Engagement is a high priority for the University of Queensland and the School has been actively involved in this area over the last two months. Professor Chen recently welcomed a delegation from the China Capital Medical University to the University of Queensland. Professors Chen and Thomas and myself discussed possible collaborations between the School and this prestigious Chinese University during formal presentations and a University dinner. Professor Chen will be returning to China later this year to continue these interactions and to establish an ongoing relationship. There are significant opportunities to share PhD students and establish new research links between the Universities. In addition to creating these international opportunities we are also interested in attracting Australian Research Fellows to the School. Associate Professor Mike Bennett, Head of Anatomy, recently invited Dr Colin McHenry, an ARC Fellow, and prominent Australian Functional Morphologist to the School. This visit provided a focal point for discussions among staff in the biosciences precinct about new directions for Anatomy in the area of Functional Morphology. I encourage academic staff to propose further names of Fellows of interest to discipline Heads.

On the afternoon of Tuesday June 3rd, I hosted the Heads of Sciences from six large feeder High Schools in Brisbane. The School of Biomedical Sciences is donating 50 retired teaching microscopes to these Schools and assisting them to incorporate histology into their curricula. Thanks are owed to Michelle, Bruno, Paul, Adrian and Daniel for helping out with this initiative. In a related activity, The Olympus Imaging Facility is nearing completion and we are currently finalising some minor works before it is furnished with $500,000 worth of Olympus microscopes. An official ceremony is planned for its opening.

Once again the School’s Thanksgiving Service was held in recognition and appreciation of the Body Donors. This service was enthusiastically embraced by both the University and local community. This year’s speaker was Peter Doran AM, a Fellow of the Sports Medicine and highly active Physiotherapist and Sculptor.

For those who read the latest news alerts on the UQ home page may have noticed an article about a group of 10 high achieving 3rd year students entering an international genetically engineered machine (iGEM) competition at MIT. Associate Professor Peter Thorn and Professor Wally Thomas from the School are the mentors for these students as they develop projects and design biological machines. Peter and Wally are hosting these students in their own laboratories while the team sources funding to equip a dedicated laboratory on the 1st floor of the MacGregor Building. I am keen to see Science students gain experience in developing and managing large projects. Engineering students build rockets and cars – now Science students can construct biological machines.

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What’s in a name?

If you haven’t heard the term, iGEM, being bandied around the School recently then I’m very surprised!
 
So, what is it, you might ask?  Well, in keeping with UQ’s Teaching and Learning strategy to support and provide opportunities for high-achieving students - including helping them “go global” - the School has committed to the International Genetically Engineered Machine (hence iGEM) competition.  iGEM is the premier undergraduate Synthetic Biology competition and has been conducted by MIT since 2003. This will be the first year that UQ has participated.
 
The competition sees more than 1000 students from universities around the world working at their institutions using biological parts provided for them with new parts of their own design to build biological systems and operate them in living cells.  Students are mentored, not instructed, and are encouraged to be creative and innovative and self-management of all aspects of participation is a key component of the competition.  iGEM culminates in October each year when all teams gather at MIT for the iGEM Jamboree and the presentation of their projects.
 
SBMS has committed to iGEM and ten students studying Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Engineering and Science make up the UQ-Australia team.
 
The School has provided the team with access to staff and facilities and support has also been forthcoming from the Faculty of Science, the School of Biological Sciences, and the Centre for Educational Innovation and Technology.  A very generous gift of $10,000 from the Alumni Friends of The University of Queensland Inc will provide financial support to assist with the establishment of a dedicated lab in the MacGregor Building which will be for the exclusive use of iGEM team members in 2009 and the years to come.
 
The UQ-Australia team is working with guidance from team advisors, Professor Wally Thomas and A/Professor Peter Thorn.
 
The School has been assisting the team members with their own fundraising strategies and, apart from being dedicated and budding scientists, they have become skilled in the disciplines of fundraising and marketing.  They’ve even been featured on the UQ Website home page!
 
So, what’s in it for everyone?
 
