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MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLORAt the start of the 2010 academic year, theUniversity welcomes new students from morethan 100 countries, including some from nationsthat have not previously been represented in ourenrolments. They will augment our community’sdiversity, and contribute immeasurably to theUniversity’s quality and character.Variety in national identities is, however,only one facet of student diversity. It is alsoessential that the people who enrol and graduateare broadly representative of the Australianpopulation. That means UQ must increasinglywelcome, educate and graduate studentsfrom groups that are not fairly represented inAustralian universities. They will include peoplewho have endured financial hardship, come froma regional or remote area, are Indigenous, orhave no family history of university education.This month I have had the pleasure ofmeeting more than 80 teenagers who arepotential leaders from communities that deservemore of UQ’s focus. They are the first wave ofUQ Wotif Young Achievers: talented year 11students from a region that takes in Ipswichand Queensland’s rural south-west. They spenta weekend at the St Lucia campus, staying inresidential colleges and gaining a taste of bothstudent life and the opportunities that come withbeing a UQ student and then a graduate.UQ Wotif Young Achievers has been madepossible by the commitment and generosity ofUQ alumni Andrew and Jennifer Brice, plus theenthusiastic co-operation of 20 high schools.The program includes scholarships, mentoring byUQ students and people in industry, and a placeat UQ once year 12 is completed. Importantly,the Young Achievers will be encouraged to start asnowball effect by mentoring younger students intheir home communities.Later this month the University also welcomes100 recipients of Wotif Scholarships. Theyare new undergraduate students from underrepresentedgroups, with the spark of potentialto thrive at UQ. This is another initiative of theBrices, and complements ongoing measuressuch as UQ-Link and the support offered by theAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.Our residential colleges have a proud recordof helping students who are a long way fromhome to flourish at UQ, academically and socially.Some colleges have joined with the Universityto extend their support to students who arenot their residents. This year the oldest college,Emmanuel, is offering residential scholarships toa group of 2009 graduates of St Peter’s LutheranCollege, Indooroopilly. All of them are fromIndigenous communities, and without teamworkby Emmanuel and St Peter’s they may havemissed the opportunity to come to UQ.The Wotif Young Achievers, Wotif Scholarsand St Peter’s alumni may not feel numericallydominant in a pool of 40,000 students, but theirpotential gives them impressive force.On behalf of the University, I wish them thegreatest of success. The same salutation appliesto all new students, of all backgrounds andaspirations. I assure you all that we will workassiduously to deliver on the trust you haveshown by enrolling at UQ.Professor Paul Greenfield AOUQNEWS, FEBRUARY 2010 ➔ 3CONTENTS06UQ welcomes new scholarsMexican adventure inspires studentPacific treasures on show at UQwww.uq.edu.au/news ➔ issue 589 FEBRUARY 201009 10 11 12 23New look for Union eateriesUQ marks 100 years of excellenceQueensland history mapped online0419202223SHORTCUTS – A monthly wrap up of UQ learning, discovery and engagementCOVER STORY – Scanning technology offers new possibilitiesINPRINT – Covering the latest releases from UQ writersSPORT – Netballers kept on their toes by UQ expertsAROUND CAMPUS – Upcoming public lectures, concerts and eventsCover: Professor Paul Colditz with a newborn MRI scanner at the Royal Brisbane & Women’s HospitalPHOTO: STEWART GOULDUQ News is delivered off-campus to our neighbours at St Lucia and across theEleanor Schonell Bridge. We hope you enjoy catching up with news and events atthe 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 Marketingand Communications, The University of Queensland,Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia.Telephone: (07) 3365 3367. Facsimile: (07) 3365 1488Editor: Cameron Pegg (07) 3365 2049, c.pegg@uq.edu.auDeputy Editor: Penny RobinsonCo-Editor (Centenary feature): Shannon PriceProofing: Shirley GlaisterContributors: Bronwyn Adams, Helen Battle, AnnaBednarek, Erik de Wit, Andrew Dunne, Fiona Kennedy, LizKerr, Jan King, Melinda Kopanakis, Marlene McKendry,Robert Mitchell, Alessandra Torrisi and Alice WalkerDesign: Paul ThomasPhotography: Stewart Gould and Jeremy PattenPrinting: Print WorksCirculation: 15,000Advertising: Tina Hannan, advertising@uq.edu.auRegistered by Australia Post Publication No. QBH 0104The University of Queensland’s web address iswww.uq.edu.au

UQNEWS, FEBRUARY 2010 ➔ 4shortcutsinsect pilots land safelyHoney bees undergo a sudden transition fromspeeding aircraft to hovering helicopter as theyperform the delicate art of landing on a flower, UQresearch has found.Scientists have devoted decades to studyingSam fraser-Smithhow honeybees navigate but now a teamfrom the Queensland Brain Institute and LundUniversity has revealed for the first time how theyperform the tricky art of landing.“As any trainee pilot knows, landing isone of the hardest things to do, as everythingaround you is changing so quickly,” ProfessorMandyam Srinivasan said.“It requires excellent co-ordination to get thespeed, angle, distance and touchdown pointexactly right – especially if the landing surface issloping or even upside down.”The team used a special tiltable platformand a high-speed camera to film the bees in thefinal moments of touchdown, and identify eachof their separate actions.On approach to their target the bees use“optic flow” – the stream of visual signalsprovided by their eyes as the landscapespeeds past – to slow down and move fromforward-flight to stable hover mode about16mm from the platform, where they came to adead stop.They hovered for a few thousandths of asecond until their hind legs contacted the landingground, and then lowered themselves gently ontoit – regardless of the angle at which it was tilted.However, when the bees landed on surfacesranging from vertical to upside down, theirantennae came closest to the surface during thehover phase.“We hadn’t expected the antennae to playa role and it adds a further dimension to theinstrumentation the bee is using in order toachieve the perfect landing,” said ProfessorSrinivasan, who has been studying honey beesfor more than 20 years.More subtly still, the bee appears to use itsvisual system to position its antennae in order to“read” the actual slope of the landing surface.The research appears in the latest issue ofThe Journal of Experimental Biology.biofuels in bloomMaking their markA UQ researcher has won a top internationalfellowship that saw him meet with political andbusiness leaders in an effort to fast-track algalbiofuel development.Associate Professor Ben Hankamer from theInstitute for Molecular Bioscience was awarded a2009 Eisenhower Fellowship, one of 25 worldwide.These prestigious fellowships have beenawarded to people identified as internationalleaders in areas of energy, technology and supply,with only two fellowships assigned to Australia.Dr Hankamer (pictured) is a founding Directorof the Solar Biofuels Consortium, a group workingto maximise the speed of development of highefficiencymicroalgal biofuel production systems.“The development of clean fuels for thefuture is one of the most urgent challenges facingsociety,” Dr Hankamer said.“Using microalgae has several advantagesover traditional biofuel sources, as the productionsystems can be located on non-arable land,eliminating competition with food production.They also have the potential to store carbon,which would help in reducing CO2 levels.”The Eisenhower Fellowship allowed DrHankamer to tailor a six-week program ofmeetings with up to 80 researchers, Senatorsand Members of Congress from both sides ofthe biofuel debate, and top CEOs from industryorganisations including microalgae producers,biofuel producers and the transport industry.courtesy IMBQueensland women are playing a growingrole in the mining engineering sector with arecord number graduating from UQ last year.Almost a quarter of the 37 studentswho graduated from mining engineering inDecember were women.“This result is all the more impressive asit is above the current female participationrate of 16.4 percent across all engineeringdisciplines at UQ,” Queensland ResourcesCouncil (QRC) Chief Executive MichaelRoche said.“This milestone comes in the year whenUQ’s first ever female mining engineeringgraduate Sandra Collins won the QRCResources Award for Women.”stock.xchngParenting made simpleParents can now access an “online instructionmanual” when the task of raising and caring forchildren seems overwhelming.Researchers from The University ofQueensland’s Parenting and Family SupportCentre have developed an online version of theaward-winning Triple P – Positive ParentingProgram, a proven success around theworld.They are now seekingparents concerned aboutthe behaviour of theirthree to eight-year-oldchildren for an evaluationof the program’s effectivenesswith access for the first 100 parentsto enrol free of charge.“We believe that if parents have aclearer sense of what it is they could bedoing differently, it makes the world of difference,”Triple P founder Professor Matt Sanders said.But inconvenience and a lack of time areoften obstacles to completing a group programor seeking advice from a practitioner.Triple P Online contains proven positiveparenting principles and easy-to-use strategiesderived from almost 30 years of internationalresearch.“Parents are looking for practicalsolutions to parenting problems thatwork,” Professor Sanders said.“The simplest way to reduceparental distress and behavioralproblems in children isto give parents betterinformation and support.“Triple P Onlineteaches parents howto prevent and managecommon problems such as tantrums andwhining and how to give children new skills andbecome more independent.”INFO ➔ www.triplep.net/stock.xchngMs Collins was the only female to havegraduated from UQ with a Bachelor ofEngineering (Mining) in 1979 and has pavedthe way for other women.“Sandra is certainly a great ambassadorfor the industry and a great role model toyoung women,” Mr Roche said.“It’s also pleasing to see that all thegraduates have been snapped up by theresources sector.”In 2006 QRC launched its Womenin Resources Action Plan, which aims toincrease the proportion of women in nontraditionalroles in the resources sector to atleast 12 percent by 2020.“The record number of femalegraduates from the UQ mining engineeringdegree adds to our confidence that thisgoal will be surpassed,” Mr Roche said.

