Dear staff,
Welcome back – I hope you enjoyed a break that was both festive and restful!
It’s been great to see so many more staff returning to our workplaces this week, and I’m really looking forward to the influx of students to our campuses in just a few weeks’ time.
To start the year, I am pleased to report that we’ve now made offers to more than 10,000 domestic students to commence their studies at UQ in 2023 and we are looking forward to welcoming a strong cohort of new international students onto campus, now that borders are opening across the world.
As we prepare to welcome new students to our campuses this year, I’d also like to warmly welcome another important new member of our community – Professor Kris Ryan, who officially took up the role as DVC (Academic) at the start of January. I’m sure you will join me in making Kris feel welcome over the coming weeks and months.
Two UQ CRC Projects receive funding support
Last week, two Cooperative Research Centre Projects (CRC-P) that UQ is involved in received funding under Round 13 of the Federal Government’s CRC-P program, which provides support for industry-led research collaborations. The two UQ-related projects each received $3 million in this round.
The first project, which is being led by Vaxxas, involves a collaboration between UQ, the University of Sydney and Sypharma. It is focussed on the development and clinical testing of a COVID-19 vaccine that’s delivered via a needle-free skin patch.
The second project (led by VivaZome Therapeutics) involves a partnership between UQ, ANU, La Trobe University, Seerpharma, and Global Life Sciences Solutions Australia. This project is producing customised exosomes that have the potential to be used as a cell-based drug delivery system.
Congratulations to Dr David Muller and Professor David Reutens, and their teams, for leading UQ’s involvement in these very promising and significant research collaborations.
Help to develop the new UQ Stretch RAP
One of our priorities this year will be the development of UQ’s new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which will build on the progress we have achieved since the launch of our original Innovate RAP in 2018.
The purpose of our RAP, of course, is to provide a framework for improving how we engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities – through the implementation of actions that strengthen relationships, build respect, and create opportunities that are mutually beneficial.
As we start to develop our new Stretch RAP, we are inviting people from across the UQ community to register to participate in one of the RAP consultation workshops that will be held between 22 February and 16 March. This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the impact of the current RAP and have your say on the initiatives that should be included in our new Stretch RAP.
New staff code of conduct course and APD
Following the update to our Staff Code of Conduct last year (in part, to incorporate the revised UQ values), we have recently refreshed the Staff Standards of Conduct course that is available through Workday.
This consolidated course now combines content from three previously separate training modules – (1) Code of Conduct, (2) Conflict of Interest, and (3) Fraud and Corruption – thereby reducing the overall volume of mandatory training that staff are required to complete. Given the importance of these issues to the overall integrity of our workplace, I’d encourage all staff to complete this new training module in advance of the two-year requirement.
And, as we settle down to start work for a new year, I’d also like to remind everyone that next Tuesday 31 January is the deadline for submitting your self-assessment in the Annual Performance and Development (APD) system, via Workday. There are a range of materials available on the APD website to help support you through the process.
Brisbane Metro project upgrade to UQ Lakes Station
Stage 2 of the project to upgrade the UQ Lakes Station at St Lucia will commence next week, as part of the Brisbane Metro construction works. When the Brisbane Metro project is complete, it will offer a convenient turn-up-and-go public transport service that operates between UQ Lakes and the RBWH Station at Herston.
To accommodate this major upgrade, Brisbane City Council (BCC) has approved the removal of 39 trees at the UQ Lakes station – and this work is expected to take place over the coming fortnight. BCC has committed to a vegetation reinstatement program as part of the project.
The dedicated bikeway on the southern side of the Eleanor Schonell Bridge will remain closed until April and, during this period, pedestrians and cyclists will need to continue to share the path on the northern side of the bridge. There is further information about the project and alternative access routes on our website.
Our commitment to a safe, supportive, and inclusive community
This week, of course, is a short working week because of the Australia Day public holiday tomorrow. I want to acknowledge that this is a day of sadness and pain for many people across our community and especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Within our current Enterprise Agreement, Australia Day remains designated as an official public holiday for staff. As part of our commitment to reconciliation and inclusivity, we will put the issue of flexibility for staff to choose how they commemorate Australia Day into the set of issues that are being considered through the current enterprise bargaining process.
This week, the Queensland Government is hosting public hearings on the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Bill 2022. The Bill aims to strengthen the equitable and legal recognition of trans, nonbinary and other people of diverse gender and sexual identity. I want to acknowledge the work that our UQ Ally Action Committee has put into their submission to the inquiry. Working to achieve greater equity for our LGBTIAQ+ community is also an issue that is being considered through our enterprise bargaining process.
All the very best for the new year.
With best wishes
Debbie
