UQ Update

UQ Update - 11 February, 2008  


The latest

Senior Management changes

To more accurately reflect the breadth and importance of his portfolio, Professor Alan Rix has the revised title of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic). Professor Rix’s responsibilities for and commitment to Ipswich are unchanged. He will continue to be based at UQ Ipswich as the campus’s academic and administrative leader. He will also maintain his UQ-wide responsibilities for strategic development of academic staff, and for academic staff industrial and employee relations.

This title change follows previously-announced changes to the Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Executive, which took effect on January 1, 2008. The most significant change was promotion of Professor Deborah Terry to the new position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning).

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Greenfield, has decided against filling the post of Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, which became vacant when he began as Vice-Chancellor on January 1. The duties of that role have effectively have been taken up by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) [Faculty finances and planning] and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) [Institute finances and planning].

University performs well in new league table

UQ is the third-ranked Australian university, and the 113th world ranked university according to yet another university league table, the 2007 performance ranking of scientific papers for world universities produced by the Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Council of Taiwan. The full table can be accessed here. Read the full story…

Training sessions this month for new lecture recording system

UQ is currently in the first stage of implementing a Lecture Theatre Recording system at the University’s three main campuses. The system will allow students to access lecture recordings over the internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week at their own convenience. From semester one, large lecture theatres (those with a capacity above 200 students) will be fitted with the systems.

A number of staff information sessions have been arranged:

Information about a Herston session will be available soon. Register online.

UQ researcher wins NHMRC grant

Professor Tom Marwick, a cardiologist with UQ's School of Medicine, is collaborating in a $4.5 million grant awarded by the National Health and Medical Research Council to study more effective strategies for treating patients at risk of cardiovascular disease or its complications.

School of Psychology researcher helps UK parents

Premier Anna Bligh has congratulated Queenslander of the Year Professor Matt Sanders on his Triple P positive parenting program being chosen to play a lead role in helping Britons become better parents.

Win $1000 in Diversity design contest

The $1000 artwork design competition for Diversity Week 2008 is open to current staff and students. Designs should link to the theme, The Spirit of Diversity. This theme is about universal aspirations that unite people across boundaries of class, gender, ethnicity, language, culture and ability. For more details and an entry form, visit the Design Competition page.

Colourful exhibition on display

The first major exhibition by one of Australia’s most respected artists, the Paddy Bedford retrospective continues at the UQ Art Museum, St Lucia, until March 2 — free parking at weekends. The international tour of Our Way: Contemporary Aboriginal Art from Lockhart River continues at the University of Virginia until March 15.

Get English language support at UQ

Staff are reminded that The Institute of Continuing and TESOL Education continues to offer free English language support classes for all UQ international and Australian non-English speakers, through its English for Academic Communication support classes. Support is available for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students, including Study Abroad and exchange students. Classes will be at UQ St Lucia, and if there is sufficient demand, at Ipswich and Gatton campuses. Details and registration are online, or phone ext. 56565 or email enquiries@icte.uq.edu.au.

Eminent judge presents 2008 McPherson lecture series

The TC Beirne School of Law will again host the annual McPherson lecture series on March 10, 11 and 12 at the Banco Court, Supreme Court Building, George Street, Brisbane from 6-8pm. The 2008 speaker will be The Honourable James Jacob Spigelman, AC, Chief Justice of New South Wales, who will present three lectures under the topic “Statutory Interpretation and Human Rights”. Register online or email research@law.uq.edu.au or phone ext. 52206.

New St Lucia access maps online

Access maps for the St Lucia campus have recently been updated and are now available online. In addition to the site map and legend, detailed information by precinct as well as maps for larger lectures theatres are included.

