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Professor Paul Greenfield AO

MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLORAt the start of the 2010 academic year, the University welcomes new students from more than 100 countries, including some from nations that have not previously been represented in our enrolments. They will augment our community’s diversity, and contribute immeasurably to the University’s quality and character.

Variety in national identities is, however, only one facet of student diversity. It is also essential that the people who enrol and graduate are broadly representative of the Australian population. That means UQ must increasingly welcome, educate and graduate students from groups that are not fairly represented in Australian universities. They will include people who have endured financial hardship, come from a regional or remote area, are Indigenous, or have no family history of university education.

This month I have had the pleasure of meeting more than 80 teenagers who are potential leaders from communities that deserve more of UQ’s focus. They are the first wave of UQ Wotif Young Achievers: talented year 11 students from a region that takes in Ipswich and Queensland’s rural south-west. They spent a weekend at the St Lucia campus, staying in residential colleges and gaining a taste of both student life and the opportunities that come with being a UQ student and then a graduate.

UQ Wotif Young Achievers has been made

possible by the commitment and generosity of UQ alumni Andrew and Jennifer Brice, plus the enthusiastic co-operation of 20 high schools. The program includes scholarships, mentoring by UQ students and people in industry, and a place at UQ once year 12 is completed. Importantly, the Young Achievers will be encouraged to start a snowball effect by mentoring younger students in their home communities.

Later this month the University also welcomes 100 recipients of Wotif Scholarships. They are new undergraduate students from under-represented groups, with the spark of potential to thrive at UQ. This is another initiative of the Brices, and complements ongoing measures such as UQ-Link and the support offered by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.

Our residential colleges have a proud record of helping students who are a long way from home to flourish at UQ, academically and socially. Some colleges have joined with the University to extend their support to students who are not their residents. This year the oldest college, Emmanuel, is offering residential scholarships to a group of 2009 graduates of St Peter’s Lutheran College, Indooroopilly. All of them are from Indigenous communities, and without teamwork by Emmanuel and St Peter’s they may have missed the opportunity to come to UQ.

The Wotif Young Achievers, Wotif Scholars

and St Peter’s alumni may not feel numerically dominant in a pool of 40,000 students, but their potential gives them impressive force.

On behalf of the University, I wish them the greatest of success. The same salutation applies to all new students, of all backgrounds and aspirations. I assure you all that we will work assiduously to deliver on the trust you have shown by enrolling at UQ.

Cover: Professor Paul Colditz with a newborn MrI scanner at the royal brisbane & Women’s HospitalPHoTo: STeWarT GouLD

uQ NeWS is produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia. Telephone: (07) 3365 3367. Facsimile: (07) 3365 1488 editor: Cameron Pegg (07) 3365 2049, c.pegg@uq.edu.au Deputy editor: Penny RobinsonCo-editor (Centenary feature): Shannon PriceProofing: Shirley Glaister Contributors: Bronwyn Adams, Helen Battle, Anna Bednarek, Erik de Wit, Andrew Dunne, Fiona Kennedy, Liz Kerr, Jan King, Melinda Kopanakis, Marlene McKendry, Robert Mitchell, Alessandra Torrisi and Alice WalkerDesign: Paul ThomasPhotography: Stewart Gould and Jeremy Patten Printing: Print Works Circulation: 15,000 advertising: Tina Hannan, advertising@uq.edu.auRegistered by Australia Post Publication No. QBH 0104The University of Queensland’s web address is www.uq.edu.au

www.uq.edu.au/news ➔ iSSue 589 feBruAry 2010

UQ News is delivered off-campus to our neighbours at St Lucia and across the Eleanor Schonell Bridge. We hope you enjoy catching up with news and events at the University. If you would like to comment on the magazine, telephone (07) 3365 3367 or email communications@uq.edu.au

ShOrtcutS – A monthly wrap up of uQ learning, discovery and engagement

cOVer StOry – Scanning technology offers new possibilities

inprint – covering the latest releases from uQ writers

SpOrt – netballers kept on their toes by uQ experts

ArOund cAMpuS – upcoming public lectures, concerts and events

UQ

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Pacific treasures on show

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Mexican adventure inspires student

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Making their Mark

Queensland women are playing a growing role in the mining engineering sector with a record number graduating from UQ last year.

Almost a quarter of the 37 students who graduated from mining engineering in December were women.

“This result is all the more impressive as it is above the current female participation rate of 16.4 percent across all engineering disciplines at UQ,” Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Michael Roche said.

“This milestone comes in the year when UQ’s first ever female mining engineering graduate Sandra Collins won the QRC Resources Award for Women.”

Ms Collins was the only female to have graduated from UQ with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) in 1979 and has paved the way for other women.

“Sandra is certainly a great ambassador for the industry and a great role model to young women,” Mr Roche said.

“It’s also pleasing to see that all the graduates have been snapped up by the resources sector.”

In 2006 QRC launched its Women in Resources Action Plan, which aims to increase the proportion of women in non-traditional roles in the resources sector to at least 12 percent by 2020.

“The record number of female graduates from the UQ mining engineering degree adds to our confidence that this goal will be surpassed,” Mr Roche said.

insect pilots land safely

Honey bees undergo a sudden transition from speeding aircraft to hovering helicopter as they perform the delicate art of landing on a flower, UQ research has found.

Scientists have devoted decades to studying

16mm from the platform, where they came to a dead stop.

They hovered for a few thousandths of a second until their hind legs contacted the landing ground, and then lowered themselves gently onto it – regardless of the angle at which it was tilted.

However, when the bees landed on surfaces ranging from vertical to upside down, their antennae came closest to the surface during the hover phase.

“We hadn’t expected the antennae to play a role and it adds a further dimension to the instrumentation the bee is using in order to achieve the perfect landing,” said Professor Srinivasan, who has been studying honey bees for more than 20 years.

More subtly still, the bee appears to use its visual system to position its antennae in order to “read” the actual slope of the landing surface.

The research appears in the latest issue of The Journal of Experimental Biology.

biofuels in blooM

A UQ researcher has won a top international fellowship that saw him meet with political and business leaders in an effort to fast-track algal biofuel development.

Associate Professor Ben Hankamer from the Institute for Molecular Bioscience was awarded a 2009 Eisenhower Fellowship, one of 25 worldwide.

These prestigious fellowships have been awarded to people identified as international leaders in areas of energy, technology and supply, with only two fellowships assigned to Australia.

Dr Hankamer (pictured) is a founding Director of the Solar Biofuels Consortium, a group working to maximise the speed of development of high-efficiency microalgal biofuel production systems.

“The development of clean fuels for the future is one of the most urgent challenges facing society,” Dr Hankamer said.

“Using microalgae has several advantages over traditional biofuel sources, as the production systems can be located on non-arable land, eliminating competition with food production. They also have the potential to store carbon, which would help in reducing CO2 levels.”

The Eisenhower Fellowship allowed Dr Hankamer to tailor a six-week program of meetings with up to 80 researchers, Senators and Members of Congress from both sides of the biofuel debate, and top CEOs from industry organisations including microalgae producers, biofuel producers and the transport industry.

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4 how honeybees navigate but now a team from the Queensland Brain Institute and Lund University has revealed for the first time how they perform the tricky art of landing.

“As any trainee pilot knows, landing is one of the hardest things to do, as everything around you is changing so quickly,” Professor Mandyam Srinivasan said.

“It requires excellent co-ordination to get the speed, angle, distance and touchdown point exactly right – especially if the landing surface is sloping or even upside down.”

The team used a special tiltable platform and a high-speed camera to film the bees in the final moments of touchdown, and identify each of their separate actions.

On approach to their target the bees use “optic flow” – the stream of visual signals provided by their eyes as the landscape speeds past – to slow down and move from forward-flight to stable hover mode about

parenting Made siMple

Parents can now access an “online instruction manual” when the task of raising and caring for children seems overwhelming.

Researchers from The University of Queensland’s Parenting and Family Support Centre have developed an online version of the award-winning Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, a proven success around the world.

They are now seeking parents concerned about the behaviour of their three to eight-year-old children for an evaluation of the program’s effectiveness with access for the first 100 parents to enrol free of charge.

“We believe that if parents have a clearer sense of what it is they could be doing differently, it makes the world of difference,” Triple P founder Professor Matt Sanders said.

