Exciton Science

To foster closer cooperation, enhance communication and build collaboration across the geographically dispersed nodes of the Centre, Exciton Science holds regular seminars with each of its five nodes rotating through hosting duties. The program developed throughout the year and is a leading mechanism for Exciton Science members to come together and further the Centre’s objectives while learning about new developments.

The final seminar of 2019 was held in October at The University of Melbourne. The administering node welcomed participants from RMIT, Monash University, The University of Sydney and UNSW Sydney.

Following an update from Centre Director Paul Mulvaney, Associate Investigator James Hutchison delivered a fascinating lecture addressing his research into chalcogenide monolayers on photonic nanostructures. The members in attendance also heard from the Centre’s new Media and Communications Officer, Iain Strachan, and Outreach Officer, Jasmine Lynch, about their plans to support and promote the Centre going into 2020 and beyond.

The seminars provide an opportunity for Centre members to coordinate regarding particular areas of focus and shared responsibility. Two sub-committees for postgraduate students and early career researchers respectively meet to plan events, talk about what being a part of a Centre of Excellence means to them, and how they can make the most out of their time with the Centre to further individual and collective academic and professional objectives. The Centre’s Chief Investigators also meet to discuss their work and priorities, and the future direction of the Centre. It is also at each seminar that the Science Committee meets to conduct rigorous reviews of the Centre’s Research Platforms. By the end of 2019, the first two of the Centre’s platforms have undergone this review process, with the remainder to be addressed in early 2020.

The Centre has implemented a sustainable events policy for all its seminars and events, which includes offering vegetarian catering as an indication of the Centre’s commitment to minimising its carbon footprint. But most importantly, the Monthly Seminar Series offers participants a valuable opportunity to network and form more productive personal and working relationships.