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The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine
Winter 2013
Shining a light
on rural champions
The University of Adelaide Alumni Magazine
www.adelaide.edu.au/lumen
Message from
The Lumen masthead is
derived from the University
the Vice-Chancellor
of Adelaide motto “Sub Cruce
Lumen” meaning ‘light
under the [Southern] Cross’.
Today, almost 140 years Welcome to this edition of Lumen Herein lies an opportunity to make a
since our establishment, which has a distinctly rural feel. difference for the University of Adelaide.
the University of Adelaide The University of Adelaide We will take a leading role in helping to
has enjoyed strong links with rural drive solutions to these grand issues;
community is united in its
community, and with agricultural research to address the needs of agriculture
quest for discovery and the
and education, since its establishment today through targeted research while
light of new knowledge.
in 1874. producing the next generation of
Today that connection is as vibrant outstanding scientists. And we will do
as ever and will receive a tremendous this in collaboration with industry and
boost through the largest investment in local communities.
agricultural crop production and animal This year is also significant as we
research in Australia’s history. mark the centenary of Peter Waite gifting
Earlier this year, the University his estate at Urrbrae to the University.
announced it would commit more than Elevating the profile of the Waite precinct
$50 million from its endowment to create together with our partners in agricultural
six new research professorships at the research and development is a key
Waite and Roseworthy campuses, a new ambition in the University’s Strategic Plan
animal research centre at Roseworthy, 2013–2023 Beacon of Enlightenment. In
new postdoctoral fellowships, and to November we will be holding a centennial
purchase new research equipment. dinner to celebrate the Waite, and I look
What does this mean for our rural and forward to sharing more details on this
regional communities? And for farming initiative in the coming months.
in Australia? As alumni and friends of the University, I
It means a great deal. hope you enjoy reading the diverse stories
At a time when our agricultural sector in this special edition of Lumen.
is facing critical challenges at home,
global issues of food security, climate
change and natural resource management
Urrbrae House at Waite campus present an alarming threat to communities
Photo by Rany Larcombe across the world.
Professor Warren Bebbington
Vice-Chancellor and President
Editor:
Contents Winter 2013
Kim Harvey
Sub Editor:
Candy Gibson
4
Editorial Committee:
2 24 Peter Davies, Connie Dutton, Paul Finn,
Kim Harvey, Kate Husband, Robyn Mills, Joy Prior,
Genevieve Sanchez, Chris Tonkin.
Contributors:
Andrew Cook, Connie Dutton, Candy Gibson,
Kate Husband, Robyn Mills, Catriona Neil-Dwyer,
Ben Osborne, Graeme Pope, Genevieve Sanchez.
9 Design:
Chris Tonkin
22
Editorial Enquiries:
13 University Engagement
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: [phone]
Circulation:
20 48,000 in print, 67,500 online
www.adelaide.edu.au/lumen
Printing:
Finsbury Green, www.finsbury.com.au
Printed by a carbon neutral process using
world’s best practice ISO14001 Environmental
Management Systems.
2 $50-million boost for animal 14 A global vision to fight blindness
and plant research Dr James Muecke on a mission
Research plans for Waite and Roseworthy
3 The benefactors 16 Vale Harry Medlin
John Andrew Tennant Mortlock and A remarkable man, a remarkable life
John Stanley Davies
The University of Adelaide, SA 5005 Australia,
CRICOS Provider Number 00123M
4 An animal science legacy 18 Supporting a noble goal
Professor Stefan Hiendleder’s work in The 2013 University of Adelaide Appeal Copyright © 2013
the field of epigenetics The University of Adelaide ISSN 1320 0747
Registered by Australia Post
No 56500/00097
6 Planting the seed for 20 Anna writes her own success story
agricultural achievement Graduates start their own publishing company Views expressed by contributors in Lumen are not
A lifetime of agricultural research necessarily endorsed by the University of Adelaide.
No responsibility is accepted by the University,
7 Waite Arboretum – 22 Scientific pioneer ahead of her time editor or printer for the accuracy of information
for Science and Solace Botanist Constance Eardley contained in either the text or advertisements.
30 hectares of research and recreation
Material may be reproduced without permission
from Lumen with acknowledgment of its origin.
