At an exciting point in its evolution as one of the nation's leading trainers of future veterinarians, UQ has appointed a new Professor and Head of School with an impressive record of academic and research achievement as well as strong links with the animal production industry.
Dr Jonathan Hill, who will commence at UQ early in the new year, will oversee a $75 million project to relocate the School of Veterinary Science to the University's Gatton campus, expected to be in place by mid-2009.
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor as of January, 2008, Professor Paul Greenfield, AO, welcomed Dr Hill’s appointment and commended his research record in the area of advanced reproductive technologies and the new opportunities that this would open for collaborative research with CSIRO for the benefit of the beef industry in particular.
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Professor Roger Swift, credited Dr Hill’s selection as Head with his considerable professional experience in universities and research organisations here and overseas and said he was looking forward to working with him especially on the relocation project and other major developments within the Faculty.
"With his background and area of expertise, it was evident Dr Hill was ideally suited for this position," Professor Swift said.
"His reputation as a widely respected veterinary reproductive physiologist both within Australia and internationally puts him in an excellent position to develop new research directions and assist future veterinarians currently studying at The University of Queensland."
Dr Hill was previously employed as Stream Leader for Advanced Reproductive Technologies and Beef Breeding Engineering with CSIRO Livestock Industries and CSIRO Food Futures National Research Flagship respectively at Armidale in New South Wales.
Once at UQ, Dr Hill will be a key member of the team responsible for the construction of a host of state-of-the-art facilities for the School of Veterinary Science at UQ Gatton including teaching and research laboratories, an equine clinic and hospital and a small animal clinic. These veterinary facilities are additional to a $33 million Centre for Advanced Animal Science (CAAS), already under construction and due for completion by July, 2008.
Chair of the School of Veterinary Science Relocation to UQ Gatton Project Committee, Professor Trevor Grigg, also welcomed Dr Hill’s contribution to the relocation project.
"Dr Hill shares the University's vision of UQ Gatton which will soon play host to the most comprehensive animal teaching and research facilities in Australia, if not the Southern Hemisphere," he said.
"The University has already contributed $20 million to the relocation with the balance expected to be raised from the Federal Government as well as a dedicated capital fundraising campaign."
Dr Hill is a UQ alumnus, having graduated with a veterinary science degree from the University in 1985. He gained a PhD in veterinary physiology from Texas A&M University in 1999 and is also a member of several specialist professional associations and societies.
Media inquiries: Carissa Dennis – UQ Gatton Campus (5460 1279, 0409 265 587).
