The Director at Friday afternoon happy hour.

Director's Report

In my second report as Director, I want to thank staff and student colleagues for their efforts over the last year, which have produced so much excellent research.

Earlier this year we undertook a major scientific review of the School's group leaders, which has led to significant strategic redirection. The Review Committee described much of our research in glowing terms, and the consequent changes in structure should position us well for phased access to the National Competitive Grants scheme. Already 25% of our budget is earned externally. Mid-year Professor John Coghlan undertook a review of our scientific support services. These have been restructured under the management of user committees (in association with RSBS).

A major initiative was the establishment of a Strategic Advisory Committee. Its terms of reference are to advise the Director on achievement of the School's strategic directions; advise on the administration and management of the School, including staff development; advise on communications and raising the profile of the John Curtin School nationally and internationally; assist in meeting with appropriate business and community leaders, forming linkages, collaborations and business development; assist with fundraising activities/strategy, especially with respect to a building fund and establishment of a fundraising committee and advise on commercialization of research.

A major administrative review of the School was undertaken by Mr Gerry Linehan, Acting Assistant Secretary, Department of Health & Aged Care, on secondment to the School. Mr Linehan undertook extensive consultations both inside and outside the School, and in the best traditions of the Australian Public Service, provided frank and fearless advice, which has enabled us to streamline our processes with substantial gains in efficiency for researchers and general staff alike and significant cost savings. I wish to record my appreciation to Mr Linehan and to all staff who have worked collegially to institute change.

The fabric of the School is our greatest handicap. The present building is inefficient, inappropriate for contemporary research, and does not conform to current building standards. A new building is needed as a matter of urgency, a theme I will no doubt return to in future reports.

Last year we honoured Frank Fenner for his distinguished contribution to the School over 50 years. This year we celebrate his Albert Einstein World Award for Science 2000. The year 2000 will be remembered as the year of the Sydney Olympics and gold for Australia. The John Curtin School's researchers having been bringing home gold medals for over 50 years, and we will remember 2000 for another gold medal to Fenner.

Other highlights include

A method of attaching special molecules to cell surfaces has been developed. These target molecules will allow anti-cancer drugs to be delivered specifically to cancer cells to stop them developing their own blood supply. (C Parish, J Altin)

Structural studies have revealed that the major signalling entity of the receptor for three cytokines has a novel structure. This may provide a basis for developing drugs useful in treating asthma, allergy and cancer. ( IG Young, P Carr, D Ollis)

Microscopy: A new $1M multi-photon and confocal microscope facility for studying sub-cellular processes in living neurons has been established in the Division of Neuroscience, funded by grants from the Wellcome Trust and the ANU . In addition a two photon confocal imaging system funded by grants from RIEF/Wellcome has been established in the Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

A precise sequence of amino acids, the "BCR Tail Sequence", has been identified which seems to have a key role in the phenomenon of immunological memory. This finding has wide implications for vaccination, allergy and autoimmunity. (C Goodnow, S Martin)

Studies on mutant forms of the E protein from Murray Valley Encephalitis have shown that a loop (the FG loop) in the structure has a functional role in the entry of the virus into cells. (E Lee, M Lobigs, A Müllbacher)

Computer searches in a database which includes more than a million DNA sequences has identified several new glutathionine s transferases. Thes enzymes have been shown to have several activities not previously known, including cell detoxification reactions. (P Board)

Differences in the incidence and structure of gap junctions in the blood vessels of normal animals and those which develop high blood pressure as a result of a genetic defect have been identified. The results suggest that there are important structural changes in blood vessels which correlate with significant changes in blood vessel function and blood pressure. (C Hill)

Neurophysiological studies of normal and congenitally deaf mice have shown that the inability of the latter to hear during development results in a dramatic alteration in neurotransmitter release between nerve cells in the appropriate part of the auditory system. (S Oleskevitch, B Walmsley)

The establishment of the Centre for Bioinformational Science in a joint venture with the School of Mathematical Sciences has been an exciting development within the School. The Centre will foster cross campus developments in the application of bioinformatics to medical research.

The Hon Dr Michael Wooldridge MP, Minister for Health, launches the School's new logo.