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The latest
Senior Women Seminar Series
It’s not too late to attend this series, coordinated by The Equity Office, which will feature Professor Sharon Bell, Senior Program Developer at the L. H. Martin Institute, University of Melbourne reflecting on how leadership is learned. Focusing on the university context, Sharon will explore strategies that work for female academics seeking leadership positions, challenges that need to be recognised and overcome, and mistakes to be avoided. The seminar will be held from 3pm–4.30pm today in the James Birrell room, The University of Queensland Club. Light refreshments will be provided. All staff are welcome to attend. Details: equity@uq.edu.au or ext. 53052.
UQ appoints first professor of engagement
The Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI), at The University of Queensland has established a professorial position of engagement, believed to be a world-first for the tertiary sector. Dr Gideon Chitombo has been appointed as the Professor of Minerals Industry Engagement. Read full story online.
Seven UQ lecturers nominated for national award
UniJobs, Australia’s university job website, has announced the following UQ lecturers as being in the running for the Lecturer of the Year award:
- James Laurenceson
- Dr Mark Horswill
- Dr Nikolas James
- Associate Professor Phil Bodman
- John Devereux
- Sebastian Kaempf
- Michael Jennings
Nominations for the award are still open and can be made online until Monday, November 30. The results will be published on Campus Daily, Australia’s university news website.
Find out how the brain works this summer
The Summer of Spikes lecture series will run from November 30, 2009, until February 1, 2010, at the Queensland Brain Institute at the St Lucia campus. This summer-long lecture series, featuring renowned international and national speakers, is designed to offer basic knowledge on the link between the brain, learning, rhythms, and computational neuroscience. Attendance is open to everyone interested in how the brain works, both from the University and wider community. A linked summer course is also open for enrolment by clicking here.
Fiji coups and crises: where to from here?
An academic expert on Fiji who was recently deported from the Pacific region country will give a free public lecture from 1pm on Saturday, November 28, in the Abel Smith Lecture Theatre, Campbell Road (Building 23), St Lucia. Details: online.
Volunteers needed to move/sort books
Volunteers are needed to help members of The Alumni Friends of The University of Queensland Inc. lift and shift boxes of books ahead of the next Book Fair. Volunteers are encouraged to join a group for morning tea at “Book House” at 10.30am on either Tuesday or Wednesday each week then work from 11am until noon on the day. Volunteers are also required on an “as needs” basis to help with categories such as General Reference, Big Books, Maps etc. Details: ext. 52263 on Tuesday/Wednesdays from 9am–12.30pm.
Blog-alogue of riches
Please keep sending us your interesting blogs. Here’s a couple of new ones:
Send your blog ideas to update@uq.edu.au. Thank you.
SMILE program – volunteers sought
Through the School of Medicine, an innovative research project entitled “SMILE” has been initiated. Through the SMILE program, UQ researchers are focusing on exploring the potential benefits of a specifically designed Tai Chi program for people with depression and central obesity. Early indications are that this evidence-based Tai Chi Program shows very promising results in terms of depression, obesity and diabetes. The SMILE Tai Chi research program – funded by beyondblue and the National Heart Foundation Australia – is now recruiting participants aged 18–80 for the study. It involves gentle, graceful movements, and eligible participants are able to access this tuition at no cost to themselves. Details: smileprogram@uq.edu.au or 3240 6426/3240 2051.
Grace College celebrates 40 years in 2010
On the same weekend as the UQ Reunion Weekend (July 2–4), Grace College will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a series of special events. All past residents are invited to contact the College via the website and enter their details under the “Old Girls’ Association” icon so that they can be sent an invitation. There will be a dinner for former residents on July 3 and a barbecue lunch for families on the following day, July 4. You can also email your contact details to grace.college@uq.edu.au or phone 3842 4000.
UQ scientists earn Young Tall Poppy awards
The prestigious 2009 Queensland Young Tall Poppy Science Awards and the Queensland Young Tall Poppy Scientist of the Year $10,000 prize were announced at UQ's Customs House last week. Three of the five new 2009 Young Tall Poppy Scientists for Queensland were from UQ, including the Queensland Tall Poppy Scientist of the Year, Dr David Copland. Read full story online.
UQ physicist joins Hawking as a Distinguished Research Chair
UQ physicist Professor Guifre Vidal has been named by Canada’s Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics (PI) as one of 10 new Distinguished Research Chairs. Professor Vidal joins an existing 10 Distinguished Research Chairs, who include Professor Stephen Hawking, making 20 positions internationally. As a Distinguished Research Chair (DRC), Professor Vidal will spend extended research visits at PI each year, becoming part of its research community while retaining his position at UQ. Read full story online.
Last week to get a free month of fitness with UQ Sport
Get in shape for summer with four months for the price of three. UQ Sport's passes provide you with unmatched opportunities to achieve all of your health and fitness goals in one convenient location. Take advantage of this summer special available only until Monday, November 30, and pay as little as $13.10 per week (based on the purchase of a concession gym/cardio/pool pass). UQ staff are eligible for concession rates. Details: online or ext. 56612.
Shape up for summer
UQ Sport in association with PulseStart Training Solutions offer year-round training at UQ’s St Lucia campus. Upcoming courses will be held on Saturday and Wednesday, December 5 and 9, 2009, respectively. Bookings are essential and you can enrol online. Re-certify yourself from just $60. Details: pd@uqs.com.au or ext. 66243.
Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) (Queensland Branch) seminar
PHAA members and the general public are invited to a free seminar to be presented by Professor Billie Giles-Corti entitled “Creating active environments from children through to older adults: Thinking outside the square”. Professor Giles-Corti is Director of the Centre for the Built Environment and Health at the School of Population Health, The University of Western Australia and an NHMRC Senior Research Fellow. This seminar will be held from 5pm on Monday, November 30, in Auditorium 2, The Cancer Council Qld, 553 Gregory Terrace, Fortitude Valley. RSVP: RhiannaMurray@cancerqld.org.au.
What do you think of the Wednesday Markets?
The UQ Union is reviewing the Wednesday Markets and wants to know what you like and dislike or what stalls you would like to see. Simply fill out a quick, eight-question online survey and you will automatically go in to a draw to win a prize pack including a $10 voucher redeemable at the Main Course Food Precinct and a copy of the 4 Ingredients cook book.
Australian ambassador encourages language learning
Learning a foreign language is very important, according to the newly appointed Australian Ambassador to Germany (and UQ alumnus) Peter Tesch. Mr Tesch completed his undergraduate degree at UQ in 1986, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with majors in German and Russian, and said language skills were important to any chosen career. Read full story online.
Sweating thru MOvember
How can you not notice those dashing ‘taches of all shapes and sizes being groomed around campus. The halfway point has been reached with much suffering and hardship in the MOvember heat, but all for a good cause. Your donations will help ease the suffering and benefit men’s mental health and prostate cancer research. Team MOrine and Café Nano have teamed up again this year to try and out-do the great effort of last year. Details: online or to donate, click here.
Learn the latest from the Property & Facilities Division
To find out what P&F are doing around campus, read the November edition of Property Press online. Email l.griffiths@pf.uq.edu.au if you would like to be placed on the email listing or receive a hard copy.
Temporary relocation of resource centre
The BEL Faculty Resource Centre has been temporarily relocated to room 125a , level 1 of the Colin Clark Building (39), across the courtyard from the original location. From today, assignments submitted during business hours will be placed in the submission box in Room 125a. Students can use the Postgraduate Library Afterhours Book Return, located on level 2 of Colin Clark, to submit assignments after hours. This will be the process until the end of February, 2010. Assignment Coversheets will be available from 125a or students can print the coversheet from online.
Final UQ Update for 2009 fast approaching
The UQ Update of Monday, December 14 (copy deadline noon on Thursday, December 10), will be the final issue for 2009. The newsletter will resume weekly publication from Monday, January 18, 2010. Contributions for each weekly issue will continue to be due by noon on the Thursday of the previous week.
Events & UQ in the media
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Upcoming events:
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UQ in the media:
- UQ student chosen to represent Australia
- Ageing and Mental Health Conference
- Young drivers affected by fatigue
- $3.1m US funds for solar coat
- PTTEP Australasia survey of the Kimberley Coast for evidence of oil
- UQ’s Alistair Rogers Fundraiser
- Sign in to the UQ Mediaclips site for more media clips.
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Other news
Pay offer to UQ staff
All staff have been advised by email of the pay offer made to the unions as part of the current enterprise bargaining negotiations. This offer totals 16 percent over the period 2009-2012 (17.1 percent cumulative). It includes the 4 percent increase in 2009, and will involve a 2 percent increase in January and July in each year 2010-2012. If you missed the email advice, details of the salary increase and other enterprise bargaining matters can be found online. An update on the negotiation meeting of Wednesday, November 11, is also online.
