Animate Materials

This report identifies a new and potentially transformative class of materials: materials that are created through human agency but emulate the properties of living systems. We call these ‘animate materials’ and they can be defined as those that are sensitive to their environment and able to adapt to it in a number of ways to better fulfil their function. These materials may be understood in relation to three principles of animacy. They are ‘active’, in that they can change their properties or perform actions, often by taking energy, material or nutrients from the environment; ‘adaptive’ in sensing changes in their environment and responding; and ‘autonomous’ in being able to initiate such a response without being controlled. Artificial materials that are fully animate in all these dimensions do not exist at present, but there are many examples of materials with some features that correspond with our definition of animacy, as well as research that indicates potential ways to improve and extend their capabilities. The development of such materials has been identified by the Royal Society as an area of research with potential to deliver major change, most noticeably in the built environment, from roads and buildings to transport and industry, as well as in sectors such as medicine and clothing. Development and implementation of proto-animate materials are currently being pursued in many disciplines, but without any formal co-ordination. The Royal Society is seeking to support interdisciplinary efforts in the field of animate materials, as well as to improve understanding of their potential, while identifying steps needed to accelerate their development in a socially responsible manner

Annual report

Annual report for 1926 includes list of members, reports from sections, and meetings held during the year. Northern Branch report includes reports frpm sections, receipts,expenditure and annual financial statement for 1926

Abstract of proceedings

The Annual Meeting was held on the 24th March, 1930, at the Society's Rooms, Tasmanian Museum, HQbart, Mr. L. Rodway, C.M.G., presiding. The Annual Report and Financial Statement were read and adopted. The following were elected Miembers of the Council for 1930: Dr. A. H. Clarke, Dr. W. L. Crowther, Messrs. W. H. Clemes, W. H. Cummins, A. V. Giblin, A. N. Lewis, L. Rodway, E. E. Unwin, F. E. Ward, C. E. Lord (ex officio). Mr. Walter E. Taylor was elected honorary audioor. It was announced that Dr. Clarke and Mr. Rodway did not seek re-election as Vice-Presidents, and that the President (His Excellency Sir James O'Grady, K.C.M.G.) had appointed Dr. W. L. Crowther and Mr. A. N. Lewis as Vice Presidents for 1930

Abstract of proceedings

Abstract of meetings for 193

Annual report

The Annual Meeting was held on the 16th March, 1931. The following were elected as Members of the Council for 1931:-Dr. A. H. Clarke, Mr. W. H. Clemes, Dr. W. E. L. Crowther, Mr. E. T. Emmett, Dr. A. N. Lewis, Mr. L. Rodway, .Mr. J. Reynolds, Mr. E. E. Unwin, Mr. F. E. Ward, and Mr. C. Lord (ex officio). Mr. W. E. Taylor was elected Honorary Auditor. The Council at its first meeting made the following appointments:- Chairman-Mr. W. H. Clemes, B.A., B.Sc. Secretary-Mr. Clive Lord. Standing Committee-Messrs. Clemes, Lord, and D:c·. Lewis. Trustees of the Tasmanian Museum and Botanical Gardens-Drs. Clarke, Crowther