UQ has been ranked as Australia’s number one university – and 30th globally – in TIME Magazine’s inaugural World’s Top Universities ranking. This ranking assesses institutions on academic capacity and performance, innovation and economic impact, and global engagement. Thank you to all staff for your valuable contributions to our continued success.
From Monday 9 February, there are new ways to pay for parking across UQ locations, including a new parking app, permits, and updated parking rates. If you need to drive to UQ campuses, make sure you have a 2026 staff permit before parking in designated zones, or use the PayStay app for casual parking.
This week, get ready for Semester 1 by getting involved in Ready to Teach Week. Sessions from Monday 9 to Friday 13 February will cover practical tips on preparing students for learning with (and without) generative AI, inclusive teaching, data-driven teaching, presenting for educational media and more. There is still time to register and secure your spot.
Expressions of interest for the 2026 UQ Leadership Programs will close at 5pm on Tuesday 17 February. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and your leadership practice this year. Information about the programs and how to apply for them is available on the Leadership Development at UQ webpage.
Student orientation starts next week – on Monday 16 February. Orientation is 2 weeks of events and activities held every semester for undergraduate students, postgraduate students and HDR candidates. All staff are encouraged to help ensure students start strong at UQ. Please share the events program with students to support connection, engagement and a smooth transition into the semester.
UQ has introduced a new sign-in experience for lectern PCs called Web Sign-In. This feature lets UQ staff log in using their UQ username and password, and includes Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) as part of the login process. This allows you to use applications such as Microsoft Teams, Office, and Edge to sign in without further MFA prompts.
If you are teaching in Semester 1, you can now submit an expression of interest to receive a health literacy slide deck to use in your classes. These 13 slides – one for each week of the semester – can be easily integrated with your existing teaching materials to provide students with information about mental health and academic support services, ways to engage with peers and their community, and general wellbeing while studying. Submit your EOI by Thursday 19 February to receive the slides before the start of semester, and email mentalhealth@uq.edu.au if you have any questions.
The Teaching Foundations RPL Module is designed for experienced UQ educators seeking to pursue the Graduate Certificate in University Teaching Practice (GCUTP). Successful completion leads to the award of the Teaching Foundations Certificate, recognition as an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and an invitation to apply for admission to the GCUTP. Visit the webpage to find out more and apply by this Friday 13 February.
UQ Skills will be undertaking a training exercise using hand-held flares at the St Lucia campus between 2 and 4pm on Tuesday 10 February. 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.
In 2026, UQ is the Innovation Partner of the World Science Festival, proudly sponsoring the UQ Impact Series and STEM Futures Forum. There are 10 free tickets available for each of the 5 Impact Series events for the UQ community. Once they’re gone, you can still access discounted tickets across the entire program using the code WSFB26PARTNER at checkout. This year's festival is running from Friday 20 to Sunday 29 March.
Academics who are starting their first fixed-term or continuing role with UQ in 2026 are invited to attend an orientation on Tuesday 10 March. Hear from some of UQ’s leaders and understand the tools and systems that can support you in your role. This session is also an opportunity to meet and network with your new colleagues from across the University.
Discounted UQ-branded merchandise, apparel, books and equipment will be available to purchase at the former School Locker stores at St Lucia from Monday 2 February and Gatton from Tuesday 17 February. The Herston store will close on Friday 20 February, with more details about alternative services to come soon. Visit the website for more information.
Registrations are now open for 3 online behaviour change programs being offered by UQ in partnership with Bupa. Mood Food focuses on nutritional changes to enhance your gut, brain and mental health; Goal Set focuses on behaviour change for your physical wellbeing; and Mind Set focuses on changes to increase your mental fitness. Expressions of interest for these 12-week programs close Thursday 12 February, and all 3 programs will begin in late February. You can express interest in all programs, but if successful, you will only be offered a place in one.
Emory University (USA) and UQ have opened the 2026 round of the Collaborative Research Grant. Applicants from all disciplines are encouraged to submit funding applications for innovative and sustainable projects built around collaborative research and engagement. Up to 2 applications will be funded for up to US$20,000. Applications close Sunday 1 March.
Learn a new language in Semester 1 at UQ’s Institute of Modern Languages. Classes start in March and are offered both in person or online, with experienced language teachers and small class sizes to help you achieve your learning objectives. Register for an A or B course before Monday 23 February to access an early-bird fee.
Start your year off right with the 6-week 15 Minute Exercise Challenge. This team challenge helps you make movement a part of your daily routine – no matter your fitness level – and connect with your colleagues. Registrations are now open, so get your team together and sign up before the challenge starts on Monday 16 February.
Start your year off right with the 6-week 15 Minute Exercise Challenge. This team challenge helps you make movement a part of your daily routine – no matter your fitness level – and connect with your colleagues. Registrations are now open, so get your team together and sign up before the challenge starts on Monday 16 February.
