Australia's next generation of radiation therapists will benefit from a new three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality training system that is located on the Cumberland Campus.

The Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) system allows students to use real clinical equipment and immersive 3D technology to treat a virtual patient. The simulation offers a life-like experience of radiation therapy clinical scenarios, such as preparing patients for cancer treatment.

Read the full story.

The University has built a significant new learning and research facility at one of our teaching hospitals in Western Sydney.

Opened this month, the new facility at Nepean Hospital includes:

• clinic and ultrasound rooms
• a clinical skills laboratory
• research and education pods
• student common, computer and tutorial rooms
• a 90 seat lecture theatre.

The Nepean Clinical School educates over 200 medical students and 100 international elective students each year. Its facilities are also used by the Faculty of Nursing, the Ambulance Service of New South Wales and the University of Western Sydney.

Find out more about the Nepean Clinical School.

The Fisher North Level 3 ICT Access Lab and Level 4 quiet study areas have opened a week ahead of schedule, in time for exam preparation and end-of-semester assignments.

Collections are compacted on levels 6 and 8, with the overflow in the new Rare Books shelving on Level 1, until the new shelves from levels 4 through to 9 are ready. Please request two-hour items from staff in the foyer.

Construction in Fisher South has started and will continue until October.

The storage relocation project is continuing and delivery services are stabilising. If you need any help with your research or finding resources please contact your faculty liaison librarian.

The Australian government has launched an online competition asking young people to create a video promoting the benefits of volunteering.

The theme for the competition is “Your Passion, Our Nation. Volunteer Now!”

Prizes include camera equipment and movie editing software. Entries close Sunday 22 July.

For more information, visit the competition website.

This study will investigate eating and drinking habits, with a focus on takeaway meals and drinks.

Anyone aged between 18 and 39 years, in any form of part-time or full-time paid employment, is eligible to participate.

Participation involves completing two food diaries and three online questionnaires about how much, where and what types of takeaway meals and drinks you consume, and other questions about your diet. The questionnaires will take about one and a half hours to complete in total, and you will be reimbursed for your time.

To enquire about participating, please contact Amelia Cook with the email subject “Study on Take-Away Meals And Drinks (SoTAMAD)”, or call 9351 4672.

Join the UBS Sydney summer and winter internship program.

Exploring possible careers after university? UBS is inviting students from all disciplines to apply for their summer and winter internship opportunities. See the job ad on the Careers Centre website.

Is working for Deloitte your dream job?

The Deloitte Development Program is a unique opportunity to gain insight into life as a Deloitte employee. You’ll spend half a day shadowing a Partner and receive exclusive coaching on your application and interview skills. Positions are filling fast, so apply online now at the Deloitte website.

Coming up at USU: voting, election night party, revues, Re-O Day and the International Food Fair.

USU election voting and party 2012
You can vote today (Wednesday 30 May) on the Camperdown/Darlington Campus. Have your say in the future of the USU and enjoy a complimentary BBQ.

The election night party will be held at Hermann’s from 7.30pm. Get in on the action and see if your favourite candidate is elected, as votes are counted live.

USU Revues Season, 13 August to 15 September
Comedy. Music. Nudity. If these three words are side-by-side in print, it must be Revue Season. The University of Sydney Union Revues Season is an all singing, all dancing, academic comedy adventure, written and performed by students from faculties and affiliated sites across the University of Sydney. Auditions on now!

Re-O Day and International Food Fair - Wednesday 1 August
You came to O-Week, now get ready for Re-O Day! There’ll be clubs and societies, food, market stalls, entertainment and more!

Registrations for a stall are open now and close Friday 29 June. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-in-first-served basis. For more information contact the Access Desk on 9563 6000.

The Conservatorium’s symphony orchestra, large choir, chamber choir and the Sydney University Musical Society will perform Giuseppe Verdi's incredible Messa di Requiem.

Conducted by Professor Imre Pallo, and with over 200 performers on stage, this is an event not to be missed!

Event details
When: 6pm, Friday 1 June, and 4pm, Saturday 2 June
Where: Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, corner Bridge and Macquarie streets, Sydney
Cost: $30, concession $ 25, Friends of the Con $20, student $10

Bookings: City Recital Hall website

Hear a former White House Correspondent discuss the role of the media in US presidential elections.

What influence does ‘the fourth estate’ have in the race for the most powerful job in the world? Washington Post journalist Michael A Fletcher will share his experiences at this US Studies Centre event next week.

Event details
When: 6 to 7pm, Wednesday 6 June
Where: Lecture Theatre 101, New Law Building, Camperdown Campus
Cost: Free, registration essential

To register or for more information, visit the US Studies Centre website.

This ‘One Just World’ forum aims to engage the community on key international development issues facing Australia, the Asia-Pacific and beyond. 

Hunger is the world’s number one health risk, killing more people every year than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. By 2050, it is estimated that demand for food will have grown by 70 percent globally. Can we meet this demand?

Speakers include Dr Alana Mann from the Department of Media and Communications, Elizabeth Tongne, Kelly Dent and Michael Whitehead.

Event details
When: 6pm, Wednesday 6 June
Where: Seymour Centre, corner City Road and Cleveland Street, Chippendale
Cost: Free
Bookings: One Just World website

For more information, visit the Sydney Ideas website.

A provocative Sydney Ideas panel discussion chaired by Associate Professor Vras Karalis from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. 

As the Greek fiscal situation threatens to envelop the whole country in political crisis, Australians with a connection to Greece watch the unfolding events with a mixture of anxiety and despair.

This event brings together a panel of Australian commentators with a spectrum of views and opinions on the way forward for the country of their ancestors.

Event details
When: 6pm, Thursday 7 June
Where: St James Campus, 173-175 Phillip Street, Sydney
Cost: $25, alumni/staff/students $20 (includes drinks and nibbles)

Book through the Seymour Centre box office on 9351 7940. For more information, visit the Sydney Ideas website.

As momentum builds in this presidential election year, debates about reproductive rights, equality, and the general wellbeing of women are emerging as key campaign issues.

This informative and thought-provoking Sydney Ideas forum will feature:

• Leola Reis, vice-president of external affairs for Planned Parenthood
• George Pullman, Professor of Rhetoric at Georgia State University
• University of Sydney academics Dr Rebecca Sheehan, Dr Susan Thomas, and Dr Benjamin Miller.

Event details
When: 4pm, Friday 8 June
Where: Foyer, New Law Building, Camperdown Campus
Cost: Free, no registration required

For more information visit the Sydney Ideas website.