2024 UQ Awards for Excellence

Mr Kelvin Henderson, Laboratory Coordinator (Archaeology),
School of Social Science 

Kelvin has transformed our Archaeology Laboratory support, elevating our School's standards through innovative approaches and unwavering commitment. His initiatives have not only optimised our workflows and enhanced safety, but also cultivated a collaborative spirit, significantly boosting our research and teaching capabilities. Kelvin's embodiment of UQ's core values – creativity, collaboration, and safety – positions him as a model of excellence. His contributions, especially to the Archaeology Laboratory, reflect his dedication to innovation and have a broader impact within the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS). 

WhatIF Lab 

Since 2020, the WhatIF Lab has used storytelling skills to enrich research at UQ. Borrowing ideas from speculative fiction, a genre that imagines alternative worlds, the Lab has worked with researchers across faculties to collaboratively imagine new perspectives. They translate their own world-class practitioner knowledge into creative workshops, scenario planning, and future-focused games. They support UQ researchers to solve real-world problems with partners including Commonwealth Department of Defence and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. Their vision is to unlock the creativity of UQ researchers by using Humanities skills to create ideas and build teams. 

• Associate Professor Helen Marshall
• Professor Kim Wilkins
• Dr Skye Doherty

Ms Anna Black, Learning Design Officer,
UQ Business School 

Anna has demonstrated exemplary achievement in delivering a new program incorporating industry and policy areas. The uniquely designed program is a first for Australian universities. Her strategic approach reflected initiative, innovation, cultural awareness, innate leadership, and management skills. Anna demonstrated a diverse set of core skills showcasing the depth and breadth of her abilities in the intricacies of her work and in bringing together professionals of diverse backgrounds to deliver a quality product. The program will enhance UQ's profile in the industry, attracting future students, core funding and commercial partnerships. 

Dr Hung Hong, Laboratory Services Coordinator,
School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability 

Dr Hong has actively developed a range of globally applicable methodologies in chemical analysis that have a significant impact for researchers worldwide. His innovative methodologies have been applied to quantify phytochemicals in plant matrices. This has shed light on the role phytochemicals play in plant growth, product quality, and human health. Published in high impact factor journals, the new methods have enabled researchers to confidently determine carotenoids, anthocyanins, and sulphur-containing compounds. Dr Hong’s current achievement in the optimal methods for determination of SF6 >5ppt from cattle’s study makes UQ the first university in Australia being able to analyse SF6 at environmental concentration levels. 

Mr Jadon Hawkins, Principal IT Applications Developer/Administrator,
Information Technology Services 

For the past 18 months, Jadon Hawkins has led a project that streamlined UQ’s annual processes by reducing the number of redirect-only web domains from over 200, to less than 100. This initiative has drastically improved efficiency and generated significant cost savings, exceeding normal performance expectations by freeing up weeks of work for the technical team and saving on SSL (security protocol) certificate renewals. This exceptional achievement demonstrates a creative and innovative approach to improving UQ's operational effectiveness. 

UQBC Operations Team

With the corporate sector bookings growing strongly, UQ Brisbane City (UQBC) needed a bespoke payment system that allowed them to receive payment up front. Additionally, the team wanted the system to create efficiencies within the processes, to achieve real time revenue and remove the need for debt chasing. They approached UQ Central Finance to look at what payment systems were available and could be adapted to meet their needs. These changes have made a positive difference to the way they invoice external clients and process revenues. 

SolarisAI Team

The SolarisAI team have developed practical and industry-ready operational and maintenance monitoring platform for solar farms. SolarisAI are part of the Power, Energy and Control Engineering (PEC) research group at the School of Electrical, Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). Their back-end operational and maintenance platforms use data analytics and artificial intelligence to analyse customer data, maximising energy output by reducing faults, underperformance, soiling, and predicting maintenance needs. Unlike existing approaches, the platform requires no additional hardware installations on-site, making it a practical and cost-effective solution. The research associated with the SolarisAI project, coupled with mutually beneficial partnerships for research translation and commercialisation, has resulted in funding from sources such as UniQuest and Uniseed. 

UQBR Standard Operations and Training Working Group 

The UQ Biological Resources (UQBR) Standard Operations and Training Working Group has shown exceptional dedication in streamlining processes and enhancing documentation to improve animal welfare. They have standardised work instructions for those involved in the use of animals for scientific purposes within UQ. They ensure UQ's research upholds the highest ethical and regulatory standards, promoting a culture of care and responsibility. The team members’ collaboration and dedication to improving these processes has been instrumental in its success, making them highly deserving of this recognition.  

UQ Engage Project Team 

The UQ Engage Project Team implemented university-wide Salesforce CRM and Marketing Automation for future domestic and international students. In 2023, the team was able to go live with the final release. This included major improvements in workflows, events management, and marketing automation capabilities. It connected many disparate systems into an efficient CRM, to be used for recruitment and enquiry management. It has subsequently been extended into other areas such as Ochsner and Student Services and used to deliver and track the new Early Intervention Support Initiative requirement for at risk students. It is now being leveraged to simplify onboarding and orientation communications as part of a pilot with EAIT and student services. 

Sponsor Cost Recovery Project Team

The Sponsored Students Unit, in Global Partnerships, and Sponsor Financials, in Finance, have worked together on targeted initiatives to reduce deficits. Over 300 overseas government sponsors fund about 1,000 students to study at UQ. Historically, UQ has carried large costs associated with internationally sponsored student placements. However, due to consolidated efforts from across UQ portfolios and changes to processes and practices, the deficit has now been cleared, – for the first time in UQ history. 

DMARC Project Team 

The team has been nominated for the Innovation Award in recognition of their outstanding work in implementing Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance (DMARC) within the university. At the beginning of this project, it was identified that, for it to be successful, updates needed to be made to policy and procedures, and multiple stakeholders required engagement. The team has approached this with a positive outlook and enthusiasm with the common goal of ensuring that UQ has an additional layer of security to assist in the mitigation of email security threats. 

UQ Ventures 

The UQ Ventures Startup Adventures (SUA) program offers students hands-on learning in global entrepreneurial hubs. The program enhances students' academic learning by immersing them in the international startup ecosystem, encouraging cultural and knowledge exchange, and allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills. Named on UQ’s 2024 Plan on a Page, SUA has provided opportunities to over 460 students across 7 destinations, working alongside regional and international partners and early-stage startups. The program is transformative for students with a consistent Net Promoter Score of over 90%. Its tangible outcomes have included participants gaining employment, with some founding successful startups with multimillion-dollar capital investment. 

HERDC Team 

The Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC) Team is a great example of cross-central unit collaboration making a tangible impact to support UQ's research endeavour. "The whole is greater than the sum of the parts". An open mindset and a shared vision have seen this team come together, formed from staff in the Research Office, Advancement & Community Services, and Financial Services. Their focus contributed to UQ achieving its highest ever Higher Education Research Data Collection income submission, which was critical for the University's Research Block Grant return. 

Associate Professor Andrew Bonnell, Historian,
School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry 

Associate Professor Andrew Bonnell is dedicated to serving the University of Queensland. As Branch President of the National Tertiary Union, Professor Bonnell has shaped the working lives of staff for the better.  As a leader in enterprise bargaining since 2003, Andrew has helped drive UQ in developing better workplace relations with wisdom and without vitriol. His focus has been on all academic and professional staff, including underrepresented groups. His leadership in structural change is matched by his impact on individual staff, where his patient counsel has helped many. Across decades of service, Andrew has worked for better working conditions at UQ. 

Mr Dom McGrath, Senior Manager, Teaching & Learning,
Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation 

Dom exemplifies leadership in quality teaching, learning innovation and service at UQ. His dedication to collaboration and advocacy embodies UQ’s values of creativity, excellence, truth, and courage. Dominic's significant contributions have advanced the intellectual landscape of teaching and learning, placing him at the forefront of service-driven initiatives and technological innovation. His work in evidence-based practices, policy dissemination and educational technologies has profoundly impacted UQ's educational practices, reinforcing UQ's reputation for excellence and commitment to community needs. 

Gatton Critical Incident Response and Recovery Team 

Through late 2023 and into 2024, critical incidents have affected the Gatton campus, with the potential to seriously impact teaching and research endeavours including our students’ experience. Critical Incidents have occurred in quick succession, and the Gatton Critical Incident Response and Recovery team has been swift to respond to these incidents. They have ensured the community on campus remains safe and that staff and student experiences are minimally impacted. The team is well-organised, collegial and communicative as they work together to navigate incidents in real time, carefully considering the short, medium and long-term impacts to people, animals, plants and infrastructure. 

• Mr Rob Eccles 
• Mrs Theresa Seru 
• Ms Tanya McKenna  
• Ms Trish O’Hara  
• Miss Bec Archer  
• Mr Olivier Cheneval  
• Mr Travis Dance
• Mr Matthew Redmond  
• Mr Steve Duncan 
• Mr Mitch Coyle 
• Mr Taylor Jeffreys 
• Mr Connor Harrison 
• Mr Joel Frizzel 
• Mr Rohan Segal  
• Mr Naveed Saeed 
• Mr Joshua Parker  
• Mr Kerry Martin  
• Mr Daniel Plumb  
• Mr Matthew Stieler 
• Mr Clint Green

Mrs Loretta Jamieson, Operations Manager,
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 

As Operations Manager, Loretta has made significant and outstanding contributions to the running of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Nothing is ever out of scope or too difficult to solve. Loretta is always able to rally together the right people and give them the resources they need to overcome any challenge. Whether it’s improving lab workspaces for better student and staff experience, showcasing our research on the national stage, or helping a child "Make-A-Wish", her exceptional and tireless support has been instrumental in delivering excellent outcomes every time. 

UQ ARC Centres of Excellence Team 

UQ's Australian Research Council (ARC) Centres of Excellence team epitomises excellence in their direct work with research teams to achieve a national record. With their support, UQ has become the first university to secure three ARC Centres of Excellence in two consecutive rounds. The Centres of Excellence scheme is the Australian Research Council's flagship scheme, awarding $35 million over seven years for research programs that address the world's grand challenges. Securing three of these grants once was phenomenal. Achieving it twice speaks not only to the quality of UQ's research, but also to the commitment of its research professionals. 

• Dr Jodi Clyde-Smith
• Dr Emma Livingstone
• Dr James Reid

St Lucia Campus Security Team 

The UQ St Lucia Campus Security Team is nominated for their consistent commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the University community. They are particularly commended for their professional service during the recent Great Court encampments and related protests. The team ensured the safety of all individuals and facilitated respectful dialogue. Their dedication was evident throughout the event. Their significant contribution to delivering excellence in service to students, staff, and the wider community makes them highly deserving of this nomination. 

• Mr Garry Tyler  
• Miss Angella McGloin 
• Ms Elizabeth Williams 
• Mrs Sue Lewcock 
• Ms Yin Tint 
• Mr Andrew Barling 
• Mr Callan Henry 
• Mr Chris Wieckhorst 
• Mr Craig Schaumburg 
• Mr Kris Frost 
• Mr Michael Owens 
• Mr Troy Jordan 
• Mr Vince Chetty 
• Mr Stephen O'Shea 
• Mr Abhi Thind 
• Mr Alex Fagan 
• Mr Armin Vazirpanah 
• Mr Ashley Tucker 
• Mr Daniel Ogg 
• Mr Daniel Kabakoff 
• Mr Davin Carr 
• Mr Dean Mercer 
• Mr Drew Higgins 
• Mr Emerik Petrac 
• Mr Frank Lin 
• Mr Garry Thind 
• Mr Glen Mason 
• Mr Grant Morrow 
• Mr Jack Fitzgerald 
• Mr Jayden Holborn 
• Mr Larry Pavier 
• Mr Marcus Townsend 
• Mr Murray Macbeth 
• Mr Nick Verschuer 
• Mr Phil Barnett 
• Mr Rhys Jaenke Andrews 
• Mr Rogan Meital 
• Mr Ron Robinson 
• Mr Ron McKay 
• Mr Sarbrinder Dhillon 
• Mr Simon Tabet 
• Mrs Raewyn Greenhalgh 

Ms Cherrine Chan, Student Experience Officer,
Student Affairs Division 

In her role as student experience officer, Cherrine Chan has provided outstanding service to our student community through event coordination and event support across the UQ community. Cherrine brings stakeholders together to create activations that increase students' sense of belonging and develop long lasting connections to UQ.  Cherrine, has especially gone above and beyond in her service to supporting culturally and linguistically diverse students and plays a pivotal role in the successful celebrations of multiculturalism at UQ. This includes Diwali, Eid al-Fitr Celebration, and UQ’s first celebration of the World Day of Cultural Diversity and Dialogue. 

Mr Chris Pye, HSW Manager,
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 

Chris Pye is deserving of the Service Award for his outstanding dedication as the Health, Safety, and Wellness Manager at the UQ. Through innovative initiatives and unwavering commitment to excellence, Chris has fostered a safe and inclusive environment. Despite facing complex challenges, his integrity, courage, and respect for all individuals have earned him widespread praise within the UQ community. Chris's tireless efforts have not only enhanced safety and wellbeing on campus, but have contributed to maintaining a culture of acceptance and support for marginalised groups. 

Ms Jeanette Williams, Client Experience Librarian,
The University of Queensland Library 

Jeanette Williams is a dedicated Outreach Librarian committed to providing outstanding service to both students and academics in the Faculty of Engingeering, Architecture and Information Technology (EAIT). She always strives to go above and beyond expectations by tailoring support to EAIT’s strategic priorities, providing timely research services together with undergraduate/postgraduate support. Jeanette is a strong supporter of Higher Degree Research (HDR) students and Early and Mid-Career Researchers (EMCR), collaborating with other specialists in the Library to facilitate researcher development workshops and providing advice to help researchers reach their full potential in publishing, grant applications and research data management. 

Ms Katrina Shimmin-Clarke, Art Director, Digital Assets,
Marketing and Communication 

Katrina has made a notable contribution to service in her 10 years at UQ, delivering ongoing improvements and upgrades to the Digital Asset Manager (DAM) system. Her dedication and leadership in providing an exceptional DAM experience to the University have resulted in continuing access to up-to-date resources for all staff and early-stage integration with applications to increase workflow efficiencies. Katrina's vision to create an environment where the whole community feels represented and valued is evident in her approach to planning and executing numerous photoshoots each year. This ensures the DAM remains current with imagery accurately depicting our diverse UQ community.

Ms Kierra Champion, Executive Assistant,
Human Resources 

Kierra Champion lives UQ's values of excellence in service by mentoring new staff who have joined UQ, to assist them in feeling welcome and create new connections to staff in similar roles across the organisation. She provides a listening ear and point of contact outside of the team members' organisational unit, and a safe space to ask "silly questions" and make sense of the UQ context. Her mentoring was instrumental in reducing the time to productivity for team members who were new to UQ. 

Mr Michael Mayrow, Coordinator, Electronics Workshop,
Faculty of Science 

In the last year and a half, Michael has managed to continue to provide exceptional timely electronics support. He has juggled a large and highly unpredictable workload and customer base – all without an offsider.  The entire team in the Faculty of Science Workshops provides fantastic service, but Michael has demonstrated a specifically strong commitment to the UQ value of Excellence in everything he has repaired. His skills save the Schools and University real money and time. 

Dr Mickael Mounaix, UQ Amplify Fellow,
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 

Dr Mickael Mounaix has been Chair of the Early and Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) Advocacy Committee at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) since January 2023. He has significantly exceeded expectations in his role while also serving as a Research Focus Fellow (ARC DECRA and 2024 Westpac Research Fellow). Under his leadership, the EMCR Advocacy Committee has organised numerous stimulating events, including informal talks and fellowship pitch sessions with feedback from senior leaders. Dr Mounaix has excelled as a leader and communicator, effectively addressing EMCR challenges and implementing solutions in collaboration with the School leadership. 

Mr Pascal Burger, Advanced AV Technician,
Information Technology Services 

Pascal Burger has been instrumental to the success of the hybrid Annual Symposium for the last two years. This year's event coincided with the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco - Oceania chapter's international conference, hosted by UQ and the Tobacco Endgame Centre of Research Excellence (CRE). Pascal's expert guidance and assistance enabled UQ and the CRE to host professional audio-visual/IT-issue-free events. It was vital that high quality AV and IT support was available in the preparation and execution of these events as we were showcasing UQ to more than 130 attendees from 13 countries across a range of government and industry groups. 

Mr Paul Jackson, Experiment and Research Programmer,
School of Psychology 

Paul Jackson, an Experiment and Research Programmer in the School of Psychology, has made an exceptional contribution by developing comprehensive websites for managing PhD studies for many students. The platforms streamline participant screening, automate communication, and track various data types, significantly reducing the time required to complete tasks. Paul's responsiveness and technical expertise exceed expectations, enhancing the research process and supporting other projects within the school. His initiative has created an exceptional experience for students and staff, showcasing his outstanding service quality. 

Professor Paul Harpur, Professor,
T.C. Beirne School of Law 

Professor Harpur has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to disability inclusion at UQ. He spearheaded the creation of the Disability Action Plan (DAP) and established initiatives like the Disability Inclusion Group and Disability Community of Practice. His efforts fostered collaboration and innovation in disability inclusion. Representing UQ at national and international forums, he advocated for disability rights and best practices in higher education. His work with Universities Enable, the Universities Accord Ministerial Reference Group, and the Higher Education Standards Panel has advanced disability inclusion, aligning with UQ's values and enhancing the educational experience for many. 

Ms Rebecca Lush, Curator,
School of Biomedical Sciences 

Rebecca Lush is the Curator of the Integrated Pathology Learning Centre (IPLC), a world-leading pathology museum within the School of Biomedical Sciences. Rebecca supports the use of the collection in teaching within numerous UQ courses and programs. Once only available to support learning in biomedicine, Rebecca has actively built connections across the University to facilitate innovative learning activities in humanities, law and sociology. Rebecca has also established connections between UQ and the wider community through her work with secondary schools and seniors' groups. Rebecca is recognised internationally for her innovative scholarship on museum curatorship. 

Ms Renata Ferreira Martins, Administration Officer,
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 

Renata Martins is an administration officer supporting staff and students at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). Renata has demonstrated exceptional dedication and efficiency in her role. Her outstanding organisational skills and proactive approach have significantly improved our processes and the experience of other staff members. Renata consistently goes above and beyond to support faculty and students, ensuring a seamless and productive environment. Her commitment to excellence, problem-solving abilities, reliability, and her positive and pleasant attitude makes her an invaluable asset to our School. 

Associate Professor Shiralee Poed, Associate Professor,
School of Education 

Shiralee Poed is pioneering a change to the way behaviour is thought about in Australian schools. She has reconceptualised typical behaviour management practices through Positive Behaviour Support an evidence-based three-tiered model that supports student behaviour in a non-punitive, preventative manner. This follows abundant research showing graduate teachers in Australia felt their Initial Teacher Education did not adequately prepare them to address student behaviour. Through this significant remodelling of how we teach behaviour support, Shiralee has exemplified excellence in service. Her work benefits UQ’s preservice teachers, enhances the reputation of UQ’s Education Programs, and helps shape the future of Australian schooling. 

Dr Uli Siebeck, Research Development Manager,
School of Biomedical Sciences 

Dr Uli Siebeck was appointed Research Development Manager within the School of Biomedical Sciences (SBMS) in late 2018. Her challenge was to improve grant success by improving the quality of grant submissions and boosting engagement with a broader array of funding bodies. Uli has exceeded expectations on both counts – SBMS’s research income has risen steadily over the past 6 years. In addition to tangibly improving grant success, Uli has made remarkable contributions in the realm of culture and mentoring. She brings enormous energy and a breath of fresh air in terms of a positive and inclusive work culture. 

Associate Professor Venero Armanno, Director of HDR students,
School of Communication and Arts 

As the Director of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students for the School of Communication and Arts since July 2021, Associate Professor Venero Armanno has demonstrated unwavering dedication to supporting all academics and HDR students. Associate Professor Armanno's charming personality, combined with his responsibility, dedication, and care, makes him an invaluable asset to the whole school. His considerate nature and outstanding leadership skills foster an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Associate Professor Armanno's commitment to excellence and his genuine concern for the well-being and success of his colleagues and students make him a deserving candidate for this prestigious award. 

Mr William Suhaidir, Manager, HR Business Systems,
Human Resources 

William Suhaidir is the epitome of a quiet achiever and played a crucial role is operationalising the new UQ Enterprise Agreement from a HR systems perspective. He has overseen the implementation of the leave types and coordinated the integration of pay rate increases into the payroll system. The correct implementation of these activities is vital to the University's reputation. 

Ms Aimee Paxton and Mrs Joyce Watson,
Senior Administration Officers, Student and Academic Administration 
Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences 

A good team of administrators can change the world! The Senior Administration Team, made up of Aimee Paxton and Joyce Watson, have been nominated for their professionalism and dedication to their work. Despite a year of transition, they have been committed to ensuring the rest of the team achieves the highest level of student experience. They have worked with students in partnership to award credit and amend enrolments to ensure graduation. They think carefully about appeals and grievances and help students stay on track with their enrolment. Put simply, Aimee and Joyce deeply care about their jobs and embody the value of excellence.

UQ Payroll Team

The Payroll team at UQ works tirelessly to ensure every staff member receives their pay in a timely manner. While most of us take our regular fortnightly pay as a given, behind the scenes, the Payroll team is working tirelessly to ensure each deadline is met. Regularly dealing with manual processes and complex compliance requirements, they consistently deliver each pay period with the professionalism and service-focused culture UQ staff are all accustomed to. The Payroll team is very dedicated and they continue to work effectively and efficiently with each other, while providing exemplary service to all of UQ. 

Tobacco Endgame CRE Administrative Team 

The administrative team of the Centre of Research Excellence on Achieving the Tobacco Endgame (Tobacco Endgame CRE) has been nominated for their exceptional conference delivery skills. They organised and delivered a professional, high-quality national conference attended by ~150 national and international researchers. In addition, they consistently provide an outstanding and exceptional quality of service to all of the Centre's staff, students and external contacts. They are a highly professional, friendly, competent and efficient team. 

BEL Careers & Employability 

The Faculty of Business, Economics and Law (BEL) Careers and Employability team have redefined career support. They empower students to carve out dynamic career pathways, while supporting academics to seamlessly integrate employability into the curriculum. The team’s unique services offer a scaffolded, multi-disciplinary approach to employability, delivering diverse and enriching experiences to students and stakeholders. Over the past three years, the team has positively transformed the career trajectories of over 4,000 students. Their success is enabled by proactive and innovative collaborations with industry. They bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace practice, and set new standards for excellence in career development and employability support. 

APHEA Accreditation Team 

The Master of Public Health Program (MPH), delivered by the School of Public Health, has recently secured re-accreditation by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA). APHEA is the leading global accreditation agency for public health programs. This accreditation ensures our graduates enjoy greater international academic recognition and promotes the transferability of our education and training. The accreditation also increases the employability of our graduates. It is a clear recognition of our highly successful MPH program and a testament to the APHEA team. This team worked tirelessly to deliver the extensive high-quality submission to the accreditation body. They epitomise UQ’s values of excellence and creativity. 

Client Experience (Library) 

UQ Library Client Experience team (AskUs) is a busy frontline student-focused service. The team provides the UQ community with welcome and first-tier support on all library services, across all campuses. Client Experience also provides student IT support across student-facing systems, including exam software, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and Microsoft 365. This mighty team of 30+ staff provides consistently excellent service and responded to over 70,000 enquiries in 2023. They help via AskUs information desks in libraries, through a Live Chat service, by phone and videocall, and via email and webforms, providing information and digital support when and where it is needed. 

