Minutes of the Division Meeting
held on Thursday, 9 February 2000

Chair: Prof Warren Lawrance

1. Summary of 11NC

• Dr Collins reported that the cost to the Division is expected to be ~$3,000.
• Numbers at 11NC (~85) were down compared with ACPC2 in Brisbane (~110) and ACPC1 in Canberra (~150).
• Unanimous agreement that the Division participate in future National Conventions

2. Format of 12NC

No formal policy agreed to by the Division. Comments from members of the Division are listed below

• the notion of a wholy "thematic" convention was not favoured by the majority of the meeting. A smaller thematic structure heading a Division-based Convention would be appropriate.
• A ~5 year frequency for National Conventions is appropriate.
• A National Convention needs a tight focus.
• A similar structure to 11NC is appropriate.
• National Conventions need a dominant Divisional structure to ensure that all members have an interest in the Convention.

3. Next Physical Chemistry Division Conference (COPC IV)

A discussion was held concerning the location and timing of the next Divisional conference. The following was agreed:

• Venue: New Zealand (probably Christchurch, Univ of Canterbury)
• Timing: 2002, either mid-year (Jun/Jul) or early year (Jan/Feb)
• Organisers: Dr Bryce Williamson, Dr Colin Freeman

Concerns were raised about the difficulty Australian students would have in attending the conference as the options of driving is removed. However, it was pointed out that many more New Zealand students would be able to attend this time. Consideration of a student subsidy would be entertained

4. 2nd Student Conference on Physical Chemistry, 2000

Dr Kable reported that the 2nd Student Conference on Physical Chemistry would be held on Jun 17-20, 2000 at the Monte Pio Conference Centre, Rutherford, NSW (same as 1999). The organising committee consists of Dr Kable and 3 students (Ms Wendy Holstein, Adelaide; Ms Naomi Haworth, Sydney; Mr Sam XXXXXX, ANU)
(Since the Division Meeting, Mr Alex Duncan, Melbourne, has joined the organising committee)

5. Physical Chemistry Medal

A lengthy discussion was held concerning the Physical Chemistry Medal, particularly concerning its frequency, and the venue for its presentation. The following was agreed at the meeting:

• that a Medal should be awarded at least every Divisional meeting;
• that nominations should be called immediately for a 2000 Medal;

Three options for awarding the Medal were put forward:

• that the winner be funded for a seminar tour;
• that the winner be presented the Medal at the 2000 Student Conference;
• that the award ceremony be held over until the 2002 Division meeting.

There was majority support for the third option and the 2000 Medalist will be awarded the Medal in 2000, but a ceremony and Medalist lecture will be held at the 2002 meeting.

Another suggestion was made that the Medal could be awarded every year and the following Division conference could then have a Medalists' lecture session, accompanied by a ceremony for the two or three Medals awarded in the preceding time. It was pointed out that the conditions of the Medal only allow one every two years. Discussion of this option was then suspended but minuted for future reference.

6. Division Committee

It was pointed out that the term for the current Division Committee terminates at the end of this year. An advertisement will be put into Chemistry in Australia calling for nominations for a new committee to serve during 2001/2. [Action: Dr Kable]

7. Visiting Lectureship

An advertisement should be placed in Chemistry in Australia and Division members emailed, to advertise the availability of funds to support a distinguished international scientist to visit several locations in Australia. [Action: Dr Kable]

8. Treasurers Report

At 30-June-1999 (the last complete statement) the Division had $44,165.32 in its bank account. An estimate for the current account is ~$39,000 after losses on the National Convention (~$3-4k), the Student Conference (~$1k), travel to full council meeting by Chair ($450) and reconstruction of the Division Web site ($300) have been included. [Submitted by Dr Buntine, treasurer]

Scott Kable
(Division Secretary)