NSW Branch

NSW Newsletter, April 2024

President’s Note

Hello everyone!

I hope by the time you read this the additional calories of Easter/ Eid / Passover have magically disappeared and you’re looking forward to the slightly cooler weather.

March and April have seen lots of great activities in the Branch.

·        On 22 March, we enjoyed the Frontiers of Science Forum, co-hosted by RACI, AIP, NSW Teachers’ Guild of NSW and the Royal Society of NSW. You can see the recordings of presentations by heading to the report below.

·        The Pharmaceutical Science Group held an event on PIC/s Code of GMP updates that was by all accounts a great success at a new venue at the University of Sydney. Read all about it in our NSW Happenings section below

·        Our Chemical Education Group is busy organising the Titration Competition. I’m sure we all remember the first time we performed a titration and the thrill of finding the correct endpoint! So it’s always exciting to launch the competition for another year of inspiration to our budding chemists.

·        Our Bioactive Discovery and Development Group is feverishly planning an event for later this year.

We held a Branch Strategy Planning Day on 20 April. It was a hybrid event and we developed some new ideas to support our volunteers, and provide increased member value and promotion of RACI. Thanks to everyone involved. I was pleased to be able to host the in-person component of the meeting at nandin, ANSTO’s Innovation Incubator.

Pictured from the Strategy Planning Day: Dr Vipul Agarwal, Scott Colbourne, Kris Mobberley, Maree Stuart, Saji Cuniwathy.

In May, I’m looking forward to the Annual Fellows and Honorary Life Members Lunch at L’Aqua, Darling Harbour. This is always such a great event and it is wonderful to catch up with old Chemistry friends and hear about each other’s exploits over the past year. It’s also a terrific opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our 25, 40 and 50 year members. Make sure you register for the event. Details are in our Upcoming Events section.

I am also pleased to call for nominations for the Archibald D. Ollé Prize. This is a National Award administered by the NSW Branch. If you know any members who might be interested in nominating, either here in NSW or in other States and Territories, please let the know. Details are below and nominations can be sent to me at raci-nswcmt@raci.org.au.

Have an Awesome April (what’s left of it!) and a Magnificent May!

-Maree Stuart

NSW Branch’s Happenings

NSW Nascent Chemist Prize

This month, we have some serious NSW Chemistry achievements to share. Our very own Dr Vipul Agarwal, together with Prof Per Zetterlund, have developed a method to convert solid waste plastic at low energy and without extensive cleaning. The application of this patented research is being explored by Arnott’s, amongst other partners.

Vipul commented that he is “Beyond excited to finally be able to share our patented ‘polymer to polymer’ plastic recycling technology which was in wraps for a long time.”

It’s thrilling to see landmark research by up-and-coming researchers such as Vipul and we should all be proud that an RACI member has helped develop a solution to a current and growing problem.

You can read more about this exciting development at https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2024/03/New-method-aims-for-more-plastic-recycling. You can also catch Vipul speaking at our Fellows and Honorary Life Member’s Lunch on 17 May.

Have you got a similar Nascent Chemistry experience? Let us know at raci-nswcmt@raci.org.au!

NSW Chemist of the Month

Dr Freba Olime

Dr Freba Olime is Chemist of the Month for April 2024. Originally from Afghanistan with limited English skills, Freba initially had her sights on a legal career until being persuaded to switch to science. Initially studying at TAFE and then at university, she was called upon during her Honours year to return to TAFE to teach classes. Even after completing her PhD, she has continued to teach, and is now Head Teacher at the Granville Campus. She notes how important it is to make a difference to people who are of a similar migrant background to help them find a career in Australia, and often referred to RACI conferences over the years to provide industry-related information to her students. In her spare time, she educates young Afghan females through her co-founded organisation while caring for a disabled son.

Interview conducted by William Li.

WL: Pleasure to interview you, Freba! Firstly, how long have you been a RACI Member for?

FO: I’ve been a RACI Member since the 90s when I was still a student.

WL: That’s a good 30 years! You appear to have a very long career in teaching.

FO: I started teaching since August 1994 when I was doing my Honours. At the time, an opportunity came up from TAFE NSW, so I guess I was at the right place at the right time. TAFE asked if some university PhD students could assist with teaching. I happened to be a former TAFE student; I had completed one year of an Advanced Diploma before entering university. I took up the opportunity just as I was starting to write my Honours thesis, and the Head of Department advised not to risk taking on too much, in case I could not meet the deadlines. I asked anyway in allowing me to take the opportunity and promised him that it won’t affect my productivity at university. To cut the story short, that’s how I came to TAFE. When I started my PhD, I was doing both research and teaching. I decided to go into teaching because I preferred that environment; TAFE is known for offering more practical opportunities as well as working one-to-one interaction with students.

WL: And you stayed there ever since! What do you like most about being a teacher?

FO: Making a difference! That moment when you explain something difficult to a student and their expression on their face changes! We often have matured-aged students studying with us; they may have more knowledge than us but are here for the sake of a qualification and experience. I do see struggling students due to language barriers or some other difficult personal matter, and the time you take one-to-one explaining them those concepts and putting smiles on their faces, that’s what makes me move.

