ANNUAL REPORT - Australian Academy of Science

Chief Executive’s foreword
The appointment of additional staff approved by Council last year has contributed significantly to improving
the Secretariat’s capacity to conduct science policy work, support the national committees for science,
increase international activities, and improve events and project management.
The enjoyment associated with working in heritage buildings brings with it a responsibility for their upkeep
which has included drainage and guttering replacements at Ian Potter House, repairs to the car park, and
finding a novel solution to replacing the ceiling lights in the Shine Dome at a fraction of the previous cost
and time. The replanting of the gardens is showing the benefit of recent rains and careful maintenance and,
judging by the number of ducklings that have been taught to swim in the Dome moat, the water treatment is
now working well.
As 2009 was the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Dome we made a special effort for the Open Day in
October which attracted over 400 visitors.
The response to the Academy’s monthly public lectures has been very pleasing with the high levels of
attendance achieved for the Australia’s Renewable Energy Future series being maintained for the subsequent
Water Management Options for Urban and Rural Australia program. We also had capacity crowds for a
National Science Week lecture by Dr Mike Raupach FAA, Climate change, human aspiration and the finite capacity
of planet Earth, and for a presentation by the President of the Royal Society, Lord Martin Rees FRS, Challenges for
the next 50 years.
Arguably the biggest project of the year was a comprehensive upgrade of the Dome’s audiovisual systems,
including an additional screen in the Jaeger Room and videoconferencing facilities in the auditorium and
Becker Room.
All of the public lectures are posted on the Academy’s website as audio or video broadcasts within a few days
and replaced by the presentation slides and transcripts as soon as they can be prepared. An upgraded website
incorporating accordion style menus was launched in March and accessing talks should be easier than ever
under ‘Events’. In addition to a major structural overhaul of the presentation of content, a ‘Fellows only’ area
has been added which includes a forum.
In short, much has been achieved over and above the usual workload and I thank all staff for their high level of
professionalism as well as their unfailing enthusiasm and good humour.
Sue Meek FTSE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S FOREWORD
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THE AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE