FOR ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY SUMMER 2015
In this issue: Meet our 2015 Alumni Award recipients Women in science Tribute to the Chancellor CONTACT
CONTACT is produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications and UQ Advancement, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia Telephone: +61 (0)7 3346 7886 Email: [email protected] Website: uq.edu.au/uqcontact
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Editorial Board: Shane Rodgers (Chair) – Queensland Editor, The Australian Graham Bethune – Director, Office of Marketing and Communications Colleen Clur – Senior Director, Communications and Engagement, Children’s Health Queensland Doctor John Desmarchelier AM ED – Former General Manager, Sugar Terminals Limited Clare Pullar – Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Advancement)
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Contributors: Bronwyn Adams, Meredith Anderson, Sally Belford, Renae Bourke, Amanda Briggs, Patricia Danver, Joseph Diskett, Reggie Dutt, Dr Maggie Hardy, Bruce CELEBRATING Ibsen, Fiona Kennedy, Danielle Koopman, Martine Kropkowski, EXCELLENCE Professor Jenny Martin, Dr John Montgomery, Associate Professor Meet the outstanding and inspirational Neil Paulsen, Katrina Shimmin- recipients of The University of Clarke, Professor Maree Smith, John Queensland Alumni Awards 2015. Story AO, Matthew Taylor, Professor Ranjeny Thomas, Evan Williams, 12 Genevieve Worrell.
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New Director of Alumni and FOR ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY WINTER 2015 07 LEADING THE WORLD Community Relations PatriciaWITH Danver RESEARCH This product is printed on PEFC BREAKTHROUGHS Ranked well inside the world’s top 100, The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s leading teaching discusses strengthening UQ’sand research institutions. UQglobal has won more national teaching awards than any other Australian university and, in 2013, was the number one university in Australia for the generation of external research income*. For more than paper from sustainably managed a century, we have educated and worked with outstanding people to deliver knowledge leadership for a better world. Our successes are embodied in a global network of more than 220,000 graduates and the countless In this issue: people worldwide who have benefited from UQ innovations. These are just some of the reasons why Indigenous connections UQ is, and will continue to be, a meeting place for current and future leaders. forests and controlled sources footprint. Antibiotic resistance Governing with grace
WORLD’S FIRST CERVICAL CANCER VACCINE VACCINES Research conducted by WITHOUT NEEDLES Professor Ian Frazer AC © The University of Queensland 2015 and the late Dr Jian Zhou Research is currently being led to the development of BOOKS undertaken at UQ into the the world’s first vaccine NanopatchTM, a revolutionary against cervical cancer, needle-free method of delivering benefiting tens of millions vaccines. The NanopatchTM is of women worldwide. a small, pain-free patch being developed through a UQ spin- out company, Vaxxas, and has the potential to help save 38 Lesley and Tammy Williamsmillions of lives. tell of family, dreams and injustice in
HELPING OVER COVER IMAGE: SEVEN MILLION CHILDREN Triple P – Positive Parenting USING MRI TO DIVE THE REEFS Program is backed by more Not Just Black and WhiteFIGHT. CANCER than 30 years of ongoing FROM YOUR DESKTOP research at UQ. The program With the majority of the world’s UQ is working to visually document has helped more than seven MRI scanners using technology life within reef systems across the million children and their engineered at UQ, the next step globe. Images are made available families in approximately CRICOS No. 00025B Three recipients of The University is to integrate radiation therapy for the world to explore on Google 25 countries. with MRI scanners to target and Street View and the Catlin Global
treat cancer. Reef Record database. UOQ0358
UQ’s excellence in research has been translated into positive economic, environmental, health and social benefits. With the support of UQ’s main commercialisation of Queensland Alumni Awards 2015 company, UniQuest, many UQ innovations are now available to the community. To learn more about these research breakthroughs, visit uq.edu.au/research return to where their distinguished IMPACT * Per data reported for the 2013 Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC). careers began. From left, Professor Ranjeny ThomasOMC Research Ad_A4 FINAL.indd and 1 UQ’s 1/04/15 3:09 PM Distinguished Young Alumni Award 44 winner Kathryn Zealand; Vice- Diamantina Institute are on the verge Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award of a vaccine for rheumatoid arthritis. Free iPad and winner Dr James Morton AM; and Indigenous Community Impact Award Android apps winner Michael Aird in the Great Court REMEMBER WHEN at the University’s St Lucia campus. 47 Take a trip back in time along the AVAILABLE NOW – Brisbane River as Contact retraces the SEE PAGE 6 FOR DETAILS history of the University’s ferry services. Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj addresses the crowd at the Courting the Greats ceremony at Brisbane City Hall in October.
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10 36 40 42 CHANCELLOR’S SPOTLIGHT ON Q&A GIFT THAT KEEPS TRIBUTE GERMANY GIVING Associate Professor Friends and colleagues Biotechnology and Neil Paulsen is opening Contact talks to alumna reflect on the career of renewable energy sectors the eyes of future and former staff member Chancellor John Story AO. have placed Germany business leaders to Cynthia Burnett about at the forefront of UQ’s the challenges facing bequests and the value
global strategy. their communities. of generosity. OMC RT_102594
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 3 MESSAGE FROM THE CHANCELLOR rewarding A EXPERIENCE
t the end of this year, I will retire from the position of Chancellor of The University of Queensland. Regular readers of Contact will be aware of the huge range of extraordinary activities that take place within the University, and my seven years in this position has been a richly rewarding, if Asometimes challenging, experience. But I suspect that, for many readers, the role of Chancellor may remain something of a mystery, and I thought that it might be useful to outline what my experience has entailed, and to add some reflections on the future. Perhaps the aspect of the role that is most evident to the community is the conferral of degrees at the graduation ceremonies. This has been a responsibility that I have shared with the Deputy Chancellor of the day. During my time in office, they have successively been the Honourable Margaret White AO, Adjunct Professor Mary Mahoney AO and Dr Jane Wilson, and I am grateful for the wonderful support from each. Over the seven years, I have presided over numerous ceremonies and congratulated, individually, countless graduates as they have come across the stage. I say countless because certainly I was not counting, but I am advised that by the end of the December graduations I will have presided over 132 ceremonies and congratulated over 35,000 graduates. On the face of it, that might appear to be a rather intimidating task and something of a burden. May I assure you that this has definitely not been the case. Given the level of pride, energy and enthusiasm that the graduates invariably demonstrate as each crosses the stage, it has for me been a consistently uplifting experience. The conferral of degrees is a ceremonial function, but it signifies the final step in the process by which graduates have, pursuant to rigorous courses of study and research, earned their degrees from an institution recognised globally as being of the highest standard. Not only are our graduates well equipped to make the world a better place, but in my experience they all demonstrate a fixed determination to do so. It has been a privilege to play a part in this process. There are many other activities and events within the life of the University which call for the participation of the Chancellor. It is a dynamic and vibrant organisation, and there is a consistent pipeline of exciting initiatives and achievements to be recognised, whether it be research programs completed, new centres or institutes launched or new infrastructure opened. Every such initiative will have required the dedicated commitment of many individuals within the University, well beyond what might be reasonably asked for or expected, and often with the enthusiastic collaboration or the generous support of individuals and bodies external to the University. Recognition and thanks are therefore richly deserved, and it is appropriate that this be undertaken by the Chancellor on behalf of the University. Whilst this represents a part of the job of Chancellor, once again it could not, based on my experience, be seen as a burden. These initiatives are exciting. They are invariably dedicated to ambitious and constructive purposes, whether it be the enhancement of our teaching resources in some imaginative way, or the conduct of research with the potential to change lives. It has for me provided a fascinating insight into the vast range of the activities of the University across its multiple campuses, faculties, schools, institutes and centres, as well as its critical support divisions. The most important component of the Chancellor’s role, however, concerns the governance of the University. At the outset, it should be emphasised that it is Professor Peter Høj as Vice-Chancellor who is the chief executive officer of the University, and it is Peter who is responsible for its day-to-day operations. The terms “senate”, “chancellor” and “vice-chancellor” have a long history within the traditions of the English and Scottish universities, whose model was followed in the establishment of UQ. The meaning of those terms, and the respective roles they describe, are well understood within
4 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 Provost and Senior Vice-President Professor Max Lu; Honorary Doctor of Science Terri Irwin AM; Valedictorian Sam Dunston; Executive Dean Faculty of Science Professor Stephen Walker; and Chancellor John Story AO at the Faculty of Science Chancellor John Story AO welcomes US President Barack Obama to UQ Graduation Ceremony in July 2015. in November 2014, during the President’s trip to Australia for the G20.
the cohort of universities around the world which also follow that important that the University and its objectives are well understood model. Within the many universities that are outside that tradition, the within the many foreign delegations represented in this country, terms sometimes cause confusion, and for that reason our Vice- and the event was undertaken for that purpose. It is a tribute to Chancellor is generally described as Vice-Chancellor and President, in the University that so many senior members of those delegations order more accurately to convey the full significance of his position. attended and were fully engaged. As I listened to Professor Høj The roles of Senate, Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor in the describing the strong achievements and ambitious aspirations of UQ, governance of the University are best described by comparison with a I could not help but feel enormously proud of this institution. I cannot publicly listed company. The role of Senate is equivalent to that of the think of any other body or organisation within this state that has board of a company, the Chancellor to the non-executive chairman, contributed, and continues to contribute, so much. and the Vice-Chancellor to the chief executive officer. It is, however, This does not, of course, mean that the future of the University is fair to point out that, in the case of UQ, the positions of Chancellor without challenge. It is generally accepted that the current funding and members of Senate are unpaid, and represent contributions to model for Australia’s higher education sector is broken. From the the good of the University. perspective of government, the arrangements are not sustainable, Broadly speaking, it is the Senate’s commission to make the major and from the perspective of universities, the arrangements are driving strategic decisions affecting the University, including adoption of the practices which are not in the best interests of students. The funding budget and the strategic plan. It must be recognised that normally of research is both uncertain and inadequate. these matters will be driven by the Vice-Chancellor, and may well To date, the higher education sector has served Australia involve extensive consultation with many bodies within the University. extraordinarily well but, if that service is to be maintained, it is essential But the ultimate responsibility is borne by Senate. that the leaders of this country confront the funding issue. The Above all, Senate is tasked with the oversight of the Vice- objective must be to strike the balance that provides certainty and Chancellor’s performance of his role in the administration of the sustainability for the universities, reasonable access to quality higher University, and he is accountable to the Senate for that performance. education for capable students and a fair burden on taxpayers. In undertaking all of these jobs, Senate works through Through the effective allocation of its modest resources and the Committees, the principal of which are the Buildings and Grounds maintenance of very lean operations, UQ has managed to achieve a Committee, the Finance Committee, the Legislative Committee and huge amount. Throughout its history, its progress has been facilitated the Risk Committee. by generous philanthropic support. This support has included not With overall responsibility for the effective working of Senate, it is only major transformational donations, but many contributions of the Chancellor’s job to chair its meetings and, with its 22 Members, more modest proportions. The reality is that the modest contributions this is not always an easy task. I have, however, been blessed to have collectively have had their own transformational impact. had successive Senates with Members who have been experienced, Philanthropic support has enabled the University to go that extra engaged and committed to the best interests of the University, and distance, whether in the excellence of its teaching resources, the I believe that our meetings have been consistently collegiate and provision of scholarships to assist its students or the conduct of constructive. Given the calibre of the Senate and the conscientious ground breaking research. For supporters, there is a fulfilling sense of hard work of the Committees, I have utmost confidence in the quality engagement with a much-loved and highly successful institution and of the University’s governance. the satisfaction of contributing to such constructive objectives. As many readers will recall, there was during my term an event Today, the need for support has never been greater, but the with sad consequences, representing a very difficult period for the University is far more proficient in communicating to its supporters the University. The handling of this matter precipitated strongly held views significance of their contributions. It is a satisfying experience, and if within the University community, ranging over a wide spectrum of you are not a contributor, I strongly urge you to join the many of us opinion. I do not wish to re-open those issues, except to record that who already are. it is a tribute to the strength and resilience of the University and of so There are a multitude of individuals who, over the life of the many within it that, during that period, the momentum of development University and in so many different ways, have contributed to its and progress within its core academic activities was not only growth and development. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as maintained but advanced. Chancellor, and am privileged to have had the opportunity to make Today, UQ’s standing has never been higher. In qualitative terms, my own small contribution. In doing so, I have been enormously this is evidenced consistently across the range of global academic assisted by the constant support of my wife, Georgina, herself an rankings. In a quantitative sense, the worth of its graduates is engaged and committed alumna. We certainly intend to maintain evidenced by the impact that its alumni are making within Queensland our involvement, in any of the many ways available to us all, with the and Australia and throughout the world. The impact of the outcomes University in the future. of its research is profound, as will be evident to any reader of Contact. I recently attended The University of Queensland Ambassadorial John Story AO Reception and Dinner in Canberra. With its global engagements, it is Chancellor
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 5 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
am writing to let you know that in the Editor’s note: We were sad to photograph of service women on page hear of the passing of alumnus I 31 (Winter 2015), my mother, Marjorie Bill Park (Associate Accountancy Tilly, is pictured in the left of the front row. She ’42, Bachelor of Commerce was stationed at UQ in a Quonset hut and ’47, Master of Philosophy ’09) was at that time serving in the maps section in July. As mentioned in the of General Douglas MacArthur’s staff. She left Winter 2015 edition of Contact, the Armed Services when she was pregnant Park was assisting Dr Jonathan with me, and I was born on May 2, 1945. Richards on a project to update I am very honoured to think that my UQ’s Roll of Honour, a plaque mother was at UQ before me, and though that memorialises UQ students not studying, she played a very significant who died during World War II. part in Australia’s history. The project is continuing under Richards’s guidance and we Dr Dimity Dornan AO will provide an update in future
2011 Alumnus of the Year Image courtesy of UQ Archives. editions of the magazine. Bachelor of Speech Therapy – ’76 Marjorie Tilly (left of the front row) was one of the service women Doctor of Philosophy – ’11 pictured circa 1943 at the St Lucia campus.
Dr Alastair Blanshard, UQ’s Inaugural Paul Eliadis Chair of Classics and Ancient History.
Q’s Inaugural Paul Eliadis Chair of Classics and Ancient History Dr UAlastair Blanshard’s article in the Winter 2014 edition of Contact is excellent. It’s great to read of the seminal relevance of the classics to day-to-day life. Jason Tangen’s article on a new method of lecturing (interestingly what appears to be a socratic approach) was also inspiring. Ruth Beach His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland, checking out his Q&A profile in the Winter 2015 edition of Contact. Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws ’90
FEEDBACK Have you downloaded the UQ Contact app? If so, we would love to hear your feedback! Visit the iTunesTM Download the App Store or GooglePlayTM store to rate and review the app. UQ Contact app now – Your feedback will help us make your magazine even better and ensure more people discover the wonderful achievements of our alumni. visit the iTunes™ App Store
FOR ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY WINTER 2015 If you have a letter for the editor, please or GooglePlay™ store and email the Contact editorial team at [email protected] search for UQ Contact or write to us at: Office of Marketing and Communications, Level 7 JD Story Building, St Lucia Campus,
In this issue: Indigenous connections Antibiotic resistance The University of Queensland, QLD 4072 Governing with grace
For Privacy Policy details, please visit: CRICOS No. 00025B 00025B No. CRICOS UOQ0358 ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/1.60.02-privacy-management
1/04/15 3:09 PM
WORLD’S FIRST CERVICAL CANCER VACCINE Research conducted by Professor Ian Frazer AC and the late Dr Jian Zhou led to the development of the world’s first vaccine against cervical cancer, benefiting tens of millions of women worldwide.
HELPING OVER SEVEN MILLION CHILDREN Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is backed by more than 30 years of ongoing research at UQ. The program has helped more than seven million children and their families in approximately 25 countries. 6 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015
DIVE THE REEFS FROM YOUR DESKTOP UQ is working to visually document life within reef systems across the globe. Images are made available for the world to explore on Google Street View and the Catlin Global Reef Record database.
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LEADING THE WORLD WITH RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGHS Ranked well inside the world’s top 100, The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s leading teaching and research institutions. UQ has won more national teaching awards than any other Australian university and, in 2013, was the number one university in Australia for the generation of external research income*. For more than a century, we have educated and worked with outstanding people to deliver knowledge leadership for a better world. Our successes are embodied in a global network of more than 220,000 graduates and the countless people worldwide who have benefited from UQ innovations. These are just some of the reasons why UQ is, and will continue to be, a meeting place for current and future leaders.
VACCINES WITHOUT NEEDLES Research is currently being undertaken at UQ into the Nanopatch needle-free method of delivering vaccines. The Nanopatch a small, pain-free patch being developed through a UQ spin- out company, Vaxxas, and has the potential to help save millions of lives.
USING MRI TO FIGHT CANCER With the majority of the world’s MRI scanners using technology engineered at UQ, the next step is to integrate radiation therapy with MRI scanners to target and treat cancer.
UQ’s excellence in research has been translated into positive economic, environmental, health and social benefits. With the support of UQ’s main commercialisation company, UniQuest, many UQ innovations are now available to the community. To learn more about these research breakthroughs, visit uq.edu.au/research * Per data reported for the 2013 Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC).
OMC Research Ad_A4 FINAL.indd 1 UPDATE
UQ’s new Director of Alumni and Community Relations Patricia Danver shares her first impressions of UQ and how alumni are helping create change.
GLOBAL FOOTPRINTS
ow time flies. Three months my predecessor, Gina Wheatcroft, who the forward to continuing the great work she into my new role as Director University farewelled in June. has done with alumni engagement. of Alumni and Community For three years Gina and her team The University has the opportunity to Relations and I still find myself worked to transform alumni and community create a global footprint through our alumni Hmarvelling daily at the wonders of Brisbane relations, overseeing the opening of the and constituent diversity and I look forward and The University of Queensland. This Alumni Centre at the St Lucia campus, to leveraging that profile to strengthen our institution has already contributed so much worldwide presence. to humanity and I am so excited to be a Alumni are of paramount importance part of its present and future. “The University has the to an institution like ours. They take the I came to the University in September knowledge, skills and expertise developed after several years at George Washington at UQ out into the world and make major University (GW) in the United States. As a opportunity to create contributions to the sciences, to the arts, to member of the development and alumni business and technology, to the social fabric relations division, I was privileged to ensure a global footprint of humanity. effective engagement amongst GW alumni They are ambassadors, advocates and through guiding constituent relations, as through our alumni and supporters of UQ and they contribute to the well as providing communications counsel University’s ability to continue investing in and planning for the Vice President and constituent diversity learning, discovery and innovation. other senior staff. I look forward to meeting as many of you Prior to GW, I worked with the diverse and I look forward to as possible, to engaging with the alumni of alumni population at the Washington UQ, and having meaningful conversations International School. I also served as the leveraging that profile about who you are, your UQ experience, the US Alumni Representative at the American impact UQ has had in your life and how you School in London (ASL), and participated to strengthen our might want to engage with us. in building an alumni relations program Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me from the ground up for the worldwide ASL worldwide presence.” to introduce yourself at [email protected] community. and tell me your ideas and thoughts about I’m excited for the opportunity to learn how we can serve you best. more about UQ’s alumni and apply the skills ensuring the development and success of and knowledge I gained in these positions the Alumni Awards program, and increasing To get the latest University news, invites to support and build alumni and community our office’s presence and impact at and offers, update your details at: relations at this august university. graduations and other key events. alumni.uq.edu.au/update-your-details. I’d like to take this opportunity to pay Gina has been able to innovatively To share your stories, email us at tribute to the success and dedication of steer our young alumni program and I look [email protected].
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 7 WHAT’S HAPPENING ON CAMPUS
SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN
Bring the kids to uni for great holiday activities!
The UQ Sport Kids Club runs during public school holidays and involves a variety of activities to encourage active minds and healthy bodies. Enrol your kids for a jam-packed week of active fun and learning at uqsport.com.au/content/uq- sport-kids-club. Kids can join goddess of love Aphrodite on her exploration of Cyprus and the Ancient Mediterranean and enjoy other exciting activities at the RD Milns Antiquities Museum’s exhibition Cyprus: An Island and a People. Visit uq.edu.au/antiquities/cyprus2015 for more information.
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SERIES
The Global Leadership Series for 2016 begins in February. Join us for 10 thought-provoking, sometimes controversial and always insightful discussions throughout the year by registering at alumni.uq.edu.au/ global-leadership-series.
2015 UQ NATIONAL ARTISTS’ SELF-PORTRAIT PRIZE
Visit UQ Art Museum over the summer judged by Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery create a self-portrait in response to the and be immersed in diverse and innovative of Modern Art (QAGOMA)’s Curatorial theme “becoming” include Khadim Ali, interpretations of self-portraiture by Manager of Australian Art, Jason Smith. eX de Medici, Julia deVille, Fiona Foley, 30 high-profile Australian Julie Gough, Guan Wei, Marie artists and many exciting Hagerty, Nicholas Harding, newcomers. The $50,000 Patricia Piccinini, Andrew invitation-only, acquisitive Sayers, Tyza Stewart, prize is held by UQ every Christian Thompson, Philip two years, with previous Wolfhagen and Judith Wright, winners including Ben Quilty, among others. Julie Rrap, Domenico de Clario and Nell. Visit artmuseum.uq.edu.au In 2015, the competition to see the full list of has been curated by participating artists and former Deputy Director visitor information. of the National Portrait Gallery in Artists invited to participate in the 2015 The exhibition runs from 14 November Canberra, Michael Desmond, and UQ National Artists’ Self-Portrait Prize and until 13 March 2016.
8 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 IML Ad–Contact RevisedAug2015_ƒ.indd 1 understood M UQ’S INSTITUTE OF MODERN LANGUAGES www.iml.uq.edu.au Translation andinterpreting service Language courses for everyone inover 30languages ake yourself yourself ake はい? ¿Eh? was?
2/09/2015 11:46am
CRICOS Provider Number 00025B FEATURE
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj, left, and Chancellor John Story AO with a portrait of the Chancellor painted by artist Jiawei Shen.
Friends, colleagues and distinguished leaders PICTURE OF pay tribute to John Story AO as he concludes his term as Chancellor after INTEGRITY seven years in the role.
he name “Story” is as iconic to natural and easy in manner, and leadership of Laws (Honours) ’90; Master of Laws ’97; UQ as its sandstone walls. seemed automatic.” Doctor of Philosophy ’99), said the School And as renowned artist Jiawei Story has had a long and distinguished was extremely grateful to Story and his Shen applies the final brush career as a lawyer and businessman, and in wife Georgina (Bachelor of Arts (First Class strokes to his portrait of John June 2015 became an Officer of the Order Honours) ’69) for their generous support, TStory AO, the University’s 13th Chancellor is of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours particularly in relation to the Mooting Program. preparing to complete his seven-year term list for distinguished service to business and “Their support has enabled several on 31 December 2015. commerce through a range of corporate teams of students to travel to Canberra His portrait will hang alongside those of governance roles, as an industry leader and and then Washington DC to compete in other former University leaders, including mentor in the public and private sectors, to the Jessup International Moot Competition. his grandfather John Douglas Story who the law, and to professional organisations. The School was pleased to be able to sat on the first University Senate in 1910 Story was a Partner of the law firm Corrs repay the investment in some small way in – continuing until 1963 – and was UQ’s Chambers Westgarth for 36 years and also 2014 by bringing home the international first full-time Vice-Chancellor serving in an served as the firm’s Queensland Managing championship,” Derrington said. honorary capacity between 1938 and 1960. Partner and National Chairman. “John has accepted the role of Chairman Story began his association with UQ as a He was also a Chairman of Suncorp, of the School’s fundraising committee student, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Tabcorp Holdings, Echo Entertainment and and, in that capacity, his support is integral and Bachelor of Laws in 1969. the Australian Institute of Company Directors, to the planned transformation of the Former Dean of the Law School at The and held a number of directorships. School’s physical space and the creation University of Melbourne, Professor Michael Story maintained his connections to UQ of an endowment fund to support future Crommelin AO (Bachelor of Arts ’67; during his professional career. While working generations of law students.” Bachelor of Laws (Honours) ‘71), studied at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, he initiated Story was appointed Chancellor in alongside Story during those years and said supportive links between the legal firm and February 2009 following the retirement of while Story was an intelligent and serious the TC Beirne School of Law and in April Sir Llewellyn Edwards. student, he never lost his sense of fun. 2015 became Chairman of the School’s He presided over the successful “He had a keen eye for the ridiculous fundraising committee. appointment of Vice-Chancellor and in the cases that we read, and took He has held other honorary positions President Professor Peter Høj in 2012 considerable delight in exposing it,” at the University – as a Senator since May and, under his watch, UQ’s reputation Crommelin said. 2006, and as an Adjunct Professor. as an outstanding global university has “He had an incisive approach to the task Academic Dean and Head of School at strengthened, culminating in its place in and never appeared unduly oppressed by the TC Beirne School of Law, Professor Sarah the world’s top 50 universities in two key the burden of study. He was unaffected, Derrington (Bachelor of Arts ’89; Bachelor independent rankings*.
10 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 Høj paid tribute to the Chancellor and “John has always approached his role said his exceptional chairmanship had as Chancellor from the overall perspective been invaluable to him since he came to of what is best for UQ,” Hennessy said. Queensland in October 2012. “It has been a pleasure working with “His integrity, honesty and precise John through some interesting challenges knowledge of the principles of sound and he has always provided encouragement, corporate governance have been vital to UQ’s constructive challenge and balance. growth into a $1.7 billion enterprise with bright “He has not only freely given his time prospects for ongoing success,” Høj said. and considerable personal talents and skills, “John’s chancellorship has also been but also brought to bear his passion for UQ, characterised by his deep appreciation of UQ’s which is infectious.” role in society, and his personal commitment During his term as Chancellor, Story to the success of students and graduates. has worked closely with three Deputy “John’s and Georgina’s generous Chancellors, including the Honourable philanthropy will continue to boost the Margaret White AO (’06-’10), Adjunct prospects of a great many students and Professor Mary Mahoney AO (’96-’98; graduates, well into the future.” ’10-’13) and Dr Jane Wilson (’14-current). While UQ has faced some challenging Mahoney (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor periods during his term as Chancellor, Story of Surgery ’63; Doctor of Medicine ’05) said has been recognised for his leadership and Story’s outstanding leadership had been of IMMORTALISED help in developing a strategy that focuses enormous value to the University. IN BRONZE on excellence in teaching and research, “Working with John was a very enjoyable while bringing a focus to improving culture and rewarding time for me. I saw first hand et within sandstone walls and across the campus. what an outstanding leader he is,” she said. supported on silky oak joinery, The Honourable Justice Martin Daubney “He has a keen intellect, is very astute the bronze miniature grotesque (Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws ’86; and ethical, has high integrity and is an S portrait of John Story AO, created by King’s College ’81) said it was a privilege to inspiring and impressive person. sculptor Doctor Rhyl Hinwood AM work with Story on the University’s Senate. “UQ campuses are among the best in (Honorary Doctor of Philosophy ’01), “John’s paramount priority has always Australia. As a member of the University was presented to him in December. been the best interests of the University,” Senate’s Buildings and Grounds Committee, Hinwood said the artwork (pictured Daubney said. John has overseen the construction of above) symbolised the Chancellor’s “His enormous store of legal and some very important buildings – namely close connection to the “Sandstone corporate governance experience has the Advanced Engineering Building, University”. Wearing his academic mitre, he is depicted smiling down from his ceremonial throne, while his familial, “John’s experience and strength of leadership professional and personal links to the University are represented by three contributed greatly to preserving the integrity large chain links connected to UQ’s armorial bearings – the Maltese Cross of the institution.” emblazoned with an open book. The Honourable Justice Martin Daubney Hinwood has had a long affiliation with the University spanning almost 40 years since winning a commission in 1976 to recommence work on contributed greatly to the consolidation the Translational Research Institute, the sculptures surrounding the Great Court. of high standards of governance practice Global Change Institute, and the Oral Health The bronze grotesque of the across UQ. Centre – all of which are world class.” Chancellor was completed on 17 “UQ weathered a particularly stormy patch Wilson (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor September 2015. midway through John’s tenure as Chancellor, of Surgery ’81) said Story brought to the “When creating artwork for the and the reality is that John’s experience and chancellorship the skills and characteristics University, I always try to incorporate strength of leadership contributed greatly to he had developed over a distinguished career the beautiful Queensland materials that preserving the integrity of the institution. in the legal profession and in business, both are symbolic of UQ,” she said. “I think that one of John’s principal as an advisor and eminent company director. “I like to create enduring artworks legacies will be his implementation of “The role of universities in our society has from long-lasting materials that a range of governance best practices, evolved and changed significantly over recent represent the subject’s life and particularly in the fields of fiscal oversight years,” Wilson said. achievements at the University.” and risk assessment and management.” “Deregulation, competition, international Hinwood said she had met the UQ Senate member and President of the ranking pressures, media scrutiny and global Chancellor on a number of occasions Academic Board Professor Fred D’Agostino influences have all forced change upon before she was approached about said Story had managed the complex and Australia’s tertiary campuses. Through this creating the sculpture but would always high-stakes issues facing the Senate with evolution, UQ has prospered to now consistently remember their first meeting. skill and patience. rank in the top three universities in Australia. “I first met the Chancellor when I “Of course, one of his significant “Many fine people have contributed to was conducting a tour of the Great achievements was presiding over the selection this achievement. I have had the privilege to Court during the University’s Centenary of Professor Peter Høj as Vice-Chancellor,” work with John and observe first hand his celebrations in 2010,” she said. D’Agostino said. enormous contribution to help the University “He asked if he and his wife “That’s always a key issue for a governing meet today’s challenges. Georgina could join the tour group. body. Getting the right chief executive in “The name Story is already embedded There was a huge crowd already but I place has been crucial to the culture changes in the history of our University, and John’s welcomed another two. that we’ve been implementing in the face of term as Chancellor has only reinforced this “At the time I didn’t recognise earlier challenges.” enduring and positive legacy,” she said. that he was the Chancellor of the
UQ Senate member and Independent *QS World University Rankings 2015/2016 and the Performance University. Company Director and Advisor Philip Ranking of Scientific Papers for World Universities 2015. “He’s a very charming and dignified Hennessy said Story had given a significant gentleman and proud of his links to UQ.” portion of his life to UQ and his contribution app Download the Contact app to learn would be missed. more about artist Jiawei Shen.
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 11 FEATURE
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE UQ ALUMNI AWARDS 2015
From inspirational young achievers to leaders in their chosen fields, meet the outstanding recipients of The University of Queensland Alumni Awards 2015.
hey are the prized alumni who are “These wonderful alumni are standard- current students to create change and have creating positive change every day bearers for UQ’s global impact,” Professor a positive impact on society.” on a national and international level. Høj said. The alumni awards were introduced in Vice-Chancellor and President “They represent the excellence that is 1992, with the first Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni TProfessor Peter Høj paid tribute to the seen every day at UQ and in the actions Excellence Awards presented in 2013. distinguished line-up of community and and accomplishments of our 225,000 Previous winners include Academy business leaders at the annual Courting alumni, who are a constant source of Award-winning actor Geoffrey Rush AC, the Greats ceremony held in October at inspiration.” author David Malouf AO, Dow Chemical Brisbane City Hall. The Alumni Friends of The University of Company Chairman and CEO Andrew The awards recognise alumni who have Queensland Inc. presented its awards at the Liveris AO, leading melanoma researcher achieved outstanding success in their fields event, including Alumnus of the Year and Professor Adéle Green AC, Wotif founders and made exemplary contributions to their three Graduates of the Year. Graeme Wood AM and Andrew Brice AM, communities. UQ Sport also celebrated its Sportsman and former Governor-General of Australia, UQ’s selected recipients included six and Sportswoman of the Year, recognising the Honourable Quentin Bryce AD CVO. Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award the recipients’ elite achievements in sport winners, five Distinguished Young Alumni and contributions to university life. Nominations for the 2016 Alumni Award winners, an International Alumnus Director of Alumni and Community Awards are now open. To nominate of the Year Award winner, an Indigenous Relations Patricia Danver said UQ was a UQ alumnus, please complete the Community Impact Award winner and a proud to celebrate the success of this year’s enclosed nomination form or visit Colleges’ UQ Alumni Award winner. award winners. alumni.uq.edu.au/uq-alumni-awards. The recipients were nominated and “The University takes great pride in the endorsed by their peers and selected by a success of its alumni and we are honoured committee led by Professor Høj. He said the to celebrate their achievements,” she said. app Download the Contact app to winners were proven leaders who had taken “These distinguished alumni contribute see a video and photo gallery on major challenges and responsibilities. to the success of the University and inspire from the awards ceremony.
12 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 VICE-CHANCELLOR’S ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AWARDS Recognising the significant contributions made by alumni in their local communities and beyond.
Mark Sowerby BRAVING THE Bachelor of Agricultural Science ’93, Master of Business Administration ’03 Emmanuel College ’89-’92 ELEMENTS Photo courtesy of Lyndon Mechielsen/Newspix. Photo courtesy of Lyndon Mark Sowerby training in Brisbane for his swim across the English Channel.
Mark Sowerby welcomes When people push outside their comfort and during his travels he spent time working zones they realise they have more to give,” in commodities trading in Hong Kong. a challenge and is always Sowerby said. Upon his return to Australia, he worked looking for new ways to He established the Blue Sky group in as an agronomist on Queensland’s Darling 2006 as a private equity house, investing Downs before being approached by Weil improve. It’s this way of expansion capital into Australian small- to Brothers, a major cotton-trading company thinking that has helped medium-sized businesses. In 2012, the based in Alabama. him grow into a successful company listed on the Australian Securities While still working for Weil Brothers, Exchange (ASX) as the country’s first Sowerby returned to UQ in 2000 when business leader. diversified alternative asset manager. he enrolled in a Master of Business Since listing on the ASX, Blue Sky has Administration (MBA) program. ark Sowerby reckons he’s not a grown to more than $1.35 billion in assets “The MBA program at UQ very much good swimmer and he hates the under management, with offices in Brisbane, helped me on my current course,” Sowerby cold. So, in August this year, he Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and New York. said. swam the English Channel. Sowerby said Blue Sky invests where “I was running a cotton-trading business MIt’s an extreme challenge and one that others fear to tread – in unlisted businesses for a big US firm and I was very young. I was has demanded incredible discipline over two and in asset classes including agriculture, essentially doing a subject at a time and literally years, including training in the colder waters hedge funds, water and venture capital – running a workshop on everything I had learnt. of New York and the English city of Dover. and has provided returns of more than “I would take it back to my work and try it. But Sowerby’s no thrill-seeker. Nor is he 15 per cent in challenging times. Out of that I ended up with a tool kit of things out to break any records. It’s just part of a Sowerby credits a lot of his success to that I’ve used ever since.” long-term plan of making himself better. his love of people. He says by listening to Since founding Blue Sky, Sowerby has And part of making himself better, the people, things become embedded as rules continued to engage with UQ and said he 44-year-old says, is getting outside his that he is able to take back to his business. was surprised but proud to receive a comfort zone. It is a key lesson he learnt during his two Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award. “Just like in the business world, there are stints as a student at UQ. “I owe UQ a lot. It wasn’t just somewhere no short cuts. You’ve got to throw yourself at Sowerby first arrived at UQ in 1989 from I studied. For me it’s had significant life the cold water and embrace it,” he said. Warren, in western NSW. He chose to study impact,” he said. Sowerby is the founder and Managing Agricultural Science and engrossed himself Director of Blue Sky Alternative Investments in college life during the four years he lived at Limited. Emmanuel College. app Download the Contact app to “Within the business we encourage Like many young adults fresh out of see a video and photo gallery everybody to get outside their comfort zones. university, Sowerby set out to see the world, of Mark’s swim.
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 13 VICE-CHANCELLOR’S ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AWARDS Recognising the significant contributions made by alumni in their local communities and beyond.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
With a passion for philanthropy and social initiatives, Dr James Morton AM believes in working collaboratively to solve problems.
Dr James Morton AM early intervention treatment “Government and decision of thing is fun because you have Bachelor of Medical Science ’86 for children with ASD and makers are focused on inclusion to think creatively. The really Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor has grown to 10 centres in as a right. But I actually think fun thing is linking people and of Surgery ’87 (Honours) Queensland and South Australia. that the right for a person with linking ideas.” “Our big battle now for a disability is to have the best Morton is also turning his AEIOU is the National Disability pathway to a fulfilling life. For attention to an organisation s a medical director of Insurance Scheme,” Morton said. Andy, that pathway is through a he has helped develop called Haematology-Oncology “The NDIS is mostly focusing special school.” DayNation, with the idea of Clinics of Australia on funding the costs of caring for Morton has been known for encouraging people to donate and a senior specialist disability. Actually getting them to his philanthropic work and social one day’s annual leave to assist Ain leukaemia and bone marrow invest in building abilities so you initiatives throughout his career, in disaster relief. transplant services, part of Dr don’t have the long-term costs of and was named as a Member Morton credits much James Morton AM’s job is to disabilities is incredibly difficult. of the Order of Australia in 2014 of what he has achieved deliver bad news. “The school system is also as well as Citizen of the Year at throughout his professional But when his then two-year- very interesting around disability. the Lord Mayor’s Australia Day career to his university years old son Andrew was diagnosed The whole focus is on inclusion, Awards in 2011. and said he was honoured to with autism in 2001, Morton rather than the quality of the He became involved with receive a Vice-Chancellor’s admits he was left shocked and education that the children the Leukaemia Foundation Alumni Excellence Award. confused. receive. while working as a haematology “I have very fond memories He barely knew anything “Andy was in inclusive registrar in the early 1990s and I’m very proud of being a about the disorder but was education up to grade seven at the Royal Brisbane and UQ graduate,” he said. determined to learn more and and he is now in a special school Women’s Hospital and was “The University made us very do what he could to help kids and he is thriving. It’s because instrumental in creating The good doctors. and their families cope. he is hanging out with kids who World’s Greatest Shave for a “My brother and sisters are “I think back to when I was are interested in the same things Cure initiative. all graduates of UQ as well so it’s doing paediatrics at university that he is. “Getting involved in that sort very much a part of our family.” and autism would have been a paragraph in the textbooks. It just wasn’t a commonly made diagnosis then,” Morton said. Morton said there was a lot of information at the time of Andrew’s diagnosis that recommended high-quality early intervention for children with autism, but there was limited access to affordable programs. “Andy went into the special education system, but it wasn’t autism-specific and we saw skills deteriorate in that setting so we thought that we had to do something about it,” he said. Morton and his wife Louise worked to establish the AEIOU Foundation to provide effective early intervention treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with the first centre opening in 2005. The AEIOU Foundation is now one of Australia’s largest providers of high-quality Dr James Morton AM with children from the AEIOU Foundation.
14 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 VICE-CHANCELLOR’S ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AWARDS Recognising the significant contributions made by alumni in their local communities and beyond.
PEOPLE FIRST
With a long and successful career that has seen him rise to the top of his field, Dr Jeffrey Dawes has not lost sight of what is most important in life.
Dr Jeffrey Dawes Doctor of Philosophy ’87
orking a nine-day-on, five- day-off roster in the early 1990s at Compañia Minera El Indio, the largest gold mine in WChile at the time, alumnus Dr Jeffrey Dawes quickly learnt the value of people in mining operations. “I spent more time with the guys at the mine than I did at home. You tend to bond with people because you spend 24 hours a day with them,” Dawes said. “That was when I started to realise that people were important – maybe even more important than the company. I learnt that if you worried about the people and made sure that they were okay and had the right people doing the right jobs, and working safely, then you can be pretty sure that the business results will be good.” Dawes learnt that the people living in the communities where the mine operated were Dr Jeffrey Dawes presents a fishing boat title to Yanett Flores in Pellehue, Chile. important too. Continually passing through small towns on the two-and-a-half-hour drive A dedication to innovation and recognition of working at El Indio are evident in his current to and from the mine, Dawes was concerned how important it is to persevere and continue role. He believes “giving back” to society about the impact the dust from the dirt road with your goals is something that has been is a best practice in business, and has set must be having on the people who lived there, fundamental in my life since then.” ambitious corporate social responsibility and worked with the mine’s management to After graduating, Dawes went on to targets for the companies he leads. pave those sections of the road. work as a project manager for JKMRC in For example, although it “sells no “Feedback from the community was Chile before transitioning into operational machines” in Haiti, Komatsu Cummins Chile extremely positive, and that positive feedback mine work at El Indio, a move he says was has partnered with the Chilean government actually helped our operation,” he said. “unusual” at that time. and the regional NGO América Solidaria “I came to realise that for any mining “There were almost no higher-degree to design, raise funds and rebuild a school operations to be truly viable, you had to professionals, especially with PhDs, working in Haiti following the devastating 2010 worry about the communities you were living in operating mines. It was a big decision.” earthquake. Staff are also offered paid and working in.” The decision proved to be fruitful, with time off to assist as volunteers. In another These were important learnings that Dawes working his way up the ranks in various program known as “ReinventaRSE”, juvenile Dawes has carried with him throughout his roles for Barrick Gold Corporation, including on- offenders are accepted into the company career, which began at UQ in 1980 when he site roles at El Indio, Tambo and Pascua-Lama and given the skills necessary for them to received a research scholarship to complete mines, and as General Manager for Disca reinsert themselves into society. his thesis at the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Mining Services (DMS). Following the sale Dawes values time spent with his wife Research Centre (JKMRC). Over six years, of DMS to the Komatsu/Cummins consortium and three children, and travelling. His advice he analysed how ground vibrations affect in South America, he was appointed General to fellow alumni is not to overplan things. blast performance and design, learning Manager for Komatsu Mining Systems Chile, “Don’t be too rigid. Be aware of from mentors including Emeritus Professor before assuming his current dual roles as opportunities when they turn up and take full Alban Lynch AO FTSE, his supervisor, and President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of advantage of them when they do.” Cameron McKenzie, the project leader. both Komatsu Holdings South America and “If I look back and say, ‘What did studying Komatsu Cummins Chile, which have sales app Download the Contact app to a PhD do for me?’ he reflected, “the first in excess of US$2 billion per annum. see a video about Komatsu’s thing would be developing perseverance. The early lessons Dawes learnt while ReinventaRSE program.
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 15 VICE-CHANCELLOR’S ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AWARDS Recognising the significant contributions made by alumni in their local communities and beyond.
LIFE OF SERVICE
His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland, has built his career around a sense of community and desire to serve.
His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) ’71 Honorary Doctor of Laws ’00 King’s College ’69-’70
s a former Supreme Court judge and Chief Justice of Queensland, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC was known as Aa “judge of the people”. His Excellency said that from his pre-teen years he always wanted to be a barrister and he worked hard to break down barriers between the judiciary and the public. “This was driven by curiosity about the challenge of helping people resolve disputes that were beyond their own capacities, both with other people and with the state,” he said. His Excellency, the third son of school teachers Ronald and Moya, has demonstrated a lifetime of community leadership, starting during his school and university days and culminating in his appointment as the 26th Governor of Queensland last year. While attending Brisbane’s Church of England Grammar School in the mid-1960s, His Excellency qualified with a Licentiate in Speech and Drama Australia through the His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC greeting the Shake a Leg dancers at Injinoo Junior Campus, Northern Australian Music Examinations Board regime. Peninsula Area State College, Cape York. He was also an active member of the Queensland University Regiment (1966- 71) while attending UQ and attained a “I view it very much as giving tangible Wanstall and I seek in many ways now to commissioned rank in 1969. recognition to UQ and affirming its quality-first draw upon the exemplary governorship of “My time in the regiment was a life- approach which has provided beneficially for former UQ Chancellor Sir Walter Campbell.” defining experience,” His Excellency said. me personally and professionally,” he said. His Excellency’s life would not have been “It emphasised the importance of “I remember particularly enjoying an the same without UQ, as he met his wife, service, which is really a critical theme now unhurried regime which allowed beneficial Kaye, while she was working as a librarian in during the Centenary of Anzac.” intellectual pursuits.” the Law Library at St Lucia. In recent years, His Excellency has been His Excellency attended King’s College He said the most valuable skills he learnt publicly acknowledged for community and from 1969-70 and said he was particularly from his university years were to maintain professional achievements, becoming a grateful for the lifelong friendships and a sense of happiness and fun and to be Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in professional acquaintances he forged during persistent when things look unexciting or grim. 2000 and receiving a Centenary Medal his time at UQ. “The advice I always give is to make the in 2003. “I always admired UQ alumnus and most of your capacities. Strive to improve, He said he was honoured and humbled former Chief Justice of the High Court of and thereby you shall succeed. And always to be recognised as one of this year’s Australia Sir Harry Gibbs,” he said. respect and realise those wonderful people Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award “During my early professional years, I was who help and support you along the way, winners. mentored by then Chief Justice Sir Charles particularly your families.”
16 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 VICE-CHANCELLOR’S ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AWARDS Recognising the significant contributions made by alumni in their local communities and beyond.
ALL IN THE GENES
Professor Peter Donnelly has had an illustrious career, culminating in his lead role in the largest study ever undertaken of genetics in human diseases, with the potential for significant global impact.
PHOTO TO COME Professor Peter Donnelly Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours) ’80 Union College ’76
rofessor Peter Donnelly’s career has been a journey of excellence ever since he walked into UQ’s Great Court as a 16-year-old in 1976. P“It’s where my real experience of the academic world started,” Donnelly said. “For the rest of my career I’ve stayed in the academic world, so it’s my base and I have a really strong connection with that.” Donnelly graduated with a Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours) in 1980 and Director of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics Professor Peter Donnelly. enjoyed a brief affiliation with Union College, as well as St John’s College. “I lived in Union College for a month in the middle of 1976, while my parents were doctorate in Mathematics at the University the mid-1990s was a huge honour and very overseas, and then later in my university career of Oxford. exciting,” Donnelly said. I did some tutoring at St John’s,” he said. Following academic positions at the “Over the last 10 years my research has The highlight of Donnelly’s university University of Michigan, The University of been focused on genetics and I’ve been career came in 1980 when he was awarded Wales and University College London, he was fortunate enough to lead some of the major a University Medal as well as being selected appointed Professor of Mathematical Statistics studies into the genetics of human diseases.” as a Queensland Rhodes Scholar. and Operational Research at the University of From 2002 to 2005, Donnelly co-chaired Thirty-five years later he is being honoured London in 1988 at the age of 29, becoming the analysis group of the International HapMap again – this time as a Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni the youngest professor in Great Britain. Project – the successor to the Human Genome Excellence Award winner. Donnelly moved to the United States Project. In 2007, he was appointed Director “I’m excited and very honoured. To have in 1994 as a Professor of Statistics and of of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human recognition from the place where it all started Ecology and Evolution at the University of Genetics at the University of Oxford and led the is really special,” Donnelly said. Chicago. Two years later, he was enticed landmark study of genetics in human diseases, “I had the opportunity to learn in an back to England and the University of Oxford known as the Wellcome Trust Case Control amazing environment and to be lectured by to take up a professorship in the Department Consortium (WTCCC). some very eminent academics. of Statistics, which he still holds. “Just seeing those studies come to “They were a really valuable source “I was appointed to a professorship at fruition and seeing the knowledge we are of advice for the career choice that I was the University of London when I was quite gaining from genetics is exciting, and over making as I was leaving Queensland.” young and there was a lot of fuss at the time the next 10 to 15 years this knowledge will A thirst for knowledge led Donnelly to as the youngest Professor in Britain. And start to impact in very real ways on some England in 1980, where he completed his to be appointed as a Professor at Oxford in aspects of clinical medicine.”