But inconvenience and a lack of time are often obstacles to completing a group program or seeking advice from a practitioner.

Triple P Online contains proven positive parenting principles and easy-to-use strategies derived from almost 30 years of international research.

“Parents are looking for practical solutions to parenting problems that

work,” Professor Sanders said. “The simplest way to reduce parental distress and behavioral

problems in children is to give parents better information and support.

“Triple P Online teaches parents how

to prevent and manage common problems such as tantrums and whining and how to give children new skills and become more independent.”

INFO ➔ www.triplep.net/

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Leisure is becoming a forgotten word and academics from The University of Queensland want to put it back into people’s lives.

School of Tourism Associate Professor Ian Patterson wants people to put leisure alongside family, work and sleep as important parts of their lives.

Dr Patterson made his case when he spoke at the 9th ANZALS Biennial Conference earlier this month.

He said many universities were reducing the content of leisure studies in favour of event, sport and hotel management.

But this sent out the wrong message, he said.“A lot of people don’t know how to effectively

use their leisure time,’’ Dr Patterson said.“We want people to be aware of the

importance of leisure, look at the health benefits and integrate leisure into their lifestyles.

“When executives doing 80 to 100 hours a

tennis figures sMashed

The UQ Tennis Centre is fielding record numbers of inquiries in the wake of the successful Brisbane International tournament.

The Brisbane International, which was played at the UQ Sport-operated Queensland Tennis Centre at Tennyson, has helped the Queensland Tennis Centre and the UQ Tennis Centre at St Lucia enjoy an influx of new customers keen to give tennis a go.

UQ Tennis Centre Operations Manager Adrianne Gay said Australia’s annual summer season of tennis had helped reignite people’s interest in the sport.

“Tennis has always enjoyed increased popularity at this time of year but having an international tournament played in Brisbane the past two years has really taken that interest to a new level,” Ms Gay said.

“We’ve had so many inquiries from people who have never played tennis before but are keen to give it a go, so our beginner coaching

classes for both adults and children are proving very popular at the moment.”

The UQ Tennis Centre is open daily and offers court hire, coaching and fixtures for both adults and children of any skill level.

UQ Sport also offers a huge range of other sports and activities to try including swimming, athletics, pilates, rowing, netball, soccer and a range of group fitness classes.

INFO ➔ www.uqsport.com.au

freeloading fish

An international research team has looked to cleaner fish to appreciate how humans may have evolved to punish freeloaders.

Published recently in leading journal Science, the research shows that understanding the behaviour of self-interested cleaner fish may be a key step toward understanding why humans find it necessary to punish a third party when they receive no direct benefit.

Small fish known as cleaners are found on coral reefs in the Indian and Pacific oceans where they maintain cleaning stations.

Larger fish pause at these stations and perform specific behaviours which attract the cleaner fish to remove parasites from them.

The research group, comprised of experts from UQ, the University of Neuchâtel

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5in Switzerland and The Zoological Society of London, found that the punishment meted out by male cleaner fish toward female cleaner fish promoted cooperation, and as a result rewarded the male with more food. The study was conducted at Lizard Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef, 270km north of Cairns.

“Cleaner fish in male-female pairs cooperate to clean client fish by removing the parasites on the skins of the larger fish,” UQ researcher Dr Lexa Grutter said.

Cleaner fish receive all their nutrition through these cleaning services and rarely survive long in

home aquariums because they cannot obtain

enough food.

FActs + FIGurEs

1100 – entries on a new UQ website which tracks all Queensland towns, cities and suburbs with populations exceeding 500

79AD – date of the volcanic eruptions in Pompeii, the subject of a new project by archaeologist Dr Andy Fairbairn

3000 °c – temperature reached at Mach 8, the projected speed for hypersonic “Scramjets” being co-developed at the University of Queensland

100 – number of Wotif Young Scholars welcomed by the University this month. the scholarship program aims to promote higher education among disadvantaged and under-represented groups

$1 million – cost of an Australian-first baby MRI scanner held at the Royal Brisbane & Women’s hospital used by UQ researchers

24,000 – items held within the UQ Anthropology Museum collection

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week are dropping dead in their 30s and 40s, it is an indication they need a better balance between work and leisure.”

Leisure was important to help people recuperate from busy work lives, reducing stress and allowing them to rejuvenate, he said.

“It is more than just relaxing at home, watching the TV. People should participate in more activities and experiences.

“Leisure experiences provide people with feelings of satisfaction and enjoyment that they cannot achieve through work.’’

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Christmas came a day early for recent high school graduates Joseph Bunton and Kelsey Chalmers (pictured), receiving news that they had been awarded UQ’s most prestigious academic scholarship.

In its inaugural year, the UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, valued at $12,000 a year for up to five years, was automatically awarded to 33 applicants who achieved a result which places them at the very top of the OP1/equivalent band.

For Ms Chalmers, a former Redcliffe State High School student, the scholarship came as a great surprise.

“When I was young, both of my parents quit their jobs to enrol as mature-aged students in university,” she said

“They had a passion to study and change their careers, so worked hard at completing their degrees while supporting three young children on student incomes.

“When I received the call on Christmas Eve, I walked out into the kitchen and told my dad who gave me a high five and started bragging to his friends.”

Mr Bunton also shared the good news with his family, who have had to move between

Western Australia, New South Wales, Indonesia and Brisbane over the past five years because of work commitments.

Having attended seven different schools, the Cavendish Road State High School graduate said he was now looking forward to settling into life at St Lucia and enjoying everything UQ had to offer.

“I’m still not sure what I want to do in a career but I’m looking forward to starting my Bachelor of Science and trying more challenging subjects in maths, statistics and physics,” he said.

Director of the Office of Prospective Students & Scholarships Margaret Fairman said the new Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships were a welcome addition to UQ’s academic scholarship program.

“Our scholarship program aims to not only recognise and reward the achievements of outstanding school leavers but those with significant leadership or community service achievements as well,” she said.

Almost 400 scholarships were awarded for study in 2010 including 184 UQ Excellence Scholarships, valued at $6000 a year for the duration of the student’s program, and more than 150 UQ Merit Scholarships providing $6000 for the first year of study.

INFO ➔ www.uq.edu.au/scholarships

VC scholarships a UQ firstA new scholarships scheme is helping the next generation of academic high fliers reach their potential.

As The University of Queensland commences Centenary celebrations, one staff member will mark his own half-century achievement.

For more than 50 years, George Dick (pictured) has worked as a technical officer in UQ’s Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, supporting academic and student research.

Currently working as the Workshop Supervisor for the Zelman Cowen Building at St Lucia, Mr Dick began his career at UQ in 1958 as an apprentice tradesman straight from high school.

“I started in the mechanical engineering department when it was located in George Street,” Mr Dick said.

“One of my earliest memories of UQ was lining up under a big fig tree next to Queensland’s old Government House with all of the other staff to receive our pay packets.

“Back then everyone knew each other; working at the University was like being part of a great big family.”

As the University grew and the engineering departments moved to the St Lucia campus, Mr Dick was the first to set foot in the newly

constructed Mansergh Shaw building in 1964.

“The sharing of knowledge across the faculties and the networking of technical staff is one of UQ’s best features,” Mr Dick said.

“We tested the elasticity of valves in pigs’ hearts for research into heart surgery and also helped UQ’s first PhD student in Dentistry test the strength and structure of crowns.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield thanked Mr Dick for his invaluable contributions, which have included giving technical support to students of mechanical engineering, civil engineering and architecture, as well as teaching metrology (the science of measurement).

“George’s service record reads like an interactive map of development and innovation at UQ, with George personally laying many of the milestones,” Professor Greenfield said.

“On the University’s behalf, I wish him a satisfying and fulfilling retirement.”

Mr Dick said it was diversity that had made his work so enjoyable over the years and he would miss contact with the students when he retired this month.

STAFF MEMBER CELEBRATES

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Members of UQ’s 31st Senate and special guests reflected on the original intentions of The University of Queensland’s forefathers and anticipated the next 100 years at the final 2009 UQ Senate meeting on December 10.

To mark the imminent start of UQ’s Centenary in 2010, the final meeting was held in The Red Chamber at Parliament House, Brisbane, and included congratulatory speeches from Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley.

