What's on
September events
SEXtember
Monday 1 to Tuesday 30 September
Join UQ Respect this SEXtember for a month-long program of educational events, workshops and opportunities for all members of the UQ community. Alongside in-person events, UQ has partnered with other universities to deliver online seminars discussing important topics like eating disorders, consent and care for trans bodies, understanding sexuality and online influence over teenagers as a parent, and more.
Sunset Sessions
Thursday 4 September until December
Every Thursday and Friday from 4pm, head to the Patina at Alumni Court gardens to unwind, sip and savour the sunset. Enjoy live music, exclusive food, and drink in a relaxing atmosphere.
Tuesday 23 September
Limited spaces are still available for in-person Cyber Security Fundamentals training. With cyber security threats on the rise, now is a good time to boost your cyber savviness. Learn more about cyber security at UQ and enrol in training sessions via the Training section of the Stay Cyber Safe webpage.
UQ-Exeter Institute Global Seminar Series: Celebrating Women in Higher Education, Research and Innovation
Tuesday 23 September
Join the vice-chancellors of UQ and University of Exeter as they reflect on their experiences as women in higher education and launch the new branding for our joint UQ-Exeter Institute, previously known as QUEX. This seminar will be hosted online via Zoom from 5 to 7pm.
Campus culture speaker series: Tools for civil discourse
Wednesday 24 September
In the third event for the campus culture speaker series this semester, speakers will share practical tools for having respectful and inclusive debates. We’ll talk about how to actively listen, understand different perspectives, challenge ideas (not people), and practice empathy – so everyone feels heard and valued.
2025 Ed Conrad Memorial Lecture: The Bible and the Rise of Science
Wednesday 24 September
Join UQ’s School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry for the 2025 Ed Conrad Memorial Lecture, “The Bible and the Rise of Science,” presented by Emeritus Professor Peter Harrison. Discover how biblical literalism surprisingly supported the rise of modern science and has helped reshape our understanding of science-religion conflicts.
Inaugural UQ Academic Language Forum
Friday 26 September
Join the inaugural UQ Academic Language Forum at the Global Change Institute. Hosted by the School of Languages and Cultures, UQ College and the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience), the Forum features keynote speakers, lightning talks, and practical strategies to embed academic language support in teaching and curricula.
Study for Staff information webinar
Monday 29 September
Through UQ’s Study for Staff program, you can access a fee subsidy of up to 75% for all UQ graduate certificates. At this information webinar, the Study for Staff team will share how the subsidy operates, what UQ staff can access to support professional growth, and more. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions before applications for 2026 close on Friday 31 October.
October events
2025 Biochemistry Alumni Lecture
Thursday 2 October
Don’t miss the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences' annual Biochemistry Alumni lecture presented by Associate Professor Danielle Grotjahn, Scripps Research. Associate Professor Grotjahn will discuss her lab's work identifying new therapeutic targets for treating diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Webinar: Building a resilient and sustainable workforce for the future
Thursday 2 October
Aged care and youth work face distinct challenges – from physical demands to emotional strain and safety concerns. Join Dr Arianna Gatta and Dr Robert Arcidiacono from UQ’s Centre for Policy Futures as they present findings from research commissioned by Anglicare Southern Queensland. They will share key recommendations to address workforce issues such as attraction and retention, and explore how the community care sector can build a more diverse and sustainable future.
2025 Fryer Lecture in Australian Literature
Friday 3 October
Author and literary critic Geordie Williamson will deliver the annual lecture, 'From Capricornia to Carpentaria: the Literary Legacy of Xavier Herbert'. He will address the literary legacy of award-winning Xavier Herbert (1901-1984), including the successes and failures of Herbert's efforts to engage with Indigenous Australia, his ongoing legacy, and his complicated dialogue with contemporary writers, including fellow Miles Franklin Award winner Alexis Wright.
UQ-UZH Public Lecture: A Toolbox for Human-AI Collaboration in Lifespan Health Analysis
Tuesday 7 October
Join UQ Global Partnerships for this public lecture co-hosted by UQ and the University of Zurich (UZH). At UQ Brisbane City, hear from expert speakers Gabriela Morgenshtern from UZH and UQ's Professor Gianluca Demartini as they share their knowledge on human-AI collaboration in health research.
UQ-UZH Symposium
Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 October
UQ and the University of Zurich (UZH) are proud to host the 2025 UQ-UZH Symposium. The symposium will bring together leading researchers, early-career scholars, and key collaborators to showcase joint initiatives and explore both existing and emerging themes.
Voices of the Ocean: A Night with David Attenborough and UQ Marine Conservation Experts
Thursday 9 October
Join the Faculty of Science for an inspiring evening featuring David Attenborough’s Ocean, a stunning exploration of the beauty and vulnerability of our marine ecosystems. The screening will be followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion with UQ’s marine conservation experts, offering insights into the challenges facing our oceans and the innovative research helping to protect them.
Celebrating LGBTQIA+ in STEM
Thursday 16 October
This event honours Alan Turing, an LGBTQIA+ icon, on the 75th anniversary of the Turing Test and celebrates LGBTQIA+ researchers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It features a poster session with presentations from LGBTQIA+ students and staff at UQ, followed by a public lecture on LGBTQIA+ mathematics.
UQ Mayne Hall Organ Series with Christopher Wrench
Saturday 18 October
Join the School of Music for an engaging evening of music with an Organ Recital by Christopher Wrench on Saturday 18 October. Set in the stunning surrounds of the UQ Art Museum, this 70-minute program showcases the expressive power and grandeur of the Mayne Hall organ through masterworks by Bruhns, Bach, and well-known Brisbane composers including Lloyd Vick. Purchase tickets
Orientation for academics new to UQ
Monday 20 October
Academics who have started their first fixed-term or continuing role with UQ in 2025 are invited to attend this orientation. Hear from some of UQ’s leaders and understand the tools and systems that can support you in your role.
ScaleUP Showcase
Tuesday 21 October
Experience the high-energy UQ Ventures ScaleUP Showcase. Hear from ambitious founders, innovators, investors, and industry leaders collaborating to navigate growth and scale innovation in Queensland. The full-day program includes expert panels, breakout sessions, networking, and the ilab x Momentum Accelerator Pitch Night. Staff can purchase tickets with a 25% discount using code UQSTAFF-25V.
Neurodiversity Colloquium
Friday 24 October
Join colleagues from across UQ for a dynamic, full-day colloquium focused on advancing neurodiversity inclusion in higher education. This event will feature interactive sessions, peer-led discussions, and collaborative resource-building sessions to spotlight existing initiatives and share best practice to shape future directions for supporting neurodivergent students and staff. Whether you’re already working in this space or just beginning to explore it, your voice and experience are welcome.
The Annual Dust and Respiratory Health Forum
Thursday 30 October
The Annual Dust and Respiratory Health Forum brings together experts from around the world to showcase advancements and emerging trends in the management of dust and mine dust lung diseases. It aims to fosters collaborations and sharing of best practice to improve the health, safety and treatment options outcomes for mine workers affected by occupational dust lung diseases. The event is free to attend at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre or online.
Mapping Human Rights and SDGs in Queensland: A National Agenda
Thursday 30 October
At this webinar, Dr Kiah Smith will present findings from the first digital mapping of how Queensland civil society organisations contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project delivers Australia’s first SDG Data Observatory to strengthen collaboration, visibility, and rights-based SDG localisation by civil society.