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UQ Update

University of Queensland
 
 
May 21, 2012
 
IN THIS ISSUE:
  SLP  Events       Sustainability       Lifestyle       Development       Volunteers

 
UQ Ride to Uni Day

Get on your bikes...

Help us celebrate the opening of UQ's state-of-the-art, secure, bike-storage facility, Bike Box, at St Lucia, and ride to University on Friday, May 25. Enjoy a free breakfast and coffee from 6.30am and visit stalls from UQ Sustainability, UQ Sport, UQ Union, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, UQ Bike Shop, UQ Bicycle User Group, UQ Wellness, Travel Smart and bankmecu. Register online.

  Diversity Week kicks off

It's Diversity Week!

UQ's 10th annual Diversity Week kicks off today. All staff and students are invited to take part in the range of events and activities being held throughout the week. Find out more about these events on the Diversity Week homepage. The highlight of the week will be the Vice-Chancellor's Equity and Diversity Awards presentation event on Thursday May 24.

Integrity and Accountability Reform Program

The University has announced a comprehensive Integrity and Accountability Reform Program designed to strengthen its overall governance framework. Vice-Chancellor Professor Debbie Terry said the reform program was aimed at ensuring the University's ongoing reform initiatives were best practice in terms of integrity and accountability. Click here to read the full story as well as to view a UQ News TV episode.

Breakthrough in understanding breast cancer

A University researcher has discovered nine new genes that drive the development of breast cancer, taking the tally of all genes associated with breast cancer development to 40. Published recently in Nature journal, the study is part of an international initiative to sequence the genomes of a variety of cancers. To read the full story, click here.

UQ News TV: Animal/Human exhibition at UQ Art Museum

Check out the latest UQ News TV episode about the Animal/Human exhibition at the UQ Art Museum. The exhibition, running until Sunday, July 22, presents a selection of works by contemporary Australian artists that explores our complex, contradictory and sometimes contentious relationship with other species. Their work variously touches on the psychological, ethical, philosophical, scientific and cultural parameters of the relationship. For further details, click here.

Give blood to save a life

The blood donormobile will be visiting at the Campbell Road, outside Duhig Library from today until Thursday, May 31, from 9am–4pm daily (apart from weekends and Monday, May 28). To reserve an appointment or for any medical inquiries please call 13 14 95.

UQ Update deadline reminder

Please note the deadline for inclusion in each week's edition of UQ Update is noon Thursday of the previous week.

New and improved UQ Travel system to Go-Live

In March 2010, a Travel Form was implemented at UQ. The purpose of the form was to provide a one-stop-shop for capturing core travel information eliminating the multitude of paper-based forms that existed previously. The new UQ Travel system is scheduled to Go-Live on Monday, July 2. Information regarding training sessions and training materials for UQ Travel will be made available in the near future to assist UQ travellers and users with the new system. Subscribe to the UQ Travellers Group Email to keep up-to-date on important travel specific information. If you have any questions or concerns regarding UQ Travel, contact Kris Maric.

New portable tool detects dengue infected mosquitoes in the field

A new portable tool to detect dengue virus-infected mosquitoes will help reduce the likelihood of human infections around the world. Each year, almost one million people, a large proportion of whom are children, require hospitalisation for severe dengue. The simple diagnostic tool, developed by Dr David Muller and colleagues from the University and research groups in Melbourne and South America, can be used in the field to detect dengue infection in large numbers of mosquitoes. To read the full story, click here.

Win movie tickets and support disability awareness

For your chance to win movie tickets and support disability awareness during Diversity Week, please complete the following quick questionnaire. Winners will be notified by Wednesday, May 30.

UQ Sport announces club and sports awards

UQ's long-standing tradition of celebrating outstanding athletic achievement, club commitment and scholarships was on display when the 2012 UQ Sport Club & Sports Awards were held recently. The award categories aimed to honour club sport competition achievements in their disciplines as well as coaches and individuals who had contributed significant time and effort in the running of clubs. Traditionally, the Club & Sports Awards have been combined with the awarding of the University Blues. To read the full story, click here.

Prentice/Physics Annexe Forecourt access restrictions

Due to the landscaping and facade works being undertaken as part of the Prentice Building Redevelopment Project, the forecourt between Prentice Building (42) and Physics Annex (6) will have restricted access for pedestrians on the weekend May 26–27 May, and for the larger period, June 2 until July 15. Staff and students are encouraged to consider these potential delays when travelling between buildings, classes and exams. Please refer to the P&F Bulletin Board for more information and for proposed alternative routes, click here.

