26- 05-2023
As we approach the end of the first half of 2023, we salute our John Monash Scholars for their exemplary achievements over the last six months. Each week our Scholars continue to shape society by providing solutions to the challenges we face today.
In this week's edition, we pay tribute to the ongoing legacy of General Sir John Monash, delve into noteworthy Scholar research and amplify the significance of National Reconciliation Week in Australia, which commences on Monday 27 May.
Applications for the 2024 Scholarships will close at 11.59pm on 14 July 2023. We are looking forward to discovering who has applied and learning about these talented potential John Monash Scholars.
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National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June – is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
As celebrations begin next week, Karri Walker, 2023 Victorian Government John Monash Scholar and Dr Brett Shannon, 2021 Australian Universities’ John Monash Scholar, share the significance of this week and the importance of reconciling the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait.
General Sir John Monash Commemorative Service |
Nicholas Maurer, 2023 BHP John Monash Scholar, had the opportunity to attend and speak at the General Sir John Monash commemorative service last week. The event was organised by the Spirit of Australia Foundation and hosted at the Queensland Academy of Science, Mathematics and Technology. It brought together student leaders from around Brisbane along with representatives from the armed forces, the Toowong Uniting Church, the RSL and Legacy Australia Foundation.
“The purpose of the service was simple; to remember the life and legacy of General Sir John Monash. For my part, I was inspired again by what this man was able to achieve. Among other things, he modelled effective leadership, the importance of education and a commitment to service. These themes featured strongly throughout the entire ceremony and I hope made an impression on the students in attendance. Representing the General Sir John Monash Foundation at this event was a privilege, particularly to witness the community come together to remember his life nearly 100 years on.”
It was a pleasure to have Nicholas represent the General Sir John Monash Foundation at this event and share his perspective on Monash's legacy with the student leaders present.
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Dr Yolanda Klempfner AO, has long had a passion for education and learning. For the last 20 years, she has been instrumental in assisting and guiding the General Sir John Monash Foundation, a scholarship program awarded to Australians for postgraduate study overseas. In our inaugural 20th anniversary podcast special, Dr Klempfner reflects fondly on her two decades with the Foundation. Listen here |
Economic transformations in the Asia-Pacific
Dr Arjuna Dibley, 2016 Woodside John Monash Scholar, presented to the Asialink program earlier in the year on how sustainability crises are driving economic transformations in Asia-Pacific.
“Sadly, the communique from the G7 summit in Japan earlier in the week highlights how this path towards green change in Asia will not be a linear one. The communique leaves the door open for substantial coal and gas power production, contrary to what the science tells us we need. My colleagues at Melbourne Climate Futures will continue to follow these diplomatic processes and reflect on what they mean for Asia Pacific. For investors, it is important not to get distracted by conflicting policy positions, but instead to focus on what climate science is showing: rising emissions are leading to more severe climate impacts, and this is driving risk to communities, economies and assets in Asia. No better time than now to focus on sustainable finance.”
Dr. Dibley is a researcher and adviser working on climate change law and economics. As a John Monash Scholar, he completed a Doctor of Science and Law at Stanford University, which focused on clean-energy innovation and sovereign climate risk. He has an ongoing interest in South-East Asia, a region in which he lived and worked for over a decade. He is currently the Head of Sustainable Finance Hub at the University of Melbourne, an Honorary Research Associate at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at the University of Oxford, a Fellow of the Centre for Policy Development and on the board of CarbonPlan and Environmental Justice Australia.
Distinct lung cell signatures define the temporal evolution of diffuse alveolar damage in fatal COVID-19
Australia is heading towards a landslide of respiratory diseases, including a fifth wave of COVID-19. It is in times of need where substantial research into the virus is vital for our futures.
Dr Luke Milross, 2020 Roden Cutler NSW John Monash Scholar, has co-authored a research paper focusing on studying the heterogeneity and lung damage in severe cases of COVID-19. The study conducted uses imaging mass cytometry analysis and a novel airspace correction step to identify the cellular immune response underlying the variations in severe COVID-19 lung disease. Read here
Global green hydrogen-based steel opportunities surrounding high quality renewable energy and iron ore deposits
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Alli Devlin, 2020 Commonwealth Bank John Monash Scholar, has co-authored a recently published research paper with Nature Communications. This paper addresses a need for reform in the steel sector, which contributes considerably to global CO2 emissions. The research also examines the market competitiveness of a decarbonisation approach that involves using green hydrogen-based direct reduction of iron ore followed by electric arc furnace steelmaking. Read here |
IN THE MEDIA
Andrew Hudson, 2005 John Monash Scholar, was interviewed by the University of Melbourne discussing his career trajectory to date and his passion for solving some of the biggest global issues we face in society today.
Dr Nikki Bart, 2010 John Monash Scholar, spoke with Virginia Trioli on ABC Radio National about heart transplant and heat failure, the 'atypical' symptoms of the disease and how you can improve your heart health.