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NSW Drug Discovery Forum

There is a fantastic event coming up that will be of interest to any Chemists interested in drug discovery. The NSW Drug Discovery Forum is jointly organised by the University of Sydney and MTPConnect, with RACI member and Award winner, Professor Michael Kassiou as the Chair of the organising committee. This state-wide event will be held on the 28 th and 29 th October 2024 and is now open to applications from all academic researchers across the state. During the forum, presenters from universities, MRIs and healthcare will present their early-stage research to an expert panel of industry and investors to receive guidance and feedback on how to ...
NSW Newsletter, July 2024 President’s Note Hello everyone! It has been a while since our last NSW Newsletter. That’s NOT an indication of our lack of activity- it’s actually the opposite! Our reports give a glimpse into the many activities that have been held in May and June. So I start my post in the newsletter with a request for help. The NSW Branch Committee is looking for a NSW Newsletter Editor. If you like to write or have a passion for communication, this is your opportunity to showcase your skills! Perhaps it’s a case that you have always wanted to have a chance to write but have never had the opportunity to try. ...
It is with very deep sadness that I announce the recent passing of our treasured Honorary Life Member, Don Jarman FRACI CChem. Don was an RACI member for 76 years and was a true testament to the longevity of our society . Don was a great supporter of the NSW Branch and many members will remember connecting with him at our Fellows and Honorary Life Members Luncheon. Don's professional career was nothing short of impressive. He gained a Diploma in Food Technology from Sydney Technical College, having switched over from Chemical Engineering, and began his career at O T Ltd for six years before joining James Stedman Henderson (Sweetacres), which was later ...
Although inclusion and diversity (I&D) is accepted by organisations around the world as being of critical importance, most organisations have a long way to go to achieving full diversity and a culture of inclusion and belonging. RACI recognises that it is no different. RACI has a long-standing policy that outlines its commitment to promoting inclusivity and transparency within a culture of mutual respect and to improving diversity. Progress, particularly in relation to gender equity, has been made. But how much progress? What areas are we falling behind in? And how does RACI compare to other organisations? In response to such questions, in October 2023, ...
Join the Australian quantum community, researchers and industry peers to solve nationally significant challenges using quantum technology! Apply for round one of the Australian Government’s $36 million Critical Technologies Challenge Program for a chance to receive up to $5.5 million over two funding stages to test and develop quantum solutions to innovation-based challenges: · Challenge 1: Optimise the performance, sustainability, and security of energy networks. · Challenge 2: Improve medical imaging and medical sensors to support diagnosis, treatment of disease and monitoring activities inside the human body. · ...
This article is in Chemistry in Australia magazine - Issue June 2024 Author: University of Sydney Image: Dr Nicholas Hunt and Professor Victoria Cogger | University of Sydney/Stefanie Zingsheim University of Sydney researchers have led an international team that has developed a nanotechnology delivery system that could allow people with diabetes to take oral insulin. The new insulin could be eaten by taking a tablet or even embedded within a piece of chocolate. The new nano carrier, tested in mice, rats and baboon animal models, could help people with diabetes avoid side-effects linked to insulin injections such as hypoglycaemia (a low blood ...
This article is in Chemistry in Australia magazine - Issue June 2024, section "from the ceo" Author: Shenal Basnayake - Chief Executive Officer of RACI I am pleased to let you know that we have completed our new website and launched our MyRACI online community. The website is constructed to provide as much information as possible about the RACI, our members and what we do. The website is looking great, and I hope it will be a useful resource for you and those outside RACI. The website is feature-packed, and I am particularly pleased to see the new Resources section that will provide you with answers to the most-asked questions. The website also ...
This National Volunteer Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible volunteers at the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). From our dedicated committee members and board members to our passionate general supporters, your tireless efforts and unwavering commitment are the backbone of our organisation. Your contributions, whether through guiding our initiatives, participating in events, or simply offering a helping hand, make a profound impact on the RACI community and the field of chemistry as a whole. Your dedication helps us promote chemical sciences, support educational programmes, and inspire future generations of chemists. Thank ...
Introducing the Expert Directory and Profile Feature on MyRACI Community We are excited to announce the launch of the Expert Directory and Profile feature on our MyRACI Community platform. This new tool is designed to connect our members with a wide range of opportunities by showcasing their expertise to government bodies, private sectors, and other organisations in need of professional advice, committee members, board participants, and advisory group experts. What is the Expert Directory and Profile Feature? The Expert Directory and Profile feature allows members of MyRACI to create detailed profiles highlighting their expertise, qualifications, ...