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 17 VICE-CHANCELLOR’S ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AWARDS Recognising the significant contributions made by alumni in their local communities and beyond.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE Catherine Tanna Bachelor of Laws ’84
EnergyAustralia Managing Director Catherine Tanna.
s the Managing Director of Catherine Tanna is one of Australia’s most powerful EnergyAustralia and a current board member of the Reserve businesswomen and she credits some inspirational Bank of Australia, Catherine role models for her rise to the top. Tanna knows what it means to Abe a leader. “I try to be organised, and think about In 2015, she was named in the top 20 list as much at home on the coal loading docks the impact of my decisions on other people,” of The Deal’s 50 Most Powerful Women in as he was in the boardroom. He knew how Tanna said. Business. important it was for managers to be leaders, “I want the people around me to “I’ve enjoyed working in the energy to treat people equally and fairly. succeed. I’ve had great mentors, and sector. What we do is fundamentally good “I’ve also been inspired by women who giving people the opportunity to develop is and important for the wellbeing of everyone,” have achieved amazing things, including important to me. Tanna said. former Governor-General Quentin Bryce; “If you are ever in doubt, imagine it is your “We create jobs, we underpin growth, we Ann Pickard, head of Shell’s operations in own business and the future of your family make a positive difference to people’s lives. the Arctic (known as the bravest woman in depended on its success – you will then know “If you do not feel that way about what oil and gas); and Linda Cook, the CEO of the right thing to do.” you are doing, it’s time to reflect on whether Harbour Energy.” Tanna was appointed to the role of you should do something different.” Tanna said she was lucky to be part of a Managing Director of EnergyAustralia in 2014 Tanna grew up in Gladstone and said group of law students to be taught by Bryce after holding some of the most senior roles her parents’ values and Catholic education while completing her Bachelor of Laws at UQ in the oil and gas industry with Shell and BG helped shape her moral code. in the early 1980s. Australia. Her father, Reg (Bachelor of Civil “She was a remarkable and inspirational The projects she has led have provided Engineering ’55, St Leo’s College ’52-’55), female role model for all of her students – significant economic growth in countries like was the son of Lebanese immigrants and men and women,” Tanna said. Nigeria as well as regional communities in long-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the “I’m proud and grateful to have studied Australia. Queensland Port Authority. He is recognised at UQ. It means I have been given one of the As chairperson of BG Australia, Tanna as the architect of Gladstone’s transformation most important skills – how to think – and I oversaw development of the US$20.4 billion from a fishing village to a leading industrial learnt that skill at one of the premier places of Queensland Curtis LNG project in Gladstone. city in the 1960s. learning. We’ve had a wonderful opportunity, At Shell, she was Executive Vice-President “My father was my first role model. He and I think we have an obligation to pass responsible for the company’s LNG, gas had vision, and the enthusiasm and drive to on and apply what we’ve learnt so that our transmission and power generation interests go with it,” Tanna said. businesses, communities and relationships across Africa. “He could relate to people and felt just are the better for it.”
18 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 DISTINGUISHED YOUNG ALUMNI AWARDS Recognising young alumni (35 years or younger) whose early accomplishments inspire and provide leadership to students and all alumni.
WAVE OF MERCY
Nick Veltjens lives his life with one clear objective: “To demonstrate God’s love to others through my example and through laying down my life in service to those who need it.”
Nicholas Veltjens Bachelor of Physiotherapy ’05 King’s College ’01–’04
t’s August 2012 and the Mercy Ships hospital is docked at Conakry in the West African nation of Guinea. A sea of people are waiting patiently to be assessed by the medical staff. IThey wait in their thousands; many suffering with severe orthopaedic deformities, some with burns, others with giant tumours – struggling to see and even breathe. On this day, physiotherapist Nick Veltjens is one of the Mercy Ships medics selecting patients they can help – and consoling others they can’t. “Those screening days are one of the hardest days of the year when you’re serving,” Veltjens said, recalling his experience on the ship. “When you are one of the people making the call of ‘yes’ or ‘no’, it’s pretty tough to turn away those people. “For us, sometimes all we can do is pray for them and hand them back over into God’s
hands and trust that he’ll take care of them.” Ships. Photo courtesy of Mercy With a crew of more than 450, Mercy Physiotherapist Nick Veltjens with a patient during a Mercy Ships mission in Togo. Ships services some of the world’s poorest nations for up to 10 months at a time. Veltjens has worked as a physiotherapist Veltjens looks back fondly on the four He is currently volunteering on another at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital years he spent at UQ, particularly his days mission with Mercy Ships, this time in and served as a volunteer aboard Mercy at King’s College where he lived from 2001 Madagascar. Ships since 2010. to 2004. “Mercy Ships have asked me to run a Serving in nations such as Guinea, Congo, “It’s really special to have graduated from club foot program. We’ve taught people the Sierra Leone and Togo, he works in post- UQ because the physiotherapy degree you Ponseti Method in the past but it hasn’t been operative rehabilitation for patients undergoing get is very well recognised internationally,” its own program,” he said. orthopaedic, burns and plastic surgery. he said. “What we’ve learnt is that we can treat More recently, Veltjens has been a “Coming from Cairns, it really was the a certain amount of patients in a year member of the team introducing what is best home away from home I could have. through the Mercy Ships hospital but, known as the Ponseti Method for treating “Being at college, you get pulled in a lot of when we leave, people are still born with children suffering from club feet. This different directions, and it was a really good club feet. technique requires surgery to lengthen the lesson in being able to know exactly what “If we can leave behind a certain amount Achilles tendon as the child grows. I needed to do from the academic side of of skills that local doctors can use to help “Treating and teaching in Africa is so things, but also having commitments on the their own people, then that’s way more relational,” Veltjens said. sporting field as well.” effective than just coming in for 10 months.” “They won’t trust the fact that you went Veltjens said volunteering on Mercy to UQ and have a good degree. Until they Ships had been one of the highlights of his trust that you care about them and you want career so far – an environment where he app Download the Contact app to to help them, they won’t actually be open to could combine a desire with the skills he read Nick’s blog and to watch what you are saying.” had learnt at university and in the hospital. a video about Mercy Ships.
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 19 DISTINGUISHED YOUNG ALUMNI AWARDS Recognising young alumni (35 years or younger) whose early accomplishments inspire and provide leadership to students and all alumni.
PEDAL TO THE METAL
Mike Boyd says his biggest fear in life is running out of time. After founding a number of businesses before the age of 30, he is wasting no time in establishing himself as one the country’s brightest young entrepreneurs.
Mike Boyd Bachelor of Applied Science/Bachelor of Business Management ’10
hile most other 11-year-olds international business, for the last three years were spending their free time has served as a Director for the Australian playing games and watching Institute of Management’s Young Manager cartoons, Mike Boyd was Advisory Board. Wgetting a head start in his entrepreneurial He is also well known in Brisbane for career, finding and selling lost golf balls. starting the Queensland chapter of the By the age of 25, he had gone on to non-profit networking group The Hive, found or co-found seven businesses. where young entrepreneurs met to Boyd is now the Managing Director share their skills and ideas. and Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) “I must admit I’m pretty exhausted of VroomVroomVroom.com.au – a fast- most of the time,” Boyd said. paced technology company that specialises “But I absolutely love what I do, in comparing car rental prices with major so I do bound out of bed every suppliers in Australia, New Zealand, North day to take on the challenge.” America, the United Kingdom, Europe and Boyd has been recognised this parts of Asia. year as one of UQ’s Distinguished Since taking on the role of CEO in 2012, the Young Alumni and said he 28-year-old has helped transform the company, was shocked but “absolutely taking record bookings while producing an delighted” to receive the award. annual turnover of about $70 million. “Being a Brisbane boy, I “From a very young age I’ve been knew choosing UQ was a extremely focused on where I wanted to go,” great choice,” he said. Boyd said. “What I didn’t fully “When I was at school, I had a couple of appreciate was how much experiences where I actually lost a couple of of a great choice it was on mates to the world – far too young. the international stage.” “It really instilled a value in me that you never know how long you’ve got. Life really is too short. Managing Director and Group “I’ve worked extremely hard to put myself CEO of VroomVroomVroom. com.au, Mike Boyd. in a position where I have the freedom to decide how I want to spend my time. And what I’m doing right now is exactly how I want to be spending it.” VroomVroomVroom’s headquarters is based in Brisbane, and Boyd is currently living between Hong Kong and the Philippines, working to expand the company into new international markets. Boyd returns to Brisbane every six- to-eight weeks and, on top of running an
20 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 DISTINGUISHED YOUNG ALUMNI AWARDS Recognising young alumni (35 years or younger) whose early accomplishments inspire and provide leadership to students and all alumni.
FROM ASTROPHYSICS TO AFRICA
Kathryn Zealand was just 17 when she completed a Bachelor of Science and Year 12 in the same year. Now aged 24 and with several degrees to her name, she is combining her love of both science and economics to solve global problems.
Kathryn Zealand Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours) ’09
s an extremely bright and a research project before student growing up in undertaking a Masters in the rural community Science (Theoretical Physics) at of Taranaki on the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, ANorth Island of New Zealand, Canada, and a Masters in Kathryn Zealand quickly International and Development progressed to higher grades of Economics at Australian National study. After arriving in Brisbane University in Canberra – both on and enrolling at Brisbane Girls full merit scholarship. Grammar School (BGGS) in She credits female physicists Year 10, she was encouraged Professor Tamara Davis and Dr by the head of mathematics Margaret Wegener as mentors at BGGS to apply for UQ’s during her time at UQ. Enhanced Studies Program. “They were fantastic and were But there was a catch, with happy to judge me on the quality Kathryn Zealand. Zealand told to wear her uniform of my work, rather than age, to lectures and tutorials as “a which was really nice,” she said. representative of the school”. Zealand has since “I remember walking in… it focused her career on social farmers produce better yields Earlier this year, Zealand was was one of my first advanced development, working as a and seeking sustainable awarded a Fulbright Scholarship classes, and I was in my school consultant for McKinsey and solutions to challenges such as to study in the United States. uniform, looking nervous,” she Company in Australia and Lagos, sourcing mangoes in Kenya. With acceptance into recalled. Nigeria, before joining the Clinton She said physicists had the both the Master of Public “One of the guys said, ‘Are Foundation as its Manager for skills to make a contribution in Administration at Harvard you lost?’ and I said, ‘I don’t Enterprise Development in Africa. the sector, possessing “an ability University and the Master of think so!’” She said development to disaggregate issues and solve Business Administration at Zealand said UQ was “very economics allowed her to them, and not be intimidated by Stanford University, she has new supportive” of her studies, combine her passions for both the unknown”. choices to consider. which she completed in only science and the people side of Zealand has also found time “The opportunity to continue one-and-a-half years – half the economics, with tangible results. to explore Africa, including hiking studying is incredible,” she said. time it usually takes – while For example, in her role at to see open lava fields atop “You get different things out concurrently completing her high the Clinton Foundation, Zealand a volcano in the Democratic of it once you have been in the school certificate. has applied her problem- Republic of Congo. workforce for a while. She spent a further 18 solving abilities to a pipeline of “It would be a major tourist “I’m looking forward to being months at UQ completing agricultural social enterprises, attraction if it wasn’t in an active able to apply my new knowledge her Honours in Astrophysics such as helping Haitian peanut war zone!” she said. and make a positive difference.”
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 21 DISTINGUISHED YOUNG ALUMNI AWARDS Recognising young alumni (35 years or younger) whose early accomplishments inspire and provide leadership to students and all alumni.
LIFE IN THE FAST LANE Having reached the pinnacle in Australian motorsport, engineering alumnus Jeromy Moore is pursuing his passion with one of Germany’s most famous racing brands.
Jeromy Moore Moore helped steer the Triple Eight team to six V8 Supercar championships and five Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) ’00 Bathurst 1000 wins, but after 11 years, he recently decided to change lanes. Moore moved to Germany in early 2015, n 2010, Jeromy Moore celebrated on taking on a performance-engineer role with the podium next to Craig Lowndes at Porsche Motorsport in the World Endurance Mount Panorama after engineering a Championship. Jeromy Moore, right, celebrates with Craig Lowndes. famous one-two finish for the Triple “I’ve always considered travelling to Europe IEight Race team in the Bathurst 1000. with Formula 1, but being quite successful in For a kid from the Sunshine Coast growing Australia it delayed my desire,” he said. University’s solar racing team. up with a love of cars and V8 racing, this was “And of course, working with Craig “I learnt that engineers could be involved the moment he had been dreaming of. Lowndes and some really talented people, it in improving and making things more As the chief designer and senior race just made it easy to stay where I was. efficient,” he said. engineer of Triple Eight Race Engineering “But, in the end, I always wanted to strive “Everyone needs transport, and to (Red Bull Racing) Australia, Moore was the to do something a little more important for make that transport more efficient with the key cog of the team’s engine room and the society. The series I’m in now actually has resources we had was an eye-opener.” right-hand man to champion driver Lowndes. a follow-on effect from racing motorcars to Moore said he was surprised to be “Winning Bathurst in 2010 and standing improving the cars people drive every day.” nominated as one of UQ’s Distinguished on the podium with the drivers… engineers Moore’s passion for mechanics developed Young Alumni, and said UQ had taught him don’t normally get to experience things like during his time at UQ, particularly during his the value of teamwork and the ability to think that,” Moore said. extra-curricular pursuits as a member of the deeper to solve a problem.
Borders has helped the organisation grow in BREAKING BARRIERS recent years, with chapters expanding into Sydney and Melbourne. She said UQ was “I think what I do is go places where one of its major supporters, especially through Yassmin Abdel-Magied is people think I shouldn’t belong, or shouldn’t the Spark Engineering Camp. thankful for the opportunities be,” she said. “I love challenging the status “UQ is a place where I was able to make quo and I don’t think that anything should a difference while I was there, but it also she has been given and is stop me.” enables me to continue to make a difference determined to make the most Abdel-Magied has won a host of academic and support students.” and community awards since graduating from Abdel-Magied spent time during her final of them. UQ in 2011, including Queensland Young two years at university working as a designer Australian of the Year in 2015. and principal of UQ’s Student Race Team. Yassmin Abdel-Magied She said it was a “huge honour” to be “I fell in love with motorsport when I was Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) ’11 named as one of UQ’s distinguished 13 and that’s part of what drew me young alumni. towards engineering,” she said. s a female engineer, self-confessed “My family moved to Australia “One of my other loves is rev-head and part-time boxer from Sudan with nothing and boxing. I want to be fit, strong Yassmin Abdel-Magied has spent they were able to educate us and able to live up to a challenge. her life punching through barriers. and provide us with access to “As an operator, there are ANot with the intention to “wreck the system”, opportunities that enabled us times when every possible but simply to see what opportunities are available to make the most of every thing that can go wrong does go in places other women haven’t explored. opportunity,” she said. wrong, and I think, ‘I wish I could The drilling engineer spends most of her “Being an alumna to me just leave,” she said. working life on a remote oil rig off the coast of means that I am part of the “It’s kind of like being on the Western Australia, while carefully juggling her story and every recognition ropes in the boxing ring. You roles as chair of Youth Without Borders and and achievement that can’t just sit there and close board member of the United Nations Youth the University has, or your eyes and hope that it’s Association and ChildFund Australia. initiative it supports, is going to go away. So it’s In her limited spare time, Abdel-Magied important.” important to be ready to can be found in pit lane at motorsport events Abdel-Magied’s take on the challenge.” or in the boxing ring. work with Youth Without
Yassmin Abdel-Magied.
22 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD Recognising an alumnus whose outstanding contribution to Australian Indigenous communities has improved outcomes for Australian Indigenous people and contributes to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. DOOR OPENS TO OPPORTUNITY
Michael Aird had recently completed a sheet-metal apprenticeship in a factory on the Gold Coast when a letter from UQ changed his life.