UQBC Concierge Team 

The Concierge Team at UQ Brisbane City (UQBC) and the Atrium plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and successful events at the venue. The team at UQBC has strategically leveraged its spaces to support its core mission of teaching, while also driving strong revenue growth. By prioritising the experience of students, attendees, and clients, UQBC ensures that its facilities serve educational purposes and attract a diverse range of stakeholders. These include UQ faculties, alumni, and corporate clients. The team’s professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to providing outstanding service contribute significantly to UQBC's success. 

Agriculture Global Development Team 

In March 2024, UQ hosted 60 Australia Award scholarship students from 25 countries for the Climate Resilient Agriculture event. UQ experts in nutrition security and sustainable agriculture and UQ International Development, forming the Agriculture Global Development Team delivered this 1.5-day event across Gatton and St Lucia, where students witnessed the latest in climate-resilient practices. Students received a masterclass on systems thinking, where they workshopped solutions toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These included using underutilised crops, innovative farming, and technology. Panellists from UQ, Griffith and CSIRO enriched student outcomes, empowering these future leaders. 

Transform Law Team 

The Transform Law KWM Innovation Challenge was a significant collaboration between the UQ School of Law and UQ Ventures, establishing a strong relationship with the internationally renowned law firm King & Wood Mallesons (KWM). From 2019 to 2023, KWM generously donated $10,000 annually to support this challenge. Over the five years, the challenge attracted more than 210 participants, providing UQ students with an exceptional experience to work in multidisciplinary teams. Students were given the opportunity to apply their skills to real-world problems and connect with industry mentors. This successful partnership with KWM enhanced the profile and reputation of UQ and showcased the excellence of our students. 

Wonder of Science 

Located in the UQ Graduate School, the Wonder of Science team has significantly strengthened relationships with regional and remote communities across Queensland. They train and develop PhD student science ambassadors to deliver impactful STEM education across Queensland schools, fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and exploration. To date, the team has engaged over 110,000 people. In 2023, 75% of participating schools were from rural and regional areas and the program reached 6500 students across 61 schools. The Wonder of Science team has strongly supported The Queensland Commitment while strongly aligning to UQ values. 

• Dr Kaylene Cooper
• Mrs Alexandra McKelvey
• Mr David Sutton
• Ms Eleanor Knox

Mr Ricky Lee, Course Coordinator & Lecturer | UQ Senator | Research Assistant | UQU President 2023 | APS President

Merging his roles as a lecturer and senator, Ricky Lee injects deep insights into UQ's policies, profoundly strengthening the community spirit. His leadership transcends ordinary measures, setting a new benchmark for inclusivity and support, making him a standout nominee for the Community award. Ricky's tenure as UQU President has been nothing short of revolutionary for the UQ community. By spearheading the expansion of the Campus Kitchen and launching the Morning Marmalade program, he has dramatically enhanced student welfare and connectivity. These initiatives not only combat food insecurity but also build a vibrant, supportive campus environment.

Dr Yousuf Mohammed, Senior Research Fellow,
Frazer Institute 

Dr Yousuf Mohammed has provided excellent service to the broader community through his work with various media organisations to boost the reach of academic knowledge in an articulate yet simple manner. His articles in scientific media such as The Conversation, ABC Life, Consumer Reports and The Australian Journal of Pharmacy magazine have provided timely information on subjects of community importance such as sunscreen usage and toxicity. His style of radio interviews has provided excellent evidence on current topics in toxicology, particularly, skin toxicology of consumer care, cosmetics and dermatological products, in a succinct and understandable way, popularising current science. 

UQHC Logan Healthy Living 

UQ Health Care (UQHC) is the wholly owned primary health care business of UQ charged with providing innovative primary health care services. UQHC integrates research, teaching and learning to deliver health services to communities and vulnerable populations. UQHC's Logan Healthy Living (LHL) delivers an innovative prevention and primary care service for people with, or at risk of, Type 2 diabetes in Logan.  LHL uses an interprofessional and student model of service underpinned by UQ evaluation models, LHL works wholistically with participants to reduce individuals’ health risk and to improve their overall health and wellbeing.   

Centre for Online Health, Project ECHO

The UQ Centre for Online Health (UQ-COH) became an accredited Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) replication hub in 2020. Since 2020, the Centre for Online Health has coordinated Project ECHO programs to connect community healthcare providers with specialists. Project ECHO is a collaborative model of medical education and care management. It empowers clinicians in rural and underserved communities to provide specialty care to more people in their community. Since 2020, the UQ-COH has delivered ECHO programs throughout Australia in the fields of dementia care, Elder-care support, palliative care, mental health, and telehealth skills development. 

The Widening Participation Team 

The Widening Participation team works with Queensland communities to increase awareness, create pathways and ensure success at university for students from low SES and rural, regional and remote backgrounds. By working across the student lifecycle, the team empowers students to pursue their academic and career goals through a wide range of programs and activities which recognise the value of their lived experience. Partnering with a wide range of stakeholders the team adopts a community-based approach. Their work positively impacts the lives of thousands of students, their families, and communities, creating positive intergenerational change.   

Executive Education Team 

The University of Queensland’s Business School Executive Education Team is revolutionising lifelong learning in Queensland. By connecting UQ alumni, industry, government, and the broader community, they offer leadership and professional development opportunities. Following a review in 2021-22, they revamped their portfolio, creating outcome-driven short courses and programs tailored to stakeholder needs. These initiatives showcase UQ’s academic expertise and foster connections with industry and community. Notably, they partner with the Queensland Treasury Corporation to deliver education offerings in regional Queensland. Their innovative approach supports lifelong learning and enhances capability development for Queensland’s leaders. 

Indigenous Business Hub, National Indigenous Business School (NIBSS) 

National Indigenous Business Summer School (NIBSS) is an initiative of the Australian Business Deans Council, providing immersive business study experiences at universities around Australia for high school students. The 2024 program is hosted in Meanjin (Brisbane) by the UQ Business School in conjunction with our partner universities. UQ NIBSS is a week-long residential program, offering Indigenous high school students a unique opportunity to get a taste of campus life as a uni student, explore options to study and work in business, learn from Indigenous business owners and leading academics, participate in hands-on workshops, and enjoy cultural and social activities. 

Ms Liisa Partanen, Faculty Executive Officer,
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 

Liisa's impactful contributions to equality, diversity and inclusion at UQ are unmistakable. Her visible and more hidden efforts actively shape a more inclusive campus environment, making a tangible difference in students' and staff members’ lives. Through her dedication, she has become a central figure in UQ's journey towards greater inclusivity. Liisa is an unstoppable force for progress, offering invaluable support to the HASS EDI committee members, facilitating collaboration across UQ units, and spearheading initiatives that respond to current issues. Her leadership in the EDI space within HASS and more broadly across the University ensures a proactive approach, and her innovative ideas deepen a culture that celebrates the strength of diversity for and across UQ. Liisa consistently operates behind the scenes, driven by her commitment to the cause, without expectation of recognition.  

For Crying Out Loud 

The ‘For Crying Out Loud’ campaign is the first LGBTQIA+ sexual violence prevention campaign at an Australian university. Driven by the Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Sexual-Misconduct LGBTQIA+ Consultative Group and UQ Respect, this work was designed by the UQ LGBTQIA+ community, for the LGBTQIA+ community. This innovative and impactful campaign championed meaningful conversations and education through vibrant awareness initiatives and activations, across six key themes. This groundbreaking work was included as part of UQ’s submission to the Australian Workplace Equality Index. UQ received gold at the 2024 Australian Workplace Index Awards and the Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion Award. 

• Mr Katsuhiko Shike
• Ms Ellie Woods
• Ms Jackie Fuller
• Miss Stacie Ong
• Ms Flic French
• Ms Khwanruethai (Kara) Ngampromwongse
• Professor Craig Franklin

Miss Brooke Szücs, Research Assistant,
T.C. Beirne School of Law 

Brooke is a fervent advocate for disability inclusion and has catalysed positive cultural change, fostering a greater sense of belonging for underrepresented groups at UQ. Her service to the UQ equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) community is clearly shown through her professional and volunteering work. This includes many transformative initiatives, such as establishing the UQ Disability Inclusion Advocacy Network (DIAN). She takes a fully inclusive and intersectional approach, and her work has touched people of many minority backgrounds. From individual mentoring of staff and students, to courageous advocacy and spear-heading university-wide initiatives and events, her commitment to improving the experiences and outcomes of diverse community members shines through at every level. 

