Dear staff,
We are into the final days of the year, and the countdown to a well-earned break has well and truly started.
Since my update last week, we have celebrated the graduation of 8500 UQ students at Gatton and St Lucia. With only a few ceremonies remaining, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the staff from across UQ working on graduations for making it such a memorable occasion for students graduating, their families and their friends.
Honorary Awards
A personal highlight for me was the conferral of an Honorary Doctorate for Kev Carmody, a Bundjalung/Lama Lama man and singer/songwriter, who performed at the ceremony. Others to receive the honour include Richard Bell, an influential artist and member of the Kamilaroi, Kooma, Jiman and Gurang Gurang communities; the Honourable Justice Anthe Philippides SC; Adjunct Professor John McKenna KC; our former Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Høj AC; and respected marine science leader Dr Ian Poiner.
This year, the University has established a new award, the UQ R.H. Roe Award, named after UQ's first Vice-Chancellor. It recognises individuals who have made a unique and lasting contribution through their dedicated service to UQ. The inaugural recipient is Emeritus Professor Fred D’Agostino, who has made an immense contribution to UQ over the past 20 years as an exemplary scholar, leader, teacher and colleague.
UniQuest strategic review
Last year, KPMG was engaged to undertake a strategic review of UniQuest and to look for opportunities for UniQuest to further support UQ’s research commercialisation efforts.
The review confirmed UniQuest as a national leader in commercialisation. The review also outlined recommendations that would help reduce barriers to collaboration between UniQuest and UQ and ensure more effective and efficient pathways to commercialisation. Over the course of this year, an Implementation Committee has overseen this work, including the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding between UQ and UniQuest.
Plant Growth Facility
I was pleased to attend the ‘topping-out ceremony’ for the new Plant Growth Facility at our St Lucia campus late last week. This ceremony marks the completion of the structural phase of the project, which in this case is about the halfway point of construction. When the building opens, it will be a world-class facility offering controlled conditions for research in areas such as food, fibre and fuel production.
Early works on the Schonell Theatre in 2023
Earlier this year, UQ and the UQ Union confirmed that the Union Complex will preserve the village-style design and, where possible, retain existing elements including the Schonell Theatre, Forum and Union Building (building 21A).
While construction on the Complex will not commence until late 2023, UQ is planning to carry out some early works on the Schonell Theatre. This will include the safe removal of some of the asbestos, electrical equipment and fixtures.
The work is likely to commence in early 2023 and will take approximately 3 to 4 months, site conditions permitting. The Union Complex webpage has the latest information on the Complex and the planned works.
QBI safety study for Alzheimer’s disease
On Tuesday, Queensland Innovation Minister Stirling Hinchliffe visited QBI to announce the start of a safety trial of a potential treatment for people with Alzheimer’s disease. I would like to congratulate the team at QBI, in particular Professor Jürgen Götz, for the decade of discovery research and continued dedication that led to this promising announcement.
Other congratulations
This week a number of colleagues around UQ have been recognised for their outstanding work and achievements.
Associate Professor Paul Harpur has been appointed to the Universities Accord Ministerial Reference Group. This is a great acknowledgement of Paul’s ongoing commitment to greater inclusivity and he will be an important voice in helping shape a new University Accord.
I would like to congratulate the 31 researchers and research teams across UQ who enjoyed an early Christmas celebration with the news that they had been successful in a number of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grant schemes. More than $31 million was awarded to progress life-changing health and medical research.
The Australian Government announced the UQ Institute for Social Science Research as a consortium partner to help establish a National Centre for Place-Based Collaboration. The consortium will focus on community-led solutions to address complex social problems and entrenched disadvantage. This is a great endorsement of the institute’s work to make a difference in the lives of Australians.
Well done also to the UQ Art Museum on receiving an award in the Sustainability category at the 2022 Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards for their work in achieving carbon neutrality certification for the ‘Oceanic Thinking’ exhibition.
Farewells
As we near the end of the year, I wanted to share with you some executive updates. Professor Peta Ashworth, Professor Jenny Seddon and Dr Al Jury will be leaving UQ in 2023.
Peta will be returning to Western Australia and will continue as an Honorary Professor at UQ, Jenny has been appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research at James Cook University and Al will be joining a Brisbane digital business as Chief Executive Officer.
I would like to thank each of them for their very significant contributions to the University and wish them all the best for their future endeavours.
Well, we have certainly packed a lot in to the last few weeks of the year. I’m hoping that next week it starts to ease, and for staff working it will provide a chance to get those last few ‘to dos’ ticked off the list.
With best wishes
Debbie