WL: You’ve made a good point. You would come across a diverse range of students who may not have any grasp of English and may not have the same background as everyone else, in terms of chemistry knowledge. You’d be helping a wide range of people and making a difference that way.

FO: To me that’s important because I arrived in Australia with minimal English and could only read and have some short, basic conversations. I remember that I was very friendly, and I always have a big smile on my face in high school, helping me to get through tough times that was HSC studies. I didn’t go to university directly afterwards; I went to TAFE instead. I can see that when students struggle - many of colleagues have said to me “you have that capability to talk to somebody and relate to them”. Making a difference in assuring them that there will be light at the end of the tunnel, and they’ll make it is quite important. I was one of those students who couldn’t speak the best English and often struggled, and here I am teaching! Never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be here! So that’s the other thing about making a difference that I can quickly put myself in somebody’s shoes in a variety of ways. Also, migrants often go from one place to another, often having to start from ground zero again - it’s not easy. I assure them “we have got other opportunities here”.

WL: Really inspiring there, coming to Australia with limited English but you worked you way up, worked hard, made use of the opportunities that went your way, you going into a career you loved and stayed ever since.

FO: Yes. though, chemistry was not my very first choice. As a teenager, I made up my mind to do law, but that required high HSC scores and my English had to be perfect. So I had a conversation with my elder brother and he said: “Freba, you will suffer more (doing law). Why don’t you think of doing science? It might be a better choice.” From the conversation, I thought of the science subjects to study – I ended up taking chemistry over biology. I’m so happy that I chose chemistry.

WL: It seems your brother provided you the inspiration, to pivot away from law and into science. It’s really good to have those people around to make those informed decisions. Not everyone has that. What was your PhD on, by the way?

FO: Honours and PhD studies were on biodegradation of organophosphate, which is used in pesticides. I ended up doing my PhD with a combination of biology and chemistry, something that I never wanted to think about until then! But I enjoyed it. Originally, it was going to be just Honours, and wasn’t going to think about doing a PhD. In fact, I didn’t even put an application for a PhD, and one afternoon after finishing Honours, I was taking a nap when my mum woke me up, picking up the phone from the university. It was the Dean of the Faculty of Science, calling me on why I didn’t put in an application for a PhD. I said: “I didn’t want to do it. I have found exactly what I wanted to do and going into teaching. I already accepted the opportunity and decided whether I wanted to do research or not; I’ve had enough of studies and just wanted to teach.” Deadline for applications had passed and he still asked me to see him right away. He made me fill out my application, and at the same time, already decided to approve a scholarship for me!  That was the beginning of my PhD! Once again, being at the right place at the right time! Very lucky to get that much support, and I don’t regret it.

WL: The Dean making you apply for a PhD and giving you a scholarship at the same time! Never heard of that before!

FO: Exactly! Some universities and some individuals make your career! I felt they come into your life for a reason. That has also made me more open and available. In my role, I started off as a part-time casual and everyone would come to me asking for advice on getting a similar role. That continued when I became full-time. Currently, I’m the Head Teacher here in Granville. There’s some things that I may not know; I normally do my own research and tell them: “I have no idea what you are asking; allow me to research or link you with appropriate person to provide the answer.” I have had many golden opportunities and I wanted to make a difference by giving back to the community.

WL: You’ve certainly been doing that for over three decades! You have your 30th anniversary at TAFE!

FO: Yes. TAFE made a difference towards my education, and I am very happy to make a similar impact towards other students.

WL: How else has RACI helped you over the years?

FO: I think the majority of what I got out of has been due to the conferences. During my research, I managed to attend many conferences, even if it involved spending a lot for each. Being from an older generation, I loved reading the Chemistry in Australia hard copy magazine, though I see they have also got the electronic version now. I still use RACI conferences to find information for my students. A teacher can’t be a teacher without keeping up with the industry’s current developments. Being a full-time teacher is difficult to visit the industry, so RACI conferences have been the next best thing. I have no membership of any other organisation because I have found everything I need from RACI.

WL: Really glad to have got so much out of it that you didn’t need anything else! Last question, and the most important one, what do you like to do in your spare time?

FO: I actually don’t have spare time! (Laughs) I’m currently doing a lot of voluntary work in teaching and helping as a co-founder of an organisation called Afghanistan Open University that focuses on educating young females in Afghanistan. I am originally from Afghanistan. If I do find time, I’d love to join the RACI Mentoring Programme as a mentor - that’s been at the back of my mind, that one day I’ll need to join that. I wish 2024 could be the year to join, but it appears it’ll need to be 2025! Lastly, I spend time caring for one of my sons who’s living with a disability. I am also an advocate for people with disabilities.

Frontiers of Science

We would like to thank our presentation panel which included:
Professor John Mattick; Dr Renee Goreham; Professor Katrina Jolliffe; Associate Professor Richard Garner.

