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The latest
UQ best for customer service
UQ has been ranked number one this quarter for customer service by Customer Service Benchmarking Australia (CSBA) based on calls to the University’s main number of 3365 1111. Test queries ranged from student life to enrolment. CSBA benchmark nationally across multiple industries and the result is a feather in the cap for UQ’s voice operations team.
Research happenings
- Research Week 2009 next week
The University will celebrate outstanding research during Research Week from September 21 to 25, 2009. Research Week raises awareness about UQ research among current and prospective students, staff, graduates, schools, industry, government, media and the wider community. Details: online.
- Graduate Student Week (GSW)
GSW is a program of research training workshops and seminars organised by the UQ Graduate School. Research Higher Degree candidates (PhD & MPhil), postgraduate coursework and honours students are all encouraged to participate. Details online.
- Summer Research Scholarships
Come along to find out about summer research projects and scholarships. The session includes feedback from past recipients and how to go about getting a scholarship. Presented by Professor Sushila Chang, it will be held from 11.30am–12.30pm on Monday, September 21 in the Library Conference Room, ground floor, SS&H Library (Duhig Building).
- Research careers for honours students
Come along for some lunch and a taste of what research degrees (PhD and MPhil) are about, how we support and fund them at UQ, and how you can apply. You'll hear from and have the opportunity to speak with:
- Professor Zlatko Skrbis: About Research
- Professor Sushila Chang: Summer Research Opportunities
- Dr David Rowland: Support for Researchers
- Dr Angela Chang (Ernst & Young): My PhD and where it has taken me
- Your peers: The UQ-Australia Team to the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) challenge at MIT, Boston USA
The event will be held from 11.30am–12.30pm on Tuesday, September 22, in the Library Conference Room, ground floor, SS&H Library (Duhig Building). Seats are limited to 100, so please register online asap.
Preventing child abuse and neglect
UQ staff and students are invited to complete a confidential national online survey as part of the recently endorsed “Protecting Australia’s Children is Everyone’s Business, National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009–2020”. The survey is the centrepiece of a NAPCAN-run innovative community engagement campaign launched on Sunday, September 6, and concluding on Sunday, November 1. People unable to access the survey should call 1800 126 456.
Education Professor is Routledge Education’s Author of the Month
Internationally recognised education expert Professor Bob Lingard has been recognised as Routledge Education’s Author of the Month. A new initiative, the Author of the Month celebrates a recognised author and their academic and professional career and helps promote their range of books. Professor Lingard’s latest book, Globalizing Education Policy, co-written with Fazal Rizvi was published by Routlege in August this year. He is currently working on two further Routledge books, Changing Schools: Making a world of a difference, and Bourdieu and the Field of Education Policy – both of which are due to be published in 2010. Find out more about Professor Lingard online.
Part-time Multi-Level permits
UQ Traffic & Parking is now able to offer staff part-time Multi-Level (Guaranteed) permits that may be configured for one, two, three or four days per week. The fee will be 20 percent, 40 percent, 60 percent or 80 percent of the full-time guaranteed permit fee. Payment may be made upfront or through payroll deduction (by which staff members would take advantage of the salary sacrifice arrangement). Application forms are available online by clicking "Staff Parking", "UQ St Lucia Staff", "Part-time Permits". Details: parking@uq.edu.au.
Notes for Note$
Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra musicians are donating their time to perform two concerts on Friday and Saturday, September 18 and 19, from 7.30pm at All Hallows School in the Valley. All proceeds will be donated to medical research. The orchestra is led by world-renowned conductor Andrew Robinson and the program will feature well-loved classics from composers including Dvorak, Wagner, Ravel, Marquez, Liadov, Grainger and Tchaikovsky. Book online or 3368 3644.
UQ travel survey (win gold class movie tickets)
The University of Queensland is determining its greenhouse gas emissions inventory. A significant source of emissions is associated transport. This survey gathers data about how student and staff travel to UQ St Lucia and the distance travelled. The data will be used to estimate transport emissions. Participate in the survey online.