Preferred Names Project 

The Preferred Names Project has successfully ensured that all students can have their name reflect their authentic selves in UQ systems. This development has ensured that all students are able to confirm and use their preferred name, demonstrating UQ’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This has dismantled traditional barriers to self-identification and cultivated a stronger sense of belonging for our community and celebration of individuals. Initially driven by the desire to support our gender diverse students, the take up by thousands of international and domestic students demonstrates the importance of self-identification for our wider community. 

• Ms Sasha Wells
• Mrs Vivienne Counter
• Ms Maree Mason
• Ms Anastasia Spathis
• Mr Rob Bowen
• Mr Ryan Villiers
• Mr Rohan Ferris
• Mr Nathan Benson

Professor Clair Sullivan, Director,
Centre for Health Services Research 

Professor Clair Sullivan, Director of the Queensland Digital Health Centre (QDHeC), has shown her commitment to inclusion. Clair recognised that QDHeC, as a new leader in digital health research, had an opportunity to embed community and consumer voices in decision-making forums and research projects.  She championed the establishment of QDHeC's Consumer Advisory Committee, ensuring its members included First Nations people, culturally diverse people, and people with disability. 

Mr Jerome Delangle, Manager, Advancement,
Global & Institutional Philanthropy team

Jerome's extraordinary contributions to the Ally Action Committee and the Ally Network at UQ are exemplary. From spearheading fundraising efforts for the inaugural UQ Alumni Pride Scholarship, to coordinating events like the IDAHOBIT Rainbow Bake Off, his leadership shines through. He seeks funding for important initiatives like the proposed Rainbow crossing, demonstrating a commitment to all in the UQ LGBTQIA+ community. Jerome's role as Co-Chair of the Ally Action Committee showcases his dedication and passion for promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusion. His advocacy makes him a true asset to the UQ community and his efforts will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy and impact. 

ISSR Higher Education Equity Collaborative 

In recent years, a team of researchers at the Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR), led by Professor Wojtek Tomaszewski, has demonstrated exceptional research excellence and impact in advancing higher education equity. Their work has significantly shaped national policy, directly informed the Universities Accord process, and influenced practices at Australian universities. This body of research has benefitted UQ, by influencing its equity agenda and providing foundational building blocks for The Queensland Commitment. Additionally, it has created new opportunities for researchers within ISSR and the wider University. The ISSR’s research has contributing to UQ’s culture of equity and offered development and leadership opportunities for researchers. 

Families in Focus: Embedding the voices of children with disability and their families in research

This nomination is for Families in Focus, an innovative 2-day interactive event held at Queensland Children’s Hospital in 2023. This inclusive event gathered the experiences, needs, and research priorities from more than 50 children with disabilities and their families. Community organisations, clinicians, researchers, and those with lived experience from both within and outside UQ partnered to develop and deliver the event. Methodology and key findings informed the Queensland Children’s Hospital draft Strategic Plan 2024–2028 and were shared in an industry-focused webinar attended by nearly 100 key stakeholders. 

BEL Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee 

The dedicated work of the BEL Faculty Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee has led to the implementation of numerous initiatives and events across the faculty. For 2023 and early 2024 these included the Taste of Harmony lunch, BlackCard Cultural Walking Tour, Wear it Purple Colour Run/Walk, Hidden disabilities morning tea and stall, Reasonable Adjustments workshop, and International Women’s Day Seminar. While consulting with staff across BEL, it is clear the positive impact these ongoing initiatives have on staff wellbeing, improving awareness of staff diversity and reducing barriers to equity and inclusivity. 

Mr Hugh Russell, Senior Project Engineer,
School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering 

Hugh is nominated for a UQ Excellence award for his proactive leadership and development of safety initiatives, including the creation of guidelines for pressure equipment lifecycle management. These guide researchers through rigorous design and procurement processes to identify hazards and implement controls. He has demonstrated leadership in improving safety culture, in his role as the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering’s Workplace Health and Safety Representative. He consistently goes beyond compliance, collaborating to develop and implement local practices and written procedures. While these initiatives are related to his Senior Project Engineer role, they exceed the expectations of his role and provide valuable contributions to the wider University community. 

Science Q Fever Team 

The team played an integral role in ensuring the safety and well-being of students, by implementing a logistically challenging vaccination control to prevent Q fever infection for students in UQ’s Science Agriculture programs. Implementation was multifaceted and involved refining risk management, rescheduling high-risk activities until immunisation was in place, communicating with students about Q fever requirements, actively monitoring immunisation status, and scheduling and organising Q fever vaccinations on campus. Cross-portfolio staff formed the Science Q fever team to inform academics, students and animal units about the requirements. Q fever risk management and immunisation rates have greatly improved through their initiatives. The team’s work has ensured policy compliance and the ongoing safety and wellness of our community. 

• Mrs Amanda Cooke
• Ms Simone Fox
• Ms Trish O'Hara
• Miss Jade Copeland
• Mr Daiji Sato

Mrs Lucy Lake, Executive Assistant,
Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences 

Lucy is a highly regarded and pivotal team member in the HaBS Faculty’s Executive Support Team. She is the driving force behind many of the Faculty’s sustainability and wellness initiatives. This ranges from leading the Faculty's Green Team, promoting and educating staff on sustainability, to organising innovative activities such as R U OK Day plant swaps and Netflix/Book Clubs designed to bring together and cater for a wide variety of staff.  Lucy is committed to the health safety and wellness of the HaBS Faculty and initiates activities and processes that really make a difference in the workplace. Lucy's initiatives have not only raised awareness about wellness but have also provided practical resources and support systems creating a positive working environment.

UQ Innovate Electronics Lab 

Members from the UQ Innovate Electronics Lab provided timely technical assistance to thoroughly reviewing system control measures for a liquid nitrogen dispensing system. The team members reviewed the wiring diagrams, inspected the equipment and undertook solenoid voltage testing to verify operation of its controls. This enabled a deeper understanding of the equipment design to ensure future safety. The UQ Innovative electronics lab team’s review of the system was comprehensive and robust and they should be commended for their excellent work. 

• Mr Malcolm Marker
• Mr Andrew Lagrosa
• Mr Kelvin Heng

Time Sensitive Chemicals Risk Mitigation Team 

In 2023 and into 2024, staff from across the University’s Faculties, Institutes, and Central Divisions, formed a team to develop and implement a process for safely managing and removing a large volume of older, time-sensitive chemicals. The scope of the work necessitated a large team, which has demonstrated excellent sharing of knowledge, time, resources, scheduling and prioritisation to not only address the risks within their own business units but to assist the other business units. Importantly, proactive procedures have been implemented to prevent recurrence of this risk. 

• Dr Peter McGarry  
• Dr Kelly Cosgrove 
• Dr Cindy Tan 
• Dr Maddie Dallaston 
• Ms Justine Haddrill 
• Mrs Tania Brooks 
• Mrs Cheryl Berquist 
• Dr Colette Godfrey 
• Ms Suzanne O'Hagan 
• Dr Tracey Harvey 
• Mrs Maria Somodevilla Torres 
• Dr Donna Easton 
• Dr Jy Chartres 
• Dr Ian Lane 
• Mr Brian Logan 
• Dr Nigel Bennett 
• Mr Gary Wilson 
• Ms Jasmyn Cridland 
• Mr Ryan Anderson 
• Mr Olivier Cheneval 
• Mr Michael Murphy 
• Mr Aaron Seow 
• Mr Ross Dixon 
• Dr Robert Sullivan 
• Mr Deon Knight 
• Dr Paul Lovelock 
• Dr Dion Scott 

Mrs Sophie O'Neill, HSW Manager,
Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology 

Sophie epitomises dedication and excellence in her work, blending meticulous attention to detail with a deep understanding of building meaningful social connections. Her leadership, motivation, and ability to maintain harmony make her an invaluable asset within our health and safety community. 