Freeloading fishAn international research team has looked tocleaner fish to appreciate how humans may haveevolved to punish freeloaders.Published recently in leading journalScience, the research shows that understandingthe behaviour of self-interested cleaner fishmay be a key step toward understanding whyhumans find it necessary to punish a third partywhen they receive no direct benefit.Small fish known as cleaners are found oncoral reefs in the Indian and Pacific oceanswhere they maintain cleaning stations.Larger fish pause at these stationsand perform specific behaviourswhich attract the cleaner fish toremove parasites from them.The research group,comprised of experts fromUQ, the University of Neuchâteltennis figures smashedThe UQ Tennis Centre is fielding recordnumbers of inquiries in the wake of thesuccessful Brisbane International tournament.The Brisbane International, which wasplayed at the UQ Sport-operated QueenslandTennis Centre at Tennyson, has helped theQueensland Tennis Centre and the UQ TennisCentre at St Lucia enjoy an influx of newcustomers keen to give tennis a go.UQ Tennis Centre Operations ManagerAdrianne Gay said Australia’s annual summerseason of tennis had helped reignite people’sinterest in the sport.“Tennis has always enjoyed increasedpopularity at this time of year but having aninternational tournament played in Brisbane thepast two years has really taken that interest to anew level,” Ms Gay said.“We’ve had so many inquiries from peoplewho have never played tennis before but arekeen to give it a go, so our beginner coachingLazing about a lost artcourtesy peter mantelloin Switzerland and The Zoological Society ofLondon, found that the punishment meted outby male cleaner fish toward female cleaner fishpromoted cooperation, and as a result rewardedthe male with more food. The study wasconducted at Lizard Island Research Station onthe Great Barrier Reef, 270km north of Cairns.“Cleaner fish in male-female pairs cooperateto clean client fish by removing the parasites onthe skins of the larger fish,” UQ researcher DrLexa Grutter said.Cleaner fish receive all their nutrition throughthese cleaning services and rarely survive long inhome aquariums becausethey cannot obtainenough food.classes for both adults and children are provingvery popular at the moment.”The UQ Tennis Centre is open daily andoffers court hire, coaching and fixtures for bothadults and children of any skill level.UQ Sport also offers a huge range of othersports and activities to try including swimming,athletics, pilates, rowing, netball, soccer and arange of group fitness classes.INFO ➔ www.uqsport.com.aucourtesy justin marshallstock.xchngFACTS +FIGURES1100– entries on a new UQ website whichtracks all Queensland towns, cities andsuburbs with populations exceeding50079AD– date of the volcanic eruptions inPompeii, the subject of a new projectby archaeologist Dr Andy Fairbairn3000 °C– temperature reached at Mach 8,the projected speed for hypersonic“Scramjets” being co-developed at theUniversity of Queensland100– number of Wotif Young Scholarswelcomed by the University thismonth. The scholarship program aimsto promote higher education amongdisadvantaged and under-representedgroups$1 million– cost of an Australian-first baby MRIscanner held at the Royal Brisbane& Women’s Hospital used by UQresearchers24,000– items heldwithin the UQAnthropologyMuseumcollectionUQNEWS, February 2010 ➔ 5Leisure is becoming a forgotten word andacademics from The University of Queenslandwant to put it back into people’s lives.School of Tourism Associate Professor IanPatterson wants people to put leisure alongsidefamily, work and sleep as important parts oftheir lives.Dr Patterson made his case when he spokeat the 9th ANZALS Biennial Conference earlierthis month.He said many universities were reducingthe content of leisure studies in favour of event,sport and hotel management.But this sent out the wrong message, he said.“A lot of people don’t know how to effectivelyuse their leisure time,’’ Dr Patterson said.“We want people to be aware of theimportance of leisure, look at the healthbenefits and integrate leisure into theirlifestyles.“When executives doing 80 to 100 hours aweek are dropping dead in their 30s and 40s,it is an indication they need a better balancebetween work and leisure.”Leisure was important to help peoplerecuperate from busy work lives, reducingstress and allowing them to rejuvenate, he said.stock.xchng“It is more than just relaxing at home,watching the TV. People should participate inmore activities and experiences.“Leisure experiences provide people withfeelings of satisfaction and enjoyment that theycannot achieve through work.’’UQ anthropology museum

UQNEWS, february 2010 ➔ 6JEREMY PATTENVC scholarships a UQ firstA new scholarships scheme is helping the next generation ofacademic high fliers reach their potential.Christmas came a day early for recent highschool graduates Joseph Bunton and KelseyChalmers (pictured), receiving news that they hadbeen awarded UQ’s most prestigious academicscholarship.In its inaugural year, the UQ Vice-Chancellor’sScholarship, valued at $12,000 a year for upto five years, was automatically awarded to 33applicants who achieved a result which placesthem at the very top of the OP1/equivalentband.For Ms Chalmers, a former Redcliffe StateHigh School student, the scholarship came as agreat surprise.“When I was young, both of my parents quittheir jobs to enrol as mature-aged students inuniversity,” she said“They had a passion to study and changetheir careers, so worked hard at completing theirdegrees while supporting three young children onstudent incomes.“When I received the call on Christmas Eve, Iwalked out into the kitchen and told my dad whogave me a high five and started bragging to hisfriends.”Mr Bunton also shared the good news withhis family, who have had to move betweenWestern Australia, New South Wales, Indonesiaand Brisbane over the past five years because ofwork commitments.Having attended seven different schools, theCavendish Road State High School graduate saidhe was now looking forward to settling into life atSt Lucia and enjoying everything UQ had to offer.“I’m still not sure what I want to do in a careerbut I’m looking forward to starting my Bachelor ofScience and trying more challenging subjects inmaths, statistics and physics,” he said.Director of the Office of Prospective Students& Scholarships Margaret Fairman said the newVice-Chancellor’s Scholarships were a welcomeaddition to UQ’s academic scholarship program.“Our scholarship program aims to notonly recognise and reward the achievementsof outstanding school leavers but those withsignificant leadership or community serviceachievements as well,” she said.Almost 400 scholarships were awardedfor study in 2010 including 184 UQ ExcellenceScholarships, valued at $6000 a year for theduration of the student’s program, and more than150 UQ Merit Scholarships providing $6000 forthe first year of study.INFO ➔ www.uq.edu.au/scholarshipsstaff member celebratesGolden JUBILEEAs The University of Queensland commencesCentenary celebrations, one staff member willmark his own half-century achievement.For more than 50 years, George Dick(pictured) has worked as a technical officer inUQ’s Faculty of Engineering, Architecture andInformation Technology, supporting academic andstudent research.Currently working as the WorkshopSupervisor for the Zelman Cowen Building at StLucia, Mr Dick began his career at UQ in 1958as an apprentice tradesman straight from highschool.“I started in the mechanical engineeringdepartment when it was located in GeorgeStreet,” Mr Dick said.“One of my earliest memories of UQ waslining up under a big fig tree next to Queensland’sold Government House with all of the other staffto receive our pay packets.“Back then everyone knew each other;working at the University was like being part of agreat big family.”As the University grew and the engineeringdepartments moved to the St Lucia campus,Mr Dick was the first to set foot in the newlyconstructed Mansergh Shaw building in1964.“The sharing of knowledge across thefaculties and the networking of technical staffis one of UQ’s best features,” Mr Dick said.“We tested the elasticity of valves in pigs’hearts for research into heart surgery and alsohelped UQ’s first PhD student in Dentistry testthe strength and structure of crowns.”Vice-Chancellor Professor PaulGreenfield thanked Mr Dick for his invaluablecontributions, which have included givingtechnical support to students of mechanicalengineering, civil engineering and architecture,as well as teaching metrology (the science ofmeasurement).“George’s service record reads like aninteractive map of development and innovationat UQ, with George personally laying many ofthe milestones,” Professor Greenfield said.“On the University’s behalf, I wish him asatisfying and fulfilling retirement.”Mr Dick said it was diversity that had madehis work so enjoyable over the years and hewould miss contact with the students when heretired this month.STEWART GOULD