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STUDENT LIFECYCLE PROJECT (SLP)

 
Student Lifecycle Project

Personal exam timetables to students

More than 31,000 students recently received an email with their personal exam timetable for the end of semester examinations in June. The emails provided details of exam arrangements specific to each individual student. There has been positive feedback from students on receiving their personal timetable, commenting how helpful it was to them and was a great service to students. The ability to provide students with a personal timetable was a primary objective of the implementation of the new exams system, an initiative of the Student Lifecycle Project.

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EVENTS

 

Upcoming Events

More UQ events »
 

UQ in the media

The Media Monitors service provides a broad collection of external media articles where UQ is referred to. This information is gathered and updated daily.
For more information and to view the latest UQ in the Media information, please visit the UQ Mediaclips site.

   

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SUSTAINABILITY

 
Sustainability

UQ Annual World Environment Day Breakfast

UQ celebrates World Environment Day annually as part of a United Nations' campaign to stimulate worldwide awareness of environmental issues. The 2012 celebrations on Friday, June 1, will include a delicious sustainable breakfast accompanied by two guest speakers presenting on "Green Economy: Does it include you?" The prestigious Green Office awards will be presented and there will be special recognition of the laboratories participating in the Green Labs pilot program. For further information, click here.

What makes a breakfast sustainable?

  1. Food close to its natural state
  2. Fresh, local and seasonal food
  3. Organic food
  4. Fair Trade
  5. Food free of animal derived products
  6. For further information, click here.

Free office furniture and equipment

Are you in need of a new pre-loved piece of furniture for your UQ office? What about some additional office equipment? Level 3 of McElwain building is being refurbished and the existing furniture and equipment is available for re-use in UQ offices. Items can be viewed and selected this Wednesday, May 23, from 10am to 11am. Participants must bring a completed "Request for Internal Services Quote" form to be able to select furniture and to cover removalists' costs for heavy items. Portable items can be taken on the day. For further information, click here.

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LIFESTYLE

 
Lifestyle

King's College – Jazz on the River

The members of King's College invite you and your friends to enjoy a relaxed centenary picnic at Jazz on the River from 1pm–5pm on Saturday, May 26. While you enjoy the ambience and the smooth sounds of jazz, indulge in gourmet delights and a fine drop from five-star winery, Summit Estate Wines. Tickets cost $30 (adults), $20 (students) and free entry for children aged under 15. Tickets include food and entertainment. Drinks may be purchased at the event. To purchase tickets, click here. For more information, please phone Sally Carson on 3871 6900.

The Great Court Race is back for 2012

Now in its 28th year, The Great Court Race is on again. Apart from the main 636m race, there is also a sprint race and inter-college relay. The main race is open to all UQ undergraduate students and the sprint event is open to all students (undergraduate and postgraduate) and staff. Participants in the inter-college relay must be UQ students and residents of their respective colleges. The heats for the event will be held on Wednesday, May 23, from 1pm–2pm at the Great Court. The finals will take place on Wednesday, May 30. Registrations are open now. To read a story about the event, click here.

Come’n’Try Punch Fit for free

Punch Fit is a high-intensity boxing class for all fitness levels. This non-contact workout uses punching bags to burn fat and work up a sweat. Great for participants who want to let a bit of frustration, steam and energy while also improving your fitness and strength. This five-week course is perfect for fat-burning and muscle-toning. Train in a fun and structured environment with a course that’s suitable for both men and women. Boxing for fitness runs Monday and Wednesday. Unlike boxing classes, which involves sparring with a partner, this course uses punching bags so you don’t have to worry about hurting someone, or being hurt. To register your interest, please email info@lifestyleprogram.com.au.

Just a jump to the left...

Cult movies Edward Scissorhands and The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Live floorshow by Cards 4 Sorrow will be held at the Schonell Theatre on Friday, June 1, from 6.30pm until 10.30pm. Tickets are $15 per person or $10 for students and available at door on the night, or through www.oztix.com.au. For further information, click here or call 3377 2988.

Mindfulness groups

Mindfulness groups will start as of Saturday, May 26, at the UQ Psychology Clinic. This evidence-based group program will introduce you to the central concepts and techniques involved in mindfulness. Recent research has shown that mindfulness is linked with improved health outcomes, improved mood, increased academic performance, and reduced anxiety and stress. For further details, ring ext. 56451 or click here.

