This week is the last chance to have your say in this year’s Pulse Survey, which is closing at 5pm this Friday 28 March. The survey is a chance to give feedback on your experience working at UQ, and its results will directly inform the University's priorities. You can find a link to complete it on the Pulse Survey webpage.
Don’t miss your chance to submit an expressions of interest (EOIs) to host a National Reconciliation Week (NRW) event. EOIs are open until Friday 4 April. NRW runs from Tuesday 27 May to Tuesday 3 June and is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It’s a chance for each of us to learn how we can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. UQ events should align with the 2025 theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next’, and can be in person, online, private or open to the public. A final event program will be published on the UQ National Reconciliation Week webpage and form part of the official UQ NRW program.
Respect at Uni Week starts today and runs until Friday 28 March. This week aims to empower and educate our community on how we can all prevent violence and harassment in our communities, in alignment with UQ’s ongoing commitment to creating safe and respectful environments for everyone. Join the conversation by taking part in one of the events happening across our campuses, including the Respect Network Community Day on Tuesday 25 March, with community stalls, food trucks, craft, networking and activities at the Dr Mary Mahoney AO Amphitheatre.
To celebrate the 10th year of UQ's partnership with the Firebirds and Netball Queensland, we are giving away 32 double passes to UQ staff to attend the Firebirds vs Thunderbirds first home game at Nissan Arena on Saturday 10 May. The first 32 UQ staff to email sponsorship@uq.edu.au will receive tickets.
From Tuesday 1 April, UQ’s travel allowance rates will increase. If you have already submitted a travel allowance claim for a trip that begins on or after Tuesday 1 April, or for a trip that overlaps the effective date, the Payment Services team will contact you to discuss your claim. If you have any questions, you can review the UQ Travel webpage or email the Finance and Business Services Tax team.
Give your child a head start in language learning with a 5-day online bootcamp hosted by UQ's Institute of Modern Languages. Designed for high school students in year 7 and year 8, this interactive program offers French, German, Japanese and Spanish. The next bootcamp will begin on Monday 7 April, with classes from 9:00am to 10:30am each day. Spots are limited, and applications close Monday 31 March.
UQ will be celebrating World Day for Cultural Diversity and Dialogue on Thursday 22 May with events on the Great Court, St Lucia. UQ Wellbeing is seeking EOIs to host a market stall, performance, workshop, food truck or other outdoor event or activation that showcases our community’s cultural diversity. Be a part of showcasing UQ’s diversity and providing a unique opportunity for our community to come together. Submit your EOI by 2pm on Thursday 10 April.
A call for abstracts to present at the upcoming UQ–Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) Symposium is now open. Academics and PhD students from UQ or IITD, as well as external industry partners, are invited to submit abstracts. Abstracts align with the symposium theme ‘Innovating Together: Australia-India Research Partnerships for a Sustainable Future’. The symposium will be hosted at UQ on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 July. Submit an abstract by Sunday 27 April.
UQ Skills will be undertaking a training exercise using hand-held flares at the St Lucia campus this Friday 28 March. The exercise will take place between 10am and 2pm at the Boating Compound (building 89A). The flares do not produce noise but do produce some light and smoke. The exercise is compliant with the relevant safety requirements, authorities have been notified, and an authorised UQ officer will be present.
Apply now to take advantage of the Study for Staff program in Semester 2, 2025. This program offers staff a significant fee subsidy on a select range of UQ graduate certificates to help support your growth and career development. Applications close Thursday 24 April for the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and Friday 23 May for all other programs.
New dates for UQ’s International Women’s Day events that were postponed due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred have now been finalised. The keynote address from healthcare professional and award-winning diversity and inclusion advocate Sara Shams will now be held on Monday 28 April. You can read the full rescheduled program on UQ’s IWD webpage.
Appointments delivered by qualified physiotherapists completing their master’s degrees are available for a limited time at the UQ Physio Clinic. These students are developing specialised skills in musculoskeletal and sporting conditions and are supervised by a postgraduate-qualified physiotherapist. UQ staff and students, along with their immediate families, can receive a 15% discount on all services. Request an appointment on the clinic’s website or by calling 3365 2232.
Apply now for the 2025 UQ Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Applications are open until 12pm on Tuesday 6 May. These awards recognise the outstanding achievements of all who teach and support learning in UQ’s community. Join the information session this Friday 21 March to learn more about the awards and the application process. For more information, email teaching.awards@uq.edu.au.
It’s your last chance to apply for 2 online behaviour change programs developed by UQ Wellness and Bupa. Register your interest by tomorrow, Tuesday 18 March. Goal Set focuses on improving physical wellbeing, while Mind Set focuses on improving mental fitness. Both 12-week programs begin the week of Monday 31 March.
Applications are now open for the QUEX Professional Services Staff Fellowship program. This program is an initiative of the QUEX Institute, a partnership between UQ and the University of Exeter. The program has been established to provide professional development opportunities and to share best practices and experiences between professional services colleagues at UQ and Exeter. Apply before Friday 2 May.