2024 Flu Vaccination Campaign 

In previous years, free annual flu vaccinations campaign have been available to staff and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students. In 2024, the Flu Vaccination Campaign team extended the annual flu vaccination campaign to all students and UQ affiliate staff. This dedicated and highly competent team demonstrated outstanding commitment to health of the UQ community by organising vaccinations at 13 UQ worksites. This small, dynamic team punched well above its weight to positively impact the health of the 3901 UQ staff and 2067 students vaccinated and, at the same time, saving UQ over $100k.  

Professor Shazia Sadiq, Professor,
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 

Professor Shazia Sadiq has demonstrated performance and leadership throughout her career. She is an extraordinary and visionary leader, with a natural ability to bring people together across faculties and deliver sustained and positive change within the University and beyond. Her vision and leadership, together with her belief in the power of multidisciplinary approaches, are behind several significant and successful initiatives at UQ. These include the Master of Data Science program, the Australian Research Council’s Training Centre for Information Resilience (CIRES), and the UQ AI Collaboratory. These initiatives have positioned UQ as a leader in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence education and research. 

EAIT Early to Mid-Career Researchers (EMCR) Committee 

The early and mid-career researchers (EMCR) in the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology (EAIT) have been given a voice and a platform of support, engagement and community through the leadership of the EAIT EMCR committee. The committee set themselves ambitious targets to make a difference. These include increasing engagement and participation at events to build the community, leveraging existing training and support for EMCRs, increasing collaboration within the University, and raising awareness of the challenges faced by the EMCR community. Their efforts have grown an empowered and inclusive network of EMCRs across the faculty. 

• Dr Alina Bialkowski
• Dr Wonder Chimonyo
• Dr Priyanka Singh
• Dr Mehrnoosh Mirzaei
• Dr Travis Mitchell
• Dr Peter Worthy
• Dr Yuan Wang
• Dr T. Thang Vo-Doan
• Dr Wayes Tushar
• Dr Paul Matthew

Mrs Mihaela Risco, Officer, Employee Services,
Human Resources 

During the casual academic recruitment process at the start of 2024, Mihaela demonstrated strong leadership during a challenging transitional period. Mihaela effectively maintained a positive team culture, while managing the change and successfully delivering recruitment services for Semester 1, 2024. Mihaela identified business processes that could be improved and worked tirelessly to implement these changes. Mihaela collaborated on achieving outcomes for each school’s casual academic recruitment and implemented clear measures of success for the team. Her work helped improve the efficiency of the casual academic recruitment process and reduce the workload for the rest of the team. 

Mr Rodrick Rupan, Deputy Manager,
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure) 

Rodrick Rupan has shown exemplary leadership in times of extreme difficulty to provide leadership in the Biological Research Facility team. He ensures there are adequate resources allocated to the team in times of severe staffing shortages. Rodrick has provided support during these times by showing care and compassion to the staff, even though under extreme pressures within his own role. Rodrick has always made time for the staff and is an outstanding role model. 

Professor Cameron Parsell, ARC Industry Fellow,
School of Social Science 

Professor Cameron Parsell’s leadership is defined by his research vision to create positive and enduring social change. He drives this vision through deep commitment to three interconnected ways of creating impact. Firstly, he engages extensively in collaborative partnerships with people facing social exclusion to co-create knowledge to improve lives. Secondly, he actively builds and leverages strong collaborative relationships with industry partners. Thirdly, he consistently leverages these partnerships to create opportunities that support and empower the next generation of scholars, enabling them to develop the skills and knowledge needed to drive meaningful change. 

Associate Professor Carmen Mills, Director of Teaching and Learning,
School of Education 

It is impossible to summarise Carmen Mills’ contribution to UQ’s School of Education as a single initiative, as she exemplifies excellence in leadership throughout every facet of her work. Though Carmen’s expansive and meticulous knowledge of the University’s teaching and learning policies consistently exceed expectation, it is her above and beyond efforts in upholding the overall functioning of the school that make her a truly outstanding leader. Carmen is the person everyone turns to for guidance. She is a powerhouse of knowledge, kindness, and solutions-focused ideas that work together to drive accountability and results for our school. 

Professor Craig Franklin, President of the Academic Board,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor 

Professor Craig Franklin exemplifies exceptional leadership qualities as a mentor and changemaker, embodying UQ’s values while purposefully driving change and innovation across his various roles. Professor Franklin’s visionary thinking, integrity, and genuine compassion create an environment where staff and students at all levels within the community to feel valued, empowered, and inspired to excel. As an executive leader at the University, his influence extends far and wide, driving excellence in research and academia while bolstering UQ’s reputation as a leader in diversity and inclusion within the sector. 

Associate Professor Daniel Dunn, Director of CBCS / Associate Professor,
School of The Environment 

Associate Professor Daniel Dunn, Director of the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, is an exemplary UQ leader. Under his leadership, the centre has continued to contribute to UQ’s world-class reputation.  The Centre has come18th globally in environmental science (QS); 6th globally in environment and ecology (NTU). However, more than this, he is proof that a high-performance culture is entirely compatible with empathy, flexibility, and deep respect for those he works with. Whether delivering high-value national and international partnerships and grants, or thoughtfully supporting Higher Degree Research (HDR) students, Associate Professor Dunn is an exemplar of the UQ values who leads with vision, values, and purpose. 

Professor David Williams, Professor of Geotechnical Engineering,
School of Civil Engineering 

Professor David Williams is a Geotechnical Engineer and Researcher with over 40 years of academic experience. He joined UQ in 1983 as a Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering, consistently delivering his best to students and peers. His uninterrupted legacy and leadership have been substantial throughout his tenure. Many generations of students have benefited from his expertise through numerous research projects and lectures, contributing to over 300 publications, multiple books, and guidelines in Geotechnical Engineering and mine waste management, particularly in tailings. His expertise has granted him international recognition as one of the best academics in his field. 

Mrs Dayle Osborn, Health and Wellness Clinic Coordinator / Clinical Educator Nursing & Mental Health Nursing,
Southern Queensland Rural Health 

Over the past 6 years, Dayle Osborn has demonstrated leadership in Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice through her role as Clinical Educator in Nursing and Mental Health Nursing and, more recently, as the Health and Wellness Clinic Coordinator based in Toowoomba. Dayle's strive for excellence in her own delivery of education and training is infectious. Her leadership is key in the delivery of a unique student-resourced and truly interprofessional clinic aimed at reducing the chronic disease burden in the Toowoomba region. 

Professor Elizabeth Coulson, Head of School, Biomedical Sciences,
Faculty of Medicine 

Professor Coulson has been an amazing Head of School and her colleagues at the School of Biomedical Sciences (SBMS) find it a joy to work with her. She continuously supports SBMS to be the best it can be in a teaching, research, and professional capacity. Professor Coulson strives to ensure that all staff are treated equally and with respect, fostering an excellent work environment and sense of community. She encourages everyone to go beyond their best and truly deserves recognition for her work in the role. 

Professor Guido Zuccon, Professorial Research Fellow,
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 

Professor Zuccon exhibits exceptional leadership in his role as Director of Artificial Intelligence for the Queensland Digital Health Centre’s Health Research Accelerator (HERA) program. He has assembled, mentored and empowered a high-performing team of academics and research students. The team are pushing the boundaries of innovation in foundational AI technologies and their application to key healthcare challenges. By fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, he has grown a cutting-edge research program in large language models for information access. His ability to identify and capitalise on innovative ideas and practices is securing UQ’s future in AI and inspires his team to achieve excellence. 