Senate meetingushers in new centuryUQNEWS, february 2010 ➔ 7‘‘We cannot reckon the life ofa University in years, nor indecades, but in centuries’’IMAGES JEREMY PATTENExecutive Dean of the Faculty of Arts ProfessorRichard Fotheringham re-enacts extracts from thedebate of The University of Queensland BillQueensland Premier Anna Bligh with Vice-ChancellorProfessor Paul Greenfield at the final UQ Senatemeeting of 2009Members of UQ’s 31st Senate and specialguests reflected on the original intentions ofThe University of Queensland’s forefathers andanticipated the next 100 years at the final 2009UQ Senate meeting on December 10.To mark the imminent start of UQ’s Centenaryin 2010, the final meeting was held in TheRed Chamber at Parliament House, Brisbane,and included congratulatory speeches fromQueensland Premier Anna Bligh and QueenslandGovernor Penelope Wensley.Other guests included Queensland Universityof Technology Vice-Chancellor Professor PeterCoaldrake, Central Queensland UniversityChancellor Mr Rennie Fritschy, and former UQVice-Chancellors Professors Emeritus BrianWilson and John Hay.UQ’s Chancellor Mr John Story openedthe meeting and quoted William Kidston,the Queensland Premier of 1909, about theaspirations of UQ: “I would have the Senatealways remember that it was the desire ofour people that inspired the crowning of oureducational system by the establishment of aUniversity, that in very truth the QueenslandUniversity is ‘of the people’.”The Senate and guests then enjoyed are-enactment of extracts from the debate ofThe University of Queensland Bill, taken fromthe transcripts of parliamentary proceedings,Hansard.The Red Chamber was the site of thesedebates, 100 years ago, when it was home to theLegislative Council.After the meeting, members of the UQ Senateand invited guests convened in the ParliamentaryAnnexe Speakers’ Hall for a celebratory dinner.During dinner, UQ’s Vice-Chancellor ProfessorPaul Greenfield said he anticipated that UQwould continue to have a great impact on globalcommunities.“Kidston held that whilst not everyonecould have the privilege of attending or directlysharing the advantages of a university, the wholecommunity should benefit from it,” he said.“The ‘whole community’ no longer meansthe people of Queensland – it is Australians andpeople the world over.”INFO ➔ To view photos from the evening andwatch the official proceedings, includingthe re-enactment, visit www.uq.edu.au/centenaryFormer UQ Vice-Chancellors Professor Emeritus BrianWilson (left) and Professor Emeritus John Hay (right)with Professor GreenfieldUQ Chancellor John Story with his predecessor SirLlew EdwardsThe crowd gathers on the Speakers Lawn ofParliament House to enjoy the celebrations

UQNEWS, february 2010 ➔ 10Public treasuresThe University has appointed a newcustodian of its anthropology museum.The new Director of UQ’s Anthropology Museumhopes the “hidden gem” under her care willbecome better known with researchers and thepublic alike.A material and visual cultural specialist andgraduate of University College London, Dr DianaYoung is a social anthropologist who joined UQlast year after working at the Australian NationalUniversity’s Research School for Humanities.Located in the School of Social Science, theAnthropology Museum houses an importantcollection of around 24,000 items – the largest ofits type in Australia. It celebrates the cultures andsocieties of Oceania, concentrating on AustralianAboriginal and Melanesian peoples’ works. Thereare also items from Polynesia and Micronesiaand a collection from Northern Thailand. About5000 photographs are included as part of thecollection.“The museum has a fabulous collection thatdeserves to be better known at UQ, acrossAustralia and internationally,” Dr Young said.“Presently it’s a bit of a hidden gem. It’s also afantastic research and teaching resource that canbe used for doctoral and postdoctoral researchprojects based on things in the collection.”Dr Young said her main priorities for 2010were developing a new exhibition program toengagewith wideraudiences including studentsand staff.Her first exhibition for the museum, DoubleUp, features work by Pacific Islanders and is onshow until April 9. It includes pairs of sculptures– “body doubles” – such as shields, masksand tricksters, drawn from the collection, andconcentrates on the Papua New Guinea region.Head of the School of Social Science,Professor Geoff Lawrence, said Dr Young wasa dynamic director with the ideal background tolead the museum.“It is a very significant appointment, notjust for the school, but also for the University,”Professor Lawrence said.The UQ Anthropology Museum wasestablished in 1948 after lobbying from UQ staff,members of parliament and the general public.It is located on level two of the Michie Building,and is open free to the public on Tuesdays,Wednesdays and Thursdays during semester.Group tours at other times during the week canalso be arranged.INFO ➔ www.socialscience.uq.edu.au/anthmuseumIMAGES COURTESY UQ ANTHROPOLOGY MUSEUMLeft: Mwali (kula shellarmband) c 1919and below, woodensculpture c 1956Socially responsible banking from mecuIncrease your principalwith principles.5.50 % p.a.FOR THE LATEST RATESCALL TODAY!Call us on3365 2399 or visitmecu.com.aua free pressUQ has launched theofficial event website of theIN BRIEF2010 World Press Freedom Day,to be held at the St Lucia campusfrom May 2–3.“Our conference website is multipurpose– it’s designed to keep ourglobal audience up-to-date withplanning for this important mediaevent, and it’s full of informationfor our guests and delegates,”conference convenor AssociateProfessor Martin Hadlow said.The slogan featured on thewebsite’s home page is: Great isTruth, And Mighty Above All Things.“This is the wording above the mainentrance to the Forgan Smith Buildingat The University of Queensland,”Associate Professor Hadlow said.“These words fit well with thetheme of this year’s conference, whichis Freedom of Information: the Rightto Know.”mecu Limited ABN 21 087 651 607 AFSL 238431 General Advice Warning: In providing you with this information youshould consider the appropriateness of this advice with regards to your particular financial situation and needs. You shouldconsult the Financial Services Guide before making a decision to apply for products with mecu.MECS0078INFO ➔ www.wpfd2010.org

