have a Human Rights Actor equivalent. A campaign launched by New Matilda sets out to change this.Their goal is to have the community endorsed Human Rights Bill debated inthe Federal Parliament within 12 months from its launch.NewMatilda.com delivers a weekly online magazine to subscribers, generatingtopical analysis and debate, and gives you the opportunity to have a sayin developing policy. For more information visit New Matilda at www.newmatilda.comPlease visit www.ias.uwa.edu.au for more information and online registration.Language and Cultural Exchange (L.A.C.E.)International Friendship Project at UWAHelping new international postgraduatestudents settle into their environmentPostgraduate students and staff — all welcomeEver wondered what it’s like to be a stranger in a strange land? Join L.A.C.E.and meet great people: indulge, enjoy, relax, walk, talk & socialise. Make afriend; make a difference!Great activities & events Tuesday afternoons from 4pm onwards everyfortnight from 6 September to 15 November. Meet at Student Services, 2ndfloor, Guild Building, Student Services.Here’s what others have said they enjoyed about L.A.C.E.:“Making friends, having fun & chatting”“Talking to people outside my discipline and from all over the world”“Lots of enthusiasm, lots of smiles, lots of encouragement, lots of good food”“Events were varied, interesting and well organised”Sign up on-line at www.studentservices.uwa.edu.au/learning/lace or contactSiri Barrett-Lennard at sblennard@admin.uwa.edu.au or on 6488 2423 or6488 1820.Friendly, collegial, fun; join now!Bringing people together across cultures & languages, across the uni & theglobeOrganised by Learning, Language and Research Skills, Student Services withsupport from: the Graduate Research School, the International Centre, theUWA Student Guild, the Postgraduate Students’ Association and InternationalStudents’ ServiceDiversity Initiatives Fund grants2005The UWA Diversity Initiatives Fund 2005 application process has begun.Applications are invited from faculties, schools, groups or individuals seekingfunding to assist in the development of targeted diversity initiatives thatenhance equity for students and/or staff.The aim of the Fund is to provide financial assistance to new projects thataim to enhance educational and employment access, participation andoutcomes for groups of students and staff identified as priority areas of focusin the University’s Equity and Diversity Management Plan.Projects that have received funding in the past and have become verysuccessful initiatives include: the SmARTS Access – bridging the gap programin the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; the Link Week – Week3 Transition Support Initiative, a project developed by the Diversity Groupwithin Student Services; and, the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) InstructorTraining that has provided the expertise within UWA to raise staff awarenessabout mental health issues.Applications for funding close on Friday September 30, and successfulapplicants will be notified mid October. An application form canbe downloaded from the Equity and Diversity web site at www.equity.uwa.edu.au or by contacting Lesley Roberts on 6488 3873.Applications should be sent to Equity and Diversity, MBDP 350.All notices, classified ads and redundantequipment can now be sent to our email address:staffads@uwa.edu.auEvents are now available on the Web athttp://events.uwa.edu.auPlease call Maryvonne Bestel in Public Affairs on6488 1900 or Lindy Brophy, editor UWANewson 6488 2436 if you have any queries.We’ve changed our addressLike to read UWAnews on line?The URL has been changed, so please add the new address to your list offavourites. It ishttp://uwanews.publishing.uwa.edu.au/You can also get to the UWAnews site through the UWA staff home page’sQuick Links.THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA • 22 AUGUST 2005