Executive Dean’s Message - May 2024
Dear colleagues,
Thanks to everyone who attended the Faculty of Science All Staff Forum on Tuesday. I hope you found the session interesting and informative. For those who missed it, copies of the slides, minutes and School reports will be available online on SharePoint in the coming days.
As the semester 1 revision period comes to an end and the examination period begins next week, I would like to thank you for your contribution, not only designing, developing and delivering our world-class teaching programs, but also for the significant effort involved in finalising the assessment outcomes over the next few weeks. This process involves significant effort from both our teaching and professional staff, and so a big thank you to all staff who contribute to this important process.
Congratulations
A huge congratulations to Emerita Professor Mary Garson AM, FRSC, FRACI, FAA (SCMB), who has been elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to science. The AAS citation reads: ‘Mary Garson is a world-leading organic chemist. She is an internationally recognised expert in chemistry, biosynthesis, and bioactivity of secondary metabolites from both the marine and terrestrial environments. Best known for her pioneering use of stable/radioactive isotopes to define unusual biosynthetic pathways, she probes complex stereochemistry, ecological interactions, and environmental aspects of marine and plant metabolites. A 2003 special issue of the Journal of Natural Products in honour of Garson celebrated the excellence of her scientific contributions. The marine flatworm Maritigrella marygarsonae is named in her honour’. Mary has also been an outstanding mentor for many women scientists at UQ and beyond, including me.
Congratulations also to Professor Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop (SMP), who was recently awarded a Doctor of Science honoris causa from the University of Glasgow, in recognition of her service to laser physics and nano-optics research and advancing women in science.
Congratulations to Helen Weir for being appointed as the Executive Manager of the Faculty of Science. Helen has previously held multiple senior leadership roles, including Interim Executive Manager, UQ Faculty of Science, Chief Operating Officer for the ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC), Operations Director and Interim Executive Director at Health Translation Queensland, Director of Faculty Services for the Faculty of Health at QUT, and Deputy Director Operations at the UQ Queensland Brain Institute. In these roles, Helen has led significant change and business transformation through her authentic leadership, strategic acumen, and outstanding skills in people management and communication.
Congratulations to Professor Sagadevan Mundree (AGFS) for completing a 1,311km cycling odyssey from Brisbane to Longreach as part of RideWest, a charity initiative aimed at vital mental health services, particularly for rural and regional communities, through the Royal Flying Doctors Service.
In the recent ScholarGPS rankings, which consider the productivity, impact and quality of researchers by discipline and institution, has seen UQ taking the number 1 spot in the world for the Food Science and Technology discipline. Congratulations and well done to all the amazing food scientists across multiple UQ Faculties and Institutes who have contributed to this fantastic outcome.
Congratulations to UQ Skills Graduate Lizzie Scott, who despite significant personal challenges, has successfully completed a Certificate II in Animal Care and is now in the running for a Queensland Training Award in the Darling Downs South West Region. Well done Lizzie and best of luck!
Congratulations also to Glenn Kong (SENV student) who has been announced as the winner of the Esri Young Scholar Award 2024 for his excellence, innovation, and creativity in the application of GIS technology to solve real-world challenges.
Events
On Wednesday 15 May, I had the pleasure of attending a John Monash Leadership Series event featuring Andrew Liveris AO who is the President of the Board of the Brisbane Olympic Organising Committee.
It was also wonderful to attend the Queensland Ceremony for the Australian Awards for University Teaching on Tuesday 28 May. Congratulations to all awardees, notably including Dr Frances Shapter (SVS) from the School of Veterinary Science, who received a Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning, recognizing her outstanding work in developing a self-directed learning ecosystem to support veterinary science students to acquire professional skills and build their confidence and effectiveness.
Other news
The Australian Federal Budget was announced on Tuesday 14 May. Highlights include funding to support students with HELP debts, to remove barriers between VET and University education, a review of Australia’s research funding system, discontinuation of the ARC ERA and EI exercises, research under the banner of ‘Future Made in Australia’ including energy transitions and critical minerals, and a long-term plan to address the recommendations of the Australian Universities Accord recommendations. In addition, the government formally announced plans to cap international student enrolments based on the availability of purpose-built student accommodation in the vicinity of each university. Further information on the federal budget can be found online.
The School of Veterinary Science underwent an Academic Board Review between 13 and 16 May. Congratulations to the School on multiple commendations relating to improving workplace culture, student placements, teaching technology, and research. I am looking forward to working with the School to address the recommendations arising from the review over the coming weeks and months.
Nominations are open for the Queensland Women in STEM Prize. The competition is for women within the first 15 years of their STEM careers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact to Queensland. Please consider nominating a suitable candidate, more details available via the website here.
And just a reminder that staff and students are encouraged to make a submission to the Bachelor of Science Program Review Committee. Submissions should be sent to the Review Coordinator (email: uqreviews@uq.edu.au) by Monday 22 July 2024.
Kind regards,
Professor Melissa Brown
Executive Dean - Faculty of Science