8 Reaping the rewards in 24 A life changing legacy
regional Australia Veronika Sacco’s bequest supports
Our alumni making their mark medical research
Front cover image:
9 Rural roots beckon for Martin 27 Building a Thai life Professor Stefan Hiendleder
Dr Martin Downs counts himself among John Anderson: from the Barossa Valley at The University of Adelaide
“the lucky ones” to Bangkok Roseworthy campus
Photo by Chris Tonkin
10 Engineering a career in the outback 28 Alumni on the move
Madeleine Iles loving life and work in the Pilbara Sharing alumni achievements
11 King of the crops 30 Alumni Snapshots
2012 Australian Farmer of the Year Events from around the world Would you rather read Lumen online?
Peter Kuhlmann
As part of the University’s commitment to
sustainable practices we encourage you
13 Raising a glass to Mary 32 You can make a difference to receive Lumen online.
2012 RIRDC Rural Woman of the Year The Ronald J. Lienert scholarship
Mary Retallack Teom jaoiiln a oluumr noin@liandee mlaaidilein.egd lius.ta pulease 1652-2
The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 1
story by Robyn Mills
$50-million boost
for animal and plant research
The University has announced the largest ever investment in
university-based research into animal and crop health and
production in Australia. Lumen takes a look at what this means.
The University of Adelaide has University Vice-Chancellor and “It’s now a century since Peter Waite
ambitious plans for research at its President Warren Bebbington outlined made his extraordinary gift of his Urrbrae
Waite and Roseworthy campuses: the creation of six new research estate to the University.
a Waite Campus that’s likely to become professorships at the Waite and “Today Waite is the focus for key major
one of the most powerful concentrations Roseworthy campuses, a new animal research organisations, and we plan to
of agricultural, food and wine research in research centre at Roseworthy, new help the Waite achieve global prominence
the world; and Roseworthy, as the most postdoctoral fellowships, and the as an agricultural science research
significant research hub for food and fibre purchase of new research equipment. consortium. Not since Peter Waite have
animals in Australia. “These initiatives will make a major we seen an investment even close to
These visions were brought a step contribution to international research this magnitude for agricultural science
closer this year with the announcement in agriculture and animal production, research in this country.”
of a $50-million investment in animal and and confirm Adelaide as the leading The $50-million endowment fund comes
crop health and production research using centre for animal and agricultural from the gifts of two benefactors, JAT
funds from the bequests of JAT Mortlock research in Australia,” Professor Mortlock and JS Davies, whose express
and JS Davies. Warren Bebbington said. wishes were to support these fields.
2 Lumen | Winter 2013
story by Robyn Mills
“We are extremely proud to be able to outstanding research community at
honour their memories in a way that will the Roseworthy campus,” Professor
not only support South Australia’s farming Abbott said.
community, but also address global issues At the Waite campus the University will
of food security and climate change establish:
adaptation,” Professor Bebbington said. > The JAT Mortlock Chair in Agricultural,
At the Roseworthy campus, the Horticultural and Pastoral Science,
University will establish: who will also be Director of the Waite
> The JS Davies Animal Research Research Institute;
Centre—building on existing strengths > Three further professorships—the JAT
with a focus on production, global food Mortlock chairs in Plant Stress, Crop
security, biosecurity and animal welfare; Protection and Crop Improvement –
> Two professorships—the JS Davies supported by research staff in crop
Chair in Animal Health and the JS epigenetics, stress response biology,
Davies Chair in Animal Production—to plant–pest interactions, genetics of
take leading roles in the new Centre, resistance, reproductive biology and
including research equipment and crop performance.
research infrastructure and post Waite Research Institute Director (and
doctoral research and technical new JAT Mortlock Chair) and Head of The benefactors
support staff. the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
These two new professorships will Professor Mike Wilkinson said: “The Waite
The new $50-million endowment
supplement the existing JS Davies Chair Campus is increasingly focusing on two
has been made possible by the
in the area of epigenetics and genetics, global grand challenges: food security and
generous bequests of John Andrew
currently held by Professor Stefan food production for healthier outcomes.
Tennant Mortlock and John
Hiendleder. “In the next 40 years, the world must Stanley Davies.
