UQ Update

UQ Update - 8 September, 2008  


The latest

Make a date to meet Federation Fellows

As part of UQ’s Research Week, a public lecture featuring two of the University’s leading thinkers, will be held on Wednesday, September 24, at the Queensland Bioscience Precinct auditorium, St Lucia, from 6.30–9pm. Professor John Quiggin, a Federation Fellow from the Schools of Economics and Political Science & International Studies, will present a talk on Climate Change and the Murray Darling Basin. Professor Paul Burn, a Federation Fellow from the School of Molecular & Microbial Sciences, will discuss Can light solve the energy crisis? Free refreshments will follow. Story…

Mac Pack competition winners announced

The major winners of the competition for people who answered a short online UQ survey were: Luke Reynolds, a Year 11 student at a private/independent school, interested in studying engineering, architecture and planning, and Tammy Copley, who is interested in postgraduate study. They each win prizes including an Apple Mac Book Air 1.6GHz, Superdrive, Canon MP470 printer, 32GB iPod touch, Bose Sound dock, Crumpler laptop bag and a $50 iTunes voucher.

CAAS opens at Gatton

The $33million Centre for Advanced Animal Science has been opened by the Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin. Story…

Renaming of International Education Directorate

IED has been renamed UQ International, in line with a recommendation of the review undertaken in November 2007. The name change is now effective.

Read the latest update on the INSIGHT project

The September edition of the INSIGHT project update is now online. INSIGHT is the University’s marketing research and strategic planning project. This edition gives details about the CRM project team, pilot initiatives, and open staff presentations.

Mitigating the impact of UQ carbon emissions

UQ Traffic & Parking has a new project to mitigate the impact of UQ-related carbon emissions. Undoubtedly, vehicles generate a significant amount of green house gases, and the University is the second largest vehicle destination in southeast Queensland after the Brisbane CBD.

The first stage of a project to generate green power through solar panels is now completed with the installation of new two-way meters that will monitor both usage of electricity and the amount generated. The second stage involves the installation of solar panels on the roofs of the Multi-level carparks, which will roll out over the next three to five years. At the same time, measures will be put in place to reduce the energy consumption of the carparks through lighting control systems. It is hoped that solar energy gathered will eventually mitigate the greenhouse gas generated by University-related vehicle use. All feedback should be directed to Anthony Fletcher.

Additional motorbike and scooter parking facilities

Due to changing trends in the use of motorcycles and scooters, UQ Traffic & Parking is pleased to advise new infrastructure to support riders. An area within Multi-level carpark 2 (#Building 98B) at St Lucia has been set aside for motorcycles and scooter parking. The permit fee is the same as for open-air motorbike parking. Additional motorbike areas are available in the Parnell carpark at the top of Cooper Road, and the carpark adjacent to Campus Kindy off College Road. Riders are reminded that motorcycles and scooters may only be parked in specified motorcycle areas. Details: traffic@uq.edu.au.

Federation Fellow to give Tools of Science lecture

Professor Andrew White of the School of Physical Sciences will present a Tools of Science lecture entitled Hanbury Brown and the birth of a new science at 6pm tomorrow Tuesday, September 9 in Parnell LR222, St Lucia. Light refreshments afterwards. Details: Dr Norm Heckenberg, ext. 53369.

GPA organises public lecture

The School of Geography Planning and Architecture invites staff to attend a public lecture: Megalopolis 50 years on presented by Professor John Rennie Short from the University of Maryland at 11am on Tuesday, September 30th at Hawken Building (#)50, Room N201. Details: Lauren Stafford, telephone ext. 56455.

UQ Scholar gives public lecture for CCCS on US Presidential election

Chris Dixon is an Associate Professor in the School of History, Philosophy, Religion and Classics. He will present a public lecture for the Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies entitled: The West Wing is not a Documentary: Reflections on Cultural Politics in Contemporary America on Thursday, September 18, at 5.30pm in the UQ Art Museum, St Lucia. Details: Rebecca Ralph tel ext. 67407.