For the students, there is professional development in their chosen field of study, personal growth, nurturing of their interest in research, and relationship-building beyond the lecture theatre (in the lab and all the way to Boston).
 
For SMBS, there is involvement in a long-term venture that will have significant promotional and research outcomes on a global scale not only for the School, but also for UQ Science and the University as a whole.  Students who participate in iGEM in its inaugural year and beyond will be ambassadors for SBMS and mentors for future UQ participants in iGEM.
 
For the community, the team is hopeful the outcomes of their projects will be far-reaching. The students are working on two projects: the production of rainmaking bacteria suitable for use in Australia and the production of bacteria capable of sucking mercury from contaminated water samples.
 
So, watch this space.  We’ll bring you regular updates from the iGEM lab over the next few months.
 
Robyn Humphreyes-Reid, Business Development Manager

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Tamara Paravicini writes...

Last month I was fortunate to attend the Australian Academy of Science “Science at the Shine Dome” meeting as a representative of The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences. This annual 3 day program included the admission of new Fellows to the Academy, a themed symposium, and award presentations to acknowledge the accomplishments of both emerging researchers and distinguished Fellows. As one of the 50 early-career researchers attending the meeting I also participated in specific early-career orientated events and workshops.
 
For me, the program produced three major highlights. Firstly, the opportunity to meet with some of the ‘giants’ of Australian science, the AAS Fellows. In particular, discussing the progress of research with such internationally-renowned scientists provided a unique opportunity to view the scientific process from their perspective. Second, the chance to interact with other early-career researchers from across a wide range of disciplines. As a scientist who has worked predominantly within the NHMRC system and only recently returned to Australia after postdoctoral training overseas, being able to discuss current issues and challenges in Australian scientific research with others at a similar career stage was of great value. Third, as part of the early-career researchers program I attended a half day workshop on “Scientists and the Media”. Facilitated by Julian Cribb, a former journalist and science editor for The Australian, this session focused on identifying how the differing motivations driving scientists and journalists can lead to conflict before discussing possible ways to achieve a satisfactory outcome for all parties. I gained valuable insights into the reporting process from the point of view of a working science journalist, and feel able to apply the communication strategies discussed more widely, particularly to education and community outreach.
 
I would like to thank both the School of Biomedical Sciences and the Faculty of Science for their support and the opportunity to attend the 2009 Science at the Shine Dome conference.
Tamara Paravicini
National Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow
School of Biomedical Sciences
University of Queensland

 

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OHS Inductions
Please be reminded that ALL new staff (excluding casual tutors), students (including undergraduate) and visitors must attend an SBMS OHS Induction. These are held fortnightly on Wednesdays at 10.30am in Rm 305, Skerman Bld. See new dates below. In addition, all staff (including casuals) are required to complete the UQ Online General Induction & Fire Safety Modules. Lab workers are also required to complete the Laboratory Safety & Compressed Gas Modules also. Please note that Keys and Swipe assess to laboratories will not be allocated until the Induction Program has been completed.

Safety Management System (SMS) Audit
The School will be visited again by UQ Auditors in early July. Areas to be audited are Staff Responsibilities for OHS/Accountability, Consultation, Communication and Reporting and Risk Assessment-Controls. The auditors will be interviewing HOS, School Manager, Safety Manager/WHSOs and will be visiting several lab groups. The SBMS OHS Page on the Intranet has good resources for you in preparing for audits.

Supervisors approval of Risk Assessments
One of the areas for improvement identified in the last audit was approval of online risk assessments. Most of the risk assessments online were not approved by supervisors. It is part of a supervisor obligations to approve these. To do, this simply log on to the database at www.risk.admin.uq.edu.au, search via supervisor, designate you approval for each risk assessment of which you have been nominated for. If you have never accessed the database before, you will need to enter your profile details before you begin. If you need any help doing this, please contact either Robyn or Mary.

For those who still haven't grasped the Cough Etiquette then please view the information here.