“This is a very significant investment increase food production at rates higher
in the future of animal based research at than ever in history and this must be done JAT Mortlock (1894–1950) was a
the Roseworthy Campus,” said Professor through increasing yields, not area of successful pastoralist and stud Merino
Iain Reid, Executive Dean of Roseworthy production, and sustainably. It also needs breeder and great philanthropist. During
Campus. “It will allow us to continue to to be done in the face of climate change his life he made significant donations to
build the campus as a focus of animal and with a need to increase quality of agricultural research. On his death, his
science in Southern Australia.” food, not just quantity. estate passed to his wife Dorothy who, in
Professor Reid said this latest boon “The Waite campus intends to be at turn, followed his wishes with the bequest
came on top of the investment of more the forefront of research and education of the family property, Martindale Farm
than $50 million in capital works for to meet these challenges. And to do that, at Mintaro, to the University of Adelaide
the School of Animal and Veterinary we need to attract the best researchers for use in connection with the University’s
Sciences since 2008 – over $32 million to our campus, to adopt the latest, most Waite Campus (then known as the Waite
by the University, $15 million by the sophisticated scientific technology, and Agricultural Research Institute).
Federal Government and $5 million by to build on our existing partnerships and
Pastoralist JS Davies (1889-1968) spent
the State Government. create new ones.
his working life improving strains of beef
“This investment in Roseworthy has “This investment in research is a major
cattle and made his stock some of the
revitalised the campus and we are step towards this vision. It will help us
best available in the country. He never
seeing tremendous growth in student develop the critical mass of specialist
married and, on his death, bequeathed
and staff numbers, both academic researchers we need for the Waite
part of his estate to the University of
and professional,” said Professor Reid. Campus to lead the way in agriculture,
Adelaide and part to Prince Alfred College
“Together with this latest investment, and food and wine research to secure
in a 5/6 to 1/6 share. He asked that the
closer relationships with our collaborative our agricultural industries and to help
trustees carry on farming activities on the
partners on campus, Roseworthy will be feed the world.”
properties, Munduney at Spalding, and
leading research and education in animal Professor Bebbington highlighted
Moralana Station north of Hawker, for 20
sciences into the foreseeable future.” the impact that philanthropic giving
years. He wished to promote research
Professor Kym Abbott, Head of can have on university research. “We
into cattle and beef production.
the School of Animal and Veterinary take donor intentions very seriously,
Sciences, said the expansion of research because philanthropy can make a major The net proceeds to the University of
at Roseworthy would strengthen links contribution to the University’s ability to $50.7 million from the sale of the three
with the South Australian Research and develop research for the growth of the properties completed last year have been
Development Institute (SARDI). economy of our State and nation,” used to establish an Endowment Fund to
“These links, recently consolidated he said. continue the research focus on crop and
in pig and poultry research, will now animal health and production.
be extended to ruminant livestock as
talks continue on the ways that the two Above: John Stanley Davies
organisations can best combine their
Photo courtesy of University
strengths and resources to create an of Adelaide archives
The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 3
An animal
science legacy
4 Lumen | Winter 2013
story by Robyn Mills
The legacy of JS Davies is already being seen in the work
of Roseworthy campus’ Professor Stefan Hiendleder with
great potential benefits for animal production and quality.
Professor Hiendleder came to the Professor Hiendleder came to We are using bovine
University of Adelaide in 2005 as the Roseworthy from the highly regarded
models to generate
JS Davies Professorial Fellow. Gene Centre of the Ludwig-Maximilian
His work in the field of epigenetics and University in Munich. outcomes in epigenetics
genetics promises tremendous advances He was attracted to the University of
that will be of great benefit
in animal breeding. Adelaide because of the world-leading
Epigenetics, Professor Hiendleder researchers in pre-and post-natal to the beef industry and
explains, is the science “on top of development (he is also a research leader beyond, including human
genetics”, referring to heritable changes in in the Robinson Institute’s Research
medicine.
the ways our genes are expressed. These Centre for Reproductive Health) and
modified genomes follow different patterns because of the JS Davies funding that
of inheritance than the classic mendelian enabled him to establish a unique bovine
genetics we all learn about in school. tissue bank at Roseworthy, allowing him
“My group is interested in determining to do this exciting work.
which traits are affected by these non- “This is an extremely valuable
classical genetics,” says Professor resource,” Professor Hiendleder says.