UQ Union Cultural Fiesta

The above event, to be held from 10am until 2pm, on Tuesday, May 22, in Campbell Place, will include a feast of local, national and international activities and foods. For further information, click here or call 3377 2200.

Campus deals

  • Buy any printer cartridge from Secondhand Texts & Stationery and you'll receive four free Artline Ballpoint Pens valued at $4. For fruther information, click here.
  • Secondhand Texts & Stationery stock Casio FX82 plus calculators which are UQ exam-approved and do not require an approved label. For a limited time only, they will be on special for $30.
  • Head to the Red Room for a new $10 meal deal. Get a steak and gravy roll, side of chips and a drink* for just $10. * Terms & conditions apply. For further information, click here.

Customs House Bridal Evening

Customs House will host a Bridal Evening on Wednesday, June 6, from 5.30pm to 7pm. Guests will have an opportunity to meet a dedicated team of event co-ordinators and industry specialists who will be on hand to answer questions to make your wedding day memorable. All guests will enjoy a selection of beverages and canapes as well as experience the sheer magnificence of the Long Room with its traditional high ceilings and sculptured pillars. Dine in the restaurant after the Bridal Evening and receive a 10 percent discount off your account (reservations essential). To make an enquiry or register to attend, please click here.

Compassionate, knowledge-based veterinary care for your pet

Every pet-owner wants the absolute best veterinary care for their furry, feathered or scaly friend. It's easy to find at the UQ Small Animal Clinic & Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Open for appointments from 8am–6pm, Monday to Friday, and 24 hours 365 days per year for emergencies, the hospital is staffed 24 hours a day by a dedicated team of professionals, including veterinary specialists, all of whom are committed to best clinical practice. Bring your pet to the vets who train other vets. Fees are comparable with other veterinary hospitals, and UQ staff and students receive a discount. To make an appointment, phone ext. 52110 or click here.

Father–son academic rivalry examined

Footnote (rated PG), a new film showing at the Schonell Cinema from this Thursday, explores a great rivalry between father-and-son eccentric professors who have dedicated their lives to their work. The father seems a stubborn purist who fears the establishment. His son Uriel, appears to thrive on accolades, endlessly seeking recognition. When the father learns he is to be awarded a valuable honor, his son is torn between pride and poisonous envy and an urge to sabotage. From Israel, this film is in Hebrew with English subtitles. For session times, click here or to view trailer, click here.

Music to your ears

  • Thursday Lunchtime Concerts: On May 24, Improvisation and Music Theatre by UQ Music students under the firection of Robert Davidson. Concerts are held from 1pm–2pm in the Nickson Room, Zelman Cowen Building on the St Lucia campus and are free of charge.
  • Brahms Requiem: Directed by Graeme Morton with soloists Sarah Crane and Shaun Brown accompanied in the two-piano version by Anna Grinberg and Liam Viney, the concert will be held at St John's Cathedral, 373 Ann Street, Brisbane, from 8pm on Saturday, May 26. Tickets cost $20 or $15 concession and are available at the door, by clicking here or phoning 3847 1717.
  • Sundays at Customs House: On May 27, The UQ Wind Symphony, under the baton of Patrick Pickett, returns to Customs House to provide a stunning selection of wind and brass pieces. Concerts are held from 11.30am–12.30pm and are free of charge.
  • Music for contemplation and inspiration: Fresh from their success in the Queensland Eisteddfod, the Queensland University Musical Society presents Karl Jenkins' "The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace" and Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Dona Nobis Pacem" from 7.30pm on Saturday, June 2, at St John's Cathedral, 373 Ann Street, Brisbane city. Tickets available through 4MBS Ticketing on 3847 1717. For further information, click here or email David Webster.

Further information can be obtained by calling 3365 3952 or email concerts@uq.edu.au.

UQ Wellness

It's never too late to make a start on your fitness. Please see below a range of options available through UQ Wellness:

  • Weight Watchers At Work: is starting a new series at UQ. To find out more, please contact Barbara Mark, Weight Watchers Leader. This is a convenient way to support your personal weight management goals; great feedback always received.
  • Lunchbox seminars: For seminar details and an opportunity to register, click here
  • Walking: You can join the group at any time and it's a lovely time of year to walk around the campus. Please contact Ian McKeown for details.
  • Boxing: A great way to increase your fitness and take advantage of the special rates for UQ staff. Please contact Kerri Tyrrell for details.
  • Yoga – St Lucia and Herston: Join the group of people who love this form of exercise. Please contact Dr Vivek Mitter for details.

For further details, please check the UQ Wellness website by clicking here.

