Post by Emeritus Professor Trevor Brown
A working group at UNE has been looking to (re-)establish a New England/North West Branch of The Royal Society of NSW. The previous New England Branch of the Royal Society commenced in 1961 and was a vibrant contributor to discourse in the region on important matters in the sciences and humanities. It was disestablished in the early 2000’s.
The Royal Society of NSW is a learned society with a 202 year history. It contributes to a just, secure and sustainable world by mobilising the multidisciplinary expertise of members and others, providing authentic and authoritative information, addressing national and global challenges and recognising and promoting excellence. A Branch in the NE/NW would provide opportunities to build a community in our region where contemporary ideas and thinking can be shared and discussed.
The first Royal Society event in the region for over 20 years was CleanTech Futures 2023: Electrification and Opportunities for Community and Business and was in collaboration with the UNE SMART Region Incubator. This event was in person at NOVA in Armidale on Monday 30 October and live-streamed to Royal Society members across the world. The keynote lecture by Professor Renate Egan, Executive Director, Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics and panel discussion with John Cleland, CEO Essential Energy, James Hay, CEO Energy Co. and Sam Coupland, Mayor Armidale Regional Council is now on the Royal Society YouTube channel.
At this CleanTech Futures event in Armidale, Vicki Bitsika, Professor of Biomedical Sciences and Christopher Sharpley, Professor of Neuroscience, both at UNE received certificates in recognition of recently being elected as Fellows of the Royal Society. These were presented by Susan Pond, President of the Royal Society.
If you are interested in applying for Associate Membership, Membership or Fellowship of the Royal Society please go to this link. For more information on the Royal Society, the establishment of a Branch or the application process please contact the chair of the working group, Trevor Brown (tbrown3@une.edu.au).