Ecologist earns gong in statewide Green Initiatives awards
Dr Yvonne Buckley from the School of Biological Sciences has been rewarded for her outstanding contribution to supporting and encouraging other women to build a sustainable future for Queensland. Minister for Women Karen Struthers presented The Our Women, Our State Awards to women who have made positive contributions to advancing women in traditionally male-dominated industries. Since 1999, Yvonne has supervised countless female research students, mentoring them to achieve their research, educational and personal aims. Yvonne actively seeks out employment opportunities in environmental science for her students and encourages them to collaborate with other scientists and participate in industry partnerships through her network of national and international colleagues.
Access JACradio from your smartphone
It's now possible to listen to JACradio on an iPhone or other smart mobile device without needing to log in to UQ. On an iPhone, all you need do is:
On other smart portable devices (such as the the Nokia N8xx series) you can add the above URL as a streaming radio station.
Let ITS know your feedback about the UQ network
In preparation for the impending upgrade of the University’s network – a project called the Phoenix Program – Information Technology Services (ITS) is inviting staff to participate in a Networks Survey for Staff. Your feedback will help ITS identify staff usage, and areas for improvement.
Can you host a high school student?
Homestay families are required for senior high schools students taking part in SPARQ-ed (Students Performing Advanced Research Queensland), a biomedical science education facility based at the UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology and Metabolic Medicine. Participants will require accommodation for up to seven days and potential families should be within easy transport distance of the Princess Alexandra Hospital. To register interest, please contact the SPARQ-ed office on 3240 7868 or email sparqed@uq.edu.au.
2009 Young and International Alumnus of the Year Awards
The Young and International Alumnus of the Year Awards recognise and honour the achievements of outstanding UQ graduates who have achieved distinction in their chosen fields and an outstanding reputation among their peers. After receiving numerous diverse and high-quality applications, four finalists for the Young Alumnus of the Year Award and three finalists for the International Alumnus of the Year Award were selected. The winners of these two awards will be announced and honoured with the winner of the 2009 Alumnus of the Year Award at this year's Courting the Greats Lunch at Customs House on Thursday, November 26. Detailed profiles of the 2009 Young Alumnus and International Alumnus of the Year finalists can be viewed on the Alumni & Community website. Courting the Greats Lunch details: online.
UQ inspires bright futures
From Sunday, November 29, until Thursday, December 3, 2009, UQ will welcome 270 Young Scholars from approximately 110 high schools around Queensland to the St Lucia campus for a four-day residential experience. The camp, hosted by UQ's Office of Prospective Students & Scholarships, is designed to nurture and develop exceptional Year 11 students and provide them with a unique opportunity for extension and enrichment. The Young Scholars will be housed at Union College for the week and be supervised by student mentors during their time at UQ. During the camp, students will participate in a variety of seminars, workshops and activities designed to give them a taste of UQ and introduce them to a wide range of study areas. Details: online.
Centenary highlights
Your story: Tell us in 100 words or less what your favourite UQ moment is.
Something to Tweet about: Follow UQ Centenary on Twitter.
Defining moments in UQ research
Your input/feedback would be appreciated on a list of research highlights from the past 100 years on the UQ Centenary website. Please email your suggestions to Shannon at centenary@uq.edu.au and copy to update@uq.edu.au. We particularly need more highlights pre-1970s. Thank you.
Housekeeping matters
New Queensland road rules
UQ staff and students need to be aware of new Queensland road rules that came into effect as of Monday, October 12, this year. Changes include the banning of fog lights in clear weather, and performing u-turns across single continuous centre lines. Other amendments target driving with unsecured passengers and outlawing wheeled recreational devices, such as skateboards, on the road after dark. Several of the rule changes are now punishable by fines and demerit points.
Cromwell College to celebrate 60th anniversary in 2010
UQ’s Cromwell College will mark its own milestone next year to coincide with the University’s Centenary. In July 2010, Cromwell will celebrate 60 years of operation as both the first college established at St Lucia, and the first to welcome student residents on campus. All alumni and friends of college who wish to attend Cromwell’s celebrations are asked to make contact with the Development Manager, Rebecca McEwen Smith, to ensure that their contact details are up-to-date. Read full story online.
Physiol Refec closed for renovations
From today, Monday, November 23, the Physiol Refec will close for renovations. Find meals, drinks and snacks at the Biol Refec & Darwin’s Café in Building 94 or at the Main Course Food Precinct in the Union Complex.
Do you wish to increase your media presence?
Production of the 2010 UQ Experts Directory hard-copy book is under way. Make sure you are part of the new edition. UQ Experts is a database of academics interested in sharing their specialist knowledge for media stories and who wish to inform the public about new research findings. It is available as a book (for journalists) and online. To be included in the book, register online. If you are already a UQ Expert, please update your details through the website. If you wish to be removed from the directory, please email: mcd.admin@uq.edu.au. Details: ext. 59723.