Warm welcomefor O-Week cohortThe University of Queensland is putting out thewelcome mat for a substantial new cohort ofstudents for the 2010 academic year.The intake will include 3500 newundergraduates who have come directly fromYear 12 plus an additional 2000 students whowill be starting new undergraduate programs in2010.UQ is also preparing to welcomeapproximately 3000 new international students atall study levels.New students are encouraged to take partin Orientation Week from February 22–26, toattend important information sessions, familiarisethemselves with their campuses and participatein an array of social activities.The free Market Days at UQ’s Ipswich, StLucia and Gatton campuses are popular eventsduring O-Week.Market Day is an opportunity for students tojoin one of the many UQ Union-affiliated clubs andsocieties, find out about the clubs, adventure andrecreational activities offered by UQ Sport, andto familiarise themselves with other services andfacilities available to them. There will be plenty offreebies, fun activities and inspiring performances.UQ Student Centre manager Ken Aberdeensaid the aim of Orientation Week was to assistnew students with the transition to Universitylife and to access the information and servicesavailable to them.These included workshops on study skills,understanding the timetable sessions, discoveringthe UQ Library, computer help and trainingsessions, preparing for success at University,faculty welcomes and academic advisingsessions.UQ Student Services learning hub seniormanager Janey Saunders said Orientation weekfor 2010 provided a host of workshops run byStudent Services, including academic skills,time management and preparing students moreholistically for their transition into University.“Many of these activities will evolve andcontinue beyond O-Week so that students canengage in them as integral components of theirdiscipline areas,” she said.“Most sessions are for all students but someare more tailored to specific groups such asSafety Down Under for international students andMature Age Link Up for students who are notstraight out of high school.New medical students Tigue Tozer (back) and TheklaBacharach“The week certainly ensures a diverse rangeof sessions and activities that are targeted atpreparing and enhancing the study experience forour newest members.”Students can access the Orientation Eventplanner online to gather details of informationsessions related to their areas of study. MarketDays will be held at UQ’s campuses on thefollowing dates and times.Ipswich — Tuesday, February 23, 11am–2pmSt Lucia— Wednesday, February 24, 10am–3pmGatton – Thursday, February 26, 12pm–2pmINFO ➔ www.uq.edu.au/orientationJEREMY PATTENUQNEWS, february 2010 ➔ 11UQ eateries dish up a fresh new lookStaff and students have returned to St Lucia thismonth to find their campus facilities and eateriestransformed.UQ Union has recently renovated severalpopular outlets including the bakery, SecondhandBookshop, Lolly Shop and Physiology Refectoryto offer staff and students a high standard ofservice in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.Completed in time for Orientation Week, theworks complement the successful renovation ofthe Main Refectory late last year into a buzzingfood court which includes a range of vegetarian,gluten-free and halal options.“We wanted to provide staff and students withthe same standards of food and retail optionsthey can find off campus,” Student PresidentMichael Zivcic said.Due to popular demand, the 2nd Degree Bar& Grill will officially be known again as The RedRoom while sporting a new-look logo.The popular Union Bakery has been boostedto twice its original size and is trading under anew name, while the Secondhand Bookshop hasbeen revamped and continues to offer studentsand staff quality secondhand texts and stationery.The much-loved Lolly Shop is now biggerand better, making it a one-stop shop for sweettooths at St Lucia.Also reopening later this month will be thePhysiology Eatery and Café, which includes aspecial dining area for the enjoyment of UQ staff.INFO ➔ For full details visit www.uqunion.uq.edu.auIMAGES JEREMY PATTEN

UQNEWS, February 2010 ➔ 12uq through the years12On December 10, 1909,The University of Queenslandwas established by anAct of State Parliament tocommemorate the 50thanniversary of Queensland’sseparation from the colony ofNew South Wales.Since this day, UQ has gone on to play apivotal role in the education of many.As we enter our second century of learningand discovery, our Centenary year is a time toreflect on how far we have come and to lookforward to the many more milestones to beachieved.“ There is this difference between the youngestUniversity in the Empire and the oldest: Oxfordwas established by a King; The University ofQueensland is established by the people”Queensland Premier William Kidston, 19093Historicalhighlights1909The University of Queensland isestablished by an Act of StateParliament to commemorate the50th anniversary of Queensland’sseparation from the colony of NewSouth Wales. Government Housein George Street is dedicated toUniversity purposes.1910The University is founded officiallywhen the Queensland GovernmentGazette publishes a notice listingthe 20 members of the first UQSenate.1911Eighty-three students, including23 women, attend the first classesin the Faculties of Arts, Scienceand Engineering.

4UQNEWS, February 2010 ➔ 1351061 The Forgan Smith Building was completedin 1939, and remains one of the University’slandmarks. Source: UQ Archives2 In 1909, the State Government gave the peopleof Queensland a university in celebration ofthe state’s Golden Jubilee. An inaugurationceremony took place on December 10, 1909 atwhat is now Old Government House in GeorgeStreet, Brisbane City. Source: State of Library ofQueensland3 The first four UQ Professors with their wivesoutside Government House in 1911: (fromback left, Professor J L Michie, Professor B DSteele, Professor H J Priestley and Professor A JGibson; front from left: Mrs Priestley, Mrs Steele,Mrs Gibson). Source: Fryer Library7 Some things never change: students hang out inthe Student Union complex in the 1970s, just asthey do today. Source: UQ Archives8 The award-winning Ipswich campus libraryopened in 2003, and blends nature withtechnology while accommodating spaces formultiple learning styles. Source: OMC9 The next generation: students of today enjoymodern study facilities, such as those in the FirstYear Engineering Learning Centre. Source: OMC10 The Queensland Brain Institute is one of UQ’sseven research institutes which continue to deliverground-breaking outcomes for our local, nationaland global communities. Source: OMC74 An aerial view of the St Lucia campus, takenin 1946, seven years after the Forgan SmithBuilding was completed. Source: UQ Archives5 The UQ Medical School, as seen here circa1959, is now known as the Mayne MedicalSchool and is located at the University’s Herstoncampus. Source: UQ Archives6 The University of Queensland consolidatedwith Queensland Agricultural College (QAC) in1990. This photo of the dormitories and dininghall was taken at QAC circa 1898. Source: UQArchivesIn celebration of ourCentenary, Universityof Queensland Press ispublishing a pictorialbook which will beavailable later this year.INFO ➔ To view photo galleries andadditional details of UQ’s history, visitwww.uq.edu.au/centenary8 919261948The move from George Street toSt Lucia begins and is completedin 1972.1990The University of Queenslandconsolidates with QueenslandAgricultural College (now UQGatton, a 1068ha campus 80kmwest of Brisbane).1999UQ Ipswich opens as one ofAustralia’s first totally webenabledcampuses and about500 students commence studies.Dr James O’Neil Mayne and hissister, Miss Mary Emelia Mayne,provide £55,000 to the BrisbaneCity Council to resume 210 acres ofriverside land at St Lucia to providea new site for the University.

UQNEWS, February 2010 ➔ 14Remembering UQ’sfirst Vice-ChancellorAffectionately known as “The Skipper” byfriends and family, Reginald Heber Roe (1850-1926) was the first Vice-Chancellor at the helmof a newly launched University of Queenslandin 1910.One hundred years later, his greatgrand-daughter, a video producer within theUniversity’s Information Technology Servicesdivision, is understandably proud of herancestor’s achievements.Ms Triny Roe said her great-grandfatherwas appointed as the University’s first Vice-Chancellor in 1910 following its establishmentby the Queensland State Governmentin celebration of its Golden Jubilee onProclamation Day, December 10, 1909.Mr Roe, by then aged 60, served as UQ’sVice-Chancellor until 1916.He was appointed to the role after 33 yearsas headmaster of Brisbane Grammar School,the reason for his immigration to Australia in1876.Interestingly, UQ’s first full-time Vice-Chancellor (from 1938 until 1960), John DouglasStory, won a scholarship to Brisbane GrammarSchool while Mr Roe was headmaster andin 1885, it was Mr Roe who recommendedMr Story for the post of junior clerk to JohnAnderson, State Director of Education.Mr Story rapidly rose to become undersecretary of the department by 1906.It was under the auspices of Mr Story’sdepartment that the University was establishedat the St Lucia site and began to resemble theinstitution we know today. The pair remainedlifelong friends.“Reggie believed in education for everyone.He was not elitist in any way, shape or form.For example, he argued strongly against Greekand Latin being prerequisites for entry to theUniversity as he said a lot of state high schoolstudents would not have been taught theseancient languages,” Ms Roe said.“He also had an ecumenical outlook in anera where this was frowned upon and once hadboth the Anglican and Catholic archbishopsover for afternoon tea when he lived with hiswife and their son Arthur.”Reginald Heber Roe was born in Blandford,Dorset, in 1850, and later won a scholarship toBalliol College, Oxford. He rowed in the CollegeEight and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in1875 and Master of Arts in 1876 with first-classhonours in mathematics.Ms Roe has been researching herfamily tree in light of the University’sCentenary celebrations this year, whichinclude a community day on Sunday,April 18, at the St Lucia campusand an Alumni Reunion weekendon July 2– 4.‘‘Reggie believedin education foreveryone. Hewas not elitistin any way,shape orform’’Jeremy Patten