Michael Aird Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology) ’90
y his own admission, Indigenous photographer and freelance curator Michael Aird wasn’t a great student. But all he needed was a foot in the door. BHe left his Southport school in year 10 in 1979 “with reasonably bad grades”, but had learnt the value of hard work while working as a sheet metal apprentice making air- conditioning ducting on the Gold Coast. “To me, working in a factory and installing air-conditioning ducting was the best job in the world, but I was starting to get disappointed with looking at some of the older guys I was working with and seeing that none of them were happy,” Aird said. “I knew I wanted a different career and to work in Aboriginal culture somehow. But being an apprentice in a factory, I wasn’t sure how that was going to happen.” Aird credits former curator and director of UQ’s Anthropology Museum Dr Peter Lauer for his start in the academic world. Through Lauer, Aird commenced a Photographer and curator Michael Aird in his home library in Coomera. short-term research contract at the museum in 1985, assisting in the documentation of archaeological sites on the Gold Coast. in Australia to explore the significance of Wild Australia exhibition at the University’s “Thanks to Dr Lauer I got my foot in the historical photographs of Indigenous people Anthropology Museum. door at UQ and that was it for me, I was sold,” to narrate Indigenous history. Aird is being honoured as one of UQ’s he said. He has since curated a series of landmark distinguished alumni of 2015, receiving the “Even though my writing skills were so exhibitions: Portraits Of Our Elders, which Indigenous Community Impact Award. bad, I wrote a letter with the help of a cousin featured at the Queensland Museum in 1991 He joins one of his idols, singer-songwriter asking for mature entry and I got accepted before it was turned into a book in 1993; Kev Carmody, who received the award in into the University in 1986,” he said. Transforming Tindale at the State Library of 2013. “I think the biggest highlight was just Queensland in 2012; and Captured at the “I am aware that I would never have gotten getting that letter saying that I had been Brisbane Museum in 2014. to where I am today without that degree and accepted.” “Portraits Of Our Elders was the really to receive an award like this is really special,” Since that day Aird hasn’t looked back. early days of people actually focusing on Aird said. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Aboriginal photography and the politics “If I have one piece of advice for young (Anthropology) in 1990, he has become one behind it. A lot of academics around Australia Indigenous people looking to pursue a career of the most prominent and highly regarded took notice of that book,” Aird said. in academia, it is to get that acceptance Indigenous curators in Australia. Aird maintains connections to UQ, letter. Then be willing to work hard and be Aird was one of the first researchers and earlier this year he helped curate the committed to getting your degree.”
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 23 COLLEGES’ UQ ALUMNI AWARD Recognising an alumnus who has made an outstanding contribution to UQ and a Residential College, and continues to make a positive impact on the wider community, nationally or internationally. KNOWLEDGE AND PASSION
He’s an influential lawyer and corporate banking Vice-Chairman, but Steven Skala AO has never lost sight of the important things in life.
Steven Skala AO commercial approach. In 1991 he played a and I was exposed to different ways of major role in the development of the firm’s Bachelor of Arts ’76, seeing the world, which I found enormously Bachelor of Laws (Honours) ’78, pro bono and native title practices. stimulating… and still do.” International House ’75 Skala’s career took a new direction in 2004, Skala remains an active alumnus and when he became Vice-Chairman of Deutsche continues to support the Law School. Bank AG Australia and New Zealand. “I think it’s very important to maintain a awyer and Vice-Chairman of He was part of a team that successfully relationship with your alma mater,” Skala said. Deutsche Bank AG Australia and guided the bank through the challenges of “People say it’s giving back, but I don’t New Zealand Steven Skala AO the global financial crisis. think that’s the right expression. We’re not has four main passions: his family, His role includes governance, high-level obliged to give back to anything. I think we’re the law, the arts and cricket. relationship management, transactional work obliged to give. And it’s pretty good to give to LHe has forged an impressive legacy in for investment banking and a responsibility for an institution that taught you.” many sectors, and his achievements are the bank’s representation with government. proof that by following one’s passions, one Skala has also played a significant role can achieve anything. in supporting and influencing education and “My advice to students is to do what you the arts, as well medical and policy research. Vice-Chairman of Deutsche Bank AG love,” Skala said. He holds non-executive directorship Australia and “Find things that really count to you, positions in many influential public and New Zealand where the acquisition of knowledge makes private companies including the Australian Steven Skala AO. your day. If you do that, you’re well on the Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Wilson way to leading an interesting and happy life.” Group Limited, BlueChilli Technology Pty Skala, the son of Holocaust survivors, Ltd, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of has a determination to support and serve his Medical Research, the General Sir John community. Monash Foundation and the Centre for “My parents loved Australia because it Independent Studies. He is also a Member was a tolerant and decent country,” he said. of the International Council of the Museum “Individuals had the opportunity to be the of Modern Art (New York). best they could be. But there always was a In 2010, Skala was appointed an Officer proper safety net that helped in hard times or for of the Order of Australia (AO) for service to those who, for whatever reason, couldn’t cope. business, commerce, education and the “I chose to study law at UQ through a arts, and this year he has been recognised process of elimination. But I was lucky because as the Colleges’ UQ Alumni Award winner. I had a great mentor in my life, the Vice- As a driven academic and skilled Chancellor of the University, Sir Zelman Cowen.” sportsman, Skala became a compass point It was Sir Zelman’s influence that led for those around him when he arrived at UQ Skala on his quest for greater knowledge, as a 17-year-old in 1973. He moved into which saw him complete a Bachelor of Civil International House for a year in 1975 and is Law at the University of Oxford. remembered for driving robust conversation His professional career began in Brisbane around the dinner table, and also for in 1980, when he joined Morris Fletcher and leading the college to its first inter- Cross Solicitors, and within two years he collegiate cricket premiership. had become one of the firm’s youngest ever “I’ve always had great affection partners. for International House,” Skala moved to Melbourne in 1985 Skala said. as a partner of prestigious firm Arnold “It was just a Bloch Leibler, where he was a renowned wonderful and negotiator and praised for his innovation and exciting experience
24 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 INTERNATIONAL ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR Recognising and honouring the outstanding achievements of an international alumnus who has realised distinction in his or her chosen field and whose accomplishments enhance the prestige of the University. NO SHORTCUTS TO SUCCESS
As a leader in the field of biomolecular science, Professor Dato Dr Rahmah Mohamed is guiding the way for students with passion and perseverance.
Professor Dato a Bachelor of Biomolecular Dr Rahmah Mohamed Science at the University of Portsmouth in the United Doctor of Philosophy Kingdom in 1980. (Biochemistry) ’86 She returned to Malaysia to take up an academic position in s a budding scientist, the Department of Biochemistry Professor Dato Dr in the Faculty of Life Sciences Rahmah Mohamed at the National University of was fascinated by Malaysia (UKM). Asome of history’s greatest She went on to serve as scholars. Deputy Vice-Chancellor of The achievements of Nobel Research and Innovation at Prize-winning philosopher and UKM for five years before taking physician Albert Schweitzer, and on the role of Vice-Chancellor of the discovery of Deoxyribonucleic INTI International University and acid (DNA) by James D Watson Colleges last year. and Francis Crick, inspired Mohamed’s research Mohamed to pursue a career in achievements in the field of biomolecular science. bacterial pathogenesis and Now, as the Vice-Chancellor microbial genomics have been of INTI International University recognised nationally and and Colleges in Malaysia and internationally. expert in bacterial pathogenesis In 2008, she received the and microbial genomics, British Council PMI 2 Research Mohamed is inspiring other Award for her collaboration young scientists through her with the University of Sheffield, leadership and achievements in which led to the identification of the field. a key bacterial protein involved “During my school and in the tropical disease known college days I would read about as melioidosis. These findings the great scholars, and their were published in the renowned achievements guided me in my scientific journal Science in aspiration to be a good scientist 2011 and Mohamed was and contributor to society,” also honoured this year after Professor Dato Dr Rahmah Mohamed spearheading the Rafflesia Genome Diversity Mohamed said. being named as Fellow of the Project. The Rafflesia species is found in Peninsular Malaysia. “One thing I have learnt Academy Science Malaysia. is that a research career in Mohamed has been set program in Malaysia, which year’s International Alumnus of molecular biology requires instrumental in training young provides mentoring by Nobel the Year. passion and perseverance. biochemists and has maintained Laureates to students, teachers “The University is well “The outcome of research strong links with UQ, where and young scientists to develop respected for the advanced takes time and there are no two of her Master of Science the ability to solve problems contributions in life sciences shortcuts in the journey towards students have successfully beyond the conventional and there are many great prominence.” completed PhDs. education system. discoveries from UQ in life and Mohamed graduated from She believes in celebrating Mohamed said she felt a medical sciences that are UQ in 1986 with a PhD in diversity and individuality and tremendous sense of honour world-renowned and an Biochemistry after completing has overseen the Nobelist Mind- and privilege to be named this enormous benefit.”
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 25 UQ SPORT CLUBS AND SPORTS AWARDS SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
NATURAL TALENT
At 19, Holly Ferling has achieved almost everything in world cricket while juggling a busy university schedule.
n the past three years, rising Ferling was also a member of Australian women’s cricket star Australia’s victorious 2014 Twenty20 Holly Ferling has won a One-Day World Cup team in Bangladesh and World Cup, a Twenty20 World recently returned from another successful Cup and played in three Ashes tour of England, where the Southern Stars Icampaigns. won the Ashes series 10 points to 6. It’s not a bad resume for someone The women’s Ashes series is who had no intention of playing cricket determined by a points system taking as a child. in Tests, One-Day International and “I would go to my brother Lane’s Twenty20 matches. junior club matches with a book and read “Being a part of World Cups and Ashes the whole time,” Ferling, who grew up in tours, I think that’s what it’s all about as a Kingaroy, said. cricketer,” she said. “I used to play in the backyard every Ferling, who in July was the first now and then. While playing touch player signed for the Brisbane Heat in the football, I actually had a girl come up Women’s Big Bash League, is currently and ask me to try out for the school completing a Bachelor of Health, Sport sport district cricket team. and Physical Education and is UQ Sport’s “Within two months of starting, I 2015 Sportswoman of the Year. had made the school sport team, the The Clem Jones Sporting Scholarship regional team and the Queensland holder said she was honoured to receive team.” the award, particularly after a frustrating It’s fair to say that cricket – and season plagued by a back injury. especially bowling – came naturally to “I’m really honoured. Last season Ferling. probably wasn’t the greatest season for In her first game of men’s grade me with an injury,” Ferling said. cricket, she took a hat-trick with the first “I’ve been very fortunate to have the three balls she bowled. support of different course coordinators “I honestly owe everything to playing who have allowed me to juggle cricket against the men,” the 19-year-old fast and my university subjects. bowler said. “The scholarship is a huge help. I don’t “They taught me very early on that have to worry about trying to balance if I didn’t bowl in the right area, I was a part-time job on top of studies and going to get hit to the boundary. training.” “I think it’s a massive compliment Ferling said studying at UQ while when you’re taking wickets and pursuing cricket helped keep her playing well against the men. grounded and was a positive distraction “If you can do it against from professional sport – particularly while them, then you can do it against she was recovering from injury. anyone.” “I’m really focused on my degree and Ferling made her international I can’t wait to get out there and start debut as a 17-year-old against teaching kids,” Ferling said. Pakistan during the 2013 One- “I had plenty of teachers back home Day World Cup in India – four at Kingaroy who inspired me to achieve weeks into her Year 12 studies. my best and I really want to be able to do Later that year, she was the same. on a plane to England for her “There’s no better way to tap into the first Ashes campaign and youth and try to motivate them. I don’t backed up for the return think a lot of kids understand what is series in Australia. achievable and what they can do.”
Australian cricketer Holly Ferling appeals for a wicket against England. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
26 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 UQ SPORT CLUBS AND SPORTS AWARDS SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR Photo courtesy of Swimming Australia Ltd. Brenden Hall in the pool swimming for Australia. GOLDEN DREAMS
After achieving his childhood dream with a gold medal in London, Paralympic champion Brenden Hall is focused on defending his title in Rio.
wimming world champion Brenden in Rio, swim a world record and be up on the scholarship and from the University. Hall says it’s hard to describe the podium for my other swims as well,” Hall said. “Through the sporting scholarship, I’ve feeling of winning a Paralympic gold Born in Nambour on Queensland’s received significant support that has helped medal. Sunshine Coast, Hall said he was drawn to me focus on my training while maintaining “You’re just so happy and swimming from an early age. my studies at the same time,” Hall said. Srelieved, and you don’t know whether or not At the age of six, his life was turned “I was at UQ when I won gold in London you want to cry,” Hall said. upside down after doctors were forced to in 2012, and the University put out a social “There’s an overwhelming sense that amputate his right leg after complications media post to congratulate me. all the work you put into the last four years from chicken pox. “It not only helped to promote my has finally paid off and you’ve managed to The disease also resulted in the loss of success, but Paralympic sport in general. achieve your childhood dream.” 70 per cent of his hearing, but Hall said he That was a pretty big highlight.” Hall competed at his first Paralympics as was determined not to let his disability stand After experiencing success on the world a 15-year-old in Beijing in 2008, reaching the in his way. stage, Hall is now helping disadvantaged final in the 400-metres freestyle (S9). “In 2000, I saw some of the swimming kids to achieve their best through his role as He went on to achieve his dream in events at the Sydney Paralympics and I an ambassador for the Aspiration for Kids London in 2012, where he brought home realised that there were guys competing who program. two gold medals in the 400m freestyle (S9) were exactly like me, and they were winning “It’s something I hold close to my heart,” and 4x100m freestyle relay (34 points). medals for their country,” Hall said. he said. The 22-year-old is the current world- “From then on, it was my dream that “It helps kids who are struggling with a record holder for the 400m, 800m and I was going to represent Australia and range of hardships that can restrict them 1500m freestyle (S9) events and has set hopefully win a gold medal.” from achieving further in school sport. his sights on a third Paralympics next year Hall is currently studying Exercise and “You don’t want to see these kids slip in Rio de Janeiro, after winning two more Sport Science and is a recipient of a Clem through the cracks. They could be the next gold medals in July this year in the 100m Jones Sporting Scholarship. Sally Pearson, or someone like that. backstroke (S9) and 400m freestyle (S9) at While he trains and swims for the Lawnton “To be able to help provide these kids a the World Championships in Glasgow. Swimming Club, Hall said he was grateful chance to go on and achieve at the next level “The ultimate goal is to defend my 400m title for the support he had received through the is very special.”
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 27 ALUMNI FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND INC. AWARDS Awarded by Alumni Friends of The University of Queensland Inc.
ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
Dr Russ Morrison AM In the late 1980s, WBM took both in Australia and abroad. As Bachelor of Engineering ’62, on a new direction. Through the company’s Director of Product Master of Engineering Science ’64, his friendship with UQ Emeritus Development, Morrison has led a Doctor of Philosophy ’69, Honorary Professor Ray Stalker, Morrison group working on automation and Doctor of Engineering ’14 brought the company into the collision avoidance systems for field of hypersonic combustion bulk handline machines, as well or a young mechanical research – and into the space race. as an innovative robotic vibrating engineer fresh out of “Ray Stalker was the father system for assisting the discharge university, the moon of the Australian scramjet of coal from rail wagons. landing in 1969 seemed involvement. He invented the During the 1990s and through Flike one small step for man but free-piston shock tunnel, now to the early 2000s, Morrison another world away for Dr Russ Dr Russ Morrison. known as the Stalker tube, which chaired the committee that Morrison AM. is a hypersonic wind tunnel,” developed the new Australian Morrison had completed the rocket used in the Apollo Morrison said. standard for the design of bulk his PhD at UQ that year and program. At that time, I didn’t At the same time, Rocketdyne, material-handling machines and in was involved in setting up the think there was much of a chance the US company responsible for 1998 he was appointed a Member engineering consulting firm to get involved,” Morrison said. building the liquid-fuelled engines of the Order of Australia (AM). Winders Barlow Morrison (WBM), Little did he know that less for the Saturn V, was planning Morrison said he was now known as BMT WBM. As a than 20 years later, at the height of a ground-based testing tunnel honoured to be named this postgraduate student, Morrison the Cold War, he would be playing for scramjet engines. Within year’s Alumni Friends of The became interested in rocket a role in helping the US lead the six weeks, Morrison, Stalker University of Queensland Inc. development and often stayed space race against Russia. and their team were in the US Alumnus of the Year. up late listening to the rocket Morrison’s early professional working on the project. “We’ve always surrounded launches during NASA’s Mercury, contributions included Over the past three decades, ourselves with the best and Gemini and Apollo programs. pioneering measurement and Morrison and BMT WBM have brightest people we could find “I was fascinated by the troubleshooting techniques on made significant contributions to – and the majority of those have development of the Saturn V, heavy mining machinery. the advancement of engineering, come from UQ.”
