This has been a relatively quiet year for the Branch compared with 1996 when we had the National Congress. It has been a year in which academic physics has been under siege throughout Australia. The Council meeting in February held a somewhat gloomy discussion on the state of physics around the country, with downsizing, amalgamations or departmental closures being forecast. On a positive note, the AIP was instrumental in preventing at least one closure. The AIP Branch Chair, Professor Ken Baldwin initiated a discussion on future directions in physics, which is being taken up at the national level. Other positive actions include the development of an AIP Web presence, an AIP submission to the West Review of Higher Education and active AIP association with an enlivened FASTS. The AIP Science Policy Committee has had a good hand in this.

On the local level the Branch has had three lectures that were very popular with the general public. The first, Possible adverse health effects of radio frequency and microwave radiation, was given on 25 March by Dr Neil Cherry a New Zealand meteorologist. In this lecture he provided an interesting overview of issues relating to mobile phone radiation.

The highlight of the year was the Pawsey Memorial Lecture Antarctic Astronomy: looking at the beginning of the universe from the end of the earth, delivered in the presence of the Governor, Sir Guy Green, by Professor John Storey on 1 August. John Storey spoke of infra red astronomy using the clear cold skies near the south pole and of plans for future observatories, with Australian leadership. Several members of the Pawsey family came from Sydney for the Lecture and spoke of it as being the best they had attended. The Lecture was preceded by a most enjoyable dinner for members and the guests.

The third lecture was a dynamic and inspiring lecture, Astronomy for everyone - Understanding our view of the sky, by a Tasmanian graduate, Martin George, who is Curator of Astronomy at the Queen Victoria Museum in Launceston. He held a large audience in rapt and delighted attention for 90 minutes. We must have him back!

As usual we joined with the RACI to host the annual seminar for year 11/12 teachers. This is a very valuable occasion to provide physics and chemistry teachers with some leading edge science. A number of AIP members contributed very well. The annual Quiz for year 11/12 students was also very successful. Andrew Klekociuk and his team have our thanks for a sterling effort. Graham Sorell was the keynote speaker. We also thank our many sponsors for their support. Otherwise in physics education, there is discussion about a "switch on to physics" programme directed at year 10 students as they make their subject choices. An enhanced web presence is being discussed to have profiles of a range of representative physicists for all to see in their diverse occupations. The Branch is participating in a Royal Society of Tasmania initiative to promote the science Olympiads among both schools and the general public. I believe that there are many hopeful signs for 1998 and the future. I thank all Committee members for their support and actions for the Branch and I commend them to you, with one addition, for 1998.

Ian A Newman
Chair, AIP Tasmanian Branch 12 November 1997