OH & S Courses in July 2009

Obligations of Managers

OH&S on Fieldwork Trips – 7th July, 2pm – 4pm TEDI Seminar Rm, Buildg # 15

Workplace Safety

Chemical Risk Assessment Database Training – 16th July, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm Buildg 33 Rms 102 & 104
Computer Workst’s Participative Ergonomic Manual Tasks – 9th July 9:30am – 11:30am TEDI Seminar Rm, Buildg # 15
Managing OH&S in the Laboratory – 8th July, 9am – 4pm TEDI Seminar Rm, Buildg # 15
Radiation Safety with Unsealed Sources – Intro. 10th July, 9am – 12pm TEDI Seminar Rm, Buildg # 15
Risk Assessment Database Training - 30th July, 9am – 10:30am Buildg 33 Rms 102 & 104
Setting up Chemicals Inventory - 9th July, 2pm – 3pm TEDI Seminar Rm, Buildg # 15

Biological Safety

Requirements for working with biological material – 28th July, 10am – 12pm` UQCCR- RBWH- Herston
Working with Quarantine Material – 29th July, 9am – 11am TEDI Seminar Rm, Buildg # 15

Environmental Management

Emergency Procedures / Spill Kits for Haz. Material – 23rd July 2009 1:30pm – 3:30pm TEDI Seminar Rm, Buildg # 15

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Adrian Bradley LSL July 13 - August 21
Lindsay Brown Conference July 2 - 3
Lindsay Brown Conference July 6 - 15
Lindsay Brown Recreation July 16 – 17
Chen Chen Conference June 26 - July 3
Shaun Collin Recreation June 29
Shaun Collin Conference July 6 - 10
Shaun Collin Recreation July 31
Brian Key Recreation June 25 - July 1
Brad Launikonis Recreation June 29 - July 17
Dan Markovich Recreation July 6 – 10
Justin Marshall Conference July 15 – 31
Rod Minchin Recreation July 6 – 10
Ethan Scott Recreation July 27 - August 11
Conrad Sernia LSL June 29 - July 24
Peter Thorn Conference June 25 - July 6
Peter Thorn Recreation July 7 - 24
Terry Tunny Conference June 30 - July 3
Elizabeth Gillam - Maternity to September 18, 2009

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New UniFi Help Desk Number: 334 66205

In response to requests from UniFi Implementation Coordinators and in support of UniFi Users, a UniFi Help Desk is available to all UniFi Users.

The UniFi Help Desk will be managed by two experienced UniFi users, Michele Dixon and Clyne Roche.
The operating hours of the UniFi Help Desk are 9.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday.

Method of Contact

UniFi users can contact the UniFi Help Desk by one of the following noted methods.

Telephone: 334 66205
Email: unifi.support@uq.edu.au

We strongly encouraged users to utilise the phone for contacting the UniFi Help Desk. The published email address will principally be used as a facility to assist the UniFi Help Desk staff member in instances where additional information is required.

Help Desk Responsibilities

The UniFi Help Desk is responsible for ensuring response to all questions and queries related to UniFi that are received through the UniFi Help Desk or email address.

If UniFi Help Desk staff are unable to directly respond to a users query, and are therefore required to refer the query to the appropriate area within FBS, UniFi Help Desk staff will ensure contact is maintained with the user until such a time as an adequate response is provided.

The UniFi Help Desk is focussed entirely on fielding queries related to UniFi. The UniFi Help Desk will not be involved in dealing with ITS related calls which should continue to be directed to the ITS Help Desk.

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A very warm welcome to our 2nd Semester Students for 2009.

Bronwyn Bevan- Principal Advisor: Dr Kirsten Farrand
Bronwyn is a graduate from Charles Sturt University and the only domestic student so far in 2nd Semester enrolments. She holds a UQRS and her research study is - The role of the casual academic tutor in enhancing the learning outcomes of undergraduate Science students.

