Executive Dean’s Message - January 2025

Happy 2025 and Happy Chinese New Year!

I hope you all had a good break from the hustle bustle of our usual routine, whether that was a holiday away, time with friends and family, or a quieter time on one of our campuses or research stations.

I enjoyed a few weeks of fun and relaxation at home, in Northern NSW and South-West Queensland, which was wonderfully refreshing after a very busy year. Thanks so much to Avril Robertson for being Acting ED, and for all the Acting Heads of School during this time, especially given the significant task of reviewing QTAC preferences, offers and ATAR thresholds in early January.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Professor Victor Galea (AGFS) who has been honoured as Patron of the Gatton Past Students Association.

Congratulations to Gwendolyn Lawrie (SCMB) who has been appointed to the role of Deputy Associate Dean Academic (Curriculum Design and Teaching Innovation). Gwen brings with her a wealth of experience in curriculum design and teaching innovation and will work with Schools to develop strategic improvements to our curricula and assessment, informed by academic program review outcomes, student feedback, Indigenous knowledge and the latest developments in technology and generative AI.

News

Last week Nature Human Behaviour published a fascinating and encouraging paper entitled: ‘Trust in scientists and their role in society across 68 countries’.

Key findings from an international survey of >71K people:

• Globally, public trust in scientists is moderately high (avg score 3.62/5)
• Australia ranks 5 / 68 countries surveyed with a score of 3.91/5
• There is some association between trust in scientists and demographics (e.g. age, education, income), attitude to science, and country-level indicators (e.g. income distribution, govt spend on education)
• 54% of respondents agree or strongly agree that scientists should work more closely with politicians in policymaking
• 83% of respondents agree or strongly agree that scientists should communicate science to the general public
• More than 80% of respondents indicated that scientists should prioritize certain areas (eg health, energy) more than respondents perceive to be the case (noting that this is likely different from what scientists actually do).

Please see a commentary and expert reactions from a range of people, including me, online.

Australia has a new Chief Scientist! Following in the footsteps of amazing predecessors Ian Chubb, Alan Finkel and Cathy Foley, world leading oceanographer, chemist and entrepreneur Tony Haymet FTSE has been appointed as the new Chief Scientists of Australia. Further information can be found online.

I am pleased to report that QTAC offers for domestic students to study programs in the Faculty of Science are up on the same time last year, and international acceptances are also looking strong. We still have a way to go as we await domestic student acceptances and international student visas and commencements, but it is wonderful to see so much interest from students in a science education.

Events

On Tuesday 4 February, and again on Wednesday 12 February, Professor Kelly Matthews and Professor Kris Ryan will present updates in their seminar "UQ’s Proposed AI and Assessment Approach." They will share insights into upcoming changes in teaching and learning related to AI, informed by the Lead through Learning project. Register if you would like to attend.

UQ O-week runs from the 17 - 21 February this year with the Science Day at Gatton on Wednesday 19 and at St Lucia on Thursday 20 February. Thanks to everyone who is taking part of this important activity, with a big shout out to Aimee Clarke and the Science student experience team for organising the many Science-related events.

Opportunities

Late last year UQ launched our new Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan and a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment strategy. Please take a look at these important documents, attend one of the available workshops in March or April, and think about ways you can incorporate the principles of these initiatives into your work community.

Expressions of interest for the UQ Leadership Development Program have opened and you can find all the details online. These programs are highly regarded as a valuable professional development opportunity, and applications close on 18 February.

Kind regards,

Melissa Brown

Executive Dean – Faculty of Science