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DEVELOPMENT

 
Development

QCMRI Lunchtime Seminar Series

Andrew Moore will present "Drug development for childhood leukaemia" from noon on Tuesday, May 22, in the Foundation Building, Royal Children's Hospital, Herston. Dr Moore is a paediatric oncologist who has recently joined QCMRI after completing his PhD at The Institute of Cancer Research, University of London. For further information, click here or email enquiries@qcmri.org.au.

History of Everyday Life in Late Imperial & Modern China International Conference

The above free conference will examine social, cultural and economic aspects that affected the way Chinese conducted their everyday life in late Imperial and Modern China. Speakers at the conference are from a range of disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, economics, cultural studies, political science and economic history. Please lodge your research abstracts and direct any questions to the conference convenor Dr Chi-Kong Lai at the School of History, Philosophy, Religion & Classics or click here. The conference will be held from Wednesday, May 23, until Sunday, May 27.

School of Journalism & Communication Thursday Seminar

This month's SJC Seminar, to be held from 12.30pm until 2pm on Thursday, May 24, presents Communication for Social Change students' research: "Participatory Development Communication in support of Queensland Addiction Rehabilitation Services"; and Richard Fitzgerald and Sean Rintel's analysis of journalist commentary of an unedited video interview with Ed Miliband, leader of the UK Labour, illustrating the symbiotic relationship between politicians and the media, which have come under question with the Leveson Inquiry. The seminar will be held on level 2, room 208, of the Joyce Ackroyd Building. For further information, email Dr Kitty van Vuuren.

Seminer explores attitude towards ageing

In this Psychiatry Research Seminar, Dr Christina Bryant will discuss the topic "Attitude towards ageing: a modifiable risk factor for depression in later life?" This presentation will report on findings from a large cohort of older adults living in rural areas of Victoria and New South Wales suggesting that participants who had more positive attitudes towards their own ageing had lower levels of depression symptoms. The seminar will be held from 12.30pm on Friday, May 25, on K Floor, Mental Health Centre, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston. For further information, email Luminita Vlad.

Staff development opportunities

Places are still available in the following courses:

Professional

Teaching & Learning

For further details, click here.

eLearning Drop in clinics (Blackboard and Adobe Connect)

One-on-one training on eLearning tools is available at Drop-in clinics. Upcoming Drop-in clinics include:

  • Thursday, May 24, from noon-2pm; Training room 102, Building 33, St Lucia
  • Tuesday, May 29, from noon–2pm; Training room 102, Building 33, St Lucia.

For information on further dates visit the eLearning Training page or click here.

Brain plasticity: Can training change the brain?

The Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre will hold a Dean of Medicine lecture featuring internationally renowned pioneer in brain plasticity Professor Michael Merzenich from the University of California, San Francisco. Professor Merzenich is one of the foremost researchers of neuroplasticity with his work showing that the brain retains its ability to alter itself well into adulthood. This suggests that brains with injuries or disease might be able to recover function. The lecture will be held from 5pm to 6.30pm on Tuesday, May 29, at Customs House, 399 Queen Street, Brisbane. RSVP (please note seats are limited) to Rachel Jordan on 3646 5542.

The Internet's unintended consequences: seminar

Bond University's Professor Marcus Breen will present research from his book Uprising: The Internet's Unintended Consequences at a Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies public seminar on Tuesday, May 29, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. The seminar will be held in the Social Sciences and Humanities Library Conference Room, Level 1, Duhig Building, St Lucia campus. For further information, click here or email Rebecca Ralph.

Why and how to pursue your CPD idea

Find out how the Centre for Innovation in Professional Learning (CIPL) can assist you in pursuing your CPD idea at a session from 2pm until 3.30pm on Wednesday, May 30. The University has identified CPD as a tool which can be used to engage with a variety of significant sectors in the economy and support key professions. Potentially, it provides new models for engaging with enterprises as well as whole sectors and individual professionals. Briefing sessions will be conducted by Professor Robert Hendy, CIPL Director. The session will be held in room 215, level 2, building 90, St Lucia campus. To book, call ext. 63430 or email cipl@uq.edu.au. For further information, click here.

Virtual Meetings (Adobe Connect) workshops

Adobe Connect is a web-conferencing tool that replaces Wimba for academic staff and can be used by professional staff to host meetings online in real time. Features include interactive participation for up to 50 attendees in one "meeting", full video, text and speech, desktop and software sharing and a whiteboard. Due to demand, extra workshops have been scheduled, Register through the Staff Development website. Upcoming workshops dates include:

  • Friday, June 8, from 9am until 10am.