SHARing uq storiesThe former Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie,was enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1974when Brisbane suffered the worst city flooding inAustralian history. Sixteen people lost their lives,300 were injured and 8,000 were made homeless.“Heather and I were seriously dating in 1974 (and married in January 1975).I was a resident at St John’s College and during the holidays in January 1974I needed to get back to college to access some of my belongings – as you do.The only problem was Brisbane had been hit by its worst flooding since 1893.On January 24, Cyclone Wanda dumped heavy rainfall on an already saturatedsouth-east corner. We undertook the determined walk to St Lucia along the railwayline. When we eventually got near to St Lucia we were greeted with an inlandsea. The University of Queensland had become a floating university.”+ View more photos of the University during the 1974 floods onlinecourtesy State Library of QueenslandUQNEWS, February 2010 ➔ 15George Osborne AM was a Reader in Veterinary Science for30 years and also served as Dean of the Faculty. His daughter,Linda, tells his story.“In the 1960s, George drove final-year veterinary students around Queensland and NSW visitingfarms. He convinced many graziers of the value of establishing a remote rural centre for teaching andresearch. With the assistance of generous benefactors, the Goondiwindi Pastoral Veterinary Centre wasestablished in 1965, servicing the needs of graziers, teaching students and facilitating valuable, qualityresearch. George was a Fulbright scholar and he inspired many outstanding veterinarians over his 30-year teaching career. Three of his postgraduate students ran the centre and its library bears his name.”courtesy george osbourneRead other UQ storiesor submit your own atwww.uq.edu.au/centenaryThird year Bachelor of Arts student, Matthew Taylor, clearlyremembers the moment he knew he wanted to study at UQ.“When I was four, my pre-school class went on a trip to UQ. My mum says that when I got home I toldher I was going there when I grew up. I think at the time it was the huge castle, the colourful trees and thegrown-ups lying around on the grass. When it came time for uni, UQ was the only place I applied for. And,as it turns out, UQ is so much more than sandstone buildings, jacaranda trees and lazing around in theGreat Court. It’s a place of learning where industry leaders open your mind to new theories and ideas, andfriends come together to discuss last week’s big game and the relevance of Nietzsche’s work on language.”Jeremy PattenJeremy PattenUQ staff member Robyn Humphreyes-Reidrecalls the Great Court Race – now an annualUQ tradition, but what started out as part ofthe University’s 75th anniversary celebrations.“In 1985 we celebrated UQ’s 75th anniversary. An event that capturedthe attention of staff and students alike was the inaugural Great Court Race– our very own Chariots of Fire. On race day, hundreds of staff and studentslined the Great Court cloister. We watched as the runners were set and thestarting gun was fired. Even the visiting Duchess of Kent seemed to find itexciting. She clambered (elegantly!) up on to a chair to watch the runners.”+ View more photos of UQ’s 75th anniversary celebrations online

UQNEWS, February 2010 ➔ 16100 years on displaythe UQ Art Museum is celebrating the Centenary with a majorexhibition of Aurukun art and gems from its collection.The juxtaposition of old and new is celebrated intwo Centenary exhibitions showing at the UQ ArtMuseum in 2010.The first, 100 Years: 100 Artworks, will runfrom April 16 to July 4, and represents worksthe University has acquired by gift, bequest andpurchase.Among the pieces on display will be the firstartwork gifted to the University in 1929 – MaryChristison’s Self portrait.Works will range from William FrankCalderon’s great Victorian picture Crest of the hill(1898) to Rosalie Gascoigne’s Dolly boxes (1976)and Lockhart River artist Rosella Namok’s Paraway not our way (2001).“The exhibition will showcase the University’sremarkable collection. It will feature our oldfavourites and little-known gems alongside verycontemporary pieces that reflect life today,” UQArt Museum DirectorNick Mitzevichsaid.The museum will also present Before timetoday: Art from Aurukun, a major exhibition andone of the key events to mark the University’sCentenary year, from September 10 toNovember 28.The show focuses on the art from Cape York’sAurukun community, involving Wik, Kuguand associated peoples.“This exhibition allows usto gain better insight inthe life and culturesurroundingWaaram (Dugong) 2008 by HoraceWikmunea 1963 – natural ochreswith synthetic polymer binderon milkwood. Collection of TheUniversity of Queensland, purchased2008. Image Mick RichardsCrest of the hill 1898 byW. Frank (William Frank)Calderon 1865–1943, oil oncanvas. Gift of the VeterinaryStudents Society, 1979.Collection of The Universityof QueenslandAurukun’s outstanding carving tradition, andhow this inspired a flourishing new chapter of artproduction across a range of media in today’scommunity,” Mr Mitzevich said.Initiated in response to collections of Aurukunart held in the UQ Anthropology Museum andUQ Art Museum, the exhibition brings togetherhistorical pieces and examples of contemporaryAurukun art from public art and culturalinstitutions.Other UQ Art Museum exhibitions throughout2010 include Contemporary Queenslandphotography (January 29–April 11) and the firstmajor survey of Queensland-based Indigenousartist Fiona Foley (February 19–May 2).Highlights also include the Australian WarMemorial’s Sidney Nolan: The Gallipoli Series(September 17–November 14) and Australianportraits 1880–1960 from the Australian NationalGallery (November 19–February 11).INFO ➔ For a full list of public programs visitwww.artmuseum.uq.edu.auUQ merchandisenow available at The Co-op Bookshop.Gatton campusBuilding 8123, Morrison Hall, Inner Ring Road, Gatton QLD 4343Ph: (07) 5460 1451, Email: uqgatton@coop-bookshop.com.auIpswich campusBuilding 12, Room 108, Salisbury Road, Ipswich QLD 4305Ph: (07) 3381 1240, Email: uqipswich@coop-bookshop.com.auSt Lucia campusBuilding 4, Staff House Road, St Lucia QLD 4067Ph: (07) 3365 8585, Email: uqstlucia@coop-bookshop.com.auOnline www.coop-bookshop.com.auUniversity Co-operative Bookshop Ltd

CelebrateCentenaryUQNEWS, February 2010 ➔ 17The Centenary Oration SeriesThroughout the year the University will host a number of local, national and international speakers – all of whom are leaders in theirfields. Open free to the public, the series will cover a variety of topical issues within the fields of science and innovation, the Arts,medical research, social science and business.March 10, Customs House: Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley, AOUQ alumnus and Queensland Governor, Ms Penelope Wensley, has had a long and active engagement withthe development of national and international responses to various global challenges. Ms Wensley will deliverher oration, open free to the public, in conjunction with the opening of the UQ Global Change Institute atCustoms House.April 21, UQ Centre: Jack Manning BancroftHear from the inspiring 2010 Young Australian of the Year finalist, Jack Manning Bancroft. Mr Manning Bancroftis the founder and CEO of the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME). In 2005, at just 19 years ofage, he began AIME with 20 Indigenous kids in Redfern. By 2009 there were 40 schools, five universities, 500Indigenous high school students and over 500 university volunteers across NSW participating in AIME.Current staff and student celebrationsApril 14: Gatton campusApril 16: St Lucia campusApril 16: Ipswich campusDetails of other campus celebrations will be available on the Centenary website soon.April 18: UQ Centenary Celebration Day – a free event for the whole communityThe UQ Centenary Celebration Day is our way of saying thank you to the community for supporting us over the past 100 years. Bringyour family and friends, as there will be activities and entertainment for all ages and interests, including live bands, international food stalls,activities for the kids, global change talks, tours of our world-class research facilities, and health and wellbeing workshops.July 2 – 4: Alumni Reunion WeekendThe Centenary Alumni Reunion Weekend will be held at UQ’s St Lucia campus and provide alumni with the opportunity to catch up with oldfriends from academic, sporting, cultural and social interest groups. Included in the program is the Courting the Greats dinner and a thankyou brunch. There will also be individual school and college reunions happening over the weekend – check the Centenary website for details.For a full list of Centenary events and activities, visit www.uq.edu.au/centenary

