Message from the Vice-Chancellor

As members of a research intensive university, many of our academics spend a lifetime devoted to finding a breakthrough for some of the world's most debilitating diseases. It is meticulous, frustrating, often thankless work. However, the rewards can be tremendous, as evidenced by our alumni featured in this edition's cover story, who are all making headway in the global fight against AIDS.

The disease currently affects more than 30 million people worldwide, and continues to spread rapidly in developing countries, making the search for a vaccine more critical with every passing day.

It is heartening to know that some of the scientists who are playing a key international role in controlling the AIDS epidemic are graduates of the University of Adelaide, making a significant impact in their field.

The difference that a world class education can make is demonstrated quite clearly in this Winter edition of Lumen.

Nuclear law and resources specialist Melissa Holzberger is carving an illustrious career in the mining sector and her achievements are being widely applauded within South Australia and further afield.

Another star on the rise is human rights lawyer Catherine Maywald, whose commitment to improving the lives of people in war-torn Sudan and other Third World countries is outlined in our Global Impact feature.

Economist Dr Martin Parkinson and mathematician Leo Lazauskas are both dealing with complex equations, albeit of a different sort. Each is passionate about his field and earning recognition for their vision.

On the creative side, in this edition we celebrate the achievements of cartoonist Ross Bateup, musician Emily Kilpatrick and writer Garry Disher.

This edition also announces the launch of two new exciting programs for the University's alumni - an online community network and a membership program and privileges pack.

I hope you enjoy your Winter issue.

PROFESSOR JAMES A. McWHA
Vice-Chancellor and President