Other guests included Queensland University of Technology Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake, Central Queensland University Chancellor Mr Rennie Fritschy, and former UQ Vice-Chancellors Professors Emeritus Brian Wilson and John Hay.

UQ’s Chancellor Mr John Story opened the meeting and quoted William Kidston, the Queensland Premier of 1909, about the aspirations of UQ: “I would have the Senate always remember that it was the desire of our people that inspired the crowning of our educational system by the establishment of a University, that in very truth the Queensland University is ‘of the people’.”

The Senate and guests then enjoyed a re-enactment of extracts from the debate of The University of Queensland Bill, taken from the transcripts of parliamentary proceedings, Hansard.

The Red Chamber was the site of these debates, 100 years ago, when it was home to the Legislative Council.

After the meeting, members of the UQ Senate and invited guests convened in the Parliamentary Annexe Speakers’ Hall for a celebratory dinner.

During dinner, UQ’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said he anticipated that UQ would continue to have a great impact on global communities.

“Kidston held that whilst not everyone could have the privilege of attending or directly sharing the advantages of a university, the whole community should benefit from it,” he said.

“The ‘whole community’ no longer means the people of Queensland – it is Australians and people the world over.”

INFO ➔ To view photos from the evening and watch the official proceedings, including the re-enactment, visit www.uq.edu.au/centenary

SENATE MEETING USHERS IN NEW CENTURy

We cannot reckon the life of a University in years, nor in

decades, but in centuries

Executive Dean of the faculty of arts Professor richard fotheringham re-enacts extracts from the

debate of The University of Queensland bill

’’‘‘

Queensland Premier anna bligh with Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield at the final UQ Senate meeting of 2009

former UQ Vice-Chancellors Professor Emeritus brian Wilson (left) and Professor Emeritus John Hay (right) with Professor Greenfield

UQ Chancellor John Story with his predecessor Sir Llew Edwards

The crowd gathers on the Speakers Lawn of Parliament House to enjoy the celebrations

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UQ graduate Dr Ferdinand Brockhall has proven no feat is ever too great after receiving his PhD recently.

Dr Brockhall, 81, studied post-war Greek and Cypriot migrants in Australia.

“Most of the existing research stops once these people were assimilated – as though they had no story after this point,” Dr Brockhall said.

“If you talk to them today, you find that they are proud to be Australian, and despite globalisation and increased mobility, they choose to stay here, in what they consider to be their homeland.”

Dr Brockhall’s supervisor, Associate Professor David Ip, said the research could also assist with better understanding today’s multicultural Australia.

Professor Ip was also quick to congratulate

Dr Brockhall on his achievement, despite facing many challenges.

“Having been away from studying for more than two decades, the technology advancements alone were completely foreign, not to mention research processes, and the theories and concepts in his field,” he said.

Dr Brockhall admits he came close to throwing in the towel, but it was the support of his wife, to whom his thesis is dedicated, that kept him going.

“It was frustrating and challenging, and twice I came close to giving up. But I didn’t know how to tell Wilhelmina, so I kept going,” he said.

Born in Indonesia to Dutch parents, Dr Brockhall and his wife migrated to Australia in the early-1950s.

“I just really wanted to keep learning, and Wilhelmina supported me all the way,” he said.

81-year-old rises to the challenge

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High Court Justice Susan Kiefel and acclaimed poet Professor Emeritus Thomas Shapcott AO received honorary doctorates at UQ’s December graduations.

Justice Kiefel, Queensland’s first female Queen’s Counsel and a graduate of Cambridge University, received a Doctorate of Laws honoris causa at a Faculty of Business, Economics and Law graduation.

Professor Emeritus Shapcott (pictured) received a Doctorate of Letters honoris causa at an Arts and Social and Behavioural Sciences ceremony at UQ’s Ipswich campus. He served as

a Director of the Literature Board of the Australia Council for the Arts from 1983–1990 and has been a significant benefactor to the University through donations of his personal literary archives.

Also recognised was maverick arts dealer Ray Hughes, who received a Doctor of the University honoris causa. Mr Hughes was an early supporter of Queensland artists such as Davida Allen, Roy Churcher, Robert MacPherson, Madonna Staunton and William Robinson.

Orchestrator of the international expansion of UQ’s acclaimed Triple P – Positive Parenting Program – Des McWilliam, champion for animal health John Stewart AM, former Chief Executive of MIM Holdings Ltd Mr Nick Stump and banker

Honorary doctorates

and business woman Dr Helen Nugent AO also received recognition.

In April 1935, Thomas Charles Beirne, the proprietor of a large Brisbane drapery store in Fortitude Valley and Warden of the Council of the University (1928–1941), pledged £20,000 to establish a functioning law school at UQ.

In gratitude, the then University Senate named the school in his honour and at her graduation ceremony on December 8, Genevieve joined 155 fellow students to receive her Bachelor of Laws (LLB).

Mr Beirne (1860–1949), rose from being a scantily educated son of a farmer in Ireland to one of the first millionaires in Australian history after emigrating here in 1883–1884.

Perhaps it was his patchy education that drove him to want to sponsor and influence the educational development of his new home, the state of Queensland, and in particular, its only university at the time.

Philanthropists such as TC Beirne will be especially commemorated this year as part of Centenary celebrations.

Ms Beirne said she was delighted to have such a connection to the past and was especially proud to be the first Beirne from her branch of the family to graduate with a law degree from UQ – her great-grandfather Michael was brother to Thomas.

Ms Beirne said she was excited about finishing her studies, and had recently commenced a position with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Beirne legacy continuedGenevieve Beirne’s recent graduation from UQ’s TC Beirne School of Law would have pleased her great great uncle.

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graduations

A stint in Mexico during the swine flu outbreak didn’t dampen Alison Rae’s desire to explore Central America – the UQ Journalism/Arts student headed back there during the summer break.

It was in early May last year, while completing a semester on exchange at Tecnologico de Monterrey, that the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) epidemic began to unfold.

While Ms Rae managed to complete all of her assessment before leaving, the health scare cut short her travel plans.

“Tec was really good in that they organised emergency exit visas – international students could go and see the uni lawyers, sign a form and be able to leave within a day or so,” she said.

“They provided regular updates and were also flexible with assessment – some exams were completed online, and the re was also an option to complete assessment once you left the country.”

UQ recently presented Tecnologico de Monterrey with a Vice Chancellor’s Award for Internationalisation, in recognition of the support

it provided to exchange students during the swine flu scare.

Director of UQ’s Office of Undergraduate Education

Professor Sushila Chang nominated Tecnologico

Exchange adventure

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9Last year, social work student Michelle Dang

was filled with excitement, anxiety, apprehension and anticipation in readiness for a unique international experience working with tribal communities in rural India.

Joined by four other students from UQ’s School of Social Work and Human Services, Ms Dang travelled to India to begin a 15-week field education placement as part of her final-year studies.

Based in North Andra Pradesh, the students teamed up with local community aid organisation Laya to assist Indigenous tribal people to engage in community development projects involving sustainability, land alienation and human rights, decentralised energy options and climate change.

Ms Dang said the placement experience exceeded all of her expectations.

“My time in India was a rich and meaningful journey. I have enhanced my personal and professional development and I feel have gained more self-confidence as an emerging practitioner.

“My values, beliefs and assumptions have been challenged, and I’ve learnt to appreciate and value difference.

“Sharing stories, and engaging with Adivasi communities in a dialogue about their concerns, issues and aspirations has been a highlight of my experience, and has reinvigorated my commitment to working in solidarity with the poor and marginalised.”

School of Social Work and Human Services Field Education Unit Manager Mark Cleaver said the experience of working with the Adivasi communities had provided an opportunity for self- discovery for all five students.

“We are thrilled to offer such an exciting and enriching educational experience for our students,” Mr Cleaver said.

“An international placement such as this provides our final year students with a whole new perspective on practicing social work – it is a wonderful component of our program.”

Socialising in India

de Monterrey for the award, saying its commitment to the welfare of UQ students was extraordinary.

Swine flu aside, Ms Rae said her experience was a positive one, with Tecnologico de Monterrey proving the ideal place to complete three political science subjects as part of her arts degree.

“Tec is part of the Universitas 21 group, it’s a private university and has very high standards – the passing rate is about 70 percent,” she said.

“I would definitely recommend Mexico as a place to go on exchange – the culture and way of life is very different to Australia but a great experience.”