WORKSHOPS take researchers in new directionsThis year’s annual research commercialisationworkshops run by UQ’s main commercialisation company,UniQuest, are set to help more than 200 staff and studentresearchers understand more about Intellectual Propertyprotection and ways to optimise the commercial potentialof their ideas.Workshop costs are covered by UniQuest, includingtransport to and from the St Lucia campus.Over the past seven years nearly 800 UQ researchershave attended the free workshops, where informative andinsightful speakers’ presentations are complemented bycreative group work sessions and pitching practice withexperienced commercialisation professionals.“The workshops are not just about how to take a scientificdiscovery and turn it into a commercial prospect,” saysUniQuest Managing Director, David Henderson.“The program covers a range of topics that academicsand research students need to consider, whether or notthey have a project they’re working on right now thatcould become a marketable product.“All workshop participants – whether they are from LifeSciences, the Arts, or a multi-disciplinary team – gainvaluable insights about what investors are looking for,why government and industry look to universities forexpertise, and how engaging in commercial activities canenhance an academic research career.”The RHD students’ workshop includes a panel discussionon career opportunities in commercialisation, andpresentations from academics who became involvedwith commercialisation during their student years.UQ academics currently involved in commercialisationprojects also share their experiences at the workshopfor research staff. Professor Ian Frazer will be the guestspeaker at the workshop dinner.Postgraduate Research Students:18-19 March 2010Applications close: Friday 12 February 2010Academic Researchers:14-15 April 2010Applications close: Friday 12 March 2010

coverstoryLooking into bubs’ brainsSTEWART GOULDIn an Australian first, a new $1 million MRIcompatibleincubator designed for babies willallow UQ researchers to develop earlier andmore effective treatments for newborns withbrain impairment.Until now, imaging premature babies’brains has not been standard practice due tothe shortcomings of adult equipment and therisks to these extremely vulnerable patients –despite a significant incidence of impairment.The MRI Neonatal Incubator, which slidesinto a standard MRI unit, is located at theRoyal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital (RBWH)and the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).It enables babies to lie undisturbed in asafe and warm environment while a noninvasiveimage of the brain is recorded. A safemagnetic field is used to create the images.Professor Paul Colditz (pictured) said thenew equipment would be used by doctorsfor early diagnosis of impairment and enableresearch into prevention, as well as earlier andimproved rehabilitation treatments.“Research has shown that as the braingrows rapidly after birth, early diagnosisand treatment offers the best chance of afavourable outcome,” he said.“Currently, however, many families do notdiscover their baby has cerebral palsy causedby brain impairment until their child is one totwo years old.“Early diagnosis can also reduce the stresson the family.”Professor Colditz’s established track recordin the field of MRI and perinatal researchhas enabled him to attract a consortium ofcollaborators to join with UQ to purchase theunit. Partners include the Royal Brisbane &Women’s Hospital, the Royal Children’s Hospitaland the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.“We will be the first group in Australia ableto conduct imaging of preterm babies and thisopportunity has the potential to break downthe current boundaries of brain impairmenttreatment and produce huge gains for babiesand their families,” Professor Colditz said.He said scans would provide data forthe development of new categories of brainimpairment and outcomes.Key members of the research team are DrStephen Rose from the UQ Centre for ClinicalResearch; Associate Professor Roslyn Boyd,Director of the Queensland Cerebral Palsyand Rehabilitation Research Centre; School ofMedicine; RCH; and Professor David Reutens,Director, Centre for Advanced Imaging.The larger team working to developbetter treatments for brain injury in babiesinclude Professor David Pow, Professor AlanCoulthard and Professor Nicholas Fisk, andDr Kathryn Buller, Dr Tracey Bjorkman, DrMostefa Mesbah and Dr John O’Toole.UQNEWS, february 2010 ➔ 19Diminishing dementiauq has joined forces with a peak representative body in aneffort to overcome the ageing mind.UQ and Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld) will worktogether to reduce the impact of dementia aftersigning a new Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) recently.The two organisations will collaborate ona range of initiatives including joint researchand consultancy projects, the development ofstudent internships and placements, co-hostingof workshops and seminars and opportunities forresearch higher degree students.UQ’s commitment to ageing related issues hasalso been strengthened with the establishment ofthe Ageing Mind Initiative co-directed by AssociateProfessors Nancy Pachana and Gerard Byrne.“Alzheimer’s Australia has had an enormousimpact on persons with dementia and theirfamilies,” Dr Byrne said.“It has sponsored expert reports on theepidemiology of dementia in this country,funds services for people with dementiaaround the country and funds research grantsand scholarships to investigate all aspects ofdementia. It is a privilege to be involved in thisnew enterprise with them.”Dr Pachana said the MOU formalised a strongpartnership that had existed for the past fiveyears, offering new opportunities for students andresearchers alike.CEO of Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld) Jan Samuelssaid the collaboration was an important milestone.“There are already more than 45,000Queenslanders living with dementia and thenumber is expected to reach more than onemillion nationally by 2050. There is an urgentneed for more research, supported by engaged,informed health professionals and serviceproviders, if we are to address the enormouschallenges ahead.“This collaboration is a very practical exampleof UQ’s strategic focus on learning, discovery andengagement, as well as building on the existinglinks between Queensland’s experts on dementiaand ageing.”ISTOCKPHOTO

UQNEWS, february 2010 ➔ 20inprintnew look forafter januaryCelebrated Australian author Nick Earls’ debutyoung adult novel After January is now complete.First published by UQP in 1996, thebook – which follows high-school graduateAlex Delaney’s journey from adolescence intoadulthood – has been re-releasedwith the prequel, Juliet.“I’m really glad that thetwo of them are together nowbecause it feels like they shouldbe. I’m surprised we didn’t do itbefore,” Mr Earls said.After January was born outof Juliet – a short story publishedin an anthology in 1995 and setthe year before the novel.The story also represents theauthor’s first attempt at writing forthe young adult market, a literaryexperiment which has well andtruly paid off.“Even before that story waspublished people were reading itand responding in a way that I just wasn’t usedto with my writing at that stage and the characterkind of stuck around in my head,” he said.Since then, Mr Earls has published 13 books,five of which have had teenage central characters.“I think it’s a really interesting time of life,” hesaid.“It’s a time of life when a lot of things cancome sharply into focus, when you’ve got bigdecisions to make about where you’re going tohead and who you’re going to be.It’s a time that can have its shareof anguish but also its share ofopportunities.”Like many of his fictionalcharacters, Mr Earls himself hadsome tough decisions to makewhen choosing a pathway totake after school.While passionate aboutwriting, he couldn’t see how toturn his stories into a job andinstead enrolled in a medicaldegree at UQ, graduating in1986.“In the mid to late 90s,at least partly because ofthis book, it got to move from being a part-timeperipheral thing to being what I do full-time. I’mjust really lucky that’s come about.”A former UQ Alumnus of the Year, Mr Earls willparticipate in the Writers’ Hub as part of the UQCentenary Celebration Day on April 18.University of queensland pressthe co-op bookshopcurrent bestsellers1 The Year of the Flood – MargaretAtwood, (HB) $452 Declaration on the Rights ofIndigenous Peoples – MichelStreich, (HB) $24.993 Songs of Sapa – Luke Nguyen,(HB) $69.954 Baby Wombat’s Week – JackieFrench, (HB) $24.995 The Lacuna – Barbara Kingsolver,(HB) $356 Hitchhikers Guide to the GalaxyPart 6 of 3 – (HB) $39.957 The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’Nest – Stieg Larsson, (PB) $32.958 The Greatest Show on Earth –Richard Dawkins, (PB) $359 Bill Whiskey Tjapaltjarri – KenMcGregor, (PB) $3510 Robot Riot – Andy Griffiths, (PB)$14.99UQP is giving away threecopies of After January to UQNews readers. Simply email yourdetails to communications@uq.edu.auwith “UQP giveaway” in the subject line.Winners will be notified by March 16.GIVEAWAYTranslationcrosses culturesUQ academic Dr Simon Patton has won secondprize in the prestigious international John DrydenTranslation Competition for his translation of aChinese short story.Named after an influential 17th century Englishpoet, literary critic, translator and playwright, thecompetition is open to translators of literary worksof poetry, prose and drama.Dr Patton won the award for his translationof Ma Yuan’s first published story The Goddessof Lhasa River. Published in 1984, it was aninnovative book for its time and region in itswriting style and content. The story follows agroup of Lhasa artists on an outing to a suburbanisland in the Lhasa River.Last year, he was also shortlisted in the NSWPremier’s Translation Prize and PEN Medallion.In a fast-paced, bustling world of ever-evolvingtechnology, Dr Patton speaks of the skill andsensibility required for working on translations.“Literary translation is more than just preciselytranslating word-for-word. It is about explainingand communicating a different way of living andseeing, a different way of experiencing human lifeand looking at the world,” Dr Patton said.“Far from being a largely technicalaccomplishment, translation must be an act ofart in its own right,if it is to preservethe artistic qualitiesof literature and conveythem to people who cannotaccess the non-English text.“Doing a translation involvesnot so much doing ‘justice’ to the writer but ismore about doing justice to what made you feela ‘zing’; what made you want to give others theopportunity to appreciate and experience whatyou saw in the piece.”Dr Patton’s interest in Chinese developed ona visit to Brisbane in the 1970s with the discoveryof a book on the language. He now enjoys itsunique characteristics.“Chinese language is very distinct anddifferent from any other language. It has noplurals or tenses, and is also tonal. The languagealso has a written script or characters, which arepictures that visually tell the story,” he said.Dr Patton lectures in the School ofLanguages and Comparative Cultural Studiesand also co-edits the China domain of PoetryInternational Web.INFO ➔ www.uq.edu.au/slccsstock.xchng

