Issue 562 (March 2007) - Office of Marketing and Communications

www.uq.edu.au/news ISSUE 562 MARCH 200704 05 12MESSAGE FROM THEVICE-CHANCELLORThere is growing national recognition of the importanceof high-quality university teaching, as shown by theestablishment of an enhanced program of nationalawards for university teaching, the Learning andTeaching Performance Fund, and the Carrick Institutefor Learning and Teaching in Higher Education.UQ’s teachers have thrived in this increasinglycompetitive environment, collecting more awards thanany other institution’s teachers in the past decade,reaping outstanding results from the fund and theInstitute’s grants and fellowships program, and generallyensuring that UQ’s reputation for teaching and learningexcellence is second to none.This position will only be sustained if the Universitycontinually updates strategies, policies and practices,enhances the student experience, and promotes aculture of excellence in teaching and learning. Ongoingsuccess in national funding and awards will demanda commitment of time and resources to evaluation,improvement and accountability.Since July 2005 the Deputy Vice-Chancellor(Academic), Professor Michael Keniger, has providedtremendous leadership in teaching and learningand contributed to UQ’s successes in this area. Inthe second half of 2006 I gave him the additionalresponsibility of external and community relations,encompassing the vitally important area of alumniengagement.To ensure that UQ continues to advance inteaching and learning, while simultaneously deliveringbetter service to alumni and the broader community,I have created the position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor(Teaching and Learning). Professor Keniger and I aredelighted that Professor Deborah Terry has agreed toundertake the position as a half-time role. ProfessorTerry will continue as Executive Dean of the Faculty ofSocial and Behavioural Sciences and will receive strongsupport from the Deputy Executive Dean, ProfessorCindy Gallois.Professor Terry will report to me through ProfessorKeniger, whose wide range of responsibilities willcontinue to encompass the overall direction of teachingand learning, academic policy, and overseeing theintegration of teaching and learning resources andservices.I thank both Professor Keniger and ProfessorTerry for their leadership in what will most certainlybe a challenging era. As our Teaching and LearningEnhancement Plan is scheduled for review this year, itis highly opportune to ensure that all of UQ’s teachingrelatedstrategies are aligned to deliver the best resultsfor students and to augment the University’s globalreputation.Professor John Hay, ACImportant role forUQ learning leadercontents0608091116181921Nepal’s newbeginningLifesavers in theIndonesian jungleO Week 2007 round upYoung Einsteins make an early startThe serious business of humour in the workplaceSmart lighting no longer science fictionAll set for UQ Careers Fair 2007UQ’s healthy new partnershipManufacturing a metals breakthroughCuddly companions need homesBridge Fun Day amajor success14 15 22Building researchexcellence at GattonEx Wallabies boostrugby in the “bush”UQ News is delivered off-campus to our neighbours at St Lucia and acrossthe Eleanor Schonell Bridge. We hope you enjoy catching up with news andevents at the University. If you would like to comment on the magazine,telephone 07 3365 3367 or email communications@uq.edu.auUQ NEWS is produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications, The University of Queensland,Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia. Telephone: (07) 3365 3367. Facsimile: (07) 3365 1488Editor: Brad Turner (07) 3365 2659, b.turner@uq.edu.auEditorial: Cameron Pegg (07) 3365 2049, c.pegg@uq.edu.au; Miguel Holland (07) 3365 2619,m.holland@uq.edu.auArt: Felicia Chetcuti; Wendy OakleyPhotography: Chris Stacey (07) 3365 1735, c.stacey@uq.edu.au; Jeremy Patten (07) 3346 7685,j.patten@uq.edu.au; Diana Lilley (photo librarian) (07) 3365 2753, d.lilley@uq.edu.auPrinting: Scanlon Printing VirginiaCirculation: 15,000Advertising: Tina Hannan (07) 5460 1739Registered by Australia Post Publication No. QBH 0104The University of Queensland’s Web address is www.uq.edu.auCOVER: Among the large crowd enjoying the perfect weather at the Bridge Fun Dayat St Lucia on February 25 were Emma Rose (left) and Cara Sawkins.PHOTO: CHRIS STACEY