Students’ UQ experience
Every two years UQ asks first- and later-year students to comment on their UQ experiences. This year UQ is using the Australasian Survey of Student Engagement for this purpose. Participation is online. Previous surveys have brought about changes in the University such as the emphasis on first-year experience, the development of collaborative teaching and learning spaces and increases in IT access in libraries. Eligible students will be contacted via their student email address. Details: ext. 56731.
Biological Sciences postdoc awarded Qld International Fellowship
Dr Eve McDonald-Madden from The Ecology Centre in the School of Biological Sciences has been awarded a Queensland International Fellowship in order to strengthen the State’s global knowledge alliances. The fellowship enables Queenslanders to undertake collaborative scientific research at leading international institutions. Dr McDonald-Madden will use her award to travel to the National Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis in Santa Barbara, which is ranked in the top one percent of institutions world-wide working in ecology and the environment and supports cross-disciplinary research that uses existing data to address major fundamental issues in ecology and allied fields, as well as its application to management and policy.
General Staff Self Development Prize
The School of Medicine’s Dr Paul Masci was recently awarded the General Staff Self Development Prize. Administered through the Scholarships and Prizes Office, the prize is open to members of the general staff who have been employed at the University for at least three years. This prize is awarded to the staff member who demonstrates the most outstanding achievements in self-development whether of an academic or non-academic nature. Dr Masci has been employed at UQ for 38 years and during this time has completed a BSc, MSc and PhD. He is also the principal inventor on four intellectual properties (IP) belonging to UQ – three of which have been licensed to a spinoff company.
Seminar on bringing the benefit of research to the world
The Queensland Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science and the ATSE Queensland Division will host a public seminar and cocktail party at which Professor Robert Parton will discuss “From disease to drug delivery: membrane microdomain formation in bacteria, fish, and man” and Dr Cherrell Hirst will discuss “Bringing the benefit of a research discovery or idea to the world”. The seminar will be held from 6pm on Thursday, September 17, in the Queensland Brain Institute Auditorium (building 79, level 7), Upland Road, St Lucia campus. RSVP: a.vanniekerk@uq.edu.au or ext. 66403.
International Day of Peace Fair 2009
A mix of cultural, community and humanitarian events celebrating the theme of “helping others across the globe” will be held from 9.30am–3.30pm on Sunday, September 20, at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha, Toowong. Organised by the International Day of Peace Alliance, the event commemorates the UN’s International Day of Peace (September 21 each year). The free event will include face-painting, tastes of exotic and multicultural foods, music and arts performances, and dove origami. Details: f.karnadewi@psy.uq.edu.au or postgrad@unsauq.org.
Events & UQ in the media
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Upcoming events:
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UQ in the media:
- Ipswich’s origins explored in book
- Boost for virus research: Fund set up to honour vet
- Study to learn more about our red deer
- David Unaipon Literary Awards
- Survey of riders health and science behind trail bike riding
- Fighting back for Gold glory
- Coast girl wins NZ’s dream job
- Visitor survey
- Traditional medicine research
- Robots dance
- Students ready to blow minds: 2009 Opti-Minds challenge under way
- Drug researchers battle resistance
- Stomach for ideas ’Silent killer’ funding
- Bright minds get together at UQ campus
- Sign in to the UQ Mediaclips site for more media clips.
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Other news
Centenary events and activities
If you’re holding a UQ event or activity during 2010, be sure to let the Centenary Secretariat know if you haven’t done so already. There could be an opportunity for you to promote your event on the Centenary website, or via other promotional activities. Email: centenary@uq.edu.au.