Blackboard to be upgraded in January, 2010
Preparations to upgrade the UQ Blackboard eLearning system to version 9 are well under way. The outage period will take place between January 9-13. though it is hoped the work will be completed before the 13th. This outage will not affect Summer Semester classes, which are already using version 9 of Blackboard. Details: online.
Textbook submissions for Semester 1, 2010
The Co-op Bookshop St Lucia (as well as its Ipswich and Gatton branches) are now accepting textbook submissions for Semester 1, 2010. One entry for each course code and each campus please. Sea-freight cut-off dates for texts are fast approaching, so it is of vital importance that entries be made as soon as possible to avoid late arrival of texts. If you are teaching a subject/s in Semester 1, could you please visit the website, and follow the prompts through "Lecturers" to "Enter Text List". You will be notified when your course entry has been made, but please do notify us further, should enrolments change. Details: msmith@coop-bookshop.com.au at St Lucia campus, cfreestone@coop-bookshop.com.au at Ipswich campus and lkrebs@coop-bookshop.com.au at Gatton campus.
Get out & about
Time to sparkle
The University of Queensland Club’s annual Sparkling Night is on again from 5pm–8pm on Friday, November 27, featuring an extensive range of sparklings and champagnes to try, along with chef’s hot and cold canapés and a wide selection of cheeses. There will also be a fabulous chocolate fountain with a range of fresh fruits and garnishes. Bookings: staffclub@uq.edu.au or ext. 53768. Details: online.
Last chance to be trivial
The last trivia quiz of the year will be held from 6pm on Thursday, December 3, at The University of Queensland Club. The quiz consists of three general knowledge rounds, an audio round and a paper and pen task. There are prizes for teams and individual players, a cash jackpot prize ($200 this month) and “famous faces” board prizes including $50 cash. Teams of up to six players can play with the entry fee $3 per head. Details: cmccowie@optusnet.com.au or 0423 775 025.
Friends of Fryer Christmas party at the UQ Art Museum
On Thursday, December 3, from 5.30pm, Nick Mitzevich, Director of the UQ Art Museum, will conduct guests on a tour of the Self-Portraits Prize Exhibition. All welcome. Cost: $20. Refreshments provided. RSVP: by Friday, November 27 to n.daniels@library.uq.edu.au or ext. 64328.
Footballing legend inspires down-and-out postie
Looking for Eric, a new Ken Loach-directed film at the Schonell Cinema, follows the decline of Eric, a postman whose wife has left him and whose step-sons are woefully out of control. Then there’s how he’s going to face up to Lily, the woman of his dreams whom he once loved and walked out on many years ago. In desperate times, it takes a special friend to help him out so Eric turns to his hero: footballing genius, philosopher and poster boy, Eric Cantona. The movie was described by Allan Hunter of the Daily Express as: “…a British film that lifts the spirits and might even bring a tear to the eye. Loach has scored a winner.”
Christmas Party confusion?
If your office or friends have delayed booking a place for your Christmas get-together, why not call the Pizza Caffe on 3377 2239 and let the celebrations begin? The Caffe is licensed and stocked with a lovely choice of wines and beer and manager Jonelyn can help you with specials when you book tables for 10 or more. Details: online.
UQ Cricket Club’s 8th Test Breakfast
Former Australian Test captain Greg Chappell will be guest speaker at the UQCC’s 8th Test Breakfast to be held from 7am on Tuesday, November 24, at the Royal on the Park Hotel in the city. UQCC’s own Andrew Courtice will again be MC. All proceeds will go towards the Club’s Foundation Trust. Tickets cost $60 per head or $550 for a table. Details: Michael Jennings at msj@maths.uq.edu.au or ext. 53255.
Schonell Theatre closure over the break
The Schonell closes on Monday, December 14, and re-opens for movies on Thursday, January 7.
Health & fitness
A book you can really get your teeth into
David Farrell, from the School of Land, Crop and Food Sciences, has just published Great Wealth Poor Health: Contemporary Issues in Eating and Living. Sensitive topics such as the food industry, and the merits or otherwise of organic and genetically modified foods are examined. The book also covers the reasons for the obesity epidemic and why dietary fibre, exercise, sleep and the omega-3 fats are still the cornerstones of well-being. The 33-page book is available to UQ staff at a special price of $25 per copy. Details: d.farrell@uq.edu.au.
