ANSTO would like to congratulate local scientist Dr Joseph Bevitt who was presented with the Nyholm Lectureship award by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute for his guest lectures to secondary students and members of the public on the benefits of nuclear science.
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| Dr Joseph Bevitt who was presented with the Nyholm Lectureship award by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. |
From radiological techniques used to determine ground-water consumption, to fraud detection in art and the use of neutrons in developing communications technologies, Dr Bevitt was praised for his presentation of the 2011/2012 Nyholm Youth Lecture titled ‘Chemistry of the Nucleus’ that explored the science behind nuclear reactions and properties of radiation and how we as humans can best utilize them.
The lecture is aimed at inspiring a fascination with science as well as addressing curriculum requirements for science and chemistry courses with students given the opportunity to interview a chemist, which is a compulsory aspect of the Year 12 NSW Chemistry Syllabus.
Dr Bevitt presented the interactive lectures to over 2,500 members across New South Wales, including university students at UNSW, the University of Sydney, Southern Cross University at Lismore, University of New England in Armidale, Questacon in Canberra and several schools and townhalls across the state.
The biannual Nyholm Youth Lectures are sponsored by the RACI NSW Branch and celebrate the life and passion of Sir Ronald Nyholm who was a University of Sydney graduate and pioneer of coordination chemistry and chemical education in Australia and the UK.
The award recognises a major national research or innovation contribution to the field of chemical science education.
Started in 1979, the lectures offer an opportunity for secondary students to hear a chemist speak about their research and field of work at a level they will comprehend, and to explore exciting career options for scientists in Australia.
Published: 15/10/2012