Centre updates
Melbourne: CSIRO wins at home
in Pearman Cup 2017
The 2017 Pearman Lecture and volleyball competition was held
at its traditional home at CSIRO’s Aspendale office on Friday 21
April. Dr Karl Braganza from the Bureau of Meteorology gave
an honest and insightful presentation on the 2016 State of the
Climate report, prepared by the Bureau and CSIRO.
Rather than focus on the science of the report, Dr Braganza
spoke about the methods he used to communicate the
key messages to government and stakeholders. It was only
fitting, said Dr Braganza, as his friend and mentor Graeme
Pearman (after whom the lecture is named) is a passionate
communicator.
Dr Braganza shared examples he had used when briefing
ministers, emergency services managers, and other
government officials. He championed finding relevant case
studies, using appropriate language to communicate risk,
and framing the conversation so that it connected with his
audience, to promote action and change. For the largely
scientific attendees of the lecture, it was a masterclass in how
to make your research heard by those who make policy and
planning decisions.
After a lively question and answer session and some tasty
refreshments in the CSIRO cafeteria, it was time to head to
Aspendale sand court for the annual Pearman volleyball
competition. For the first time in a few years, CSIRO, Monash
University, the University of Melbourne and the Bureau all
fielded a team. Despite the drizzle, high-spirited play took
place, with occasional interception from nearby shrubbery
only adding to the sportsmanship.
CSIRO were undefeated in the round-robin competition, taking
the trophy back from the University of Melbourne who won
last year. The final results were:
• CSIRO 3–0
• Monash University
• Bureau 1–2
• University of Melbourne
2–1
0–3
The Melbourne Centre is currently arranging a Trivia Night, so
keep an eye out for the upcoming event details.
The University of Melbourne battle with Monash at
the 2017 Pearman cup. Images: Ben Hague
BAMOS
June 2017
13