Federal Budget 24-25

The RACI welcomes the recently unveiled federal budget with the CEO, Mr. Shenal Basnayake, stating that the budget has numerous measures from the battery breakthrough Initiative, the strategic examination of R&D, to the investment in strengthening diversity in STEM and investing in programs that improve pathways into STEM. Mr. Basnayake further stated that it is promising to see the budget papers talk about the importance of science and research laying the foundations for new industries and productivity growth at a time when Australia needs to arrest the decline in R&D funding. A Future Made in Australia hinges on chemistry at its heart without which ...
D ATE: Tuesday 18 June ATTENDANCE: In Person or Streamed Live online for those unable to attend in person REGISTRATION: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/electrifying-discoveries-in-persononline-tickets-883790349727 This free event is an annual collaboration between the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP), Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) and the Royal Society NSW (RSNSW), and the Australian Nuclear Science Technology Organisation (ANSTO). Further details in the attached flyer! Get up to speed with the amazing technology and research at The Centre for Accelerator Science (CAS) at ANSTO. With four powerful ...
Announcing the 2024 RACI National Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Chemistry! We are thrilled to kick off the 2024 Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) National Awards! These prestigious awards recognise outstanding achievements and contributions in the field of chemistry across Australia. Whether you're an early-career researcher or a seasoned professional, we invite you to showcase your accomplishments and be part of this esteemed recognition. The RACI National Awards are more than just accolades; they represent the dedication, passion, and innovation driving the future of chemistry in Australia. We encourage all eligible individuals ...
Hi RACI members! Are you ready to take your MyRACI Community experience to the next level? We've got some exciting news for you - introducing the ' Connected Communities ' mobile app! Now, you can access the vibrant MyRACI Community right at your fingertips, anytime, anywhere. Let's dive into how you can get started and make the most out of this convenient tool. Step 1: Visit Your App Store First things first, grab your mobile device and head over to your preferred App Store. Whether you're an Android user or an Apple aficionado, you'll find the 'Connected Community' app waiting for you. Step 2: Search and Download Once you're in the App ...
RACI signs of greening After an unusually wet and warm El Nino summer, we in the more southern parts of Australia are well and truly in autumn with winter on the horizon (although for someone born in Iceland “winter” in Australia isn’t quite what people from the artic regions experience). Those of you that read my articles know that I am fond of using weather metaphors and that previously I have discussed the unsettled weather that the RACI has been dealing with more or less since the pandemic started. But now I feel confident to say that calmer weather is ahead. The work that our staff has been doing on restructuring our operations - including ...
Download Full Document Here 6/4/2021 Statement in response to the article in the Age on 3 April 2021 “Melbourne Uni cuts threaten to make us the ‘bogans of the Pacific’ The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) is deeply concerned about the proposed cuts to teaching positions and technical staff positions in Chemistry at the University of Melbourne. These follow fundingcrisis driven staff losses in Chemistry and other Sciences at the Australian National University and other institutions including Murdoch University. Chemistry is a central STEM field and is vital both to the future of the University of Melbourne and to Australia as a nation. ...
Download Full Document Here 8 December 2020 The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) is disappointed in the proposed changes in STEM degrees and urges Murdoch University to reconsider these changes. The RACI strongly objects to the proposal by Murdoch University to: discontinue degrees in several STEM courses including the Bachelor of Science with a Major in Chemistry, which is a degree with a current RACI accreditation. promote separation of research and teaching in Australian universities. High quality STEM degrees are critical for the future of Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capabilities and a close interconnection between ...
Download Full Document Here RACI commentary on the call for public consultation on the review of the ERA and EI assessment Executive Summary It is the view of the RACI that the ERA and EI schemes are used by the Government solely as a means to demonstrate the effect of their commitment to supporting University research and how this is leading to “well above world standard” performance; without the Government actually providing a sufficient level of genuine support that is needed to deliver such achievements in real terms. Who we are The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), has been serving the profession of chemistry ...
Download Full Document Here 7th July 2020 Ms Nicola Powell Director PFAS Taskforce and Minamata Convention Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment GPO Box 858 Canberra City ACT 2601, Australia email: PFASTaskforce@environment.gov.au Dear Ms Powell, Subject: PFAS Taskforce Consultation Response to Questions Thank you for the opportunity for the Royal Australian Chemical Institute to participate in the Australian Government consultation on the National PFAS Position Statement (the Position Statement). Who is the Royal Australian Chemical Institute? The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) is ...

Climate change policy

Download Full Document Here Policy Statement Climate Change Policy Chemists have a key role to play in protecting and remediating our environment. The chemical industry has a role to play in securing our future through environmental protection, and chemical research has the potential to positively impact on our environment in areas of agriculture, renewable energy, smart/green materials and environmental monitoring. The RACI agrees with the vast body of research evidence that shows increasing levels of infraredabsorbing (‘greenhouse’) gases including, but not limited to, CO2, CH4, N2O and SF6 from anthropogenic activity are leading to ...

Chemical weapons statement

Download Full Document Here Policy Statement Chemical Weapons Statement Chemical weapons statement (June 2017) The RACI condemns the use of any form of chemical weapon and calls on all countries and states to abide by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ Chemical Weapons Convention. The RACI endorses those entities in the international community who bring justice those responsible for any form of chemical warfare or terrorism.