Study, training & development
Graduate Certificate in Higher Education in 2010
For more than 15 years the School of Education has run a successful professional development program for university staff consisting of four two-unit courses, taken part-time. Program content focuses on student learning, teaching approaches and strategies, curriculum design, integrating research and teaching, student assessment, and evaluation of teaching. Details: online or education@uq.edu.au.au or ext. 56550.
Lectures, seminars & workshops
“Off-the-shelf” stem cells for regenerative medicine
Please join us for a seminar presentation by Professor Kerry Atkinson, Director of Allogeneic Stem Cell Therapies at the Mater Hospital, with the above title. The seminar will be held from 4.30pm on Thursday, November 26, in the Main Auditorium, Level 2, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, RBWH campus. All welcome. Details: reception@uqccr.uq.edu.au or ext. 65555.
Staff invited to modernist symposium at St Lucia
School of English, Media Studies and Art History researchers are organising a one-day symposium on November 27 from 9am to 5pm to discuss the interdisciplinary field of modernist studies. Details: online.
Assessment workshop
Dr Chris Rust, from Oxford Brookes University, will present a workshop entitled “Engaging Students with Assessment and Feedback” from 3pm–5pm on Monday, November 30, in the Sir Llew Edwards building (St Lucia campus). Details: online or clair.hughes@uq.edu.au To register, please email m.stafford1@uq.edu.au by Thursday, November 26.
9th ANZALS Biennial Conference
The Australian and New Zealand Association of Leisure Studies (ANZALS), in association with UQ's School of Tourism, is pleased to present the 9th ANZALS Biennial Conference: "Exploring New Ideas and New Directions" to be held at the Hilton Hotel, Brisbane, from February 2-4, next year. The conference theme acknowledges the myriad issues and challenges that have significantly impacted on the form and structure of leisure programs throughout Australia and New Zealand in recent years. Please join us and our keynote presenters, Professors Robert A. Stebbins, Karla A. Henderson, Donald Getz and Norma J. Stumbo as they discuss these impacts in relation to the future structure of leisure-focused tourism and event initiatives, and leisure teachings in tertiary education programs. Details: online or anzals2010@uq.edu.au.
Global biosecurity conference
"Global Biosecurity 2010: safeguarding agriculture and the environment" will provide governments, agricultural industries and environmental organisations with an opportunity to come together to discuss and explore best-practice scientific and regulatory strategies to tackle pre-border, border and post-border risks. The conference will be held at the Brisbane Exhibition Centre from February 28-March 3, 2010. Details: online.
Volunteers sought
Please note entries remain for two Updates unless further requests received. Thank you.
New this week
- Families with at least one child under the age of 16 to take part in a study of communication in everyday family life. Families will be given a video camera to record everyday activities over the course of one–two weeks (eg, eating and preparing meals, watching television, etc), and will be given a $50 gift voucher for their participation.
Details: c.butler1@uq.edu.au or ext. 68279
- Young women aged 18–36 years who work full-time in either a job where they spend most of their days sitting (most office-based workplaces) or in a job where they spend a large proportion of their day on their feet (teachers, hairdressers, nurses, retail etc) to participate in a study looking into activity patterns and health.
Details: womenatwork@hms.uq.edu.au or ext. 54998
Carried over
- Parents of teenagers aged between 13–16 years to participate in Project SHIELD, a parenting program aimed at empowering parents to prevent adolescent alcohol-related harm. The program is free, practical, and involves either a home visit or phone consultation with a registered psychologist. This project is not designed for parents/families with existing drug/alcohol/legal concerns.
Details: projectshield@uq.edu.au or 3346 4833
- People aged 18 years or over with low back pain to participate in a study to identify the information needs of people with low back pain, including how this information may be best presented as an online resource.
Details: a.nielsen@uq.edu.au
- People aged 18–35 with significant hearing loss for one two-hour interview. People may use hearing aids, may have hearing aids but not use them, or may not have hearing aids. Please note people with cochlear implant or whom have had ear surgery are not eligible.
Details: ariane@uq.edu.au or ext. 67453.
- Volunteers to take part in a single session study of 90 minutes–two hours investigating fatigue of pelvic floor and arm muscles. Participants will need to be aged between 18–35 years and not have a history of epilepsy, neurological conditions, arm pain/surgery or incontinence. Volunteers will be reimbursed for their time.
Details: s.schabrun@uq.edu.au or ext 54590
From the editor
News for UQ Update should be forwarded to update@uq.edu.au by noon on Thursday for the following Monday's bulletin. Inquiries can be directed to OMC on 3365 1931. Items should be no longer than seven lines. Thank you.
Go to the archive section if you would like to see previous versions of UQ Update.
Other campus news: UQ News, UQ Ipswich and UQ Gatton.
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