With swine flu interrupting her first Mexican adventure, Ms Rae resumed her travels once the end-of-semester exams were complete.

“It happened a week before the assessment period, my brother was just about to arrive and we had plans to travel for about three weeks,” she said.

“I had to leave Mexico a few weeks early, so there were a few places I didn’t get to see and I’m also keen to explore Central America.”

Ms Rae hopes to complete her Journalism/Arts dual degree at the end of 2010.

INFO ➔ www.uq.edu.au/uqabroad

UQ social work students recently headed overseas to put their skills to good use.

“My values, beliefs and assumptions have been

challenged, and I’ve learnt to appreciate and

value difference”

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The University has appointed a new custodian of its anthropology museum.

The new Director of UQ’s Anthropology Museum hopes the “hidden gem” under her care will become better known with researchers and the public alike.

A material and visual cultural specialist and graduate of University College London, Dr Diana Young is a social anthropologist who joined UQ last year after working at the Australian National University’s Research School for Humanities.

Located in the School of Social Science, the Anthropology Museum houses an important collection of around 24,000 items – the largest of its type in Australia. It celebrates the cultures and societies of Oceania, concentrating on Australian Aboriginal and Melanesian peoples’ works. There are also items from Polynesia and Micronesia and a collection from Northern Thailand. About 5000 photographs are included as part of the collection.

“The museum has a fabulous collection that deserves to be better known at UQ, across Australia and internationally,” Dr Young said.

“Presently it’s a bit of a hidden gem. It’s also a fantastic research and teaching resource that can be used for doctoral and postdoctoral research projects based on things in the collection.”

Dr Young said her main priorities for 2010 were developing a new exhibition program to

engage with wider audiences including students and staff.

Her first exhibition for the museum, Double Up, features work by Pacific Islanders and is on show until April 9. It includes pairs of sculptures – “body doubles” – such as shields, masks and tricksters, drawn from the collection, and concentrates on the Papua New Guinea region.

Head of the School of Social Science, Professor Geoff Lawrence, said Dr Young was a dynamic director with the ideal background to lead the museum.

“It is a very significant appointment, not just for the school, but also for the University,” Professor Lawrence said.

The UQ Anthropology Museum was established in 1948 after lobbying from UQ staff, members of parliament and the general public. It is located on level two of the Michie Building, and is open free to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during semester. Group tours at other times during the week can also be arranged.

INFO ➔ www.socialscience.uq.edu.au/anthmuseum

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IN BRIEFa frEE prESSUQ has launched the

official event website of the

2010 World Press Freedom Day,

to be held at the St Lucia campus

from May 2–3.

“Our conference website is multi-

purpose – it’s designed to keep our

global audience up-to-date with

planning for this important media

event, and it’s full of information

for our guests and delegates,”

conference convenor Associate

Professor Martin Hadlow said.

The slogan featured on the

website’s home page is: Great is

Truth, And Mighty Above All Things.

“This is the wording above the main

entrance to the Forgan Smith Building

at The University of Queensland,”

Associate Professor Hadlow said.

“These words fit well with the

theme of this year’s conference, which

is Freedom of Information: the Right

to Know.”

INFO ➔ www.wpfd2010.org

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Left: Mwali (kula shell armband) c 1919

and below, wooden sculpture c 1956

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UQ eateries dish up a fresh new lookStaff and students have returned to St Lucia this month to find their campus facilities and eateries transformed.

UQ Union has recently renovated several popular outlets including the bakery, Secondhand Bookshop, Lolly Shop and Physiology Refectory to offer staff and students a high standard of service in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Completed in time for Orientation Week, the works complement the successful renovation of the Main Refectory late last year into a buzzing food court which includes a range of vegetarian, gluten-free and halal options.

“We wanted to provide staff and students with the same standards of food and retail options they can find off campus,” Student President Michael Zivcic said.

Due to popular demand, the 2nd Degree Bar & Grill will officially be known again as The Red Room while sporting a new-look logo.

The popular Union Bakery has been boosted to twice its original size and is trading under a new name, while the Secondhand Bookshop has been revamped and continues to offer students and staff quality secondhand texts and stationery.

The much-loved Lolly Shop is now bigger and better, making it a one-stop shop for sweet tooths at St Lucia.

Also reopening later this month will be the Physiology Eatery and Café, which includes a special dining area for the enjoyment of UQ staff.

INFO ➔ For full details visit www.uqunion.uq.edu.au

The University of Queensland is putting out the welcome mat for a substantial new cohort of students for the 2010 academic year.

The intake will include 3500 new undergraduates who have come directly from Year 12 plus an additional 2000 students who will be starting new undergraduate programs in 2010.

UQ is also preparing to welcome approximately 3000 new international students at all study levels.

New students are encouraged to take part in Orientation Week from February 22–26, to attend important information sessions, familiarise themselves with their campuses and participate in an array of social activities.

The free Market Days at UQ’s Ipswich, St Lucia and Gatton campuses are popular events during O-Week.

Market Day is an opportunity for students to join one of the many UQ Union-affiliated clubs and societies, find out about the clubs, adventure and recreational activities offered by UQ Sport, and to familiarise themselves with other services and facilities available to them. There will be plenty of freebies, fun activities and inspiring performances.

UQ Student Centre manager Ken Aberdeen said the aim of Orientation Week was to assist new students with the transition to University life and to access the information and services available to them.

These included workshops on study skills, understanding the timetable sessions, discovering the UQ Library, computer help and training sessions, preparing for success at University, faculty welcomes and academic advising sessions.

UQ Student Services learning hub senior manager Janey Saunders said Orientation week for 2010 provided a host of workshops run by Student Services, including academic skills, time management and preparing students more holistically for their transition into University.

“Many of these activities will evolve and continue beyond O-Week so that students can engage in them as integral components of their discipline areas,” she said.

“Most sessions are for all students but some are more tailored to specific groups such as Safety Down Under for international students and Mature Age Link Up for students who are not straight out of high school.

“The week certainly ensures a diverse range of sessions and activities that are targeted at preparing and enhancing the study experience for our newest members.”

Students can access the Orientation Event planner online to gather details of information sessions related to their areas of study. Market Days will be held at UQ’s campuses on the following dates and times.

Ipswich — Tuesday, February 23, 11am–2pm

St Lucia— Wednesday, February 24, 10am–3pm

Gatton – Thursday, February 26, 12pm–2pm

INFO ➔ www.uq.edu.au/orientation

Warm welcome for O-Week cohort

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New medical students Tigue Tozer (back) and Thekla bacharach

uq through the years

On December 10, 1909, The University of Queensland was established by an Act of State Parliament to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Queensland’s separation from the colony of New South Wales.

Since this day, UQ has gone on to play a pivotal role in the education of many.

As we enter our second century of learning and discovery, our Centenary year is a time to reflect on how far we have come and to look forward to the many more milestones to be achieved.

“ There is this difference between the youngest University in the Empire and the oldest: Oxford was established by a King; The University of Queensland is established by the people”

Queensland Premier William Kidston, 1909

historical highlights

1909 The University of Queensland is established by an Act of State Parliament to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Queensland’s separation from the colony of New South Wales. Government House in George Street is dedicated to University purposes.

1910 The University is founded officially when the Queensland Government Gazette publishes a notice listing the 20 members of the first UQ Senate.

1911 Eighty-three students, including 23 women, attend the first classes in the Faculties of Arts, Science and Engineering.

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1926 Dr James O’Neil Mayne and his sister, Miss Mary Emelia Mayne, provide £55,000 to the Brisbane City Council to resume 210 acres of riverside land at St Lucia to provide a new site for the University.

1948 The move from George Street to St Lucia begins and is completed in 1972.

1990 The University of Queensland consolidates with Queensland Agricultural College (now UQ Gatton, a 1068ha campus 80km west of Brisbane).

1999 UQ Ipswich opens as one of Australia’s first totally web-enabled campuses and about 500 students commence studies.

In celebration of our Centenary, University of Queensland Press is publishing a pictorial book which will be available later this year.