GRADUATES OF THE YEAR
Nicholas Doyle other programs on global and social responsibility – all while Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) ’14 maintaining a 7.0 GPA. “Coming from such a Kianoosh Soltani Naveh distance was not like going Bachelor of Mechatronic from A to B. It was a journey Engineering ’14 that was not trivial. It required determination, faith and Julian Tonino goodwill,” Soltani Naveh said. Bachelor of Engineering “The whole journey exposed (Honours) ’14 me to different challenges and I learnt a lot very early on.” here’s a great sense One of last year’s University of accomplishment Medallists, Soltani Naveh is that comes with currently completing his PhD in Graduates of the Year Nicholas Doyle, Julian Tonino and Kianoosh Soltani Naveh. completing university, Control Systems Engineering. Tand these three young Julian Tonino enrolled at engineers have achieved even UQ in 2011 from St Joseph’s as a highways engineer for UQ Merit Scholarship in 2011 and more than they ever imagined Nudgee College and was eager consulting firm ARUP Brisbane. Hatch Engineering Scholarship in as the Alumni Friends of The to immerse himself in university For Nicholas Doyle, academic 2012. University of Queensland Inc. life. Tonino completed his degree success came down to the basic Doyle is working as a structural Graduates of the Year. with a 7.0 GPA and a University principle of hard work. engineer at Brisbane consultancy Kianoosh Soltani Naveh Medal. On top of a 7.0 GPA, Doyle firm Robert Bird Group. came to UQ from Iran and He was also the Valedictorian collected a host of academic quickly became involved in of the 2014 engineering class. prizes during his four years at app Download the symposiums, domestic and Tonino is currently working on UQ, including a University Medal Contact app to read international conferences and national infrastructure projects last year. He was also awarded a their full stories.
28 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 29 DISCOVERY HIGHLIGHTS
Talented researchers are making a difference by finding solutions to global issues. To find out more about how you can contribute to the University’s research efforts, visit uq.edu.au/giving
BUILDING BLOCKS TO BETTER COMMUNICATION Dr Grant Edwards and Dr Celine Chaleat, TenasiTech Engineers, inspect a moulded ow can two people Tasked with producing a acrylic glass plaque incorporating TenasiTech’s nanotechnology. Image: Phil Savory. come up with completely 44-piece LEGO car (pictured), Hdifferent LEGO models among other models, one while working from the same group was told the instructions instructions? According to UQ were created by a fellow group SUSTAINABLE ACRYLIC GLASS School of Psychology research, member, while the other group it can depend on who people was told they were created by a tart-up company TenasiTech “Globally the acrylic glass believe is giving the instructions. member of the opposite group. has developed a scratch- market is worth almost $6 Dr Katharine Greenaway “Not only did participants Sresistant and environmentally billion; however, the material’s said receiving instructions from perceive the instructions to be sustainable acrylic glass for use poor scratch-resistance is a someone considered “similar” better if they believed they came in the computer, electronics and barrier to its more widespread was more effective than following from inside the group, they also automotive industries, potentially use as a replacement for orders from someone “different”, produced better models as a spelling the end of cracked phone traditional glass,” Martin said. even if the content and method of result,” Greenaway said. screens forever. This advancement could delivery were identical. “Shared identity can facilitate Professor Darren Martin and mean a mass rollout of the new “We explored whether sharing that feeling of connection, his team from the Australian material. an identity with someone changes because we believe the other Institute for Bioengineering and “The technology we’ve the way we communicate with person ‘gets us’ and that improves Nanotechnology (AIBN) have developed is better for the them,” Greenaway said. our ability to communicate.” created a ceramic nano-additive environment in terms of reduced that, once processed into the chemical and solvent use, (and) acrylic glass using usual processing our process gives a more durable methods, can significantly enhance and scratch-resistant product the durability of the glass without for a fraction of the cost of other any loss of impact strength. hardened acrylic products.”
BUG DRONE HELPS CORN CROPS QUEST FOR PAIN RELIEF gricultural science student Campus, and proved the concept Michael Godfrey (pictured) of the product at Rugby Farms. UniQuest success to chronic pain one step closer to the Ahas developed a drone Godfrey said the next step people who need it most. that spreads beneficial insects was to monitor the crops to see bring relief to chronic Spinifex is developing the onto crops, potentially saving what happens after the bugs pain sufferers. drug candidate EMA401, an farmers time and money. have been dropped. oral treatment for chronic pain, Godfrey investigated whether he $1 billion particularly neuropathic pain (a drones, remotely controlled from acquisition type of nerve pain), without central the ground, could be used to Tof UQ- nervous system side effects. spread the beneficial Californicus founded Spinifex Instead of the traditional mite onto corn crops infected Pharmaceuticals by method of blocking a receptor in with two chlorophyll-munching global pharmaceutical the brain, this new drug blocks spotted mites. giant Novartis a receptor on the nerve, treating “As corn grows, it is very International AG pain directly at its source. difficult to walk between the has brought an The technology is based on crop to spread beneficial bugs,” unprecedented a discovery by UQ’s Professor Godfrey said. treatment for Maree Smith. “My initial concept for the “Chronic pain can be a ‘Bug Drone’ came from a seed debilitating condition, most spreader, and in the end I built commonly associated with cancer an attachment to the drone chemotherapy, post-herpetic that can be used to spread the neuralgia (a painful condition that mites over the crop from the air.” can follow shingles), diabetes, He began his project at the peripheral nerve injury and Agriculture and Remote Sensing osteoarthritis,” Smith said. Laboratory at UQ’s Gatton
30 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 DINOSAUR STOMPING GROUND BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE
ringing a 130-million-year- They also used a remote- old dinosaur landscape sensing survey plane from Airborne Bback to life is no easy task, Research Australia at Flinders as UQ palaeontologists found while University, as well as rapid-setting studying the “Dinosaur Coast” in silicon rubber moulds and high- the remote Kimberley region of resolution photography. Western Australia. “Despite recent National School of Biological Sciences Heritage Listing of the Dampier Senior Lecturer Dr Steve Salisbury Peninsula’s dinosaur tracks, many and his team, which includes of the track sites remain largely dinosaur track expert Dr Anthony undocumented, and their full Romilio, have scoured the scientific significance is poorly sandstone outcrops along about understood,” Salisbury said. 100 kilometres of the Dampier “The results of this project Peninsula’s coastline, documenting should allow us to construct fossilised dinosaur footprints. high-resolution, 3D digital outcrop They used the latest mapping models of the track sites, and really technology for the project, including re-imagine this region as it was a remote-controlled aerial drone, when dinosaurs walked the earth.” nicknamed the “dino-drone”, and a hand-held laser-scanner developed Goolarabooloo Law Boss Phillip Roe, Dr Steve Salisbury and Linda Pollard use by CSIRO, known as Zebedee. the dino-drone. Image: Damian Kelly.
GENES SOURCE OF PROBLEMS FOR TEEN BINGE-EATERS
collaborative study One in 10 adults and teenagers analysing data from 6000 are believed to binge eat – that is, Aadolescents aged 14–16 they excessively overeat with a lack has found that genetic variations of control of what they are eating. associated with obesity risk could While it’s known that a combination also predict binge eating. of genetic and environmental UQ Diamantina Institute factors lead to eating disorders, Professor David Evans and a until now there has been limited
© iStock/gordanajovanovic University College London Institute research into how specific genes of Child Health team found that if increase the likelihood of binge- a young person had a particular eating behaviours that can lead to variation in the location of the FTO obesity. gene, they were between 20 per “In the future, it may help us cent and 30 per cent more likely to create strategies for identifying binge eat. at-risk teenagers before they Professor Evans said the pattern get to the stage where they are was particularly evident in girls, who overweight or obese and face the were 30 per cent more likely to binge many health problems associated eat if they had the variation. with these issues,” Evans said.
previously unknown species of insect has BUSH TUCKER LEADS TO A been identified by NEW INSECT DISCOVERY Biological Sciences Honours graduate Thomas Semple, and it is living in Australian suburbia. Until recently, there were He and collaborators Semple and Dr Lyn only two known species of the have named the newly Cook found a type of bush tucker insect Cystococcus that lives recognised species Cystococcus known as bush coconuts or inside these galls. campanidorsalis, with the bloodwood apples in Crows Nest “We collected samples of the second part of the scientific name National Park, west of Brisbane, newly discovered populations referring to the insect’s bell- and in Toohey Forest in the heart from around South-East shaped back that plugs the of Brisbane, far from where they Queensland, as well as the two entrance to the gall. This work typically occur in the savannah other species from right across was recently published in the woodlands of northern Australia. northern Australia,” Semple said. journal Invertebrate Systematics. “Although their names sound “Using a combination of like fruit, they are actually growths physical characteristics and DNA Thomas Semple named and described on plants – galls – triggered by sequence data, I was able to Cystococcus campanidorsalis. Here, the nymphs (sister insects) are clinging to their the feeding of a very strange determine that it was a species brother’s back, beneath his folded wings. insect,” Semple said. new to science.” Image: Dr Lyn Cook.
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 31 OPINION
Women in science: TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY
While just as many women attend university as men, it remains a sobering fact that women are significantly under-represented at senior academic levels, particularly in the science fields. Here, two senior researchers from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience discuss why this is the case and what’s being done to address the imbalance.
Professor Jenny Martin Q. What do you call a room full of women at university? NHMRC Research Fellow and recent ARC Laureate Fellow, A. A gender equity forum. Institute for Molecular Bioscience
here is a sad truth to that joke. As a STEM disciplines stall much more often than senior research scientist, I am often those of men? Contributing factors are many the only woman in a room full of men. and varied. Unconscious bias. Stereotypes. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Finding myself in the reverse situation, Structural barriers. Casualisation of the Tin a room full of women, is very unusual. Yet workforce. Normalised discriminatory Professor Jenny call a gender equity or diversity meeting and behaviour. Everyday sexism. Impostor Martin is a Professor suddenly the ratio is reversed. It’s odd, really. syndrome. Primary carer roles. Lack of of Structural Biology When I was awarded my pharmacy flexible work practices. Lack of senior female and Drug Discovery degree, there were as many women as role models. Lack of mentoring. Lack of at UQ’s Institute men graduating. What’s more, women were sponsorship. Not to mention the feeling of for Molecular awarded most of the 15 prizes on offer in isolation and the overwhelming committee Bioscience. She the course, including the gold medal. Those burden (to ensure gender balance) for those holds national sorts of figures are generally similar across who do progress. The list goes on. and international the board. Gender equity was achieved at scientific and policy undergraduate level in Australian universities leadership roles, is in the 1980s. Since then, women have “I look forward to the a current National regularly won more than their fair share of Health and Medical prizes at undergraduate, postgraduate and day… when gender Research Council early-career levels in Australian universities. Research Fellow and a recent Australian You might assume that by now, some Research Council Australian Laureate Fellow. equity is fully embedded 30 years later, those numbers would have She trained as a pharmacist in Melbourne, translated into gender representation undertook her PhD at Oxford University and in the Australian approaching parity at senior academic levels. her postdoctoral research at Rockefeller But it has not. The percentage of women University. Martin’s research is devoted to academic landscape.” professors at Australian universities has understanding the structure and function of been stuck stubbornly below 20 per cent for proteins involved in health and disease and to decades. The greater attrition of women relative So, if these are the reasons, what can we discover new therapeutics. She is the recipient to men has been referred to as the “stupid” do to tackle the loss of talent? In 2005, 10 UK of many honours including the Australian curve, the silent brain drain, or the scissor universities signed up to the Athena SWAN Society for Bioschemistry and Molecular graph (because of the shape of the plotted charter to establish a scheme of excellence Biology Roche Medal, the Queensland Smart data, see right). And it is most glaringly that recognises the universities that best Women Smart State Research Scientist obvious in the science, technology, engineering support gender equity. These 10 institutions Award, and the Women in Biotech Outstanding and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. This included the University of Cambridge, the Biotechnology Achievement Award. She wastage of half of our best talent impacts University of Oxford and Imperial College was also one of three finalists in the 2015 negatively on productivity and innovation. London (no lightweights – all are regularly NAB Women’s Agenda Mentor of the Year It is clear that not everyone can progress ranked in the top 10 worldwide). Ten years Leadership Award. to senior status in academia. The big later, charter membership is well above 100 Follow Martin on Twitter @JennyMartin_UQ question is, why do the careers of women in and the UK is reaping the benefits.
32 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 IMB’s Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Maggie Hardy, left, and NHMRC Research Fellow and recent ARC Laureate Fellow Professor Jenny Martin.
The impact has been enormous. Staff required is significant; it has been likened Athena SWAN charter and will participate across the board – female and male, to writing a research higher degree thesis. in the Australian pilot and work towards scientists and professional staff – employed in Nevertheless, the success of Athena SWAN accreditation. It is a most exciting time! departments granted a silver Athena SWAN in the UK has attracted considerable interest Meanwhile, Australian scientific research award report greater career satisfaction, abroad. The Republic of Ireland is part way funding bodies are leading their own charge. improved opportunities for development and through a three-year pilot. And now, I am The National Health and Medical Research promotion, and better fairness in workload very proud to say, Australia is signing up. Council (NHMRC), of which I am a member allocation. Most importantly, research funding I am a founding member of the Science of the NHMRC Women in Health Sciences bodies have come on board: a silver Athena in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) steering Committee, and the Australian Research SWAN award is now mandatory for major committee of the Australian Academy of Council are developing approaches to medical research funding in the UK. Science. The Academy, through SAGE, address the gender inequity they have Achieving an Athena SWAN award is commenced a pilot of Athena SWAN in August. identified in grant and fellowship funding. not simple. It is not just a “box-ticking” Thirty-two institutions (universities, medical They are analysing their data, identifying exercise to find out if appropriate policies and research institutes, publicly funded research crunch points and developing action plans. schemes are in place. The time and effort agencies), including UQ, have signed up to the Just this year, the NHMRC committed to addressing the issue of under-representation of women at senior levels, requiring GENDER DISPARITY IN THE NATURAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES IN ACADEMIA organisations who wish to remain eligible for funding to have institutional policies in place 2012 (including addressing any gender pay gap) 100% by the end of 2015. Male I look forward to the day (which I hope 90% arrives in the not-too-distant future) when 80% gender equity is fully embedded in the 70% Australian academic landscape and grant 60% funding systems. And when Athena SWAN 50% expands further and goes global, perhaps gender equity might figure in international 40% university rankings. After all, if the University 30% Female of Oxford, the University of Cambridge 20% and Imperial College London all consider 10% gender equity to be critically important for 0% their continued success, shouldn’t we too? Below Lecturer Lecturer Senior Lecturer Associate Professor Professor Absolutely. (Level A) (Level B) (Level C) (Level D) (Level E) To find out more about the SAGE Pilot Source: Higher Education Research Data Collection 2012, Department of Education; Office of the Chief Scientist, of Athena SWAN in Australia, visit Australia. www.science.org.au/sage/gender-equity science.org.au/SAGE/Pilot.
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 33 OPINION
Women in science: TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY
“Visibility is key for women in science. Showcasing the diversity of career journeys that women researchers have taken – as scientists and as mothers – illuminates the path for the next generation.”
