The time issue

By Jessica Gallagher

Time. For most of us it is often a rare commodity. There is barely enough of it. I remember days when I was younger that seemed to last forever. Now, as a professional and a parent, they tend to race past. Life can be a juggle. I am sure I am not alone. 

How we perceive and value time forms the basis for this issue of Lumen. The meaning of time, its pertinence and importance, varies widely between individuals, professions and areas of research. 

In this issue we explore these disparities by examining different perceptions and values of time across our faculties and communities. 

We invite a physicist and a philosopher to address the same questions on the topic from their varying professional points of view. Does time actually exist? 

We ask a student and a centenarian to share their perspectives from their different stages of life. 

An Olympian discusses her race against the clock. An eminent forensic pathologist examines the importance of time of death. 

And we explore the very beginning, and end, of human life as our researchers explain some of the work underway to push those boundaries. 

We present new writing on the theme, from a literary lion of our University; explore movies on the topic; and Elder Conservatorium Director Anna Goldsworthy writes for us on how her grandfather’s metronome has gently measured the tempo of her music and her life. 

We also solve a mystery as we unmask the perpetrators of another historic campus prank, this one from the 1950s! You’ll be amazed by what they did. 

Last year we celebrated our University’s 150th. It was a time for reflection on what we have achieved. 

This year we are ever mindful of the clock ticking as we move our University forward to its next evolution. 

The new Adelaide University is now less than a year away, and our Chancellor explains how we are working to ensure this new iteration honours our past while ensuring our future. 

It’s a big job – one which embraces culture, curricula and change as well as the vital needs for research and teaching of the highest level. 

The importance of community is also explored in this issue in our letters pages where contributors write to us of how their time at our University changed their world. 

There are more prizes to be won in this issue as well – including aged wines from our Waite campus. 

I hope you enjoy this issue of Lumen!

Professor Jessica Gallagher is the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (External Engagement).