Joao Coimbra - Principal Advisor: Dr Nathan Hart
Joao is an international student from Brazil. He was awarded an IPRS/UQRS and will be studying - The visual ecology of shore birds: colour vision and retinal organisation

Lydie Couturier - Principal Advisor: A/Professor Mike Bennett
Lydie is an international student from France. She was awarded a UQIRTA/UQRS and her research is – The population ecology and biology of the manta rays, in Eastern Australia

Wen-Sung Chung – Principal Advisor: Professor Justin Marshall
Wen-sung comes from Taiwan. He was awarded a Taiwanese Government scholarship to study - Visual adaptations of squids (Histioteuthidae) in deep sea.

Fanny De Busserolles - Principal Advisor: Professor Shaun Collin
Fanny comes from France and she has been awarded a UQIRTA/UQRS. Her research study is - Vision in mystophids: seeing and being seen in the mesopelagic zone

Vishal Diwan - Principal Advisor: A/Professor Lindsay Brown
Vishal is an International student from India. He was awarded a IPRS/UQRS and his research topic is - Dietary interventions in a rat model of metabolic syndrome

Sandra Hernadez - Principal Advisor: Dr Adrian Bradley
Sandra is an international student from Mexico and she is supported by a Mexican Government Scholarship. Her research is - The influence of environmental toxicants upon brain development, cognitive function and physiological regulation.

Simone Niedermueller - Principal Advisor: Professor Shaun Collin
Simone comes from France and she is a recipient of an IPRS/UQRS to assist her study of Shedding light on the evolution of the vertebrate eye: photoreceptive systems in hagfishes, lampreys and teleosts

Degrees Awarded
Congratulations to the following students who have been awarded their Doctor of Philosophy degree recently. This is an excellent attainment which in part is shared by supervisors, family and friends. All good wishes for a brilliant and happy future from SBMS.

Dr Trung Ngo
Dr Jai Polepalli
Dr Shannon Armstrong
Dr Simon Pierce
Dr Dini Naiker
Dr Yvonne Yang
Dr Christopher Carty

Recent Submissions
Arjuna Kumasariya - supervised by A/Prof. Simon Cool submitted 14 April 2009
Shyuan Ngo - supervised by Dr Peter Noakes submitted May 2009

Postgraduate Symposium


Speakers from left: Ricky Chen, Peter Koopman, Shyuan Ngo, Susan Theiss, Gabrielle Pascoe (Postgrad Support), Carley Bansemer, Conrad Sernia (Postgrad Coordinator), absent Blake Harahush

Five students (above) who recently submitted their theses for examination, presented final research seminars on Wednesday 10th June. These students also displayed posters of their research on the day, which everyone enjoyed over morning tea and lunch held in the Physiology Lecture foyer.
Guest speaker, Professor Peter Koopman, from the Institute of Molecular Bioscience, concluded the Symposium with a most interesting talk about making a successful career in biomedical science. He talked about how he has made his research focus relevant and fundable. – a great guide to students wanting to follow a career in science.

From Left: Nathan Hart, Susan Theiss, Blake Harahush, Shaun Collin
Below: Peter Koopman, Conrad Sernia

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This month we celebrated UN World Environment Day (5th June) and World Oceans Day (8th June) as a way to help protect our common heritage that belongs to everyone on the planet.  There is a lot of inspiring action going on locally, but also in various parts of the world which you can get involved in through the internet.
 
Check out The Story of Stuff, by Annie Leonard, a short video exploring what is beneath our production and consumption patterns throughout the world.  Show it to your family. It may change the way you look at the stuff in your life.
 
Why don’t you ‘Seas the Day’ and explore what is being done to protect our oceans.  Get involved yourself next time you are at the checkout by saying no to plastic bags that may end up in our ocean and kill marine life.

Worried about the economy? You should be!
Discover how the current model for economic growth is finished and what we can do about it. Download and listen to Paul Gilding’s discussion about ‘the great disruption’ on ABC’s Background Briefing.
 
UQ is currently measuring its own carbon footprint and exploring how to continue “Innovating in response to Climate Change” as presented by Professor Andrew Griffiths at a recent sustainability breakfast hosted by UniGreen. There is plenty more going on around UQ departments and elsewhere. Check it out.

Dave Logan
CoralWatch Project Manager
Ext: 54080
E-mail: d.logan@uq.edu.au

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