Expressions of interest (EOIs) are now open to host Research and Innovation Week 2025 (R&I Week) events. R&I Week runs from Monday 8 to Friday 12 September. All faculties, institutes and divisions are invited to submit EOIs to host events that showcase the breadth and excellence of research at UQ and within the broader community. Last year’s events featured research showcases, a lecture from a Nobel laureate, talks with industry leaders, and research facility openings. Submit your EOIs by noon on Friday 4 April.
Do you have stuffed toys at home that are no longer being used? The dogs in the care of UQ VETS would love to inherit them. The UQ VETS Pets for Life adoption program is now taking donations of old soft toys that are clean and dog-safe – with no batteries, Styrofoam, beans or wires. You can donate them at the Clinical Studies Centre at Gatton at any time. You can also drop off your donations on Floor 2 of Building 99 (Glasshouse Rd near Walcott St) at St Lucia.
The Open Course Scheme offers staff the opportunity to observe the great teaching happening in their colleagues' classrooms at UQ. Observing others teaching gives teachers fresh insights, inspiration and the opportunity to reflect on their own practice. You can book in to visit one of a wide range of courses to discover innovative teaching techniques, draw inspiration for your own practices, and connect with colleagues.
The UQ Global Partnerships Funding Scheme is now open for Round 1 applications. The Scheme assists UQ faculties, institutes, and units by facilitating the launch of new projects and promoting innovative, creative initiatives that will strengthen the impact of UQ’s global network. Up to $100,000 has been allocated for the scheme, which is open to several initiatives with UQ’s international partners. A full list of partners is available on the website. Applications close Monday 31 March.
Last year, UQ launched its new Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to expand and develop initiatives that bring us closer to making reconciliation a lived reality. Staff are now invited to join a workshop designed to help you navigate and implement the new UQ Stretch RAP 2025–2027. An in-person workshop will be held at St Lucia on Thursday 3 April, with an online session on Wednesday 16 April.
Pop-Up by Patina is now operating on the ground floor of the Queensland Bioscience Precinct (building 80) at St Lucia, where Genies Cafe used to be. Open from 7am to 1pm weekdays, this new cafe serves locally roasted coffee beans by Bellissimo. They also offer a breakfast and lunch takeaway menu, designed by Patina's Executive Chef, with wraps and toasted sandwiches.
Appointments are now available at the Musculoskeletal and Sports Injury physiotherapy clinic. Services are delivered by final-year physiotherapy students who are supervised by qualified and highly experienced physiotherapists. A 15% discount is available to UQ staff, students and their immediate families, and referrals are not necessary. Contact their team online or by calling 3365 2232.
To celebrate our 10-year anniversary as a premier partner of Netball Queensland and the Queensland Firebirds, UQ's staff, students and alumni can access a 10% discount on game tickets and membership packages. Purchase your tickets or membership package using one of UQ's discount codes before Saturday 31 May to take advantage of this deal. Find out more about the partnership and access the discount codes on UQ's Partners and Community website.
From 6am on Monday 24 February, there will be no parking permitted along Walcott Street between Sir Fred Schonell Drive and Hood Street while Energex converts the overhead service lines to underground cabling and installs new street lighting. Works could take up to 4 weeks to complete. Any vehicles left in the restricted area during this time will be towed so that works can proceed. Signs will be posted to indicate where parking is prohibited.
Make 2025 the year you get your super sorted. UQ’s superannuation provider, UniSuper, is offering new year super checks in person, over the phone and online at no additional cost for existing members. UniSuper consultants can provide general advice on retirement planning, pension products, and account management. Book an appointment on the UniSuper website or by calling 1800 823 842.
All staff have access to a range of training courses. This week, we are highlighting the ‘Understanding and Managing Psychosocial Risk for Supervisors and Managers’ course. It covers topics such as identifying and addressing psychosocial hazards and leadership practices that contribute to a mentally healthy workplace. Supervisors and managers can take this course at any time on Workday.
In 2025, the Integrated Pathology Learning Centre (IPLC) is commemorating 100 years of its collection. All UQ staff are invited to visit the museum to explore its unique specimens displayed alongside student-designed exhibitions and historical objects from the Marks-Hirschfeld Museum of Medical History. The museum is open by appointment. To book, fill out the form on the IPLC's website.
UQ’s incident and hazard reporting system, UQSafe, has been updated to improve usability. UQSafe allows you to report hazards and incidents online via the UQ website. As part of the update, the website now has a refreshed look to make reporting easier. You also have the option to report incidents quickly and easily via the new UQSafe RiskWare Mobile app. Download the RiskWare Mobile app from the App Store and follow our online setup instructions.
From Friday 21 to Sunday 30 March, World Science Festival Brisbane is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a 10-day festival. At the festival, you can hear from UQ experts on everything from dugongs to gut health. You can also explore quantum science, be immersed in First Nations-led workshops, and much more. As the festival’s Innovation Partner, UQ staff can enjoy an exclusive 25% discount on World Science Festival Brisbane tickets when you use the code WSFB25PARTNER.