The evening provided a wonderful engaging series of presentations on the latest future developments on exploring major discoveries and theories in physics, mathematics, biology and chemistry at this year’s combined Australian Institute of Physics (AIP); The Teachers’ Guild of New South Wales (TGNSW); The Royal Society of New South Wales (RSNSW) and Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) joint meeting.
 
The recording of the event has been included in the following link to re-watch and share.

Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group PIC/s GMP Update

The Pharmaceutical Science Group hosted a seminar on the new Code of GMP – Update to PIC/S vers PE0016 – Annexes 13 and 16.

Stephen Firmer chaired proceedings wonderfully and the speakers provided detailed and informed content for all attendees.

A big shout out to Nial Wheate and David Edmonds for organising the event. We received terrific feedback from some of the attendees:

“Thankyou very much. Great job in organising this event which was very informative.”

“Great discussion, networking, and catering”

The presentation slides and recording of the event will be available at the Group’s You-Tube channel soon.

Upcoming Events

Fellows and Honorary Life Members Lunch – Friday 17 May 2024

The RACI Fellows luncheon is an annual event designed to celebrate the achievements and contributions of our long-standing members and RACI Fellows of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.

This event brings together chemical professionals from across academia, technical and service industries in an idyllic location featuring panoramic views of the water.

Celebrate the achievements of our Fellows, 25, 40 year and 50 year members while we enjoy a sumptuous 3 course meal at L’Aqua, Darling Harbour.

Our Guest Speaker is Dr Vipul Agarwal of UNSW School of Chemical Engineering. With specialties in materials science, polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, analytical chemistry, bioengineering, health physics, cell biology, microscopy, Vipul will explore a range of his research topics, including his most recent patented research, with colleague Prof Per Zetterlund, in plastics recycling. Vipul is also one of our current Nyholm Lecturers. It is sure to be an engaging and insightful presentation and one not to be missed!

Please join us in this celebration of long-standing members and RACI Fellows, their achievements and contributions..

Event Details:

Event Date: Friday 17 May 2024

Time11: 30 am

Venue: Roof Top Level, L'Aqua, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour

Cost: $105.00 per person - includes canapes on arrival, a delicious 3-course meal with table service and standard drinks in an iconic location.

RSVP 10 May 2024

Click here to register

Save the Dates

RACI Titration Competition

This will be organised in conjunction with the Science Teacher’s Association of NSW. Several universities are generously providing the spaces and equipment for the students to show us their titration skills. The NSW Branch and STANSW have had a long association and it’s delightful to see this partnership grow in this very practical way. Well done to Siobhán Wills and her team of volunteers in shaping this year’s event.

If you happen to know any budding Chemists or their Science Teachers, please share the news. Details of dates and venues will be shared soon!

Nominations Open for Ollé Prize!

Nominations are invited nationally for the Archibald D. Ollé Prize, an annual prize awarded to a member of the RACI who submits the best treatise, writing or paper on any subject relevant to the interests of the Institute. This is a national award that is administered by the NSW Branch.

Archibald Ollé was very active in the chemical and scientific life of NSW in the first 40 years of the twentieth century, and his wife, who outlived him, left a bequest to the RACI NSW Branch to his name with an annual prize. The NSW Branch Committee administers the Prize and has established the following conditions:

Nominations are invited from candidates themselves or from persons knowing suitable candidates.

Nominees must be financial members of the RACI and have been for 12 months preceding the date of nomination.

Each nominee shall submit a single scientific work published during the period 1 January - 31 December 2023 (i.e., award should be for publications made in the previous year)

Nominations must be in writing, setting out the name, address, academic qualifications, and present position of the nominee and be signed by the nominee and nominator.

Where the work involves more than one author, the nominator should arrange for all the other authors to send an indication of the contribution of the nominee.  Though submission of multi-authored works is not discouraged, authors should be aware that in the past the adjudicators have found it very difficult to establish the relative merits of single and multi-authored works in terms of making an award to an individual.

There is no monetary award for the Ollé Prize.

Nominations should be addressed to:

            The President

            The Royal Australian Chemical Institute, NSW Branch

            School of Chemistry

            UNSW Sydney 2052

            raci-nswcmt@raci.org.au

Nominations must be received on or before 03 July 2024.

Applications should be made in a single PDF document via the NSW Branch raci-nswcmt@raci.org.au / RACI NSW c/o School of Chemistry, UNSW, Sydney, NSW2052.  Receipt will be acknowledged by return email.

In all matters relating to this Prize, the decision of the NSW Branch Committee shall be final, and the Committee may not make an award if, in the opinion of the assessors, the submissions are not of a sufficiently high standard. 

The award is presented at the Presidents’ Dinner or AGM according to the timing of decisions and availability of the recipient.

The result will be communicated to all entrants and will be published in “Chemistry in Australia”.

Branch Committee Meeting

The next branch meeting will be held as a hybrid event on Tuesday 23 April at 6:00 pm.  For information on how to participate please contact raci-nswcmt@raci.org.au.

The May meeting will be a short on-line meeting on Tuesday 28 May 2023 at 12 pm.

All NSW members are welcome to join these meeting.