ARC Linkage Projects Scheme demystified
Professor Ian Mackinnon, former Executive Director of the ARC, whose responsibilities included the ARC Linkage Projects Scheme, will address a special seminar for UQ researchers on the ARC Linkage Projects scheme. Also presenting will be Professor Zhiguo Yuan, professor in environmental engineering and Deputy Director of the Advanced Water Management Centre at UQ. He will focus on strategic and management issues involving large multi-party research-industry linkages. The seminar will be held from 2pm on Monday, September 21, in the Auditorium, level 7, QBI (building 79). RSVP: s.mathiesen@research.uq.edu.au by Wednesday, September 16.
Australian National Data Service (ANDS) roadshow
The following workshops, held on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 29 and 30, at Customs House may be of interest to researchers and support staff, research administrators, data centre and repository staff and other staff involved with the sharing and management of data:
- ANDS Services
- Research Data and the Code: the researcher perspective
- Research Data and the Code: the institutional perspective
Registrations are now open. Details: online.
Housekeeping matters
Campus Kindy vacancies
Campus Kindergarten is a nationally and internationally recognised early education centre for three–five-year-old children located in the grounds of the University on College Road. Its innovative, child-centred program is based on the outstanding Reggio Emilia approach. Set in beautiful surroundings, Campus Kindy offers a unique childcare environment that truly values children and families. Some vacancies currently exist for children in the pre-school age group on Thursdays and Fridays. Details: online or ext. 53894.
Get out & about
Boxing clever
TYSON, a new film being shown at the Schonell Cinema is acclaimed indie director James Toback’s stylistically inventive portrait of a mesmerising Mike Tyson. Toback allows Tyson to reveal himself without inhibition and with eloquence and a pervasive vulnerability. Through a mixture of original interviews and archival footage and photographs, a startlingly complex human being emerges. The film ranges from Tyson’s earliest memories of growing up on the mean streets of Brooklyn through his entry into the world of boxing, to his rollercoaster ride in the funhouse of worldwide fame and fortunes won and lost. More details online.
The Wellers Hill State School Choir to visit UQ
On Wednesday, September 16, the Wellers Hill State School choir will visit the School of Music to perform for students and staff. Under the direction of music teacher Petrina Lewis, the choir will present a varied repertoire. Tertiary music education students will have the opportunity to collaborate with primary school students. The concert will be held from 3pm–3.50pm in room 460 (level four) of the Zelman Cowen Building. Everyone welcome to this free concert. Details: s.garvis@uq.edu.au.
Win a delicious lunch for 10
From October, multiple choice will be made easy when UQ Union launches a unique on-campus food experience with epic atmosphere, great prices and a wide variety of fresh choices. For your chance to win a fully catered lunch for you and nine work friends or one of 100 meal vouchers click here.
Growing old positively
The Queensland node of the ARC/NHMRC Research Network in Ageing Well (based at the UQ/Blue Care Research Unit at Toowong) is holding events targeted at professionals working in areas related to ageing, baby boomers and seniors themselves including a cocktail party and a symposium covering areas such as financial management, grandparenting, exercise and travel tips on Thursday and Friday, September 24 and 25. Details: online or 3720 5303.
Health & fitness
Enrolments open for UQKids Spring Holiday Program
UQKids offers a range of sports and activities for all children to enjoy, including Recreation Activities Program (RAP) for six-12-year-olds to participate in a range of indoor and outdoor activities which focus around creative play. There’s also netball, rugby, rowing camp, athletics and tennis during the upcoming school holiday period from Monday, September 21, until Friday, October 2. Details and to enrol: online, uqkids@uqs.com.au or ext. 56612.
Learn skills which could save someone’s life
UQ Sport in conjunction with PulseStart Training Solutions provides nationally accredited First Aid and CPR courses on the St Lucia campus. Courses run fortnightly and prices start from $60. Upcoming course dates are September 16, 26 and 30. Details: online or ext. 66243. PulseStart is the preferred provider of First Aid & CPR courses for the Australian Medical Association of Australia Queensland branch.
Are you more active than your hearing?