Dr Maggie Hardy is focused on the discovery of new, Research Assessment (USA) and the SAGE environmentally friendly insecticides from the pilot (Australia) have brought these issues Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, venom of native Australian spiders, including of equity to the forefront of the research Institute for Molecular Bioscience the funnel-web. I also milk tarantulas, which agenda. Valuing the more difficult-to- are about the size of a bread plate. quantify contributions of researchers (like ike many working mothers, I never In the course of my PhD, I discovered a science communication, mentoring and considered staying at home after suite of orally active insecticidal compounds outreach) ensures that our work remains my maternity leave ended. I love that were patented. After finishing my PhD, relevant to a larger audience, and provides my job and I worked hard to get I worked as a postdoctoral research officer a vehicle for those of us who have taken Lwhere I am with my career. I’m very lucky on a grant that continued the research career breaks to return to the lab bench. to have a supportive husband and healthy trajectory for the compounds I discovered. A PhD isn’t just a degree signifying children – without those, I’m not sure my During that postdoc, I had my first children: technical proficiency: it’s a mandate to decision would have been as simple. a set of boy/girl twins. Next, I received my provide leadership in our disciplines, our Why do I love my job so much? I have own independent fellowship position; I fell institutions and our communities. We are in the privilege of working with one of the pregnant again (another boy!), and was a golden age of science and I plan to be in world’s deadliest spiders. My research promoted while I was on maternity leave. the lab to see how it unfolds. My time at UQ has given me some unique advantages: being at a Group of Eight institution means I have access to the nation’s top researchers and equipment. As a ABOUT THE AUTHOR research-focused academic, my time is split HOW INSTITUTIONS CAN HELP between the lab, writing grants and writing CREATE GENDER EQUITY Originally from Boston, papers. Our human resources staff did a Massachusetts, fantastic job of explaining my flexible return-to- • Schedule meetings between 9am and Dr Maggie Hardy is work options, and the group leader for whom 2pm. a Senior Postdoctoral I work has been supportive of my transition Research Fellow in from scientist to mother, to working mother • Allow flexible working hours for the Division of (and back, with my second pregnancy). parents with young children. I’ve also been grateful to receive one of Chemistry and • Create opportunities to showcase the UQ’s Postdoctoral Research Fellowships Structural Biology work of women. at UQ’s Institute for for Women, which support women who Molecular Bioscience. are returning to a career in research after a • Ensure women are represented on She earned her career break to have children. There are only panels and organising committees. two fellowships of this type given each year, Master of Science in • Consider metrics like mentoring and Entomology from the one full-time and one half-time, and I’m glad I was able to return to work full-time. engagement in recruitment, hiring and University of Hawaii promotion. in 2007 and a PhD in Chemistry and Structural Why is this institutional support important? Biology from UQ in 2011. Her dissertation Australia’s investment in research and • Provide on-site childcare with focused on discovering and characterising novel knowledge-intensive jobs is significant and adequate places. insecticides from the venom of native Australian supports a broad range of industries, from spiders, including funnel-webs and tarantulas. mining, to medicine, to agriculture. When • Furnish a parents’ room with facilities Hardy is also an advocate for evidence-based parents leave research careers, we reduce for feeding and changing children, and science policy and the importance of science our human capital: when women leave expressing milk. because they can’t get a look-in after having engagement, and actively works toward • Arrange funding for parents/carers children, we risk losing 50 per cent of that increasing the proportion of persons in research attending conferences to cover gaps highly skilled workforce. Any kind of career careers from traditionally under-represented in caring responsibilities. groups. In addition to her research, Hardy is a break can produce a dip in publications and wife and mother. therefore grant funding: primary caregiving • Ensure a diverse range of people are responsibilities for young children or an elderly represented in publicity materials, parent, but also lateral moves into industry, including the institution’s website. Follow Hardy on Twitter @DrMaggieHardy government or clinical positions. Recent initiatives like Athena SWAN (UK), the San Francisco Declaration on
34 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 A WORLD CLASS VENUE WITH GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
As the host venue for the G20, lauded as the friendliest and most successful to date, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre is confident in its ability to host any event, big or small.
We have a 20 year track record in collaborating with the UQ community to attract key international conferences to help showcase Brisbane’s world leading research outcomes.
With a dedicated team to help UQ scientists and alumni bid for conferences, our bidding support is free and we can help with financial assistance for travel scholarships and speaker costs.
If you know of a conference that should be held in Brisbane to showcase UQ then contact us and we’ll make it happen.
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SPOTLIGHT ON UQ IN GERMANY
A thriving manufacturing sector and emerging dominance in the advancement of information technology, biotechnology and renewable energy sectors have placed Germany firmly at the forefront of UQ’s global strategy.
ermany, the largest single European economy and fourth largest worldwide, Gis a global leader in research, innovation, science and technology. It maintains this position by spending close to three per cent of its gross domestic product on research and development annually. As such, Germany has been a significant research partner for UQ for several decades. UQ has established relationships with 19 universities and two research institutes in Germany, including global top 100 universities Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich (LMU), Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Humboldt University of Berlin. These partnerships have led Technical University of Munich (TUM) President Professor Wolfgang A. Herrmann (left) and UQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter to significant student mobility, Høj signing the renewal of agreements between TUM and UQ in June. Back row from left: Professor Volker Sieber and Dr Harald Olk from TUM, academic collaborations and Dr Jessica Gallagher, Professor Monique Skidmore and Professor Simon Biggs from UQ, and Professor Markus Schwaiger from TUM. research discoveries. Close alliances have also Kemish AM (Bachelor of Arts symposium on the topic of “Water, sciences and physical sciences, been formed with the German (Hons) ’87). Environment and Sustainability”. as evidenced by the top 100 Research Foundation (DFG), the Deputy Vice-Chancellor The symposium provided rankings for both organisations in German Academic Exchange (International) Professor Monique researchers from both universities those disciplines in the Academic Service (DAAD), the Alexander Skidmore said German institutions the opportunity to share their Ranking of World Universities and von Humboldt Foundation, had a history of cooperating knowledge and perspectives, and Times Higher Education World the Max Planck Society and closely with industry partners. discuss collaborative approaches University Rankings. the Helmholtz Association of “These partnerships have to pressing global challenges. “These high rankings provide German Research Centres. enabled them to transfer An important feature of the an excellent platform for our In addition, UQ has knowledge from research symposium was the presence of research teams to submit joint partnered with a number of endeavours to inventive some of TUM’s industry partners, proposals for funding to expand German companies for joint products and services for the who provided valuable insights for our collaborative research and research and funding, including benefit of society,” she said. UQ researchers. deliver greater global impact,” Siemens, Boehringer Ingelheim TUM is one such institution “Partnering with German Skidmore said. International, Bayer HealthCare that has very close links with institutions such as TUM provides Another important research and Bruker BioSpin MRI. industry, signing around 1000 UQ with expanded opportunities collaboration is the partnership Three UQ alumni have also co-operation agreements every to engage with leading global between the Queensland Brain been appointed as Australian year. Some of TUM’s long- companies in Germany and Institute (QBI) and the Munich Ambassadors to Germany standing partnerships include forms a key foundation in Centre for Neurosciences during the past decade, including global giants Siemens, General achieving our vision to create (MCN), which has been in David Ritchie AO (Bachelor of Electric, BMW and Audi. knowledge leadership for a better place since 2010. The MCN Arts (Hons) ’75), who in 2014 In June, UQ expanded its world,” Skidmore said. is a virtual centre in which replaced Peter Tesch (Bachelor collaboration with TUM through UQ and TUM are both world several faculties of LMU and of Arts (Hons) ’87), and Ian a jointly organised research leaders in research into life other Munich-based research
36 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 WELCOMING FUTURE GLOBAL LEADERS
ermany is home to UQ’s eighth “It is very enriching to study and work largest cohort of international with so many people from completely alumni, and this figure will continue different cultural backgrounds and I think that to grow as UQ becomes an this experience has changed my view, the Gincreasingly popular student exchange way I work with people and has opened new destination. perspectives.” One program helping to boost these To complement her studies, Brandt numbers is the German Global Leaders is completing an internship at UK Trade Scholarship, which provides German and Investment, which is based at the students who excel academically with the British Consulate in Brisbane and supports opportunity to undertake postgraduate study Australian companies starting businesses at UQ in the areas of business, economics and investing in the UK. and law. “The internship is giving me very Master of Business student Anna Brandt, interesting insights on the business a German Global Leaders Scholarship relationships between the UK and Australia, recipient, is currently on exchange from especially Queensland,” she said. Hamburg. She said she was enjoying “It is great to get these experiences and studying at St Lucia campus. learn more about this field. “I really love the St Lucia campus and all “The career team from the BEL faculty it has to offer – nice places to meet people helped me to get this internship position and and socialise, great libraries with quiet study supported me throughout the application spaces that are open 24/7, great outdoor process.” space and a lot of student services, from Brandt said she highly recommended UQ career advice to academic workshops and and Brisbane as a study destination. language courses,” she said. “My advice for students from Germany: Brandt said diversity was another do it. It’s an excellent university and a great advantage of studying at UQ. place to live!” “Although I have studied an international degree in my undergraduate studies and To find out more about the German have spent some time abroad, it has not Global Leaders Scholarship, visit been as diverse as UQ,” she said. bel.uq.edu.au/uqdeutschlandscholarship
Master of Business student Anna Brandt.
centres participate to enable integrated, interdisciplinary TARGETING CHRONIC PAIN neuroscience. Director of QBI Professor Pankaj Sah said the QBI- significant research MCN agreement provided collaboration between opportunities for collaborative UQ and German research and teaching pharmaceutical programs, as well as staff and Acompany Boehringer Ingelheim student exchanges. International is seeking new ways “So far we have held three to target chronic pain, with the symposia together, two at UQ potential to bring relief to millions and one at LMU. In addition, we of sufferers around the world. organised an Autumn School Professor Maree Smith from and Workshop in Human UQ’s Centre for Integrated Cognitive Neuroscience at UQ in Preclinical Drug Development is 2014 and had staff and students leading a three-year project that visiting each others’ labs over ultimately seeks to help develop the past five years,” he said. new painkillers that are highly “The long-term goal is effective, without the unpleasant Professor Maree Smith and Dr Nemat Khan from UQ’s Centre for Integrated Preclinical shared expertise, to learn from side effects. Drug Development. each others’ experiences and Top 20 global pharmaceutical to mutually benefit and prosper giant Boehringer Ingelheim “Currently available compounds showing promising from the relationship.” International contributed analgesic drug treatments are analgesia in rodent pain models. While the relationship is $1.5 million towards the project often poorly effective and/or “The overarching goal of my still quite young, Professor in 2012, which also attracted they produce unpleasant side large ARC Linkage grant-funded Sah said QBI and MCN aimed a $1.575 million Australian effects. research project in collaboration to increase the number and Research Linkage Project Grant. “Unfortunately in the past with Boehringer Ingelheim has quality of co-publications and Smith said chronic pain was an two decades, most new been to bring innovation into in time build a critical mass area of large unmet medical need. molecules that have been the methods used to assess which would allow both to “Chronic pain affects one in tested in patients with chronic the analgesic properties of new jointly apply for grant funding five adults in Australia and other pain did not produce pain molecules produced by drug for major research projects. countries globally,” she said. relief, despite these same discovery researchers.”
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 37 BOOKS
RECOMMENDED READING
Not Just Black and White stablished in 1948, UQP is a Lesley and Tammy Williams dynamic publishing house known Reviewed by Meredith Anderson — Efor its innovative philosophy and Graduate Certificate in Arts (Writing, Editing commitment to producing high-quality books and Publishing) student of cultural significance. It has launched the careers of many celebrated Australian writers, esley and Tammy Williams, mother and such as David Malouf AO, Peter Carey, Kate daughter, share their personal stories Grenville, Doris Pilkington and Nick Earls. in this memoir about family, dreams, UQP’s scholarly books are internationally L and injustice. recognised, presenting contemporary Lesley relives her youth, growing up at issues including peace and conflict, creative Cherbourg Aboriginal Settlement, bringing to industries and our own regional concerns light the best and worst parts. The best part through a major Pacific Studies collection. was her tightly-knit family; little was more Other publishing activities include fiction, important than taking care of one another. non-fiction, poetry, Indigenous writing and the The worst part was how the white officials promotion of literacy and a love of reading who overlooked the settlement had luxuries through its children’s and young adult titles. her family did not, and the injustice in their UQP is also dedicated to co-releasing living arrangements; something that Lesley front-list titles as eBooks and digitally printing noticed more and more as the years passed. selected out-of-print titles. This compelling read is made stronger
To purchase any of these books or by the conversational tone between sign up to UQP’s monthly e-newsletter, mother and daughter, as each comments visit uqp.com.au. on what the other has experienced and how it has affected them and their app Download the Contact app to dreams for the future. read extracts from the books.
The Promise Seed Cass Moriarty Reviewed by Martine Kropkowski — Master of Arts (Writing, Editing and Publishing) student
ass Moriarty’s debut, informed by Moriarty’s experience neglected childhoods, but the The Promise Seed, is as a counsellor in child protective shards of light and happiness Ca tender account of services. Honest and confronting, that punctuate them. betrayed childhoods. The novel, it follows the stories of two Told with a vividness that which was shortlisted for the “unspeakably betrayed” boys, brings to life the dry and smooth Queensland Literary Awards in one at the beginning of his hands of old age and the 2013, navigates the distressing life, the other now at the end. clinking staleness of alcoholism, ground of child abuse and the Friendship grows between the Moriarty’s novel paints a wretchedness that can shadow pair, bringing solace and escape portrait of abuse and salvation victims throughout their lives. to both characters. with a hopeful poignancy likely This book’s insights into The Promise Seed illustrates to linger with readers beyond uneasy life are undoubtedly not only the despair of the last page.
Ghost River Tony Birch Reviewed by Joseph Diskett — Master of Arts (Writing, Editing and Publishing) student
ollowing up on the truly good-at-heart – as they reader, just forty years away success of his novels discover the realities of work, from Ren and Sonny’s FThe Promise and the religion, authority and, most adventures. critically acclaimed Blood, importantly, themselves. Set After a slow start, Ghost author Tony Birch has created in 1970s Melbourne, Birch’s River picks up as we meet an intricate and thought- story highlights the evolution more and more of the diverse provoking story in his new of society by contrasting cast of characters who throw novel Ghost River. The story this almost-unrecognisable one obstacle after another follows two best friends – Collingwood and Yarra River at the boys, which they scoundrels on the outside but with the world around the triumphantly overcome.
38 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 UOQ 1541 Brand UQ Contact Summer [P] 297x210mm OL.indd 1 3/09/2015 10:21 am FEATURE
CREATING COMMUNITY LEADERS
As the driving force behind Neil, you have been running UQ’s SEEP allows them to engage at a more strategic program for five years. How did the level, to add value out of their own expertise, UQ’s Social Economic program come about? to work with a group of people who have Engagement Program, I’ve always had this idea that people need different expertise to them, and to get their Associate Professor Neil to be exposed to the challenges that are head around a challenge in an organisation happening in the wider community and and make a recommendation or difference. Paulsen is on a mission to thought maybe we could find a way of That’s what people are responding to. ensure tomorrow’s business engaging students with community-based Are there other opportunities for organisations. I put this idea to a group of leaders contribute to the students to get involved with community MBA students in 2009 and, in 2010, a few of organisations? communities in which they them came back to me and said, let’s make this happen. So it kind of started like that. A similar program has now been spawned do business. at the undergraduate level called the What was the first project SEEP students Community Engagement Program (CEP), hen Contact met with Associate were involved with? and the response to that program has been Professor Neil Paulsen earlier I knew Alex McDonald who is Executive enormous. We have a whole stack of people this year, he was preparing W Director of the Wise Foundation, which at UQ who are thinking about this space and to fly to Zambia to run a workshop for was set up to sponsor social enterprise. A how to provide opportunities and challenges African delegates to help them address group of MBA students worked with Alex to to students in this area. For example, course the challenges of building infrastructure conceptualise and build a model for his idea coordinators in the Business School are in their home countries. It’s all in a day’s for the “Buffed” business, a social franchise using projects from community organisations work for Paulsen who runs UQ’s Social shoe-shine business. The franchisees, who for classes in the marketing discipline and in Economic Engagement Program (SEEP), a are refugees or other people excluded from social enterprise and innovation. Students not-for-credit program that provides MBA the Australian workforce, sign a franchise are looking for opportunities to engage with students with the opportunity to apply their agreement and pay a weekly fee to the Wise community challenges and enjoy learning professional expertise and skills to address Foundation, which owns the brand. Any how to do it. challenges facing community organisations, other money they earn is their own so they both in Australia and internationally. What value are organisations involved in are incentivised to build their own business. It’s an area Paulsen is absolutely these projects getting? Over 10 months, the students did some passionate about; a passion that is evident market research and explored different With the changes in government policy, such in the enthusiasm he displays when talking business models and funding strategies. as the introduction of the National Disability about the many projects SEEP students Eight franchisees are now located in Insurance Scheme, as well as economic have been involved in, for organisations such Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. and social changes, community-based as Yalari, GIVIT, Hear and Say, Suited to organisations need to continually re-invent Success, and Life Stream Australia. Since that initial project, there have been themselves to deliver services that meet It’s a passion that clearly resonates with around 45 projects in about 35 different client needs and provide value for money. his students and has seen him win a number organisations involving 170 MBA students. of teaching excellence and service awards, Students don’t realise how valuable their including the 2006 ANZAM Management The program is co-curricular (not-for-credit). skill-set can be in assisting organisations Educator of the Year Award, the inaugural Why do students want to be involved? facing such challenges. With their limited UQ Business School Corporate Education The students who end up in the program resources and high demand for their Award in 2009 and the UQ Business School are those who have always thought that services, organisations do not always have 2011 Industry Engagement Award. they wanted to make a contribution to the the capacity to dream up alternative funding Contact spoke to Paulsen about the community but didn’t know how to do it. models or ways to structure their business. Business School’s work in community Maybe they are students who are already The SEEP program allows people with that engagement and social enterprise and how involved in local organisations, on boards or mindset to get their head around the issues alumni can get involved. at their local sports club. This opportunity and make useful recommendations.
