ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Communication objectives This Annual Report reviews The University of Queensland’s performance in 2008, compares it with previous years, and flags future intentions. CONTENTS It answers the interests of our diverse stakeholders by documenting our progress against the aims, aspirations and commitments stated in our five-year Strategic Plan 2008-2012. At a glance 1 The report outlines our operational and business framework, and describes the teaching and research highlights of the year. It reflects the Vice-Chancellor’s review 2 strength of our community partnerships and demonstrates our efficient stewardship of public Five years – key statistics 3 and other resources. 2008 snapshots 4 We have structured this information to serve a variety of readership styles, ranging from the Organisation 6 casual to the more exacting. The index adds to – Basis of authority 7 the Report’s usefulness as a reference document. – Lines of responsibility 8 Users of this report include members of State Parliament, members of the public, the University – Controlled entities 9 community (academics, administrators, graduates Corporate governance 11 and students), business and media communities, benefactors and others, such as Australian and – Corporate governance 11 international visitors, and prospective staff and – Senior officers 16 students. – University Senate 19 They will find the report describes a range of initiatives, achievements and future plans – Strategic direction 20 a sound basis for measuring our performance – Strategic Plan 2008-2012 21 in 2008 and our prospects as a continuing – Mission 21 leader among Australia’s 39 universities. – Strategic aims, aspirations and commitments 21 – Key operational priorities 22 – Teaching and learning 23 – Research and research training 24 – Community partnerships 25 – Management and resources 26 Review of activities 27 Report of the Senate of – Teaching and learning 28 The University of Queensland – Research and research training 41 For the period January 1, 2008, – Community partnerships 61 to December 31, 2008 – Management and resources 69 I certify that this Annual Report 2008 meets Glossary 80 the prescribed requirements of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977 and the Financial Our faculties 81 Management Standard 1997, particularly with regard to reporting the University’s governance Index 82 arrangements, objectives, functions and performance, and the University’s additional reporting and tabling Teaching and research sites (map) inside back cover obligations for this report. A checklist outlining the governance, performance, Appendices (separate volume) reporting and procedure obligations contained in the legislation can be accessed at www.uq.edu.au. A: Annual Financial Statements Senate has the honour to transmit to the Minister for B: Staff activity overseas Education and Training this report on the proceedings of The University of Queensland for the year ended This volume is available from the Office of Marketing and Communications (see back cover) December 31, 2008. or online at www.uq.edu.au/about/annualreport Cover image: The newly opened General Purpose North 4 building. Back cover image: Competing in the Women’s Annual Great Court Race Sir Llewellyn Edwards, AC are, from left, Melissa Nolan (Physiotherapy), Kate Van Homrigh Chancellor (Engineering/Commerce), Cassandra Brown (Physiotherapy) and Lucy Kennedy (Engineering/Business Management). AT A GLANCE In 2008, we advanced significantly towards the objectives and operational priorities outlined in The University of Queensland Strategic Plan 2008-2012, which is the basis for this Annual Report. Our standing Our aims and commitments Our operational priorities The University of Queensland was founded We seek to honour our responsibilities to The University’s critical operational in 1910 as the first university in Queensland our community and the wider communities priorities, backed by our Strategic Initiatives and the fifth in Australia. It is now known with which we interact. The University Fund, are to: internationally as a leader among Australia’s strives to: 1 attract and retain the most able 39 universities. – identify and develop new, appropriate undergraduate and postgraduate The University ranks in the nation’s top two strategic priorities in teaching and students in the context of achieving or three institutions by most performance research; equity and diversity in the student measures. We are a founding member of – develop, manage and diversify our population and, in particular, to address the Group of Eight – a national coalition resource base; under-representation of students from of leading research-intensive universities. – incorporate new technologies in disadvantaged groups; Internationally, UQ is one of only three leading-edge infrastructure; 2 enhance all aspects of students’ Australian founding members of Universitas learning experience with close attention – leverage new funding via our Strategic 21, an international consortium of research- to use of new technologies and Initiatives Fund; intensive universities dedicated to world’s enhancing levels of student/staff best practice. – establish new, world-class research contact; institutes and centres; and 3 support research-rich teaching and – develop innovative programs, courses learning culture and practice; Our mission and pedagogies with an abiding 4 achieve a graduate student proportion commitment to quality assurance and The University’s mission is to create a of 25 percent, with increasing emphasis accountability. community dedicated to achieving national on research students; and international levels of excellence in 5 internationalise all facets of the teaching, research and scholarship, one University’s endeavours; that makes significant contributions to the 6 improve research productivity and intellectual, cultural, social and economic quality, focusing on areas of strategic life of Queensland and the Australian and priority; international communities. 7 maintain leadership in the transfer and commercialisation of intellectual property; 8 develop close faculty-based links with all UQ graduates, within Australia and internationally; 9 increase and diversify the University’s income base, especially from non- government sources; 10 implement best practice in managing people, resources and systems, ensuring equality of opportunity for all staff; and 11 enhance the physical environment and facilities of the University, particularly teaching and learning and research facilities. Strategic Initiative funds will be applied preferentially in support of these priorities. THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2008 PAGE 1 VICE-CHANCELLOR’S REVIEW The single most important driver of UQ’s success in 2008 was its people: staff, students, Senators, philanthropists, alumni, friends and associates. Throughout the year, their contributions enabled the University to grow, reform and improve the execution of its mission. Early in 2008, the mission was distilled For instance, after placing a higher priority Assistant programs, as well as a new into three words: Learning, Discovery on relationships with high schools, we Healthy Communities Research Centre, and Engagement; and many UQ people introduced a comprehensive package of continue to build a strong health hub at embraced the rubric’s strategic significance merit-based scholarships and a bonus UQ Ipswich. A new Rural Clinical School and opportunities. Innovation was entry points scheme to encourage the Teaching and Learning Centre opened at employed across the board. pursuit of advanced maths and languages Toowoomba, highlighting investment in the throughout the school years. clinical schools model. To benefit our own students, there is Throughout the year I held meetings and now a sharper focus on enriching the UQ functions with alumni and with many experience. This includes work in progress partners and supporters in business, to make international study exchanges government, education and research. and internships more attractive, and Besides attending significant events the introduction of “summer research” in Brisbane, I enjoyed renewing and scholarships open to undergraduates in all establishing contacts in Bangkok, Beijing, faculties. Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, Singapore, Shanghai and While the benefits of these initiatives flow to Sydney. The 2009 diary has “date claimers” undergraduates in the short-term, they will for similar international and interstate ultimately ripple through the postgraduate, gatherings, and tremendous opportunities research higher degree and alumni will stem from the 2010 Centenary communities. celebrations, for which planning is in Thanks in part to strong relations with key progress. Queensland and Australian government The confidence with which UQ begins its agencies, UQ completed or progressed second 100 years will be due to the work of work on important infrastructure in 2008. the foundation builders of the first century, This encompasses landmark structures that overlaid by the strategic vision of people will transform UQ Gatton into Australia’s carrying the institution forward. best precinct for animal-related research and teaching: the Centre for Advanced Two stand-out identities of the last quarter Animal Science (completed) and the new of our first century, Sir Llew Edwards, AC, and refurbished School of Veterinary and Mr Douglas Porter, flagged in 2008 Science facilities (under construction that they would retire early in