Win a holiday to Hamilton Island

Maryse Scott of Human Resources Division has won an iRiver X20 MP3 player by completing the new OH&S online induction. All new and existing UQ staff*, including casuals, have an opportunity to win a holiday for two to Hamilton Island by completing the online induction. The competition runs for eight weeks closing on Friday, March 28. Weekly minor prizes include dinner-for-two vouchers or iRiver X20 MP3 players. To find out more, visit my.UQ or email d.martin1@uq.edu.au. *Entry is open only to UQ staff who are Queensland residents.

Attend workshop on the Queensland Historical Atlas

The University and the Queensland Museum will hold a free, one-day open workshop on the Queensland Historical Atlas. The project uses cross-disciplinary approaches in history, environmental studies, archaeology, anthropology and culture. The workshop will be on Friday, February 22, from 9.30am to 4.15pm at The Theatre, Level 2, Queensland Museum, South Bank. RSVP to project coordinator Dr Marion Stell.

Physio clinic offers extended hours for appointments

The Musculoskeletal and Sports Injury Physiotherapy clinic has extended its operating hours until February 29. More appointment times are available during the lunch hours and weekday afternoons. To schedule an appointment, call reception at ext. 52232.

Nominations called for valuable prize in river restoration

Nominations for the International and National Thiess Riverprize will close on March 28. First established in 1999, the Thiess Riverprize, now valued at a total AU$500,000, offers the highest monetary award of river management prizes, and global recognition at the annual International Riversymposium, to be held from September 1-4 in conjunction with Riverfestival. The Riversymposium attracts more than 600 participants at all levels of river management in government, science, industry, environmental and community groups from more than 50 countries. Details: visit www.riversymposium.com.

Business professor explains how to cope

The UQSOPA (University of Queensland Secretaries’ and Office Professionals’ Association) invites staff to enjoy lunch with Professor Victor Callan, Professor in the UQ Business School. Professor Callan will discuss “Coping with work in very busy organisations” on Thursday, February 28, at 12.15-1.15pm at the BEL Rooftop Terrace, Level 3, Colin Clark Building. Cost: $17 for members, $22 for non-members. RSVP and enquiries to Karen Hendrickson or phone ext. 67754 by Tuesday, February 26. The UQSOPA’s 2008 calendar of events and membership information can be accessed online.

Win the jackpot at quiz night

The Staff Club's popular monthly quiz night, now entering its eighth year, resumes on Wednesday, February 27, at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. Teams of up to six players can undertake three general knowledge rounds, an audio round, a paper and pen task, and answer individual progressive clue questions. There are team and individual prizes, a cash jackpot prize ($400 this month) and a “Famous Faces” prize board. Entrance fee: $3 per person. Contact the club or quizmaster Charles McCowie or mobile 0423 775 025.

University professor gets back to grass roots

UQ Professor of Museum Studies Dr Amareswar Galla, led a workshop organised by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) on “Traditional Knowledge Systems Museums & Intangible ‘Natural’ Heritage in South Asia” in Hyderabad and Araku Valley, India, from February 2-8. Professor Galla is Chairperson, ICOM Cross Cultural Task Force; and the Convener, Pacific Asia Observatory for Cultural Diversity in Human Development.

Enjoy new menu at Staff Club

The Staff Club has re-opened its premier eatery, the Restaurant, with a new menu and wine list. The Restaurant has views overlooking the lake, complemented with great food from Head Chef Jozsef, quick friendly service and a comprehensive wine list. To book, call ext. 53768. To view the menu and wine list, click here. Don’t forget BB Friday, the all-you-can-eat hot buffet breakfast, every Friday morning between 7.30am-9am, in the Garden Terrace.

Enrol now in staff development course

Places are still available in the following staff development courses:

For details of all Staff Development Program courses, visit www.tedi.uq.edu.au/sdh/.

School of Law offers research seminar series

The TC Beirne School of Law is one of the leading research law schools in Australia. As part of its commitment to the creation and dissemination of high quality research, the School hosts research seminars on Fridays at 12pm in room 1-W341, Forgan Smith Building, St Lucia (unless otherwise stated). They include:

Details: email research@law.uq.edu.au or visit http://www.law.uq.edu.au/research-seminar-series.