Arts collaboration bloomsVisual art and theatre collide with colourful results inAdjunct Professor Sue Rider’s latest production.Professor Rider is directing The Flowering, a playby Donna Cameron which samples ancient Greekmyths and features a unique ceramic “set” byartist Julie Shepherd.The show marks a change of pace forProfessor Rider, who has been directing andproducing theatre for three decades, and lastyear staged the world premiere of a musicalabout Brisbane’s famous “Pink Twins”.The Chair of Backbone Youth Arts and formerArtistic Director of La Boite Theatre Company,Professor Rider appears on the cover of thisyear’s Brisbane White Pages for her workpromoting the arts among diverse audiences.The Flowering began life by chance in 2001when the collaborators worked together on theClay/Play project to raise funds for breast cancerresearch. The event saw female artists createshort plays in just 24 hours, and the idea forfuture productions was born.“Donna wrote a beautiful, quirky, movingscript inspired by Julie’s porcelain pieces and Idirected it. We loved the process, admired eachother’s work and all wanted to develop furtherwhat we’d started in a very short time,” ProfessorRider said.“Donna then came up with the idea ofThe Flowering, which had its origins in theGreek myths of Persephone and Demeter anddrew on her own experience of visiting India.I’m constantly seeking new ways to makemeaning in theatre and the idea of combining acontemporary text based on ancient myth with asolo performer and pieces of porcelain openedup wonderful creative possibilities.”True to its title, the play tells the story ofa year in one woman’s life as she relates herdevelopment to her mother.Professor Rider said the show explored theloss of innocence experienced in the transitionto adulthood, and the resulting power shiftsbetween people and their parents.Using ceramics added another dimension tothe work and grounded the drama, she said.“When the show opens, there are pieces ofporcelain scattered over a circular earth-colouredcloth. The pieces could be broken crockery,or plant pots, or bones. The scene could be agarden or a desert. Before a word is spoken weare forming impressions of what we see,” shesaid.Professor Rider said the script’s strength wasits blending of drama and comedy, a techniquehoned by some of the world’s most famousstorytellers.“Theatre dies from monotony or complacency,but it thrives on contrast and I love nothing betterthan to hear audiences give a big belly laughfollowed by a gasp of horror or the silence ofsadness,” she said.“The best playwrights – take Shakespeare,Chekhov and Brecht – all mix comedy andtragedy. My job as a director is to make sure therhythms are right, that the audience knows whento laugh and when to hold their breath. Oftenit’s a matter of pace. And it’s magic when thebalance is right.”The Flowering appears at the Judith WrightCentre in Fortitude Valley from February 9–13.courtesy JWCOCAUQNEWS, february 2010 ➔ 21MINING industry linksThe University of Queensland is playing avital role in the continued success of thestate’s resources industry, according to apeak representative body.In 2009, UQ Vice-Chancellor ProfessorPaul Greenfield and Queensland ResourcesCouncil Chief Executive Michael Rochesigned a Memorandum of Understandingbolstering research and education for theminerals and energy sector.In a world first, UQ has also establisheda professorial position of engagement,recently appointing Dr Gideon Chitomboas Chair of Minerals Industry Engagement.“These are just some of theachievements that demonstrate why UQ’sinnovative approaches, global expertiseand reputation in the resources sector,make it a pivotal university in QRC’s visionfor higher education,” Mr Roche said.The continuing commitment of UQto the resources sector during the globalfinancial crisis will deliver benefits toindustry for years to come.”DIVERSITY week 2010Globalisation will come under thespotlight during The University ofQueensland’s eighth annual DiversityWeek celebrations, to be held this yearfrom May 24-28.The theme of Diversity Week 2010 willbe Our Global Community.UQ Senior Deputy Vice-ChancellorProfessor Michael Keniger said that anyfocus by the University community on thebenefits of globalisation would inevitablyhighlight and celebrate the culturaldiversity of students, staff, alumni andpartners.“This is an apt theme for DiversityWeek during UQ’s Centenary, becauseinternational students, staff and alumnihelped shape the University and itsachievements during its first century,” hesaid.“Now, as we start the second century,a key aim of the University is to share thebenefits of learning and discovery withinternational communities.”physics honourProfessor Guifre Vidal hasbeen named by Canada’sPerimeter Institute of TheoreticalPhysics (PI) as one of 10 newDistinguished Research Chairs.IN BRIEFProfessor Vidal joins 10 existing expertsincluding Professor Stephen Hawking,making 20 positions internationally.As a Distinguished Research Chair,Professor Vidal will spend extendedresearch visits at PI each year, becomingpart of their research community whileretaining his position at UQ.Perimeter Institute Director NeilTurok said Professor Vidal was amongresearchers who had made remarkableand creative contributions to key areas ofmodern physics.Professor Vidal has made importantcontributions to the development ofquantum information science, withapplications to condensed matter theory,and has been recognised by the AustralianResearch Council as a Federation Fellow.

