Intersection of law and science a highlight of Research Week

The University will welcome its inaugural ‘Judge in Residence’ when Justice Margaret McMurdo delivers an inspiring keynote address to kick off Research Week celebrations on Monday August 28. The former president of the Queensland's Court of Appeal will speak on ‘Technology and the Law – Possible Future directions for the Academy, the Profession and the Judiciary’ in Lismore.

Research Week, which runs from August 28 to September 1, showcases the best research from across the University in the fields of law, plant science, business, IT, education, health, Indigenous peoples, environmental science and engineering.

Southern Cross University performs world leading research in the areas of forestry, marine science, plant science and geochemistry. Research Week is a great opportunity for the University to share achievements with local communities and collaborators.

Justice Brian Preston, Chief Judge of the NSW Land and Environment Court, will launch the book 'Law as if Earth really mattered: the wild law judgment project' co-edited by Dr Nicole Rogers (Southern Cross University) and Dr Michelle Maloney. The book contains contributions from five academic staff from Southern Cross University’s School of Law and Justice.

Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Susan Nancarrow said the University was proud to host Justice McMurdo for a keynote address.

 “As Justice McMurdo has retired from the bench, we are thrilled to benefit from her giving generously of her time and knowledge to students and the wider community through Southern Cross University,” Professor Nancarrow said.

“This year Research Week has a strong focus on the intersection of law and science, with an impressive line-up of legal guest speakers. As well, Acting Queensland Chief Scientist Dr Christine Williams is delivering a keynote address at midday on Wednesday at the Gold Coast campus.

“During Research Week we will be showcasing our excellent home-grown research, with a series of three-minute thesis presentations by our PhD students; poster displays; and a range of presentations by staff; including a discussion on child safety by Dr Sally Robinson of the Centre for Children and Young People; and a lunch time seminar by researchers from the School of Health and Human Sciences at Coffs Harbour on Tuesday.”

Coffs Harbour campus will host the presentation ‘Local Research in a Global Context’ with five prominent researchers showcasing their work to the community from 10.15am Tuesday followed by a light luncheon.

The National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour will a Marine Discovery Series Public Lecture highlighting research into water quality on the Australian coast and coastal wetland vulnerability to sea levels rising, on Wednesday from 6.30pm.

Nan Bahr, a leading educational researcher and Southern Cross University’s incoming Dean and Pro Vice Chancellor Students, will deliver a keynote address on ‘Researching Teacher Education: Models of influence’ at the Gold Coast campus on Thursday at 1pm. 

Gold Coast Research Week highlights:
• Keynote John Reid Fishman of SE Australia, hosted by School of Law and Justice, Tuesday 2.30pm
• Book Launch 'Law as if Earth really mattered: the wild law judgment project', Tuesday 5pm
• ‘Exploring the Legal Status of Nature', Justice Brian Preston, hosted by School of Law and Justice Wednesday 10am
• Keynote ‘Research and its value to the community' Acting Qld Chief Scientist Dr Christine Williams hosted by Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Wednesday 12pm
• IT Showcase Industry Event featuring Professor Dian Tjondronegoro, the University's new IT Discipline Leader, ‘Artificial intelligence and mobile cloud computing to create an integrated journey experience' hosted by School of Business and Tourism, Thursday 12pm.
• Keynote 'Researching Teacher Education: Models of influence' Professor Nan Bahr, Leading Educational Researcher, Thursday 1pm

Lismore Research Week highlights:
• The Hon Margaret McMurdo AC, Judge in Residence keynote address, Monday 12pm
• ‘Feeling Safe, being safe' hosted by the Centre for Children and Young People, Wednesday 9.30am
• Scientific Equipment and Imagery, Learning Centre at the Lismore campus, Thursday 11am

Coffs Harbour Research Week highlights:
• ‘Local Research in a Global Context' prominent University researchers will showcase their work, Coffs Harbour campus, Tuesday 10.15am
• Presentation from Director Vanuatu Fisheries Department Kalo Pakoa, at the National Marine Science Centre, Tuesday 12pm
• Marine Discovery Series Public Lecture, at the National Marine Science Centre, Wednesday 6.30pm