• Meteorologists on a relay for life

Some people might say that meteorologists occasionally have their heads in the clouds, but the researchers at the Cooperative Research Centre for Southern Hemisphere Meteorology will have their feet firmly on the ground this month.

The researchers will be jogging to raise money for cancer research in the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria's Relay for Life, to take place on 18 and 19 March.

In the Relay for Life pilot event held last year, the CRC fielded a team of about 25 members and raised almost $1600 for cancer research.

Team captain and CRC director Professor David Karoly said the research centre was particularly interested in skin cancer awareness.

"The centre studies ozone depletion, UV radiation, greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, greenhouse climate change and year-to-year climate variability, so the work we do on UV radiation links us to the Anti-Cancer Council in terms of skin cancer awareness," he said.

Perhaps one of the most important contributions the CRC has made to skin cancer prevention and awareness is the development of a system that forecasts UV radiation, now a regular feature on the nightly TV weather reports.

For further information about the Cooperative Research Centre's research, or their Relay for Life efforts call Professor David Karoly on extn 59669.

• Gippsland meetings go hi-tech

Staff at the Faculty of Business and Economics at Gippsland have been busy back in the classroom, but on this occasion they are also students.

They have spent the time being introduced to the new hi-tech Group Support Systems hardware/software combination, known as 'Grouputer'.

'Grouputer' is designed for everyday use in research, team building, strategic planning, interactive learning and conducting time-saving meetings.

The classroom looks like almost any other, except for the large colour monitor or panel, the group computer, and a combination of 12 mini-keyboards.

Further information can be obtained from Mr Kent Farrell on extn 26774 or email Kent.Farrell@BusEco.monash.edu.au