Invited Speakers National TechNet Conference 2008

 

Keynote Address

9:30 am  Thursday  4 December
Professor Richard “Bert” Roberts, ARC Australian Professorial Fellow, GeoQuEST Research Centre, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, UoW
(www.uow.edu.au/science/eesc/eesfellows/UOW003001.html)

Title: Technological innovations of the Stone Age: chronologies, catalysts and consequences of human ingenuity

Abstract: We are a creative species. Artefacts made of stone, bone, shell and other durable materials are the vestiges of our ancestors’ ingenuity – they include the first evidence for symbols and personal ornaments in human prehistory and represent the technological inventions of the Stone Age. Where and when did these turning points in human evolution take place, what were the catalysts for these bursts of innovative behaviour, and what were the consequences for our species and the other inhabitants of planet Earth? Answers have only recently started to emerge, as a result of technological improvements and innovations in the 21st century. Some of the highlights—and lowlights—of humanity’s chequered past will be explored in this talk, as will the role played by researchers and technical staff in fleshing out the story of our species.

Plenary Addresses

11.00 am  Thursday  4 December
Professor Julie Steele, Head, School of Health Sciences & Director, Biomechanics Research Laboratory, UoW
(www.uow.edu.au/health/brl)

Title: Innovations in textile biofeedback technology: From bouncing breasts to noisy knees

Abstract: A perpetual challenge confronting practitioners when they are evaluating human motion is to monitor characteristics of human performance and then to “feed” this information back to the performer in real-time so the performer can modify their motion to achieve the desired outcome. Although advances in technology have provided highly sophisticated equipment for biomechanical analyses of human performance, many of these items are unsuitable as biofeedback devices because they require extensive data processing before meaningful information can be relayed back to the performer.  Recent advances in polymer science, however, now enable inherently conducting polymers to be integrated into appropriate host fabrics, creating the opportunity to develop wearable sensors which offer novel biomonitoring options. These fabric sensors are ideal for biomonitoring applications as they can be integrated directly into existing clothing and equipment without changing the material properties or functions of these items and without interfering with normal human motion. The purpose of this talk is to overview the development of these unique fabric sensors, from their initial application in monitoring breast motion to the development of an innovative fabric biofeedback system designed for use in landing training programs to reduce knee ligament injuries. The role of technical staff in the development of these innovative systems will also be presented.

9.30am Friday 5 December
Dr James Wallman, Senior Lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, President of the NSW Branch of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society and a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society (http://www.uow.edu.au/science/biol/academics/UOW009781.html)

Title: Swatting the myth: why flies are good for you

Abstract: Despite their bad reputation, flies are critical to our environment and welfare.  In this talk, fly biologist and forensic entomologist, Dr James Wallman, will provide fascinating insights into the flies found in human and other animal corpses, how these creatures help solve crimes, and why they are so important from an ecological, as well as medical and veterinary perspective.