Seminar on The Emerging Importance of Water in the 21st Century

AIESEC UQ and the International WaterCentre (IWC) present a free interactive seminar and networking lunch from 12–2pm on Tuesday, September 16 at UQ (venue TBA). Dr Peter Oliver, Senior Lecturer with the IWC, will discuss the face of water scarcity at a global and a local level, highlight the links between water and human health, food production, global trade and the health of ecosystems and explore positive ways to respond to these challenges. RSVP by Friday, September 12.

Brisbane Writers Festival September 17-21

Nine days to go for the Brisbane Writers Festival. UQ has been involved with the Festival for some time but has elevated its involvement to Premier Partner for this year's festival. Stuart Glover, erstwhile Festival Director and now UQ staffer with the School of English, Media Studies and Art History, has organised many international writers to conduct presentations and workshops at UQ to small groups of interested people. They include Alanna Mitchell who will discuss her work as a science writer; and Libby Gleeson who will talk about being a children's writer.

Other writers visiting UQ include Simon Winchester, the author of "The Surgeon of Crowthorne" and Yann Martel who wrote "The Life of Pi" , plus neuroscientist and psychiatrist Norman Doidge. Details of these special workshops will be available on the Faculty of Arts website from Monday afternoon 8 September.

UQ Art Museum holds seminar on ‘Creative Uses of the Collection’

Staff are invited on Thursday, September 11 from 2pm–5.30pm to a Museum and Gallery Services Queensland seminar, in partnership with The University of Queensland Art Museum and the Museum Studies program, School of English, Media Studies and Art History. A panel of four keynote speakers will explore the use of artist interventions, web-based initiatives and stories of place to enhance engagement with collections. A free guided tour of the exhibition neo goth: back in black, with curator Alison Kubler will be held 1–1.30pm, before the seminar begins at 2pm. RSVP to Kerri Laidlaw or phone 3215 0844. Details: www.magsq.com.au.

Hummer of an art work opens at gallery

What stands six metres tall, takes three days to put together and has something special to say about modern warfare and dwindling fossil fuel supplies? Story…

GPA seminar on Wednesday

Dr Chris S. Renschler, visiting Fellow in the School of Geography, Planning and Architecture will give a seminar at 12pm on Wednesday, September 10 in room 414, Chamberlain building (#35), St Lucia. Title: Integrating Natural Resources and GeoHazards Management: Developing a Watershed Community Resilience Index against Extreme Events. RSVP to n.hall1@uq.edu.au or phone ext. 53752.

Applications open for the 2008 Fulbright Senior Specialist Program

The Fulbright Senior Specialist Program supports Australian universities to host two to six week visits by leading United States faculty and professionals. The program aims to encourage collaboration on curriculum, faculty and research development, while building long term institutional linkages. The grant provides an international airfare and $US200 per day honorarium. The host is expected to provide local transport, accommodation and meals in Australia. Applications for the 2009 program close on October 10, 2008. Details: www.fulbright.com.au/.

Breastfeeding Support Network revived at UQ

In 2003 the UQ Breastfeeding Network Group (UQBfNG) was created and was instrumental in UQ's becoming the first Australian University to achieve Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace accreditation from the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA). The UQBfNG also established Infant feeding parking permits, well stocked parent rooms, and reading resources in all UQ libraries. The UQ group has two new coordinators, Marie McLaughin (Ipswich campus) and Nerina Scarinci (St Lucia campus). The UQBfNG is an informal support network for staff and students which aims to improve conditions and resources for UQ parents who are breastfeeding or expressing. Coordinators have a range of resources for parents returning to work and are keen to hear more about what is needed to continue to support breastfeeding at UQ. They can be contacted by emailing breastfeeding@uq.edu.au.

What motivates you? Participants needed for online study

People aged 18-70 are invited to participate in an online study of what motivates people to perform certain behaviours. Eligible respondents will complete a short online survey on their attitudes to a particular issue, and will receive a Birch, Carroll & Coyle movie voucher for their participation. Those who also complete two shorter follow-up surveys will receive additional vouchers. Details: online, or email Sharon Dane or Alison Pike.