UQNEWS, february 2010 ➔ 22sporttop netballersaim for uqQueensland’s up-and-coming netballers will be put throughtheir paces by UQ fitness experts this year.University of Queensland expertise will help keepthe state’s most promising netballers on their toesin 2010.Coordinated through UQ Sport, thearrangement will see human movement studiesgraduates Anthony Wood and Samantha Fisherbecome strength and conditioning coaches forNetball Queensland.The contract is the first of its kind and requiresUQ Sport to manage strength and conditioningfor the under 17 and 19 state teams.Sports Development Manager Vince Kelly saidhe was confident Mr Wood and Ms Fisher wouldbe able to deliver the highest quality training forthe young athletes.“Anthony has more than three yearsexperience working with elite athletes includingnational representative rowers and the WynnumManly Seagulls and Sarah has recently completedher major practicum with the Queensland Reds,”Mr Kelly said.The under 17 and 19 state teams willcompete at the National Netball Championshipsin South Australia in April and will undertakeweekly on-court speed, agility and strengthsessions at UQ Sport.“We are confident in our ability to have thegirls at their best possible fitness levels by Apriland I’m really looking forward to assisting theteams in gaining that competitive strength andsize edge that they haven’t had in the past,” MrWood said.Ms Fisher, who has previously workedwith the strength and conditioning coach ofthe Queensland Firebirds netball team, is alsodetermined to help the athletes perform to thebest of their abilities.“I am so excited to work as a strength andconditioning coach for this state team and start toapply everything I have learnt from university andprac to these athletes,” she said.“It is such an amazing opportunity and a greatway to begin in the field of elite sport.”INFO ➔ www.uqsport.uq.edu.au

aroundcampusevents/notices• Friday, February 26Public lecture “Lying in Politics”. Renownedintellectual historian Professor Martin Jay iskeynote speaker. (All day, St Leo’s College, StLucia) $80 or $40 for postgraduates. Contact:(07) 3346 7415, m.ure@uq.edu.au• Wednesday, March 3Dean of Medicine’s Lecture Series. “End of LifeDecision Making in Europe: Ethical and ClinicalChallenges” (6.30pm-7.30pm Abel Smith LectureTheatre, St Lucia). Contact: (07) 3365 5515.• To rent: Modern self-contained granny flat inleafy Annerley. Ten mins walk to Eleanor SchonellBridge. Close to shops, bus, train, 5kms to city.Internet, electricity and gas included – $220/wk.Contact: 0413 055 703• Footy tipping: Staff interested in rugbyleague and AFL are invited to join the UQ FootyTipping Competition. Cash prizes for 1st, 2ndand 3rd, prizes throughout the season, anyonecan join! Contact (07) 3346 9976 or t.leggatt@uq.edu.auscholarships• Indigenous Access Scholarshipsschool in the year preceding the award, and planto enrol in a program at a Queensland universityin the year of the award. Closing: March 5. Worth:$1700. Information: (07) 3365 1984.• Salvatore Vitale ScholarshipAvailable to a student who completed Year 12 ata secondary school in North Queensland in 2009and can demonstrate that they provided service totheir local community. Must be enrolled full-time inthe first year of an undergraduate program at TheUniversity of Queensland in 2010. Closing: March19, 2010. Worth: approx $4000. Information: (07)3365 1984.• J.K. Lober Bachelor of AppliedScience ScholarshipOpen to domestic students who have completeda UQ Diploma or Associate Degree in AppliedScience and are enrolled to study full-time in the3rd year of the Bachelor of Applied Science inhorticulture and/or agronomy. Selection will bebased on financial need, academic achievement,demonstrated interest in horticulture andagronomy and leadership. Closing: February 26.Worth: $5000. Information: (07) 3365 2165.UQNEWS, february 2010 ➔ 23GENERAL CLASSIFIEDS**Classifieds are free, but are available only to staff,students and visiting academics. Please sendlistings to p.robinson@uq.edu.au• Accommodation wanted: New UQstaff member seeks to rent a house convenientto the Herston Medical School and suitable forfamily with two young children.Contact: a.whittaker@unimelb.edu.auAvailable to Indigenous students, particularlythose who need to relocate from a regional orremote area to undertake higher education.Awarded on financial need. Closing: February 17.Worth: $4253. Information: (07) 3365 7113.• Doris Camp ScholarshipApplications are invited from female students whowill complete year 12 at a Townsville secondary• Accommodation wanted: AmericanFulbright Scholar teaching/researching at UQMedical School for four months from February10. Looking for fully furnished 2 bed, 2 bath,close to Herston or city. Contact: sblackman5@gmail.comschonell cinemauq news deadlinesNEXTISSUECOPYDEADLINEPUBLICATIONDATE590 February 24 March 16Semester 1 begins March 1• Accommodation wanted: Granny flator similar single accommodation close to Gattoncampus required for academic staff memberstarting in February. Contact: 0400 426 229.• To rent: Granny flat for rent, available February2010. Fully furnished with linen provided.Contact: redmyre@bigpond.net.aushowing over summer:~ PARANORMAL ACTIVITY (USA)~ NOWHERE BOY (UK/CANADA)~ THE TOPP TWINS (NEW ZEALAND)Session times ➔ www.schonell.comLibrary hours available atwww.library.uq.edu.auQueensland history one click awayAmateur and professional historians alike nowhave access to a major new resource with thelaunch of queenslandplaces.com.auThe new public website was developed by UQwith the support of the Queensland Governmentand contains entries on all the cities, towns,suburbs and villages in Queensland that have hadpopulations of 500 or more.University of Queensland Vice-ChancellorProfessor Paul Greenfield said communityenthusiasm had breathed life into the newwebsite’s images.“UQ is delighted by the response of people allover the state who dug into their slide collectionsin order to share their views of Queensland placeswith people everywhere,” he said.“Thanks to these slide contributors, UQ isable to present high-quality research – conductedover seven years – in a format that is as engagingas it is educational.“I congratulate Professor Peter Spearritt andhis team at the Centre for the Government ofQueensland at UQ, along with staff of the UQLibrary, and the key government personnel whodelivered queenslandplaces.com.au.”Queensland Premier Anna Bligh saiddata in the website included black-and-whitephotographs and postcards to colour slidesfrom the 1950s–80s, which had been specificallydigitised and preserved for this project.“This exciting new website has over 1100entries, from the 19th century boom towns ofGympie and Cooktown to the new suburbs of the21st century,” she said.Users of the website can access recordsby name of settlement or a key word search forevents and themes – from the border gates atCoolangatta, to the Torres Strait Islands and themines of Mount Isa.“This is a great educational resource forteachers, students, family historians, visitorsto Queensland, and everyone interested in ourhistory, culture and ongoing development,” MsBligh said.The website was produced as part ofQueensland’s 150th anniversary celebrations.INFO ➔ www.queenslandplaces.com.au

Mirror image imageMirrorA Sydney artist has harnessed the powerof surprise and the forces of gravity to wina major art prize established by UQ.Julie Rrap received the $50,000 Universityof Queensland National Artists’ Self-PortraitPrize on November 27, edging out 33 otherentries from across the country and theTorres Strait.Judge Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, Directorof the Museum of Contemporary Art inSydney, said Ms Rrap’s video entry, 360°self portrait, was the outstanding work in astrong field.“Julie Rrap’s entry is an ambitious andambiguous piece. The viewer is drawn in bythe emotional drama, as the morphing faceappears to reflect some inner turmoil or reactto something beyond the camera. In reality,the changes are the result of centrifugal forceas the artist spins through 360°, the title ofthe work,” Ms Macgregor said.To create the self-portrait, the artist wasinstalled into a machine which rotated theartist’s body as a camera recorded the action.The viewer watches the artist’s face as itcontorts due to the forces of gravity, but isunaware of the mechanics behind the work.The biennial prize was established in 2007and complements the University’s specialcollection of self-portraits, the only one of itskind in the country.“Entry to this award is by invitation only,and we were delighted by the high standardof works that artists submitted in 2009,” UQArt Museum Director Nick Mitzevich said.Julie Rrap is one of Australia’s mostprominent artists, working in the areas ofphotography, video, sculpture and installation.Her work has been featured in majorAustralian and international exhibitionsincluding the Biennale of Sydney in 1986,1988 and 1992, with a major survey,Julie Rrap: Body Double on show at theMuseum of Contemporary Art in 2007–08,accompanied by a comprehensivemonograph featuring her work.Mr Mitzevich said new media, particularlyvideo and multimedia, has had a significantimpact on the changing nature of portraiture.“Whether artists are using the selfportraitto mask or reveal the self, or employnon-representational modes as a form ofself-portrayal, it is clear that the genre of theself-portrait has been revitalised in recentyears,” he said.The self-portrait prize exhibition was theUQ Art Museum’s final show of 2009 andattracted thousands of visitors betweenNovember and January.Julie Rrap in front of her winning entry, 360° self portraitmain image david sproule. others courtesy UQ art museumINFO ➔ To view the 2010 exhibition program,visit www.artmuseum.uq.edu.auAmanda Marburg’s entry Melbourne LongneckHumpy away from home by Christian Bumbarra Thompson