This year, UQ will begin transitioning Learn.UQ from the current version, Blackboard Original, to the new Blackboard Ultra. Most courses will make this transition in Semester 2 of 2025 and Semester 1 of 2026. To preview Ultra, enrol in the Ultra Example site as a student or request a preview site with instructor access by emailing help@elearning.uq.edu.au.
Submissions are invited to the review of the School of Languages and Cultures which will be conducted by the Academic Board from Monday 19 to Thursday 22 May 2025. The terms of reference for the review are available via the Academic Board website. Submissions should be sent to the Review Coordinator at uqreviews@uq.edu.au by Monday 14 April 2025.
From Monday 3 February 2025, some parking rates at UQ’s St Lucia, Dutton Park and Herston campuses and Toowong office increased for staff, students and visitors. These benchmarked changes are part of ongoing initiatives to encourage the use of alternative sustainable transport and free up parking for staff and students who need to drive to campus. Parking revenue is reinvested into campus infrastructure, including active transport facilities.
The new year is the perfect time to plan ahead and book your holiday leave for the year. With some forward planning, you can align your time off with public holidays to maximise your break. Remember to always speak to your manager or supervisor before booking leave, so they can make sure it works with the needs of your team. If you need a refresher on how to book leave in Workday, visit the Managing My Absences webpage. Start planning today and set yourself up for a well-balanced 2025!
On Tuesday 28 January, Brisbane Metro services commenced on the M2 route (formerly Route 66) from Stop A at UQ Lakes station to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. Routes 139 and 169 depart from Stop D. M2 services won’t stop at Dutton Park Place so please use alternative routes for this station. Signage and support staff will be at UQ Lakes to assist passengers.
UQ is transitioning from desk phones to Microsoft Teams Phone, beginning at the St Lucia campus. While staff can already use Microsoft Teams to make internal phone calls, Teams Phone allows you to receive and make calls to external numbers (including international calls). This transition supports hybrid working by allowing staff to make or receive calls from anywhere. Find out more on the transition, how to access support, and how to register for upcoming information sessions on the project website.
Recent rain and humidity have increased the risk of mould in UQ buildings. Properties and Facilitis has taken preventative measures to address this. You can support this effort by tidying and wiping down your workstation and ensuring all your office windows are closed before you head off on the holiday break. Read more about preventing and reporting mould on UQ’s 'Mould in indoor spaces' webpage.
UQ now has approved suppliers for catering. If you are planning an event with catering, you can now select from one of 4 approved suppliers in the Brisbane metro area. These suppliers were selected to ensure quality, reliability, and value for event hosts. Learn about our preferred suppliers in the catering section of the UQ Where to buy guide on the UQ procurement page.
UQ’s superannuation provider, UniSuper, has launched a new virtual care platform, 360Health. UniSuper members and their spouse, children, parents and parents-in-law can access medical care, such as nutrition advice, mental health assistance, and general practice care through the platform at no additional cost.
UQ has been named the nation’s best university for the second year in a row in the 2024 Best Universities Ranking by the Australian Financial Review (AFR). The AFR rankings evaluate university performance holistically based on 4 pillars: teaching, research, career impact and equity. These rankings are the first in Australia to consider traditional notions of excellence, such as research and career impact, alongside student satisfaction and equity.
Staff on the St Lucia campus can now visit Sun Stadium, a new public artwork in the form of a sundial, near the UQ Lakes bus stop. Created from sustainable materials, the artwork was brought to life through a collaboration between artist and choreographer Amrita Hepi, poet Jazz Money, and Dialogue Office's Christopher Bassi, along with Five Mile Radius and Sibling Architecture.
The UQ Centre (Building 27A) has transitioned back to its original purpose as an indoor multi-sport facility, as part of the University’s Sport and Recreation Precinct and will be managed by UQ Sport. A limited number of non-sporting events will continue to use the Centre. The lecture theatre within the Centre is not affected by this change and the booking process remains the same.
Did you know that UQ has an Email and Bulk Messaging Procedure? This procedure outlines UQ’s rules around sending bulk emails to staff, students and other UQ email holders. Any bulk messages to our community must comply with this procedure. If you send bulk emails to UQ email holders, please remember to take some time to familiarise yourself with the procedure.
The REDROOM has temporarily closed for essential works to safely remove asbestos in preparation for stage one of the Union Complex redevelopment in late 2025. Other facilities in the area remain open. Works are expected to take about 4 months to complete, site conditions permitting. Visit the road and building works page for more information.
UQ teaching staff can learn strategies to support linguistically diverse students with a 90-minute online training course. It covers topics like linguistic diversity at UQ and refining instruction, assessment and feedback with linguistic diversity in mind. You can complete this training at any time through Workday.
Volunteer for a UQ research study
Get involved in UQ research by volunteering for a wide range of studies. Your participation may be vital to solving medical mysteries or answering important research questions.