1 The Forgan Smith building was completed in 1939, and remains one of the University’s landmarks. Source: UQ archives

2 In 1909, the State Government gave the people of Queensland a university in celebration of the state’s Golden Jubilee. an inauguration ceremony took place on December 10, 1909 at what is now Old Government House in George Street, brisbane City. Source: State of Library of Queensland

3 The first four UQ Professors with their wives outside Government House in 1911: (from back left, Professor J L Michie, Professor b D Steele, Professor H J Priestley and Professor a J Gibson; front from left: Mrs Priestley, Mrs Steele, Mrs Gibson). Source: Fryer Library

4 an aerial view of the St Lucia campus, taken in 1946, seven years after the Forgan Smith building was completed. Source: UQ archives

5 The UQ Medical School, as seen here circa 1959, is now known as the Mayne Medical School and is located at the University’s Herston campus. Source: UQ archives

6 The University of Queensland consolidated with Queensland agricultural College (QaC) in 1990. This photo of the dormitories and dining hall was taken at QaC circa 1898. Source: UQ archives

7 Some things never change: students hang out in the Student Union complex in the 1970s, just as they do today. Source: UQ archives

8 The award-winning Ipswich campus library opened in 2003, and blends nature with technology while accommodating spaces for multiple learning styles. Source: OMC

9 The next generation: students of today enjoy modern study facilities, such as those in the First year Engineering Learning Centre. Source: OMC

10 The Queensland brain Institute is one of UQ’s seven research institutes which continue to deliver ground-breaking outcomes for our local, national and global communities. Source: OMC

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INFO ➔ To view photo galleries and additional details of UQ’s history, visit www.uq.edu.au/centenary

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Remembering UQ’s first Vice-Chancellor

affectionately known as “The Skipper” by friends and family, reginald Heber roe (1850-1926) was the first Vice-Chancellor at the helm of a newly launched University of Queensland in 1910.

One hundred years later, his great grand-daughter, a video producer within the University’s Information Technology Services division, is understandably proud of her ancestor’s achievements.

Ms Triny roe said her great-grandfather was appointed as the University’s first Vice-Chancellor in 1910 following its establishment by the Queensland State Government in celebration of its Golden Jubilee on Proclamation Day, December 10, 1909.

Mr roe, by then aged 60, served as UQ’s Vice-Chancellor until 1916.

He was appointed to the role after 33 years as headmaster of brisbane Grammar School, the reason for his immigration to australia in 1876.

Interestingly, UQ’s first full-time Vice-Chancellor (from 1938 until 1960), John Douglas Story, won a scholarship to brisbane Grammar School while Mr roe was headmaster and in 1885, it was Mr roe who recommended Mr Story for the post of junior clerk to John anderson, State Director of Education.

Mr Story rapidly rose to become under secretary of the department by 1906.

It was under the auspices of Mr Story’s department that the University was established at the St Lucia site and began to resemble the institution we know today. The pair remained lifelong friends.

“reggie believed in education for everyone. He was not elitist in any way, shape or form. For example, he argued strongly against Greek and Latin being prerequisites for entry to the University as he said a lot of state high school students would not have been taught these ancient languages,” Ms roe said.

“He also had an ecumenical outlook in an era where this was frowned upon and once had both the anglican and Catholic archbishops over for afternoon tea when he lived with his wife and their son arthur.”

reginald Heber roe was born in blandford, Dorset, in 1850, and later won a scholarship to balliol College, Oxford. He rowed in the College Eight and graduated with a bachelor of arts in 1875 and Master of arts in 1876 with first-class honours in mathematics.

Ms roe has been researching her family tree in light of the University’s Centenary celebrations this year, which include a community day on Sunday, april 18, at the St Lucia campus and an alumni reunion weekend on July 2– 4.

Reggie believed in education for

everyone. He was not elitist

in any way, shape or

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The former Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie, was enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1974 when Brisbane suffered the worst city flooding in Australian history. Sixteen people lost their lives, 300 were injured and 8,000 were made homeless.

“Heather and I were seriously dating in 1974 (and married in January 1975). I was a resident at St John’s College and during the holidays in January 1974 I needed to get back to college to access some of my belongings – as you do. The only problem was Brisbane had been hit by its worst flooding since 1893. On January 24, Cyclone Wanda dumped heavy rainfall on an already saturated south-east corner. We undertook the determined walk to St Lucia along the railway line. When we eventually got near to St Lucia we were greeted with an inland sea. The University of Queensland had become a floating university.”

+ View more photos of the University during the 1974 floods online

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George Osborne AM was a Reader in Veterinary Science for 30 years and also served as Dean of the Faculty. His daughter, Linda, tells his story.

“In the 1960s, George drove final-year veterinary students around Queensland and NSW visiting farms. He convinced many graziers of the value of establishing a remote rural centre for teaching and research. With the assistance of generous benefactors, the Goondiwindi Pastoral Veterinary Centre was established in 1965, servicing the needs of graziers, teaching students and facilitating valuable, quality research. George was a Fulbright scholar and he inspired many outstanding veterinarians over his 30-year teaching career. Three of his postgraduate students ran the centre and its library bears his name.”

UQ staff member Robyn Humphreyes-Reid recalls the Great Court Race – now an annual UQ tradition, but what started out as part of the University’s 75th anniversary celebrations.

“In 1985 we celebrated UQ’s 75th anniversary. An event that captured the attention of staff and students alike was the inaugural Great Court Race – our very own Chariots of Fire. On race day, hundreds of staff and students lined the Great Court cloister. We watched as the runners were set and the starting gun was fired. Even the visiting Duchess of Kent seemed to find it exciting. She clambered (elegantly!) up on to a chair to watch the runners.”

+ View more photos of UQ’s 75th anniversary celebrations online

Third year Bachelor of Arts student, Matthew Taylor, clearly remembers the moment he knew he wanted to study at UQ.

“When I was four, my pre-school class went on a trip to UQ. My mum says that when I got home I told her I was going there when I grew up. I think at the time it was the huge castle, the colourful trees and the grown-ups lying around on the grass. When it came time for uni, UQ was the only place I applied for. And, as it turns out, UQ is so much more than sandstone buildings, jacaranda trees and lazing around in the Great Court. It’s a place of learning where industry leaders open your mind to new theories and ideas, and friends come together to discuss last week’s big game and the relevance of Nietzsche’s work on language.”

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Read other UQ stories or submit your own at

www.uq.edu.au/centenary

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University Co-operative Bookshop Ltd

UQ merchandise now available at The Co-op Bookshop.Gatton campusBuilding 8123, Morrison Hall, Inner Ring Road, Gatton QLD 4343Ph: (07) 5460 1451, Email: uqgatton@coop-bookshop.com.au

Ipswich campusBuilding 12, Room 108, Salisbury Road, Ipswich QLD 4305Ph: (07) 3381 1240, Email: uqipswich@coop-bookshop.com.au

St Lucia campusBuilding 4, Staff House Road, St Lucia QLD 4067Ph: (07) 3365 8585, Email: uqstlucia@coop-bookshop.com.au

Online www.coop-bookshop.com.au

THE UQ ART MUSEUM IS CELEBRATING THE CENTENARy WITH A MAJOR ExHIBITION OF AURUKUN ART AND GEMS FROM ITS COLLECTION.

100 yEARS ON DISPLAy

The juxtaposition of old and new is celebrated in two Centenary exhibitions showing at the UQ Art Museum in 2010.

The first, 100 Years: 100 Artworks, will run from April 16 to July 4, and represents works the University has acquired by gift, bequest and purchase.

Among the pieces on display will be the first artwork gifted to the University in 1929 – Mary Christison’s Self portrait.

Works will range from William Frank Calderon’s great Victorian picture Crest of the hill (1898) to Rosalie Gascoigne’s Dolly boxes (1976) and Lockhart River artist Rosella Namok’s Para way not our way (2001).

“The exhibition will showcase the University’s remarkable collection. It will feature our old favourites and little-known gems alongside very contemporary pieces that reflect life today,” UQ Art Museum Director Nick Mitzevich said.

The museum will also present Before time today: Art from Aurukun, a major exhibition and one of the key events to mark the University’s Centenary year, from September 10 to November 28.

The show focuses on the art from Cape york’s Aurukun community, involving Wik, Kugu

and associated peoples.“This exhibition allows us

to gain better insight in the life and culture

surrounding

Crest of the hill 1898 by W. Frank (William Frank) Calderon 1865–1943, oil on canvas. Gift of the Veterinary Students Society, 1979. Collection of The University of Queensland

Aurukun’s outstanding carving tradition, and how this inspired a flourishing new chapter of art production across a range of media in today’s community,” Mr Mitzevich said.