The UQ Audiology clinic is pleased to offer a full range of hearing services for both adults and children as part of the audiology student placement program. The clinic provides hearing tests for adults and children, hearing protection (custom-made earplugs), hearing assistance (hearing aids, TV listening systems). Mention this advertisement and receive $20 off a hearing test (valid for bookings until October 31 for staff members, students and their families). Details: ext. 52811.
Study, training & development
ICTE-UQ Professional Development Workshops
Expand your professional skills and efficiency with ICTE-UQ intensive short-course professional development training:
- Writing Skills That Mean Business (Wednesday, September 30)
- Time and Workplace Management (Thursday, October 1)
- Project Management (Monday, October 12, until Friday, October 16)
Details: online or ext. 66756.
Upcoming staff development courses
Places are still available in the following courses:
Details: online.
UQBS Corporate Education Courses for 2009
Register your interest for one of these corporate leadership courses:
- Strategic Marketing & Communication (September 28–October 2)
- Negotiation Skills for Today (October 19–23)
- Making Sense of it All: Integrating Philosophy with Business (November 2–6)
Details: online or 3346 7111.
Upcoming ATEM courses
- Presentations skills – Train the Trainer, Thursday, September 24
Details: online or b.cavallari@uq.edu.au.
Lectures, seminars & workshops
School of Pharmacy seminar series
Weekly seminars are run throughout the academic year for all interested attendees including academics, RHD candidates, researchers and any other UQ staff members. The 45-minute lectures are held from 1pm–1.45pm each Wednesday in room 204 in the Mansergh Shaw Building (building no. 45) on the St Lucia campus. Details: online.
Sadie Philcox Memorial Lecture
Each year, the Division of Occupational Therapy in conjunction with the OT Student Association holds the Sadie Philcox Memorial Lecture where an invited guest presents their topic of expertise. All interested parties are invited to attend this year’s lecture which will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, September 16, in room 101 in the Seddon Building 82D, and presented by Professor Leeanne Carey, founding head of the Division of Neurorehabilitation and Recovery, National Stroke Research Institute and Adjunct Professor School of Occupational Therapy, LaTrobe University. RSVP or more details: a.bourke@uq.edu.au by Friday, September 11.
Preparing for disasters: one doctor’s experience
As part of UQ’s School of Medicine Head of School Lecture Series, Dr Richard Deichmann MD will deliver a lecture entitled “Disaster Preparedness: Lessons from Katrina”. Dr Deichmann was Chief of Medicine at the Memorial Medical Center, New Orleans, when Hurricane Katrina hit the region. In his lecture, he will recount the daily ordeal the more than 2000 evacuees faced. The lecture will be held from 5.30pm (6pm start) until 7pm on Wednesday, September 16 in the ES Meyers Room, Herston campus. Copies of his book, Code Blue: A Katrina Physician’s Memoir will be available for signing from 7pm–7.30pm. Details: s.higgins1@uq.edu.au or ext. 55032. Please register online.
Evaluating balance disorders
Professor of Neurology at the Oregon Health & Science University, Professor Fay Horak, will present a free seminar on behalf of the CCRE Spine Research Seminar Series entitled: “A Systematic Approach to Evaluation of Balance Disorders” from noon on Tuesday, September 22, in room 506, fifth floor of the Therapies Building (84a) at the St Lucia campus. Details: a.weidman@uq.edu.au.
Historians must toughen up
Highly regarded Australian historians such as Henry Reynolds, Stuart Macintyre and Lyndall Ryan have attracted scorn, derision and ad hominem attacks in mainstream media outlets, and vicious personal abuse on blogs run by such luminaries as Andrew Bolt and Tim Blair. The temptation is to leave academic history and public memory to operate in distinct and separate spheres. UQ senior lecturer in Australian History, Martin Crotty, will urge historians to “gird their loins, toughen up, and enter the public fray when the opportunity arises” at this Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies seminar from 5.30pm–6.30pm on Thursday, September 24, at the UQ Art Museum. Details: online or ext. 67407.