Professor John Cairney, Head of School, Human Movements and Nutrition Sciences,
Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences 

Professor Cairney is a leading expert in sport, physical literacy and child health, and an accomplished leader in higher education with over 25 years of experience. As Professor and Head of School in Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, he oversees the strategic direction, academic and research performance, and operational management of the school. He is also the Deputy Executive Director of the UQ 2032 Office of Games Engagement and the Director of the Queensland Centre for Olympic and Paralympic Studies. He has a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, implementing multi-million-dollar projects, and delivering exceptional outcomes for partners and funders. 

Associate Professor Liam Caffery, Principal Research Fellow,
Centre for Health Services Research 

Associate Professor Caffery creates a safe and supportive space for his teams to achieve amazing outcomes, balancing multiple leadership roles. He is Telehealth Technology Director of the highly successful Centre for Online Health. He is also Technology Lead and Chief Investigator for the Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis, which is revolutionising early detection of melanoma. He is sought out for his knowledge and leadership skills, winning awards like Mentor of the Year within his Centre. He looks beyond what is expected of him, bringing in new research tools and collaborating with other UQ faculties to improve performance. 

Mr Marc Blum, Security Architect,
Information Technology Services 

Marc established a safe and supportive environment where the team is free to exchange ideas, knowledge and support. Marc has fostered a strong group in Cyber Risk and Assurance. Among libraries of policy, standards, and procedures, Marc champions voicing our thoughts and encourages a can-do attitude. As an immense repository of the complex workings of UQ's environment, Marc actively makes time to offer guidance and instils a collaborative spirit.

Professor Paul Young, Professor, School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences 

Over the last ten years, during Professor Paul Young’s role as Head of School (Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences) and later with the DVCRI, he has spearheaded many impactful initiatives, including, notably, the Sanofi partnership, ongoing development of the Boggo Road innovation precinct and the new Queensland Emory Vaccine Centre. These have involved extensive liaison with Government, industry and academia. Paul fosters a united and collegiate culture. As Head of School, he enhanced research within a strong teaching-focused unit, yielding outputs akin to an institute. This same ability to unite people to achieve a shared goal has ensured the success of his different initiatives. 

Mrs Robyn Donnelly, Team Leader - Outreach and Engagement,
Office of Deputy-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) 

Robyn embodies the qualities of a great team leader through her exceptional communication skills, empathy, and ability to inspire others. She fosters a positive and inclusive work environment where team members feel valued and motivated. Robyn leads by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic and dedication to achieving team goals. 

Ms Tricia Williams, Faculty Executive Manager,
Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences 

Ms Tricia Williams is nominated for her leadership approach and achievements throughout her 10 years in the role of Faculty Executive Manager of the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences. Tricia has shown unwavering commitment to all Faculty strategic initiatives over the past 10 years, working through complex scenarios to support the Faculty and its Schools and Centres’ objectives. Tricia’s leadership impact is evidenced not only through the success of projects she has influenced, but also in her style of leadership. She uplifts, encourages and supports the staff around her. 

Legal Services (Research and Intellectual Property) Team 

The Legal Services (Research and Intellectual Property) team identifies and manages current and emerging legal issues, safeguarding UQ's interests and facilitating its strategic goals. The team’s commitment to leadership is evident in its expert guidance on contracts and intellectual property. They work to the highest standards to achieve the greatest impact for the benefit of UQ's research and our broader community. The team acts with integrity, protecting the University's reputation. They continuously demonstrate honesty and ethics in their work; upholding the principles that exemplify UQ's values. 

QAAFI ZNEAg CRC Development Team 

A team from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) led the development of the successful Zero Net Emissions from Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (ZNEAg CRC). This initiative was brokered by UQ and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. It involves a consortium of 73 partners across industry, education and government. This national collaboration has secured $300 million in funding over 10 years, with the Federal Government’s contribution of $87 million making it the largest Cooperative Research Centre in the program’s history. 

Indigenous Languages Revitalisation Team 

The Indigenous Languages Revitalisation (ILR) team have developed a first-of-its-kind program. This program equips members of Indigenous Communities to do the crucial work needed to revitalise this country’s first languages. To begin, the team devised an Indigenous Governance framework to ensure this program of work meets the needs of the Communities it serves. Accordingly, the curriculum was co-designed with a fully Indigenous steering committee. It was refined through consultation with the initial cohorts of students who undertook the pilot short-form credentials that formed the basis of a new Graduate Certificate. The result for UQ is a very different, but critically important offering. 

• Dr Samantha Disbray 
• Mr Desmond Crump 
• Ms Sofia Kudlak 
• Mr Robert McLellan 
• Mr Paul Williams 
• Mr Al Harvey 
• Mx Gari Tudor-Smith 

Ms Carroll Go-Sam, Senior Lecturer,
School of Architecture, Design and Planning 

Carroll, a Senior Lecturer within the School of Architecture is one of UQ’s leading Indigenous academics in this area. She has a reputation for important and innovative work. Carroll is recognised as a leading scholar in the fields of Indigeneity in architecture. Her work highlights representation, expression and connection to living cultures and intersection with public, civic, social and institutional architecture. She has spent her life and career working with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to ensure understanding of Indigenous knowledges and cultures within her discipline area. Carroll inspires a sense of belonging and promotes reconciliation on a daily basis. 

Menstrual equity for remote and Indigenous girls and women 

Appropriate period care products and information can enable girls and women to participate in school, work, family and recreation, whatever day of the month. These issues are exacerbated by remoteness, which increases costs and reduces access to services. This UQ team is led by two Indigenous women with the goal of opening a positive discussion on menstrual health in Indigenous communities. Over the past 8 years they have worked with school students in remote Queensland to provide menstrual health information and products, while advocating to decision-makers for improvements to achieve menstrual health equity. 

RAP Champions - EECS 

The School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science's (EECS) Reconciliation Action Plan Champions committee (RAPC) was formed to create safe spaces to facilitate the success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff and bring awareness of the UQ RAP goals to the School. The team believes that education and increasing awareness of current protocols and practices is a major step on this path. EECS is very large, multidisciplinary, highly multi-cultural and diverse. The EECS RAP team has raised awareness throughout the School, changed the practices of several staff members and started discussions with many others.  

Krystian Choros, Machine Learning Systems Engineer,
School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering 

Krystian has made extraordinary contributions to LGBTQIA+ inclusion at UQ. He is the Co-Chair of the Ally Action Committee. Krystian is also a member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Management Committee, the Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology (EAIT) EDI Committee, and the EAIT Ally Working Group. Additionally, Krystian established and runs a monthly Ally Network catch-up at St Lucia. Krystian also liaises with the project team for the Student Preferred Names initiative. Krystian actively participated in a Student Staff partnership about student perceptions of queer experiences at UQ, and coordinated UQ’s participation at Brisbane Pride 2023.  

Ally Network 20th Anniversary Event Team 

The team behind the Ally Network 20th Anniversary tackled an ambitious undertaking to appropriately celebrate an important milestone within the University community. The event received great engagement, and their efforts over continuous months demonstrate their dedication to an important cause.

• Jerome Delangle
• Jan Gustav Engmark
• Katsuhiko Shike
• Dr Megan Ross

Liisa Partanen, Faculty Executive Officer,
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 

Liisa has been a fantastic ally in the community, and her efforts have made the HASS faculty an incredibly vibrant and visible supporter of queer inclusion. Her advocacy for stickers that explicitly state HASS’ support, as well as 'All Are Welcome Here' posters, has led to the halls of Forgan Smith being decked out in Pride colours. Her participation and efforts in the queer space, including running an inclusion newsletter within HASS and queer inclusion events, have resulted in creating an active and visible space for queer inclusion at UQ.  

Dr Juliana Segura Salazar, Research Fellow,
Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre 

Juliana has been a fearless advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, constantly championing and promoting various events to her colleagues across UQ. She organised a group of people to participate in the IDAHOBIT Rainbow Bake Off and donated her kitchen as the creative space. She is acutely aware of the current issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. She is also a keen listener who does whatever she can to solve any issues at hand and helps to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at UQ. 