Initiated in response to collections of Aurukun art held in the UQ Anthropology Museum and UQ Art Museum, the exhibition brings together historical pieces and examples of contemporary Aurukun art from public art and cultural institutions.

Other UQ Art Museum exhibitions throughout 2010 include Contemporary Queensland photography (January 29–April 11) and the first major survey of Queensland-based Indigenous artist Fiona Foley (February 19–May 2).

Highlights also include the Australian War Memorial’s Sidney Nolan: The Gallipoli Series (September 17–November 14) and Australian portraits 1880–1960 from the Australian National Gallery (November 19–February 11).

INFO ➔ For a full list of public programs visit www.artmuseum.uq.edu.au

Waaram (Dugong) 2008 by Horace Wikmunea 1963 – natural ochres with synthetic polymer binder on milkwood. Collection of The University of Queensland, purchased 2008. Image Mick richards

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Celebrate Centenary

The Centenary Oration SeriesThroughout the year the University will host a number of local, national and international speakers – all of whom are leaders in their fields. Open free to the public, the series will cover a variety of topical issues within the fields of science and innovation, the arts, medical research, social science and business.

March 10, Customs House: Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley, AOUQ alumnus and Queensland Governor, Ms Penelope Wensley, has had a long and active engagement with the development of national and international responses to various global challenges. Ms Wensley will deliver her oration, open free to the public, in conjunction with the opening of the UQ Global Change Institute at Customs House.

April 21, UQ Centre: Jack Manning BancroftHear from the inspiring 2010 young Australian of the year finalist, Jack Manning Bancroft. Mr Manning Bancroft is the founder and CEO of the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME). In 2005, at just 19 years of age, he began AIME with 20 Indigenous kids in Redfern. By 2009 there were 40 schools, five universities, 500 Indigenous high school students and over 500 university volunteers across NSW participating in AIME.

Current staff and student celebrationsApril 14: Gatton campus

April 16: St Lucia campus

April 16: Ipswich campus

Details of other campus celebrations will be available on the Centenary website soon.

April 18: UQ Centenary Celebration Day – a free event for the whole communityThe UQ Centenary Celebration Day is our way of saying thank you to the community for supporting us over the past 100 years. Bring your family and friends, as there will be activities and entertainment for all ages and interests, including live bands, international food stalls, activities for the kids, global change talks, tours of our world-class research facilities, and health and wellbeing workshops.

July 2 – 4: Alumni Reunion WeekendThe Centenary Alumni Reunion Weekend will be held at UQ’s St Lucia campus and provide alumni with the opportunity to catch up with old friends from academic, sporting, cultural and social interest groups. Included in the program is the Courting the Greats dinner and a thank you brunch. There will also be individual school and college reunions happening over the weekend – check the Centenary website for details.

For a full list of Centenary events and activities, visit www.uq.edu.au/centenary

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This year’s annual research commercialisation workshops run by UQ’s main commercialisation company, UniQuest, are set to help more than 200 staff and student researchers understand more about Intellectual Property protection and ways to optimise the commercial potential of their ideas.

Workshop costs are covered by UniQuest, including transport to and from the St Lucia campus.

Over the past seven years nearly 800 UQ researchers have attended the free workshops, where informative and insightful speakers’ presentations are complemented by creative group work sessions and pitching practice with experienced commercialisation professionals.

“The workshops are not just about how to take a scientific discovery and turn it into a commercial prospect,” says UniQuest Managing Director, David Henderson.

WORKSHOPS take researchers in new directions

“The program covers a range of topics that academics and research students need to consider, whether or not they have a project they’re working on right now that could become a marketable product.

“All workshop participants – whether they are from Life Sciences, the Arts, or a multi-disciplinary team – gain valuable insights about what investors are looking for, why government and industry look to universities for expertise, and how engaging in commercial activities can enhance an academic research career.”

The RHD students’ workshop includes a panel discussion on career opportunities in commercialisation, and presentations from academics who became involved with commercialisation during their student years.

UQ academics currently involved in commercialisation projects also share their experiences at the workshop for research staff. Professor Ian Frazer will be the guest speaker at the workshop dinner.

Postgraduate Research Students: 18-19 March 2010 Applications close: Friday 12 February 2010

Academic Researchers: 14-15 April 2010Applications close: Friday 12 March 2010

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Diminishing dementia

UQ and Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld) will work together to reduce the impact of dementia after signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) recently.

The two organisations will collaborate on a range of initiatives including joint research and consultancy projects, the development of student internships and placements, co-hosting of workshops and seminars and opportunities for research higher degree students.

UQ’s commitment to ageing related issues has also been strengthened with the establishment of the Ageing Mind Initiative co-directed by Associate Professors Nancy Pachana and Gerard Byrne.

“Alzheimer’s Australia has had an enormous impact on persons with dementia and their families,” Dr Byrne said.

“It has sponsored expert reports on the epidemiology of dementia in this country, funds services for people with dementia around the country and funds research grants and scholarships to investigate all aspects of dementia. It is a privilege to be involved in this new enterprise with them.”

Dr Pachana said the MOU formalised a strong partnership that had existed for the past five years, offering new opportunities for students and researchers alike.

CEO of Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld) Jan Samuels said the collaboration was an important milestone.

In an australian first, a new $1 million MrI-compatible incubator designed for babies will allow UQ researchers to develop earlier and more effective treatments for newborns with brain impairment.

Until now, imaging premature babies’ brains has not been standard practice due to the shortcomings of adult equipment and the risks to these extremely vulnerable patients – despite a significant incidence of impairment.

The MrI Neonatal Incubator, which slides into a standard MrI unit, is located at the royal brisbane & Women’s Hospital (rbWH) and the royal Children’s Hospital (rCH).

It enables babies to lie undisturbed in a safe and warm environment while a non-invasive image of the brain is recorded. a safe magnetic field is used to create the images.

Professor Paul Colditz (pictured) said the new equipment would be used by doctors for early diagnosis of impairment and enable research into prevention, as well as earlier and improved rehabilitation treatments.

“research has shown that as the brain grows rapidly after birth, early diagnosis and treatment offers the best chance of a favourable outcome,” he said.

“Currently, however, many families do not discover their baby has cerebral palsy caused by brain impairment until their child is one to two years old.

“Early diagnosis can also reduce the stress on the family.”

Professor Colditz’s established track record in the field of MrI and perinatal research has enabled him to attract a consortium of collaborators to join with UQ to purchase the unit. Partners include the royal brisbane & Women’s Hospital, the royal Children’s Hospital and the royal Children’s Hospital foundation.

“We will be the first group in australia able to conduct imaging of preterm babies and this opportunity has the potential to break down the current boundaries of brain impairment treatment and produce huge gains for babies and their families,” Professor Colditz said.

He said scans would provide data for the development of new categories of brain impairment and outcomes.

Key members of the research team are Dr Stephen rose from the UQ Centre for Clinical research; associate Professor roslyn boyd, Director of the Queensland Cerebral Palsy and rehabilitation research Centre; School of Medicine; rCH; and Professor David reutens, Director, Centre for advanced Imaging.

The larger team working to develop better treatments for brain injury in babies include Professor David Pow, Professor alan Coulthard and Professor Nicholas fisk, and Dr Kathryn buller, Dr Tracey bjorkman, Dr Mostefa Mesbah and Dr John O’Toole.

“There are already more than 45,000 Queenslanders living with dementia and the number is expected to reach more than one million nationally by 2050. There is an urgent need for more research, supported by engaged, informed health professionals and service providers, if we are to address the enormous challenges ahead.

“This collaboration is a very practical example of UQ’s strategic focus on learning, discovery and engagement, as well as building on the existing links between Queensland’s experts on dementia and ageing.”

Looking into bubs’ brains

UQ HaS JOINED fOrCES WITH a PEaK rEPrESENTaTIvE bODy IN aN EffOrT TO OvErCOME THE agEINg MIND.

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“I think it’s a really interesting time of life,” he said.

“It’s a time of life when a lot of things can come sharply into focus, when you’ve got big decisions to make about where you’re going to

head and who you’re going to be. It’s a time that can have its share of anguish but also its share of opportunities.”