40 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 “I’m hoping long term that people in the MBA program (and alumni in general) will see the value of their skill-set to the wider community and continue to make a contribution.” Associate Professor Neil Paulsen
What are you hoping students who now they are in my classroom. I can’t just Another is to find ways to use their participate in the program take with them walk in and say, “Sit there and listen to me expertise to add value to community out to the wider community? because I know how it works”. I hope my organisations that are struggling with the I’m hoping long term that people in the classroom becomes an environment for issues out there. They could offer projects MBA program (and alumni in general) rich conversations and one that enables an in their own organisations or spheres of will see the value of their skill-set to the interactive relational dynamic to emerge. influence to SEEP or other initiatives, and wider community and continue to make a The next challenge is to take what I read, then perhaps mentor students through contribution. Hopefully, a more inclusive research and write about and assist the those projects, or connect other people community will emerge in which those people in the room to make sense of they know. Or they could contribute people in critical decision-making roles it and apply it to their own context. By financially to the MBA Foundation, which (especially our graduates) make decisions encouraging discussion and debate in a has been designed to do multiple things, that take account of the needs of others safe environment, I encourage people to including support SEEP and our not- in the communities in which they do make new sense of their experience. My for-profit partners, as well as provide business. goal is to challenge students to become scholarships to assist disadvantaged more strategic and intentional about students into our MBA program. Neil, you have won a number of teaching how they conduct themselves in their To find out more about SEEP, visit awards. What do you think makes a great profession. Such outcomes can only business.uq.edu.au/social-economic- professor? be achieved in the context of respectful engagement-program-seep At the postgraduate level in particular, I relationships. believe that teaching and learning is about To support the MBA Foundation, visit building relationships with students that What can alumni do to contribute to this uq.edu.au/giving. Click on “Give to UQ” encourage individual and professional space? then “Choose a Giving Destination” then development. These students are out Alumni can do many things! One is to find using the dropdown, choose “UQ Business there doing their professional thing and ways to get involved in their communities. School” then click on “MBA Foundation”.
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 41 IMPACT
Gift that keeps GIVING
After inheriting her father’s estate, Cynthia Burnett decided to honour the lessons impressed upon her as child. Her generous donations are now providing meaningful opportunities for future generations of students.
itting on her back patio on a sunny staff, and through her father’s education and but cool afternoon, Cynthia Burnett that of her aunt, Zoe Ann Burnett (Bachelor (Bachelor of Arts (Honours) ’69; of Arts ’78; Master of Literary Studies ’89), Graduate Diploma of Education who was also a donor to the University. ’70; Master of Educational Studies “A portion of Zoe’s estate was S’94; Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics ’96) bequeathed to the University when she describes the values her parents imparted passed away and used to establish the on her; values she has carried with her Alfred Midgley Postgraduate Scholarship,” throughout her life and which continue to Burnett said. guide her decisions today. “As an only child, I was brought up to understand that the world didn’t revolve “If there is an aspect of around me. It is important to consider others and the impact of your actions on them.” university life that you In 2009, Burnett’s father, Dr Francis Baron Burnett (Bachelor of Medicine/ feel strongly about, then Bachelor of Surgery ’40), one of the University’s first medical graduates, passed a bequest of any value away, leaving his estate to her to decide how best to use it. While friends asked what new luxury car is important.” she might buy and whether she’d move Cynthia Burnett to a larger home, Burnett saw a greater opportunity to honour the lessons of a lifetime. “Alfred was Zoe’s grandfather, my great- “I realised I had to do something Cynthia Burnett. grandfather and one of the first published meaningful on my father’s behalf; something poets in Queensland.” he would have been pleased with,” Burnett Simulation Centre, a facility of purpose- The scholarship offers financial support to said. built simulated emergency bays, operating one or more research students completing This decision resulted in Burnett theatres and hospital wards in the grounds their Master of Philosophy or Doctor of establishing a charitable foundation in 2011 of Greenslopes Private Hospital. Philosophy in the field of Australian literature. that has pledged a significant sum to be The facility focuses on the use of state- In addition to her already significant given over time to Greenslopes Clinical of-the-art, high-fidelity mannequins that can contributions, Burnett will be donating School, UQ’s premier teaching hospital. be programmed to simulate real-life patients even more to the University, establishing In her father’s memory, Burnett agreed in a variety of health scenarios. the Medics of the Future Scholarship for to fund the cutting-edge equipment needed Burnett has strong ties to UQ through undergraduate medical students who can to establish the Francis Baron Burnett her own education and time as a member of demonstrate financial hardship.
42 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 From left: Cynthia Burnett pictured with her aunt Zoe Ann Burnett, father Dr Francis Baron Burnett and mother Dorothy Burnett in 1966.
Like her aunt, she also plans to bequeath bequests that support a wide range of endowed, meaning a perpetual fund would part of her estate to UQ to establish interests at UQ. continue to produce income for many an endowment fund that will provide “Recent bequests include $10,000 for years. scholarships to students majoring in two Alzheimer’s disease research, $38,500 to “It means the donor is giving to future languages, as she herself did. the School of Veterinary Science’s Small generations,” she said. “It’s always been in my will to establish Animal Clinic and $50,000 to support a “A bequest is the last thing a person says a scholarship and bequeath to the world about what was a portion of my estate to the important to them and what University; however, more they wanted to see go on recently I began thinking, why “A bequest is the last thing a donor says long after they have departed wait?” Burnett said. the world.” She feels it is important that to the world about what was important to When asked why she anyone considering a donation considered UQ for her or bequest to the University them and what they wanted to see go on bequest, Burnett’s answer understands that there are was simple. many ways to give. long after they have departed the world.” “The University has “A bequest doesn’t have played a big part in my life,” to mean many thousands of she said. Ruth O’Hanlon, Associate Director, dollars,” she said. “It’s the University Development and Philanthropy (Bequests and Planned Giving) “If there is an aspect of that gave me my tertiary university life that you feel education and cumulatively strongly about, then a bequest I spent a decade of my life of any value is important.” prize in the study of Australian history,” studying at UQ!” This sentiment is shared by Ruth O’Hanlon said. O’Hanlon, Associate Director, Development While there are different ways an For more information about bequests, and Philanthropy (Bequests and Planned individual can make a bequest to UQ, please contact Ruth O’Hanlon at Giving), who lists a number of recent O’Hanlon said that bequests were often [email protected] or +61 (0)7 3346 3904.
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 43 IMPACT
CLOSING IN ON A CURE
Thanks to ongoing financial support from Arthritis Queensland, Professor Ranjeny Thomas and her team at UQ’s Diamantina Institute are on the cusp of developing a vaccine for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
ife could have taken a dramatically could focus on applying for grants for other towards other antigens so that they can different route for Arthritis people. As a clinician, Arthritis Queensland’s continue to fight infections correctly.” Queensland Chair of funding gave me the flexibility to work Thomas’s research is now in human Rheumatology, Professor Ranjeny fewer clinical hours and free up time to be clinical trials and has entered drug Thomas. As an accomplished productive in research. development and commercialisation. Lpianist and violinist, she could easily have “Most of all, the organisation’s faith in my “Very few researchers have gone from turned her hand to the arts. Similarly, with a ability – so much so that they would wholly a basic science discovery to a research passion for writing, she earnestly considered a fund my position and a small team – gave trial, and then received funding for career as a novelist. At a challenging point in me exceptional stability and a great level of commercialisation,” she said. her career, she even considered throwing it all confidence. I have successfully obtained a “It’s very significant, and Arthritis in and becoming a chef. Thankfully, Thomas number of competitive Australian and Queensland can be extremely proud of the chose – and stuck with – rheumatology. international research grants and investment they’ve made.” “I trained as a rheumatologist in Perth commercial contracts, which all grew out of President of Arthritis Queensland, Dr Ian until 1990,” Thomas said. this seed-funding.” Dover, said Thomas’s research was providing “Then I went to the US for four years to Thomas’s work and research has hope to thousands of people living with do a doctorate studying human dendritic contributed greatly to elucidating the rheumatoid arthritis. cells, and specifically studying rheumatoid underlying causes of rheumatoid arthritis, an “The seed funding we provided more than arthritis dendritic cells.” twenty years ago for the Arthritis Queensland In 1994, after completing her MD, Chair of Rheumatology at the UQDI directly Thomas began searching for research “Our funding ensures that supported Professor Thomas’s breakthrough positions back home in Australia. of a vaccine,” he said. “I wanted to combine clinical practice the approximately 445,000 “Our funding ensures that the with research and the position for the Arthritis approximately 445,000 Australians living with Queensland Chair in Rheumatology at the Australians living with rheumatoid arthritis will hopefully soon have UQ Diamantina Institute (UQDI) was ideal access to better treatment options.” for me, given its proximity to the Princess rheumatoid arthritis will Thomas’s discoveries and resulting Alexandra Hospital,” she said. treatment are not simply a breakthrough After 20 years in successive positions hopefully soon have access for rheumatoid arthritis, with the treatment funded by Arthritis Queensland – first already being touted as a potential treatment as Senior Lecturer, then as Associate for any autoimmune disease or allergy. Professor, before finally being promoted to better treatment options.” “By changing the antigen or allergen to the Chair of Rheumatology – Thomas Dr Ian Dover, applied to the dendritic cells, we are reflects on how her research progression President of Arthritis Queensland looking to turn dendritic cells off in a range might have differed had Arthritis Queensland of diseases or allergies, including Type 1 not backed a fully funded role for her, as well Diabetes and coeliac disease,” Thomas said. as two staff. autoimmune disease in which the immune Like many researchers, Thomas humbly “I had support from day one, which meant system attacks healthy tissues, particularly accepts praise for her extraordinary work I could begin work immediately,” she said. in the joints, causing inflammation, pain and as well as comparisons to her own mentor, “I received a grant early on and was able deformity. Professor Ian Frazer AC, preferring to note to turn the research assistant position into “When you know the cause, you can that the results are a collective effort. a post-doctoral position, which meant we design treatments for that cause, rather than “As an international community, we gained even more momentum. simply the symptoms,” she said. are getting closer to a cure for rheumatoid “Without Arthritis Queensland’s funding, “We know that dendritic cells initiate arthritis, and I’m optimistic that we at UQDI it would have been less certain that I would the disease when they incorrectly promote are going to make a real contribution to that have achieved anything.” attacks on healthy joint tissue. A number of effort,” she said. “A cure was something that According to Thomas, when a researcher years ago, we discovered a switch in dendritic wasn’t even thought of when I first became a has to source their own salary, their focus cells that can turn their function on and off in clinical rheumatologist.” can at times become dominated by the same way you turn a light on and off. fundraising, rather than on research. “We’ve been working on a way to deliver For more information about Professor “I would have had to rely on research joint-specific antigens to the dendritic cells, Ranjeny Thomas’s research, please grants or clinical hours for my salary,” effectively turning the cells off to those contact UQ Diamantina Institute at she said. “With my own salary covered, I particular antigens, but maintaining function di.uq.edu.au or +61 (0)7 3443 6999.
44 UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 “As an international community, we are getting closer to a cure for rheumatoid arthritis, and I’m optimistic that we at UQDI are going to make a real contribution to that effort.”
Professor Ranjeny Thomas, Arthritis Queensland Chair of Rheumatology
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 45 Contact Mag FP Ad OUTLINES MAY 2014.indd 1 9/04/2014 9:39 am REMEMBER WHEN
TIDES OF CHANGE
The Dutton Park ferry terminal on the St Lucia side of the river in 1978 (left) and the new UQ St Lucia CityCat terminal, located on the same site. Image on the left courtesy of Brisbane City Council. Image on the right © Christopher Frederick Jones.
The University’s prime position on the banks of the Brisbane River has meant ferry transportation has always been important for students, staff and community members who travel to and from its St Lucia campus.
erry services to and from important mode of transport to and from the first pedestrian, cycle and bus bridge, linking St Lucia pre-date the campus’s army base in the city. According to Oh-ver, the St Lucia campus and Dutton Park. establishment in 1937, with a cross- three boats operated as part of the St Lucia Ferry remains a popular mode of river service between Laurence ferry service during the war: the Madgee, the transport to and from St Lucia campus, with FStreet at St Lucia and Hoogley Street at West Phylis and the Planet, which collectively could the BCC’s fast CityCat service, in operation End commencing in 1920, according to the transport almost 100 passengers. since 1996, delivering an average of more late historian Percy Hanlon’s self-published Between 1967 and 2006, a privately than 500 passengers and picking up an book Oh-ver, which chronicles the history run ferry service ran between the St Lucia average 700 passengers from the campus of Brisbane’s ferries. According to Hanlon’s campus and Dutton Park, transporting up on any given day. book, this would have been a motor ferry, as to 1900 passengers a day at its peak. The In May, the new UQ St Lucia CityCat diesel-powered ferries didn’t begin operating service was established and run by Robert terminal opened, replacing the original in Brisbane until World War II. (Bob) Kent, his brother Kevin, late brother-in- terminal which was damaged during the 2011 The operation of Brisbane’s early ferry law Dick Hoggett and friend Vince Downey floods. Located on Sir William Macgregor services swung between council and private following a request by then Lord Mayor Drive, on the same site that the Dutton Park lessees, with Mr John Cloherty listed as Clem Jones, who had been convinced of ferry operated from and 450 meters upstream the original lessee of the St Lucia ferry for a the need for such a service when he was from the original CityCat terminal, the new subsidy of 40 pounds per annum. The newly presented with a 4000-signature petition terminal is designed to be flood-resilient, formed Brisbane City Council (BCC) took over from UQ’s Student Union. providing improved accessibility and catering the operation of all Brisbane ferries in 1925, While it turned out the petition had been for an increasing number of passengers over leasing them out again to private operators gathered at the Regatta Hotel as a prank, the next 50 years. in 1931 and providing the appropriate slip the service grew to be extremely popular, For more information about the yards free of charge for boat maintenance. with two boats, four captains on staff CityCat service and timetable, During World War II, Australian and crossings from 6.30am until 9.55pm, visit translink.com.au. Commander-in-Chief General Sir Thomas five days a week. After nearly 40 years Blamey established his Advanced Land of service, the Dutton Park ferry service Headquarters at the new University of ceased in December 2006 with the opening app Download the Contact app to view Queensland site at St Lucia, and ferry was an of the Eleanor Schonell Bridge, Australia’s more images of UQ’s ferry history.
UQ CONTACT SUMMER 2015 47 To know that I can impact on people’s lives is such a motivating and inspiring feeling Hosam, UQ PhD student
Under the mentorship of renowned infectious diseases expert Professor David Paterson, Hosam is creating a diagnostic tool to rapidly identify antibiotic-resistant superbugs, to help save lives. The tool has the potential to allow patients to be treated quickly and minimise opportunities for the deadly superbugs to spread. By learning to see the world differently, Hosam is creating change. See Hosam’s story atuq.edu.au/createchange CRICOS No. 00025B UOQ0373_H
UQ_Hosam_Ad ATSE_FullPage.indd 1 21/07/2015 9:14 am