Specialist Aged Care Conference
The Geriatric and Rehabilitation Unit (Princess Alexandra Hospital) and the Academic Unit in Geriatric Medicine (UQ) are proud to announce their bi-annual specialist aged care conference “Geriatrics Beyond the Boundaries 2009: e-Health and Technology in Aged Care”. This one-day conference brings together experts in geriatric care from across Queensland and interstate and is expected to host up to 200 delegates from the public and private health sectors. The conference will be held in the Russell Strong Auditorium at PAH on Friday, October 9. Registrations are now open. Details: n.krueger@uq.edu.au or 3240 5530.
Getting them and keeping them
UQ staff are invited to a symposium on access and retention of low SES students from 9am–1.30pm on Tuesday, October 20, in the Riverview Room, Emmanuel College. A light lunch will be provided. Program and details: online. RSVP: equity@uq.edu.au.
New Directions in Leukaemia Research Conference 2010
Save the date for March 28–31, 2010, for the New Directions in Leukaemia Research Conference to be held on the Sunshine Coast. This conference aims to bring together scientists and clinicians to discuss and debate current concepts in our understanding of the molecular basis of leukaemia, emerging paradigms, breakthroughs at the forefronts of leukaemia research and new therapies emerging in the clinic. Details: online.
Volunteers sought
Please note entries remain for two Updates unless further requests received. Thank you.
New this week
- Adults in committed relationships that have lasted at least 12 months, who are either living together, engaged, or married, for a study investigating the short-term and long-term effects of three different types of couple relationship education (a book; a questionnaire feedback session; or a questionnaire feedback session with a six-week, home-based education program). Open to couples living anywhere in Australia.
Details: couplecare@psy.uq.edu.au or ext. 56753
- People aged over 18 years to complete a short confidential and anonymous online survey looking at community attitudes of different groups of people towards each other.
Details: j.griffiths2@uq.edu.au or ext. 67801
- People with current neck and arm pain to participate in physiotherapy treatment study. Symptoms should have been present for four weeks or more and not caused by a vehicle accident or other trauma.
Details: neckpain@uq.edu.au or 0421 679 210
- Caregivers with children with Asperger syndrome and/or typically developing children aged five–15 years old in Queensland are needed for a study investigating the nutritional status and eating behaviours of children.
Details: s.ong@uq.edu.au or 04 3259 3459
- Healthy people aged between 35 and 70 years old without hand, arm or neck pain for two free MRI scans of the wrists one week apart.
Details: a.schmid@uq.edu.au or 0421 868 215
- Young women (18-36 years) who work full-time in either a job where they spend most of their day 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 that is looking into activity patterns and health.
Details: womenatwork@hms.uq.edu.au or ext. 54998
- Adults with normal hearing needed to take part in a 45-minute computer-based task for a study investigating the effects of visual distraction on normal hearing and cochlear-implanted individuals. Participants will be reimbursed $10.
Details: jill.harris@uq.edu.au or 0448 100 724
Carried over
- Parents of teenagers aged between 14–16 years are invited 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 a 90-minute home visit with a registered psychologist. This project is not designed for parents/families with existing drug/alcohol/legal concerns.
Details: projectshield@uq.edu.au or ext. 64833
- People with neck pain needed to trial effects of posture on neck pain disorders.
Details: Alexis.Verouhis@uqconnect.edu.au or 0411 562 876 or Oivind.nilsen@uqconnect.edu.au or 0434 572 114.
- People aged 18–70 who live in the greater Brisbane area for a trial of world-first support for Type II diabetes.
Details: 3636 5506
- Users of public transport to the St Lucia campus departing or interchanging in the Brisbane CBD to participate in an online survey.
Details: L.Ferreira@uq.edu.au
- Adults who suffer recurrent low back pain for a variety of studies on site at the UQ St Lucia campus. Remuneration is provided for attending.
Details: a.claus1@uq.edu.au
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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