Dear staff,
As always, there has been a lot happening around UQ and there are a number of updates that I would like to share with you.
Firstly, and most importantly, I’m pleased to share with you a statement from UQ Senate that reaffirms our support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and welcomes the referendum to enshrine a Voice in the Constitution. The full statement from Senate can be read on our Reconciliation at UQ webpage.
Acknowledging the significance of this referendum on a First Nations Voice to Parliament, the University will host a series of events for staff, students and alumni over the coming weeks. The events are designed to encourage respectful conversation, education and understanding of this important chapter in Australia’s history. I look forward to sharing more information about the timing of the events as soon as possible.
U21 AGM and Presidential Symposium
It was wonderful to host leaders from 28 of the world’s leading universities at UQ late last month. Much of the discussions focused on the role of the higher education sector sharing their knowledge and expertise towards achieving a net-zero future.
One of the many highlights of the week was Dr Miriam Moeller receiving the major teaching award for her work in helping our students to succeed on the global stage.
Launching FaBA
Last Thursday, I had the privilege of attending the official launch of Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) at Customs House. Hosted by UQ – with the support of QUT, UniSQ, UniQuest, and QAAFI – FaBA is one of six major industry-specific innovation projects under the Australian Government’s Trailblazer Universities program.
I’d like to congratulate the FaBA team, led by Dr Chris Downs, on a great launch – and wish them all the very best, as they work with industry to amplify innovation and commercial impact across Australia’s food and beverage sector.
ARC Industry Fellowships
On the topic of industry engagement and partnering, I would also like to congratulate our UQ researchers who were recently awarded ARC Industry Fellowships.
UQ topped the nation (along with Monash) in the Early Career category, with 8 fellowships, totalling more than $3.4 million, awarded to Dr Aimee Brownbill, Dr Haoran Duan, Dr Loan Nguyen, Dr Azhar Potia, Dr Adnan Sufian, Dr Andrew Ward, Dr Dongxue Zhao, and Dr Min Zheng.
We also performed strongly in the Mid-Career category, with Professor Cameron Parsell, Dr Julie Pearce, and Associate Professor Shihu Hu being awarded fellowships and funding of more than $2.7 million to continue their work with industry partners on solving real-world challenges.
Global impact
Going back a few weeks now, Associate Professor Abdullah Mamun from the UQ Poche Centre, received a significant grant from the NHMRC and the Research Council of Norway, through the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases. Associate Professor Mamun will use the funding to implement a life course approach to reduce non-communicable disease risks in antenatal and postnatal healthcare settings in Nepal.
Great Court Race
I’m looking forward to cheering on our staff and students who will be competing next Wednesday in the 38th running of the Great Court Race at St Lucia. There will be a free BBQ from 12.30, followed by a series of races from 1pm.
All Staff Forum
Also, just a reminder that you can register here to attend the UQ All Staff Forum on Thursday 25 May, either in person or online. For staff at St Lucia, we have moved to the UQ Centre, to accommodate a larger live audience. If you already have a ticket to attend at St Lucia, there’s no need to register again. However, if you missed out previously, tickets are now available at the registration link.
And, finally, I wanted to make sure everyone in our community is aware that nominations for the 2023 UQ Alumni Awards will close this Friday 12 May – and expressions of interest for the 2023 UQ Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Learning will close next Friday 19 May.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the week.
With best wishes
Debbie
