Director of UQ's Clinical Centre for Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury & Health, Professor Paul Hodges, has been awarded a $10,000 prize for his work supervising research higher degree students.
Professor Hodges has supervised six PhD students to completion at UQ with a further 13 currently under his supervision.
Professor Hodges received his Award for Excellence in Research Higher Degree Supervision during a ceremony held at Customs House last week.
His supervisory philosophy strives to harness the productive potential of clinical practice combined with research. He provides strategies and a very active and supportive framework to achieve a healthy balance of creativity with risk, independence with collaboration.
His extensive enrichment program both challenges and supports his students to become leaders in their fields and future leaders of research.
Dean of the UQ Graduate School, Professor Zlatko Skrbis, said Professor Hodges’ amazing publication output in the best international journals was continuing evidence of his successful approach.
Professor Skrbis said high-quality research supervision was the most crucial factor in students completing research higher degree studies.
“UQ prides itself on finding a perfect match between research higher degree students and supervisors from the start of their candidature,” he said.
“This is a two- to four-year relationship requiring compatibility and enthusiasm by both parties.
“Research elsewhere has shown that a failure of this relationship leads to a cessation of study altogether in 90 percent of cases so it is imperative the relationship is strong and nurtured from start to finish.
“UQ provides training and support to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students and staff.”
The awards were introduced in 2000 to recognise, encourage, and reward sustained excellence in graduate student supervision at UQ.
First proposed by the Students Union Postgraduate Area, the awards are administered in collaboration with the UQ Union, and funded by the UQ Graduate School.
All UQ academic staff with advisory responsibility for research higher degree students are eligible for nomination.
Nominations are endorsed by the relevant Head of School and supported by at least four people: a UQ staff member; a current research student; and two former (completed) research higher degree students.
Media: Professor Hodges (07 3365 2008, p.hodges@shrs.uq.edu.au)