Applications for promotion to Academic Levels C, D and E will open later this semester. If you are considering applying for promotion this year or in future years, you can attend information sessions to help you be prepared and improve your application quality. An information session about applying for promotion to Professor (Level E) will be held on Tuesday 10 February and an information session about applying for promotion to Level B, C or D will be held on Tuesday 24 February. Please enrol via Workday if you would like to attend a session.
Applications are now open for UQ’s Indigenous Graduate Program for recent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates. Please share this opportunity across your networks to help us reach talented candidates. We also invite UQ leaders and units to host a participant and support their early career development. For hosting enquiries or questions, email indigenous_employment@uq.edu.au.
The start of a new year is an ideal time to reflect on the safety of your personal and professional information. With online threats continuing to rise, staying secure has never been more important. Small, simple changes can make a big difference to your online safety. Read 10 new year’s cyber resolutions from UQ’s Cyber Security team that can help you boost your security in the year ahead and keep you and UQ cyber safe.
The UQ-Exeter Institute is now accepting applications for joint PhD project proposals. Proposals should be submitted by sets of researchers from UQ and the University of Exeter who can demonstrate a capacity to work collaboratively. The host supervisor should be prepared to support a PhD candidate’s space, computing, and resource needs. Proposals are being sought in the areas of healthy living; global environmental futures; digital worlds and disruptive technologies; and mineral security and sustainability. Submit your proposal by Friday 27 February at 9:59am AEST.
The 2026 Campus Clean-Up is on now. Take some time to declutter your workspace and shared areas, and dispose of items responsibly – recycle paper, cardboard and e-waste, and upload good-quality furniture to UQ WARPit for reuse. Skip bins are available across all campuses for hard rubbish and unwanted items until Friday 13 February.
From Monday 2 February, the Microsoft Store will no longer be accessible on UQ-managed devices. Software should only be downloaded to UQ-managed devices using Company Portal (Windows) and Self Service (Mac). If you believe that you need software that is not available from the software catalogue, you can submit a request to Information Technology Services.
UQ is proud to be participating in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) survey by Pride in Diversity. This survey is an opportunity for us to track our progress and benchmark ourselves against other leading organisations in Australia. Your feedback helps us understand the views and experiences of all employees, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We want to ensure that UQ is a place where everyone feels included and supported. The survey is anonymous, and all staff are encouraged to participate and have their say.
Submissions are invited to the review of the School of Civil Engineering, which will be conducted by the Academic Board from Monday 23 to Thursday 26 March. The terms of reference for the review are available on the Academic Board website. Submissions should be sent to the review coordinator by emailing uqreviews@uq.edu.au by Monday 16 February.
UQ’s superannuation provider, UniSuper, is available for face-to-face, video or phone appointments this new year. Whether you’re a member or not, you can book a chat with a UniSuper consultant for support across insurance, beneficiaries, investment options and more. Free appointments are available online, in person and over the phone.
The UQ Strategic Plan 2026–2029 is now available online. This new plan builds upon our previous 4-year plan, while maintaining a longer term focus on the University's ambitions for 2032. It highlights 'Delivering for the public good', 'Teaching and learning' and 'Research and innovation' as 3 key domains of strategic activity at UQ.
UQ staff can now book a free measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine through UQ Health Care St Lucia. Measles cases are increasing in Queensland, and by keeping up to date with your vaccinations, you can protect yourself and vulnerable members of the community from this highly contagious disease. Check your vaccination records, and if you have not received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, consider booking an appointment to receive a free vaccine at UQ Health Care, your own general practitioner, or some pharmacies.
Academic staff and research support staff are encouraged to complete an online module to enhance their knowledge of conducting research responsibly and with integrity. The module covers UQ’s research governance framework and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research. You will also learn about the broad principles and practices of responsible research conduct.
The UQ Ally Network is a cohort of well-informed staff who create a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for people of diverse sexes, genders and sexualities at UQ and in the broader community. All UQ staff, regardless of identity, are invited to join the network by completing a UQ Ally Workshop. In-person workshops are being hosted at St Lucia, Gatton, Dutton Park and Long Pocket throughout the second half of 2025, and enrolments are open now via Workday.
As part of UQ's commitment to fostering a safe, positive and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ people, we provide a range of resources – including training, guides, templates and support services – to support both staff and students. These resources are designed to help ensure everyone can work and study free from discrimination, harassment and bullying.
Looking for a new furry friend? The UQ VETS Pets for Life Adoption Program, based at Gatton, has cats available for adoption. Cats of all ages, sizes, colours and attitudes are searching for a new loving home – including 1.5-year-old Sting (pictured), who loves people and wants to be your new best friend. Book an appointment to meet a cat by calling 5460 1868 or emailing svs-csc@uq.edu.au.
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.