Bulletin

In this issue
Installation at La Trobe University of a state-of-the-art 'time-of-flight' secondary ion mass spectrometer? the only one in Victoria? has opened up new and wider research and industrial development avenues. full story

German hospitals adopt Australian funding system
With the help of La Trobe University academic, Mary Ell, Germany is introducing a payment system for hospitals similar to that used in Australia, based on Casemix. full story

INU meeting at La Trobe
La Trobe University Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Osborne, with the president of the International Network of Universities (INU) Partners, Professor Lu Tiecheng, of Sichuan University, during a recent INU meeting at La Trobe University Melbourne (Bundoora) campus. full story

Better quality of life for children with cerebral palsy
A La Trobe University research program is helping improve the quality of life for children with cerebral palsy. full story

New professor predicts 'big future for community nursing'
Community nursing is poised to be the dominant branch of nursing in the future ? and La Trobe University has positioned itself to play an important role in furnishing the necessary expertise. full story

Nursing backs away from injury
La Trobe University has evaluated a government policy to reduce one of the traditional professional hazards of nurses ? back injury caused by lifting patients. full story

Academic research libraries go 'on line'
La Trobe University early this year awarded a contract to provide software for Australia's new Academic and Research Library Network to Ex Libris Australia, following intensive evaluation through a tender process. full story

Call to arrest 'decay of diversity' in higher education
The 'insidious drift towards the functional university' was jeopardising the deeper and broader role of scholarship, La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Osborne, told a recent international gathering on the nature and role of universities. full story

Osteoporosis: A possible new investigative approach
Researchers worldwide seeking effective ways to prevent or treat osteoporosis have a possible new investigative approach open to them - thanks to pioneering research at La Trobe University. full story

Good customer contact helps business success
Looking for a way to increase customer loyalty to your service business? full story

Don't ask. Don't tell
Same sex attracted (SSA) young people are not more prone to suicide or self harm than others in their age group simply because of their sexuality. full story

River basins under stress
River basins around the world are under stress ? and despite different biological, physical and economic conditions, Australia and the USA have many problems in common. full story

Professor Finlay: President of Science Deans
Professor David Finlay, Dean of La Trobe University's Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering, has been elected President of the Australian Council of Deans of Science. full story

Intangible, valuable, and increasing rapidly
Often you can't see, touch, feel, or hear them - but they are worth more than 44 billion dollars. full story

Professor Lumley wins health medal
The Director of La Trobe University's Centre for the Study of Mothers' and Children's Health, Professor Judith Lumley, has been awarded the Sidney Sax Public Health Medal for 2002. full story

Social documentaries: Public access to complex issues
The television documentary explaining and illustrating complex social issues in terms we all understand is a critical element in public service broadcasting. full story

Healthy lifestyles in ASEAN countries
The Head of La Trobe University's School of Public Health, Professor Vivian Lin, has drafted an action plan to promote healthy lifestyles in ASEAN countries at the invitation of the World Health Organisation (WHO). full story

Film-induced tourism company. How is it travelling?
Has Australia overestimated the economic benefits of tourism in general and film-induced tourism in particular? full story

World Trade Organisation: Removing chaos at the expense of developing nations?
Is the World Trade Organisation - which aims to maximise free trade - unfair to developing nations? full story

Homeless youth risk poor health
It's hard to live well when you are young and homeless. Project i, a five-year La Trobe University study of homeless young people in Melbourne, has found that although some homeless young people manage reasonably well, many face significant health risks. full story