Like many of his fictional characters, Mr Earls himself had some tough decisions to make when choosing a pathway to take after school.

While passionate about writing, he couldn’t see how to turn his stories into a job and instead enrolled in a medical degree at UQ, graduating in 1986.

“In the mid to late 90s, at least partly because of

this book, it got to move from being a part-time peripheral thing to being what I do full-time. I’m just really lucky that’s come about.”

A former UQ Alumnus of the Year, Mr Earls will participate in the Writers’ Hub as part of the UQ Centenary Celebration Day on April 18.

new look for after january

inprin

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GIVEA

WAY UQP is giving away three copies of after january to uQ

news readers. Simply email your details to communications@uq.edu.au

with “UQP giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will be notified by March 16.

tHE Co-oP bookSHoPcurrent bestsellers

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5 the lacuna – barbara kingsolver,

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10 robot riot – Andy Griffiths, (Pb)

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Celebrated Australian author Nick Earls’ debut young adult novel after january is now complete.

First published by UQP in 1996, the book – which follows high-school graduate Alex Delaney’s journey from adolescence into adulthood – has been re-released with the prequel, juliet.

“I’m really glad that the two of them are together now because it feels like they should be. I’m surprised we didn’t do it before,” Mr Earls said.

after january was born out of juliet – a short story published in an anthology in 1995 and set the year before the novel.

the story also represents the author’s first attempt at writing for the young adult market, a literary experiment which has well and truly paid off.

“Even before that story was published people were reading it and responding in a way that I just wasn’t used to with my writing at that stage and the character kind of stuck around in my head,” he said.

Since then, Mr Earls has published 13 books, five of which have had teenage central characters.

UQ academic Dr Simon Patton has won second prize in the prestigious international John Dryden translation Competition for his translation of a Chinese short story.

Named after an influential 17th century English poet, literary critic, translator and playwright, the competition is open to translators of literary works of poetry, prose and drama.

Dr Patton won the award for his translation of Ma Yuan’s first published story the Goddess of Lhasa river. Published in 1984, it was an innovative book for its time and region in its writing style and content. the story follows a group of Lhasa artists on an outing to a suburban island in the Lhasa River.

Last year, he was also shortlisted in the NSW Premier’s translation Prize and PEN Medallion.

In a fast-paced, bustling world of ever-evolving technology, Dr Patton speaks of the skill and sensibility required for working on translations.

“Literary translation is more than just precisely translating word-for-word. It is about explaining and communicating a different way of living and seeing, a different way of experiencing human life and looking at the world,” Dr Patton said.

“Far from being a largely technical accomplishment, translation must be an act of

art in its own right, if it is to preserve the artistic qualities of literature and convey them to people who cannot access the non-English text.

“Doing a translation involves not so much doing ‘justice’ to the writer but is more about doing justice to what made you feel a ‘zing’; what made you want to give others the opportunity to appreciate and experience what you saw in the piece.”

Dr Patton’s interest in Chinese developed on a visit to brisbane in the 1970s with the discovery of a book on the language. He now enjoys its unique characteristics.

“Chinese language is very distinct and different from any other language. It has no plurals or tenses, and is also tonal. the language also has a written script or characters, which are pictures that visually tell the story,” he said.

Dr Patton lectures in the School of Languages and Comparative Cultural Studies and also co-edits the China domain of Poetry International Web.

INFO ➔ www.uq.edu.au/slccs

translation crosses cultures s

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visUal art and theatre collide With coloUrfUl resUlts in adjUnct professor sUe rider’s latest prodUction.

Professor Rider is directing the flowering, a play by Donna Cameron which samples ancient Greek myths and features a unique ceramic “set” by artist Julie Shepherd.

the show marks a change of pace for Professor Rider, who has been directing and producing theatre for three decades, and last year staged the world premiere of a musical about brisbane’s famous “Pink twins”.

the Chair of backbone Youth Arts and former Artistic Director of La boite theatre Company, Professor Rider appears on the cover of this year’s brisbane White Pages for her work promoting the arts among diverse audiences.

the flowering began life by chance in 2001 when the collaborators worked together on the Clay/Play project to raise funds for breast cancer research. the event saw female artists create short plays in just 24 hours, and the idea for future productions was born.

“Donna wrote a beautiful, quirky, moving script inspired by Julie’s porcelain pieces and I directed it. We loved the process, admired each other’s work and all wanted to develop further what we’d started in a very short time,” Professor Rider said.

“Donna then came up with the idea of the flowering, which had its origins in the Greek myths of Persephone and Demeter and

drew on her own experience of visiting India. I’m constantly seeking new ways to make meaning in theatre and the idea of combining a contemporary text based on ancient myth with a solo performer and pieces of porcelain opened up wonderful creative possibilities.”

true to its title, the play tells the story of a year in one woman’s life as she relates her development to her mother.

Professor Rider said the show explored the loss of innocence experienced in the transition to adulthood, and the resulting power shifts between people and their parents.

Using ceramics added another dimension to the work and grounded the drama, she said.

“When the show opens, there are pieces of porcelain scattered over a circular earth-coloured cloth. the pieces could be broken crockery, or plant pots, or bones. the scene could be a garden or a desert. before a word is spoken we are forming impressions of what we see,” she said.

Professor Rider said the script’s strength was its blending of drama and comedy, a technique honed by some of the world’s most famous storytellers.

“theatre dies from monotony or complacency, but it thrives on contrast and I love nothing better than to hear audiences give a big belly laugh

Arts collaboration blooms

followed by a gasp of horror or the silence of sadness,” she said.

“the best playwrights – take Shakespeare, Chekhov and brecht – all mix comedy and tragedy. My job as a director is to make sure the rhythms are right, that the audience knows when to laugh and when to hold their breath. often it’s a matter of pace. And it’s magic when the balance is right.”

the flowering appears at the Judith Wright Centre in Fortitude Valley from February 9–13.

Mining indUstry links the university of Queensland is playing a

vital role in the continued success of the

state’s resources industry, according to a

peak representative body.

In 2009, uQ Vice-chancellor Professor

Paul Greenfield and Queensland resources

council chief executive Michael roche

signed a Memorandum of understanding

bolstering research and education for the

minerals and energy sector.

In a world first, uQ has also established

a professorial position of engagement,

recently appointing Dr Gideon chitombo

as chair of Minerals Industry engagement.

“these are just some of the

achievements that demonstrate why uQ’s

innovative approaches, global expertise

and reputation in the resources sector,

make it a pivotal university in Qrc’s vision

for higher education,” Mr roche said.

the continuing commitment of uQ

to the resources sector during the global

financial crisis will deliver benefits to

industry for years to come.”

diversity Week 2010 Globalisation will come under the

spotlight during the university of

Queensland’s eighth annual Diversity

week celebrations, to be held this year

from May 24-28.

the theme of Diversity week 2010 will

be our Global community.

uQ senior Deputy Vice-chancellor

Professor Michael keniger said that any

focus by the university community on the

benefits of globalisation would inevitably

highlight and celebrate the cultural

diversity of students, staff, alumni and

partners.

“this is an apt theme for Diversity

week during uQ’s centenary, because

international students, staff and alumni

helped shape the university and its

achievements during its first century,” he

said.

“now, as we start the second century,

a key aim of the university is to share the

benefits of learning and discovery with

international communities.”

physics honoUr Professor Guifre Vidal has

been named by canada’s

Perimeter Institute of theoretical

Physics (PI) as one of 10 new

Distinguished research chairs.

Professor Vidal joins 10 existing experts

including Professor stephen Hawking,

making 20 positions internationally.

As a Distinguished research chair,

Professor Vidal will spend extended

research visits at PI each year, becoming

part of their research community while

retaining his position at uQ.

Perimeter Institute Director neil

turok said Professor Vidal was among

researchers who had made remarkable

and creative contributions to key areas of

modern physics.

Professor Vidal has made important

contributions to the development of

quantum information science, with

applications to condensed matter theory,

and has been recognised by the Australian

research council as a federation fellow.

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University of Queensland expertise will help keep the state’s most promising netballers on their toes in 2010.

Coordinated through UQ Sport, the arrangement will see human movement studies graduates Anthony Wood and Samantha Fisher become strength and conditioning coaches for Netball Queensland.

The contract is the first of its kind and requires UQ Sport to manage strength and conditioning for the under 17 and 19 state teams.