Hiendleder. The research group is “No-one else in the world has anything
identifying genetic markers for specific like we have here.”
genes under epigenetic control. To date, He leads the JS Davies Epigenetics and
there are virtually no data on this in Genetics Group with four PhD students,
farm animals. one post-doctoral research fellow and
“We are using bovine models to a shifting population of Honours and
generate outcomes in epigenetics that Veterinary Sciences students.
will be of great benefit to the beef industry Head of the School of Animal and
and beyond, including human medicine,” Veterinary Sciences, Professor Kym
he says. Abbott, says: “The School already has a
Current breeding programs in animals number of outstanding animal scientists
do not take these epigenetic effects into who have worked in the areas of genetics,
account. For example, models used nutrition, food and fibre production of
today suggest that fertility has a very ruminants for over a decade.
low degree of heritability. But there is “The more recent arrival of Professor
increasing evidence that when individual Stefan Hiendleder, with his exciting and
components are investigated, for example groundbreaking work on epigenetics
ovulation rate in cattle, epigenetic effects in beef cattle, has expanded and
are playing a much larger role than strengthened the School’s position as a
previously thought. leading research provider in these fields.
“By identifying these non-mendelian “The expansion of the JS Davies
modes of inheritance for genes that bequest will now facilitate the
have important production and quality appointment of at least two more eminent
outcomes, we can better understand the researchers and the creation of a centre
genetic architecture of quantitative traits in for research in the areas related to food
animals and humans. animal production, health and welfare.
“For beef producers, this means more “Within five years we expect this unit
accurate estimates of the breeding values will be the most significant research hub
of animals,” Professor Hiendleder says. for food and fibre animals in Australia,
“That leads to increased efficiencies – we including, as you would expect in a Left: Professor Stefan
Hiendleder at The
can select for particular characteristics vibrant research institution, a large
University of Adelaide
more efficiently; we can produce with less body of postdoctoral scientists and Roseworthy campus
inputs and produce higher quality.” PhD students.” Photo by Chris Tonkin
The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 5
story by Ben Osborne
Planting the seed
for agricultural achievement
Tony Rathjen’s lifetime of agricultural research
has had hundreds of collaborators: the farmers,
scientific colleagues and students themselves
who have benefited from his findings.
6 Lumen | Winter 2013
story by Genevieve Sanchez
After studying and working at the > Developing and releasing numerous
Waite
University for more than 40 years, varieties of bread and cereal wheats,
Professor Rathjen ‘retired’ in 2012 including the widely grown bread
Arboretum
– although he is still active in a number wheat resistant to the pest cereal
of areas. cyst nematode. His Yitpi bread wheat
Professor Rathjen grew up on a variety has been widely used across – for Science
property near Birdwood, and studied Southern Australia (at its peak, the
Agricultural Science at the University variety accounted for 35% of all wheat and Solace
of Adelaide before completing a PhD grown in South Australia and 70%
at Cambridge. of Victoria’s);
In 1965 he returned to Adelaide to > Initiating critical research into plant
Peter Waite’s far-sighted gift of
begin his academic career as a lecturer breeding including investigation of
his Urrbrae estate specified that
in plant breeding. But it was hardly the crown rot disease in durum, and the
the western half was to be held in
career of an academic who sat in their impact of high levels of soil boron on
perpetuity as a park or garden for
office or in the laboratory all day. cereal growth;
the enjoyment of the public.
“I think I was very fortunate to be on the > Applying his ‘hands-on’ research
scene when there was a huge change in philosophy to his teaching, with many The Arboretum, established in 1928, is more
agriculture technology, particularly from agricultural science students describing than a beautiful, tranquil green space: it is a
the 1970s onwards,” he said. his field trips as highlights of their 30-hectare experimental collection of plant
“It was obviously good in lots of ways: undergraduate studies; and species from around the world being trialled for
farmers could grow their crops more > Being patriarch of a high-achieving and suitability to our soils and climate and providing
efficiently with better yields. But there academic family, with all five children a valuable resource for scientific research
was a downside, too: because it was receiving PhDs (with one, Peter, now and teaching.