QCMRI Lunchtime Seminar Series

Sarah Sheridan will present "Effectiveness of pertussis vaccine in Queensland" from noon on Tuesday, June 5, in the QCMRI seminar room, level 4, Foundation Building, Royal Children's Hospital, Herston. Ms Sheridan's PhD involves assessing the effectiveness of several publicly funded vaccines (pertussis, rotavirus and varicella) in Queensland. She will be discussing findings related to pertussis vaccine effectiveness during recent epidemic years in Queensland. For further details, click here or email enquiries@qcmri.org.au.

Global Leadership Series – Changing the Face of Chronic Disease

The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute is striving to change the face of chronic disease. Diabetes, inflammatory arthritis, infection and cancers – diseases which have long been considered life-threatening or life-debilitating – are being broken down by our researchers to prevent disease, alleviate pain, improve health and extend life expectancies. In this stimulating debate, structured in the form of a trial, we ask what advances have really been made, what is changing and why we should continue to support research into chronic disease. The discussion will be held from 5.45pm until 8.30pm on Tuesday, June 6, at the Queensland Brain Institute. For further information, click here.

2012 Winter School in Mathematical and Computational Biology (July 2–6, 2012)

Online registration is now open for the above school. Early bird registration closes on Monday, June 18, while full registration closes on Wednesday, June 27. The school is held in the Queensland Bioscience Precinct, across from the main Chancellor's Place bus stops on the St Lucia campus of UQ and is designed to introduce mathematical and computational biology and bioinformatics to students, researchers and others. The school's theme this year is from genomes to ecologies. For further information, click here or email Lanna Wong.

Volunteer Expo and training

Expressions of interest are sought from UQ faculties and schools to attend a free Volunteer Expo on Wednesday, August 8. The Expo will open its doors to UQ faculties and schools,as well as charities and for profits to promote voluntary opportunities on both on and off campus, increasing students' degree-related professional experience. An optional one-day training course run by Volunteer Qld is also being held on Wednesday, July 4. For further information, contact Rebecca McIntosh.

International Conference on BioNano Innovation

The above conference, to be held from Wednesday to Friday, July 18–20, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, will feature an exciting list of international leaders and experts in this field. As well as plenary and keynote sessions, the conference will host five parallel symposia on: nanostructured polymers, vaccines, nanomaterials, regenerative medicine, and synthesis of biological systems. For further information, click here or email Petrina Gilmore.

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VOLUNTEERS

 

Brain plasticity in the over-65s

Males and females aged over 65 with no existing neurological disorders are needed to participate in a study investigating neural plasticity in motor regions of the brain. Participants are required to attend two sessions, each lasting approximately two hours. Participants will experience non-invasive brain stimulation while performing a simple visual task and be reimbursed $40 for their time. Details: Daina Dickins.

Effects of shoulder strapping

Healthy individuals aged 18–60 years with no current or prior head, neck or shoulder trauma are needed for a study investigating the effects of shoulder strapping on shoulder muscle activity during a typing task. All tests are non-invasive and participants will be reimbursed with a $20 Myer voucher for their valuable time attending three, 45-minute sessions. Details: Blane Delbridge or 0402 474 475.

 

 

Chronic low back pain research

People aged 18–55 who have been suffering from recurrent bouts of lower back for three or more months may able to help with a study investigating the relationship between the brain and the ability to perform a simple clinical test. To assess brain organisation, a non-invasive, painless and safe technique called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) will be used. The study involves two sessions, each of one hour's duration. Participants will be reimbursed for their time. Details: Edith Elgueta.

Participants with Autism Spectrum disorders

Adolescents and young adults with high functioning autism spectrum disorders aged between 16 and 30 are needed for an online survey. This survey hopes to investigate emotion regulation difficulties in adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders. The questionnaire will take approximately 30 minutes to complete and participation will greatly help in the development of an emotion regulation skills intervention. A prize of $350 is up for grabs. Details: Damian Santomauro.

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Getting news into UQ Update

Please lodge all items for UQ Update through our request form. Items must be submitted by noon on Thursday to be included in the following Monday's issue. Please note items can only be included for one edition unless special circumstances exist. Enquiries can be directed to OMC on 3365 2802.

Previous Issues

All previous issues of UQ Update can be viewed online in the archive section.

Other campus news: UQ News, UQ Ipswich and UQ Gatton.

 

 
 
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