Dear staff,
I hope you enjoyed our last long weekend for 2022. To start another busy month, I have some updates to share about a senior appointment and commercial research success, some more sombre news about the death of one of UQ’s finest contributors, and information about support for colleagues and staff impacted by the situation in Iran.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) appointment: Professor Kris Ryan
Firstly, I’m delighted to announce that Professor Kris Ryan has been appointed as UQ’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). He joins us from Monash University, where he has been Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic since 2019.
Professor Ryan will bring to UQ a dynamic blend of academic, research and teaching expertise, contemporary technology design and implementation, and strategic leadership and change experience. He has held a number of senior academic roles over the past 13 years at Monash and is recognised internationally as a leader in learning analytics and education innovation. Professor Ryan also has an active research focus in both education and computational modelling of fluid mechanics.
I’m sure you will join me in making him welcome when he joins our team in January 2023.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching & Learning) Professor Doune Macdonald for her contribution as Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) since April – her efforts and leadership during this time have been much appreciated. Doune will continue to act in the role until Professor Ryan commences in early 2023.
Pfizer-ResApp – success for another UQ startup
In another outstanding endorsement of our research, global biopharmaceutical company Pfizer acquired the UQ startup ResApp Health Limited for $179 million last week. The technology was developed by Associate Professor Udantha Abeyratne and his team in the School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering and was licensed to ResApp by Uniquest in 2014. Congratulations to everyone involved.
CEDA State of the State address
On Wednesday last week, I had the privilege of introducing the Hon. Ananastasia Palaszczuk to deliver her Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) State of the State address. During this address, the Premier unveiled the state government’s new 10-year energy plan and announced new renewable energy targets of 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035. Given UQ’s strong record on sustainability and focus on renewables research, we are well positioned to work with government and industry to help Queensland transition to a cleaner, more affordable energy future.
Vale Christine Bundesen AM
I would like to acknowledge the life and service of Christine Bundesen AM, who died on Monday 26 September. Christine was a friend and longstanding colleague of many across the UQ community, and instrumental in the success of our former Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education (ICTE-UQ), now UQ College.
As a pioneer of English language training, Christine formed many lasting partnerships across education, government, industry and philanthropy. In more than 30 years at the helm of ICTE-UQ, her vision significantly strengthened UQ’s global reach and impact, and her legacy is deeply embedded in UQ College’s approach today. You can read about Christine’s lifetime of contribution, her pioneering achievements and her legacy in the tributes paid on her retirement in 2015. Our condolences to Christine’s family and friends.
Support for our Iranian colleagues and students
Finally, I am sure you are aware of the recent unrest in Iran. Our thoughts and support are with the many across the UQ community who have ties to Iran as current citizens, through Iranian origin or heritage, and with family and friends living there. We are working directly with students and the UQ Persian Society to offer assistance. If you know of any students requiring support, please direct them to the Student Services team. Staff in need of a helping hand are encouraged to speak with their manager, or contact UQ’s confidential Employee Assistance Program (ph: 1300 360 364) at any time.
With best wishes
Debbie