more efficient it meant fewer farmers were Vice-Chancellor at the University
The collection of more than 2300 labelled trees
needed and it led to a kind of breakdown of Tasmania).
includes many species endangered in the wild
of the community structure which revolves Quietly, Professor Rathjen has given
and a heritage-listed Elm Avenue. Special
around farming in Australia.” back to the education system which
collections include oaks, ornamental pears
Professor Rathjen places enormous launched his career.
and dragon trees.
value on the role the farmers themselves With the royalties from the
played in driving his agricultural research. commercialisation of the Yitpi grain, he The trees are grown without watering after
“At a personal level, because I grew up has also set up the Yitpi Foundation. The establishment, demonstrating which species
on a farm, farming is what I know and I foundation encourages and promotes perform well under rainfall alone and informing
consider a lot of the farmers I’ve worked research and education in the fields of better species selection for our urban forests
with mates,” he said. crop science, particularly in relation to the of the future.
“By developing those personal wheat industry in southern Australia.
Interpretive signs, koalas, birds, stunning
relationships, I think that helped my The foundation’s other focus is close
sculptures, a labyrinth, a watercourse and
science and my research. I was able to to Professor Rathjen’s heart, as it formed
shady seats enrich the visitors’ experiences.
talk to the farmers and gain an insight the basis for the career of his late
from them about what was happening wife, Cynthia: linguistics of Australian The Arboretum is open and free, dawn til dusk,
on the land. languages, and studies of the cultures every day of the year and free guided walks
“They were in the best position to of Aborigines, particularly in relation to are held on the first Sunday of every month.
understand the environment that they land usage. It is supported by the Friends of the Waite
were working in, and many of them were “It’s been gratifying to see my research Arboretum and a group of dedicated volunteers.
very astute observers about practices and end up having real application on the land,
For more information visit www.waite.adelaide.edu.au
processes, about what worked and what but also that I’m able to put the proceeds or contact the Director, Dr Jennifer Gardner
on [phone].
didn’t work, and about unusual things from that towards things I’m passionate
they’d noticed. about,” he said.
“It’s one thing to be in the lab all day,
but it’s another thing to be on the land
with these people and learning about
agriculture where it actually happens,
and then applying that knowledge to
your research.”
Dr Rathjen’s career achievements
are many:
> Co-founding the Crop Science
Society of South Australia, an active
organisation of farmers, consultants
Left: Professor Rathjen
and scientists which provides a harvesting durum wheat
forum for the exchange of information in 2010.
and research into crops and crop Picture by Paula
Thompson, courtesy of
production; the Stock Journal.
The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 7
story by Connie Dutton
Reaping the rewards
in regional Australia
For almost 140 years, University of Adelaide graduates
have made an impact not only across the world, but
just as importantly, at a local and community level.
In this edition, Lumen looks at the of Adelaide set us up to then gain the
contribution the University’s graduates postgraduate experience we needed to
make in rural towns and communities pursue our special interests,” Martin said.
across Australia. “Although we are GPs, Fiona does a
The relaxed country lifestyle is hard to lot of anaesthetics and I, obstetrics. We
forego, and for these graduates, returning are now delivering the next generation of
to live and work in the rural setting in babies,” he said.
which they grew up has seen them Martin and Fiona believe that the
contribute in many ways to the growth biggest challenge facing rural towns is
and wellbeing of the towns as well as to equity of access to all services, especially
the advancement of the residents. in health.
Doctors Martin and Fiona Altmann, who “There are a lot of studies that show an
run a family general practice in Murray early positive experience in rural medicine
Bridge, have been making an impact in increases the chance of medicos returning
their community for the past 20 years. to the country; we hope we can play a Above: Doctors Martin
and Fiona Altmann
Their work was recognised in 2012, when part in the future that way,” Martin said.
they were jointly awarded the Telstra Our graduates are contributing to a
RDAA Rural Doctor of the Year Award. bright future for regional, rural and remote
“We both love the challenge and Australia in many ways. Read how their
rewards of working in a tight-knit innovation and determination are making
community and no doubt our terrific a difference and inspiring others across
undergraduate years at the University the country.
8 Lumen | Winter 2013