Sports Development Manager Vince Kelly said he was confident Mr Wood and Ms Fisher would be able to deliver the highest quality training for the young athletes.

“Anthony has more than three years experience working with elite athletes including national representative rowers and the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Sarah has recently completed her major practicum with the Queensland Reds,” Mr Kelly said.

The under 17 and 19 state teams will

compete at the National Netball Championships in South Australia in April and will undertake weekly on-court speed, agility and strength sessions at UQ Sport.

“We are confident in our ability to have the girls at their best possible fitness levels by April and I’m really looking forward to assisting the teams in gaining that competitive strength and size edge that they haven’t had in the past,” Mr Wood said.

Ms Fisher, who has previously worked with the strength and conditioning coach of the Queensland Firebirds netball team, is also determined to help the athletes perform to the best of their abilities.

“I am so excited to work as a strength and conditioning coach for this state team and start to apply everything I have learnt from university and prac to these athletes,” she said.

“It is such an amazing opportunity and a great way to begin in the field of elite sport.”

INFO ➔ www.uqsport.uq.edu.au

top netballers aim for uq Queensland’s up-and-coming netballers will be put through their paces by UQ fitness experts this year.

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EvENtS/NoticES

• Friday, February 26

Public lecture “Lying in Politics”. Renowned intellectual historian Professor Martin Jay is keynote speaker. (All day, St Leo’s College, St Lucia) $80 or $40 for postgraduates. Contact: (07) 3346 7415, m.ure@uq.edu.au

• Wednesday, March 3

Dean of Medicine’s Lecture Series. “End of Life Decision Making in Europe: Ethical and Clinical Challenges” (6.30pm-7.30pm Abel Smith Lecture Theatre, St Lucia). Contact: (07) 3365 5515.

GENEraL cLaSSifiEDS**classifieds are free, but are available only to staff, students and visiting academics. Please send listings to p.robinson@uq.edu.au

• Accommodation wanted: New UQ staff member seeks to rent a house convenient to the Herston Medical School and suitable for family with two young children. Contact: a.whittaker@unimelb.edu.au

• Accommodation wanted: American Fulbright Scholar teaching/researching at UQ Medical School for four months from February 10. Looking for fully furnished 2 bed, 2 bath, close to Herston or city. Contact: sblackman5@gmail.com

• Accommodation wanted: Granny flat or similar single accommodation close to Gatton campus required for academic staff member starting in February. Contact: 0400 426 229. • To rent: Granny flat for rent, available February 2010. Fully furnished with linen provided. Contact: redmyre@bigpond.net.au

• To rent: Modern self-contained granny flat in leafy Annerley. Ten mins walk to Eleanor Schonell Bridge. Close to shops, bus, train, 5kms to city. Internet, electricity and gas included – $220/wk. Contact: 0413 055 703

• Footy tipping: Staff interested in rugby league and AFL are invited to join the UQ Footy Tipping Competition. Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, prizes throughout the season, anyone can join! Contact (07) 3346 9976 or t.leggatt@uq.edu.au

SchoLarShiPS

• Indigenous Access Scholarships

Available to Indigenous students, particularly those who need to relocate from a regional or remote area to undertake higher education. Awarded on financial need. Closing: February 17. Worth: $4253. Information: (07) 3365 7113.

• Doris Camp Scholarship

Applications are invited from female students who will complete year 12 at a Townsville secondary

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590 February 24 March 16

Semester 1 begins March 1

UQ NEWS DEaDLiNES

ShOwINg OvEr SUmmEr:

~ ParaNorMaL activity (USa)

~ NoWhErE boy (UK/caNaDa)

~ thE toPP tWiNS (NEW ZEaLaND)

Session times ➔ www.schonell.com

SchoNELL ciNEMa

school in the year preceding the award, and plan to enrol in a program at a Queensland university in the year of the award. Closing: March 5. Worth: $1700. Information: (07) 3365 1984.

• Salvatore Vitale Scholarship

Available to a student who completed Year 12 at a secondary school in North Queensland in 2009 and can demonstrate that they provided service to their local community. Must be enrolled full-time in the first year of an undergraduate program at The University of Queensland in 2010. Closing: March 19, 2010. Worth: approx $4000. Information: (07) 3365 1984.

• J.K. Lober Bachelor of Applied Science Scholarship

Open to domestic students who have completed a UQ Diploma or Associate Degree in Applied Science and are enrolled to study full-time in the 3rd year of the Bachelor of Applied Science in horticulture and/or agronomy. Selection will be based on financial need, academic achievement, demonstrated interest in horticulture and agronomy and leadership. Closing: February 26. Worth: $5000. Information: (07) 3365 2165.

Amateur and professional historians alike now have access to a major new resource with the launch of queenslandplaces.com.au

The new public website was developed by UQ with the support of the Queensland Government and contains entries on all the cities, towns, suburbs and villages in Queensland that have had populations of 500 or more.

University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said community enthusiasm had breathed life into the new website’s images.

“UQ is delighted by the response of people all over the state who dug into their slide collections in order to share their views of Queensland places with people everywhere,” he said.

“Thanks to these slide contributors, UQ is able to present high-quality research – conducted

over seven years – in a format that is as engaging as it is educational.

“I congratulate Professor Peter Spearritt and his team at the Centre for the Government of Queensland at UQ, along with staff of the UQ Library, and the key government personnel who delivered queenslandplaces.com.au.”

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said data in the website included black-and-white photographs and postcards to colour slides from the 1950s–80s, which had been specifically digitised and preserved for this project.

“This exciting new website has over 1100 entries, from the 19th century boom towns of Gympie and Cooktown to the new suburbs of the 21st century,” she said.

Users of the website can access records by name of settlement or a key word search for

queensland history one click away events and themes – from the border gates at Coolangatta, to the Torres Strait Islands and the mines of Mount Isa.

“This is a great educational resource for teachers, students, family historians, visitors to Queensland, and everyone interested in our history, culture and ongoing development,” Ms Bligh said.

The website was produced as part of Queensland’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

INFO ➔ www.queenslandplaces.com.au

Library hours available at www.library.uq.edu.au

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A Sydney artist has harnessed the power of surprise and the forces of gravity to win a major art prize established by UQ.

Julie rrap received the $50,000 University of Queensland National artists’ Self-Portrait Prize on November 27, edging out 33 other entries from across the country and the torres Strait.

Judge Elizabeth ann Macgregor, Director of the Museum of contemporary art in Sydney, said Ms rrap’s video entry, 360° self portrait, was the outstanding work in a strong field.

“Julie rrap’s entry is an ambitious and ambiguous piece. the viewer is drawn in by the emotional drama, as the morphing face appears to reflect some inner turmoil or react to something beyond the camera. in reality, the changes are the result of centrifugal force as the artist spins through 360°, the title of the work,” Ms Macgregor said.

to create the self-portrait, the artist was installed into a machine which rotated the artist’s body as a camera recorded the action.

the viewer watches the artist’s face as it contorts due to the forces of gravity, but is unaware of the mechanics behind the work.

the biennial prize was established in 2007 and complements the University’s special collection of self-portraits, the only one of its kind in the country.

“Entry to this award is by invitation only, and we were delighted by the high standard of works that artists submitted in 2009,” UQ art Museum Director Nick Mitzevich said.

Julie rrap is one of australia’s most prominent artists, working in the areas of photography, video, sculpture and installation.

her work has been featured in major australian and international exhibitions including the biennale of Sydney in 1986, 1988 and 1992, with a major survey, Julie Rrap: Body Double on show at the Museum of contemporary art in 2007–08, accompanied by a comprehensive monograph featuring her work.

Mr Mitzevich said new media, particularly video and multimedia, has had a significant impact on the changing nature of portraiture.

“Whether artists are using the self-portrait to mask or reveal the self, or employ non-representational modes as a form of self-portrayal, it is clear that the genre of the self-portrait has been revitalised in recent years,” he said.

the self-portrait prize exhibition was the UQ art Museum’s final show of 2009 and attracted thousands of visitors between November and January.

INFO ➔ to view the 2010 exhibition program, visit www.artmuseum.uq.edu.au

Julie rrap in front of her winning entry, 360° self portrait

amanda Marburg’s entry Melbourne Longneck Humpy away from home by christian bumbarra thompson

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