Get ahead with UQ Business School’s executive education courses for 2008

Register your interest now for one of these Executive Leadership courses. They include:

Details: contact the Executive Education Team on ext. 67105 or 67115, email execed@business.uq.edu.au or visit www.business.uq.edu.au/execed.

Participants needed for a simulated roof bolting study

This research hopes to determine how to reduce the probability of errors while operating bolting controls. The experimental task involves moving each of four controls in varying sequences and directions to move an image in a virtual world. Participants aged 18-65, with normal or corrected-to-normal vision, and who do not suffer from colour blindness, are sought for the 90-minute study. It will be held in the Human Movement Studies Building, St Lucia (Building #26). Participants will receive $20. Details: email Veronica Thorsson.

Volunteers sought for food preference study

A School of Land and Food Sciences research team wishes to hear from caregivers who have a child (aged five to 12) with a diagnosis of Autism, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or Asperger’s Syndrome, as well as caregivers of typically developing children (aged 5 to 12 years). The team is interested in the food preferences of Australian children with, and without, Asperger’s Syndrome. A three-part food preference questionnaire will be given to participants and a follow-up interview may be required. This questionnaire will provide detailed information about the child’s food preferences and nutritional status. Details, email Dr Bruce D’Arcy or phone ext. 69190.

Participants sought for bone and muscle health study

Healthy volunteers aged seven to 17 years are needed to help researchers using new technology to investigate the interaction between muscle and bone in young “growing” people. The study emphasises how this relationship may assist to prevent conditions such as osteoporosis in older years. Participants will be required to attend one three-hour session at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), Herston. Tests will be performed to assess bone and muscle health. The Children’s Nutrition Research Centre will meet parking fees. Details: Denise Brookes or phone ext. 64936.

Volunteers sought for vitamin and mineral study

Healthy volunteers aged four to 12 years are sought to attend three, two-hour sessions, scheduled approximately six weeks apart, at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Testing will include a blood test, body composition measurements and a variety of questionnaires, with results available at the conclusion of the study. These types of tests are not typically available and may provide detailed information relating to the child’s vitamin and mineral levels. Details: email: n.schoendorfer@uq.edu.au.

Does being overweight affect male hormones? Join “The Androgen Project”

UQ Diamantina Institute and Princess Alexandra Hospital Department of Endocrinology are conducting a study examining changes to male hormones and effects in overweight men. If you are a reasonably healthy, overweight male and are willing to attend two appointments at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Annerley, contact Dr Cynthia Ong on 3240 2695 or email: c.ong@uq.edu.au for details.

Participants needed for chronic back pain study

Volunteers with a history of low back pain lasting more than three months are invited to participate in a study investigating motor control of the low back and pelvis. Participants will be required to attend a two-hour session at the CCRE Spine, St Lucia. The tests involve four simple pain-free and non-invasive measures including the use of ultrasound and EMG. Testing sessions are available any time from Monday to Friday throughout February. Details: contact Ryan Stafford or phone ext. 67751.

Come ‘N’ Try activities for free

UQ SPORT will hold a free Come ‘N’ Try Week from Monday, February 25, to Friday, February 29. Offerings include Group Fitness classes, and Recreation courses ranging from salsa to martial arts.

Enrolments opening soon for social sport competition

Make new friends by enrolling yourself or your team when UQ SPORT social sport competition enrolments open on Monday, February 18. Competitions include outdoor and indoor netball, seven-a-side and indoor soccer, water polo and seven-a-side hockey. Visit UQ SPORT Social Sport online for information and enrolments.

Lifestyle program and course enrolments open soon

Enrolments open on Monday, February 18, for courses including salsa, hip hop, yoga, massage, African drumming, CPR, fencing, rowing, squash, ski diving, target shooting, camping, fishing, surfing, scuba diving, and more. Check the array of recreation and adventure courses online.


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