Dr. Julio Navarro (physics & astronomy) is one of 17 co-authors of a paper that made the cover of the June 2 edition of the international science magazine, Nature. The international team of astrophysicists, led by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany, has just released results from the "Millennium Run," the largest computer simulation ever of the structure and growth of the universe. The simulation—the result of 500,000 trillion calculations by one of the largest supercomputers in Europe—shows how galaxies and quasars are thought to have evolved from the Big Bang 13.7 billion years ago. "It maps the way in which numerical experiments can be analysed to shed light on the origin of the largest and smallest scale structures in the universe," says Navarro, who spent part of his current sabbatical working on the project at the Max Planck Institute. He tested and readied the numerical algorithms required for the simulation.

Preventing harm from drug use is a global concern. A new book co-edited by Dr. Tim Stockwell (psychology/centre for addictions research) summarizes the research regarding global levels and patterns of drug-related harm, common risk factors, and the effectiveness of a wide range of intervention strategies. In Preventing Harmful Substance Use: the Evidence Base for Policy and Practice, contributors provide science-based reviews of knowledge on their areas of expertise, and make clear recommendations for the future of prevention policy and practice. A final section draws the work together and offers a framework for an integrated science of prevention. The book is available at the UVic Bookstore.

Dr. Hari Srivastava (mathematics & statistics) is the Canadian researcher with the greatest number of collaborations with scientists in India, says a report on Canada-India scientific cooperation published by Science-Metrix for the federal government. Between 1990 and 2001, Srivastava was involved in 34 collaborative projects, topping the list of Canadian researchers with 12 or more collaborations with Indian scientists. Srivastava, who studies mathematical analysis and mathematical physics, has ongoing collaborations with researchers in many countries.

The promotion and publications unit in the division of continuing studies picked up a national marketing award at this year’s Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE) conference, held in Newfoundland on May 29-June 1. The restoration of natural systems diploma program’s brochure, designed and produced by Michael Turner, won first place in the small brochure category. CAUCE holds an annual competition to recognize innovation and excellence for marketing materials.

Dr. David Leeming, professor emeritus of mathematics and statistics, has won a 2005 Education Prize from the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIMS). The prize recognizes a member of the PIMS community who has played a major role in promoting public awareness and appreciation of mathematics, as well as fostering communication among groups and organizations concerned with mathematical training at all levels. Leeming has been extensively involved in PIMS education initiatives, and has been the PIMS education co-ordinator since 2001. Leeming was presented with his $1,000 award at PIMS Education Day at UVic on June 1.