Complete Library survey to improve resources, services, spaces

From today until September 21, the Library wishes to hear what you think about Library information provision, spaces, and services, via an online survey. There are three participants’ draw chances to win an iPod Touch. Last year’s survey led to many improvements in Library services including:

Low cost English classes at ICTE-UQ

The Institute of Continuing and TESOL Education offers low cost English Language classes to all adult learners. A 36-hour course costs only $30 if 90 percent of the lessons are attended. The two-hour lessons are taught in the afternoon and focus on speaking, listening, vocabulary and grammar. The teachers are training to become qualified English Language teachers. The next courses begin on September 15 and October 2. Details: phone ext. 66770 or email ICTE-UQ.

Enrol in staff development courses

Places are still available in the following staff development courses:

General

Teaching & Learning:

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

UQ Business School’s executive education courses

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

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

Staff invited to Diamantina Institute’s annual Oration

Attend the Diamantina Institute`s annual Jian Zhou Memorial Oration, an evening to honour the late Dr Jian Zhou and celebrate achievements in the field of medical research. It will be held at Customs House on Wednesday, September 17 at 5.45pm. The evening will commence with a special performance by Opera Queensland. The guest speaker is Professor Christopher Goodnow, Founding Director of The Australian Phenomics Facility, John Curtin School of Medical Research, ANU. RSVP today. Details: the Institute’s website.

Looking for a better way to communicate?

The Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies presents the following professional development courses:

Contact Sandra Padova on 1300 364 562 or email profstudy@uq.edu.au.UQ staff are offered a 20 per cent discount on advertised fees, details see: www.uq.edu.au/acpacs.

UQ Aquatic Centre Open Day & Family Fun Day on Sunday

The UQ Aquatic Centre will hold its annual Open Day on Sunday, September 14, from 10am–2pm. Featuring a wildlife presentation from Geckoes Wildlife, in-pool inflatables, jumping castles, a temporary tattoo tent, and a sausage sizzle, the event is bound to be an action-packed day of family fun. Olympic Gold Medallist, swimmer Emily Seebohm will attend the event and sign autographs. Proceeds from the sausage sizzle will also go toward the Smiling for Smiddy Challenge and cancer research. Details: online.

Have you had a recent whiplash injury?

UQ researchers are seeking volunteers who have neck pain resulting from a recent whiplash injury. Volunteers will be required to attend four different sessions (within 3 days of their motor vehicle accident, and at 14 days, 3 months and 6 months) at the Wesley hospital to undergo several clinical assessments including a medical screen, a blood sample from their arm, an MRI scan of their neck and sensory and physical measures related to their neck pain. This will take approximately one hour each session. There is no cost to the participant and there are no side effects from the MRI. Volunteers must be 18-50 years and have neck pain from a whiplash injury that occurred within the past three days. Contact: James Elliott or phone ext. 54529.

Free treatment for tennis elbow sufferers

UQ researchers are studying the most effective combinations of treatments for tennis elbow. Volunteers are required to participate in a study in which they will receive an injection and may receive physiotherapy. If you are between the ages of 18 and 65 with greater than six weeks duration of pain in one elbow, you may be suitable. Participants will be required to visit the Musculoskeletal Pain and Injury Research Unit, Physiotherapy Division, St Lucia (parking vouchers provided) for an elbow assessment to determine eligibility. Details, phone Brooke, ext. 54692 or email tenniselbow@shrs.uq.edu.au.

Parenting study needs volunteers

Psychology researchers need couples with children aged 4-18 to help as the control group for a study on parenting experiences for couples with children on the autism spectrum. Each partner will complete a 40-minute pen and paper questionnaire in the privacy of their own homes. Details: telephone 0421 680 658, or email Winnie Lau.

Participants sought for neck pain study

The Division of Physiotherapy invites volunteers (18-35 years) with or without neck pain to participate in a 1 hr (2 hrs for non-neck pain) study which involves measuring muscle activity during two computer tasks. A movie voucher is available for participants. Contact Venerina.


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