Cara Pearson, Senior Executive Assistant,
Medical School 

Cara is an active and engaged UQ Ally in the Medical School. Alongside her professional commitments, she actively seeks opportunities to promote and encourage allyship within the UQ community. Her supportive and inclusive values have been highly visible from the beginning, with her UQ Ally badge, lanyard, and posters. She is always open to having conversations in the workspace about participation in the UQ Ally space. Her open personality ensures that everyone who joins the team or visits the Medical School feels seen and valued without judgement or criticism. She is a strong leader in allyship. 

Emily Ascough, Student Experience Officer,
Student Affairs Division 

Emily has taught many others the importance of recognising and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. She has a particular emphasis on supporting the transgender community at UQ. Emily actively engages with others in the workplace on language, pronouns, issues, and challenges faced by the queer community. She provides a safe environment for people to raise issues and actively advocates for others. 

Christienne Javier, PhD Student,
School of Psychology 

Christienne is a proud and visible member of the LGBTQIA+ community and is always on call to support and provide a safe space for their colleagues. Their PhD research has made significant contributions in healthcare by investigating the predictors and barriers to trans and gender non-conforming health and well-being in Queensland. Their research in this space is already widely cited. Additionally, Christienne volunteers at LGBTQIA+ youth services (Open Doors Youth Service), and has formed incredibly valuable connections with the Gender Service at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, demonstrating their commitment to support queer youth in healthcare. 

Madeleine Hopper, Senior Research Assistant,
School of Education 

Madeleine finds every opportunity to champion LGBTQIA+ causes as a UQ Ally. She has spoken at School of Education meetings, determined to inspire action from academic and professional staff across the School by providing historical insights and ideas for action. Moreover, she has conducted surveys to encourage staff members to participate in the UQ Ally training program and has ensured more staff are trained to support others as UQ Allies. Her pursuit of raising awareness and the way she inspires knowledge and understanding makes Madeleine a wonderful example for what it means to be a UQ Ally. 

Katsuhiko Shike, Principal Sexual Misconduct Prevention Coordinator,
Student Affairs Division 

Katsu is unwavering in his dedication to advancing the wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ individuals at UQ and beyond. He showcases professionalism and creativity in his work. As a key member of the UQ Ally Action Committee and the Principal Sexual Misconduct Prevention Coordinator at UQ Respect, he plays a crucial role in fostering a safer and more inclusive environment. Furthermore, Katsu's leadership as the Queensland State Coordinator for the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation highlights his commitment to addressing and preventing domestic violence within the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Dr Cassandra Byrnes, Lecturer,
School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry 

Dr Cassandra Byrnes aims to make her classrooms at UQ a safe, inclusive, engaged, and informed space for all LGBTQIA+ students. As a lecturer, she works across three Gender Studies courses and teaches the History of Sexuality course. She also works hard to include discussions about queer issues and experiences as part of the generalist history major. This includes addressing the oppression faced by the LGBTIQ+ community throughout history, as well as their resilience and agency. Additionally, her allyship in education is demonstrated through her deep focus on intersectional issues such as race and disability. She continuously updates her courses to include the most recent LGBTQIA+ research. 

Maarten Christenhusz, PhD Student, 
School of Mathematics & Physics 

Maarten is a PhD student in the School of Mathematics and Physics and is a member of his school’s Equity and Diversity Committee. He always considers the queer community in his work on behalf of the Committee. While his research is on superfluids, it is not uncommon for Maarten to be sending emails, organising, and wrangling people to support or attend events. Furthermore, Maarten has also organised a team of physicists to participate in UQ’s International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), and has helped to rally support for the University’s queer population. 

Dr Michael Thai, Lecturer,
School of Psychology 

Michael has been an outstanding member of the UQ Ally Network. This year, he organised a Wear It Purple Day Research Morning, inviting undergraduate and postgraduate students from any School or Institute to present their research on topics relevant to LGBTQIA+ communities. His efforts not only required significant time and dedication but also played a crucial role in raising awareness about the remarkable research taking place across the University. This event has the potential to inspire countless students and staff members to engage in research or start their own projects in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Adrienne Tetteroo, Research Contracts Officer,
Office of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) 

Adrienne is a remarkable member of the UQ Ally Network, having volunteered this year to support the flagship event, the Great Rainbow Bake Off (IDAHOBIT). Her dedication to organising the event, from coordinating communication across the University, to ensuring it ran smoothly on the day, was exceptional and a testament to her dedication as a UQ Ally. Thanks to her efforts, the UQ Ally Network received a record number of cake entries and raised over $2000 for the Alumni Pride Scholarship.  

Dr Charlotte Petit, Manager, Post-Award Industry and International, Research Office,
Office of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) 

Charlotte’s warmth, openness, sense of humour, and deeply grounded sense of ethics are instrumental in creating a space where her colleagues can feel safe. She has great empathy for people with diverse gender identities; is willing to put herself on the line to protect others; and is determined to ensure all people feel safe, supported and part of the UQ community. She is dedicated to helping create positive differences in the workplace as a UQ Ally.  

Dr Vaishnavi Nathan, Research Assistant,
Frazer Institute 

Since starting at UQ in 2023, Dr Vaishnavi Nathan has demonstrated her commitment to allyship. She joined the Frazer Institute Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and has driven the organisation of queer events, like a morning tea and a trivia night fundraiser for Wear It Purple. As a Genetic Counsellor, Dr Nathan understands the importance of providing safe and inclusive care for those from diverse backgrounds. This is reflected in her efforts to create a safe and welcoming space for the queer community. This includes attending an information session about inclusive healthcare for LGBTQIA+ people, demonstrating allyship through wearing her trans/rainbow lanyard, and disclosing her pronouns on public profiles. 

Dr Andres Gambini, Senior Lecturer,
School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability 

Andres demonstrated his allyship through his exceptional leadership in spearheading the UQ Ally Network's participation in the Brisbane Pride march. His dedication to this initiative fostered a sense of pride and belonging among UQ staff. It also sent a powerful message to the broader community about the University's commitment to inclusivity and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. By championing this cause, Andres has undertaken a monumental task that will have far-reaching positive effects on the University's culture and reputation. 

Professor Fiona Barlow, Professor,
School of Psychology 

Fiona’s passion and drive as an LGBTQIA+ Ally is demonstrated in multiple aspects of her professional role. It can be seen in her research-led advocacy work and in her opinion pieces that push for LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Her cutting-edge research explores crucial questions regarding improvements that can be made to improve LGBTQIA+ well-being and mental health outcomes. With such proactiveness, Fiona cements herself as an absolute force in allyship within and outside of UQ.   

UQ Respect Team 

The UQ Respect Module's successful design and implementation have significantly enhanced UQ students' understanding of consent, respectful relationships, and sexual misconduct myths. It provides vital guidance on bystander intervention and supporting survivors, ensuring comprehensive education and training for all coursework students. Launched in Semester 1, 2024, this ambitious, cross-departmental project highlights UQ’s commitment to a safe and supportive environment. Rooted in evidence-based design and extensive consultation, it achieved a sector-leading 99.8% completion rate with 48,489 course work students participating. The initiative embodies UQ’s values of integrity, excellence, respect, and inclusivity. 

• Ms Kym Powell 
• Mr Richard Rerrie 
• Miss Kayley Taaffe 
• Mrs Jane van Kester 
• Ms Maree Mason 
• Ms Christine Kusher 
• Ms Ellie Woods 
• Mrs Lucinda Ramsay 
• Ms Anne Pham 
• Ms Sandra Rothwell 
• Ms Rebecca Schrauf 
• Miss Amy Thompson 
• Miss Zali Bishop 
• Mrs Josephine Wray 
• Ms Mallory Welch 
• Mr Steve Goodwin 
• Mr Sagar Bhindi 
• Mr Steven McIntrye 
• Mr Murrad Tofa 
• Mrs Neithu Koruth 
• Mr Kofi Afari Dekyi 
• Mr Ben Howland 
• Mr Rhys Edwards 
• Mr Darren Reichel 
• Mr Athol Reid 
• Mr Aaron Humphreys 
• Mr Amit Dhania 
• Mr Beau Henderson 
• Mr Paul Dutton 
• Mr Sanjay Thotakura