A ground-breaking test to diagnose liver fibrosis has received a boost after lead researcher, Professor Chamindie Punyadeera, was selected on to the prestigious LuminaX HealthTech Accelerator Program.
The Griffith University research uses salivary biomarkers to diagnose the condition which is characterised by excessive accumulation of scar tissue which replaces normal liver tissue and disrupts the organ’s structure and function.
The condition can lead to more severe liver damage culminating in cirrhosis which can cause significant complications such as liver failure, portal hypertension, and an increased risk of liver cancer.
Liver fibrosis is like a tsunami, with its incidence rate significantly higher in individuals over the age of 50 years.
Professor Punyadeera, from Griffith’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, said the selection marks a major milestone for her team and its flagship saliva-based liver fibrosis test.
Professor Chamindie Punyadeera
“My team is pioneering non-invasive saliva-based diagnostics and to be selected for a highly competitive LuminaX HealthTeach Accelerator is a testament to our hard work in digital health innovation in Australia,” Professor Punyadeera said.
“Inclusion in the LuminaX program affirms the clinical relevance and transformative potential of the technology, offering significant momentum toward market readiness.”
The test is a novel, non-invasive diagnostic tool aimed at improving early detection and management of liver disease.
The current diagnosis method is a liver biopsy which is both invasive and painful, and cannot be repeated frequently.
“Being chosen for LuminaX is a powerful endorsement of our breakthrough science and bold vision,” she said.
“It not only connects us to a network of top-tier mentors, clinicians, and investors but also fast-tracks our ability to bring this life-saving test to those who need it most.
“With global rates of liver disease rising, the need for accurate, accessible diagnostic tools has never been greater.”
The LuminaX HealthTech Accelerator is delivered by Cohort Innovation Space, located in the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct (GCHKP), Australia’s emerging hub for health, research and technology innovation.
Griffith Enterprise, the technology transfer office of Griffith University, is inviting expressions of interest from industry partners or experienced investors to help bring this breakthrough diagnostic technology to market, offering a fast, efficient, and affordable solution for detecting a serious disease.
The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier this month, marking a significant step in international education and industry alignment. HKUST will lead the program design, Griffith University will provide academic expertise to develop the course materials, and KPMG will bring industry insights to life by delivering the content. The program is set to launch in late 2025.
Housed within Griffith Business School, the Academy of Excellence in Financial Crime Investigation and Compliance is playing a key role in shaping the curriculum. The Academy’s Director, Professor Andreas Chai, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to tackling one of the most pressing global challenges.
“This innovative collaboration will help grow the next generation of financial crime investigators in one of Asia’s leading financial centres. We are thrilled to contribute our academic expertise to such a timely and important initiative.”
Professor Andreas Chai
With financial crime and money laundering estimated to cost the global economy approximately US$1.45 trillion each year, the need for skilled professionals in this field is more urgent than ever. The new MSAC concentration aims to build a strong talent pipeline for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, equipping graduates with industry-ready skills and knowledge.
The program will feature five specialised electives:
Introduction to Financial Crime
Financial Crime Regulation, Compliance and Sanctions
Financial Crime Transaction Monitoring and Investigation
Financial Crime Risk Management and Governance
Data Analytics for Financial Crime Investigation
Students completing this concentration will be prepared for careers in forensic accounting, financial crime investigation, and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT).
Bali, Indonesia – May 2025 – A new regional initiative aimed at accelerating Asia’s transition to clean energy was officially launched last week in Bali, Indonesia. The Green Energy Network – Asia (GEN-A) brings together energy leaders from across the region to build collaboration, share knowledge, and support innovative policy and financing strategies essential for a just and effective green energy transition.
Structured as an inaugural GEN-A conference, the launch brought together over 40 participants from more than 10 countries. Attendees included senior representatives from energy regulators, utilities, financiers, independent power producers (IPPs), think tanks, and data providers. The event was organised by the Griffith Asia Institute in collaboration with GEN-A partners including the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), the Pakistan-China Institute, and Climate Smart Ventures.
The conference was formally opened by Professor Christoph Nedopil, founding member of GEN-A and Director of the Griffith Asia Institute, who emphasised the importance of greater regional cooperation in clean energy:
“We initiated GEN-A to address a crucial gap in Asia’s green energy transition: collaboration and knowledge sharing among the different Asian energy decision-makers – many of which face similar challenges: finance, IPP design, working with Chinese suppliers, or grid stability.”
Professor Nedopil’s opening remarks were followed by Keynote speeches delivered by the Honorable Dr Shezra Mansab Ali Kharal, Minister of State for Climate Change, Pakistan, and Mr Zainal Arifin, Executive Vice President of Renewable Energy, PT PLN Persero, Indonesia. Their participation underscored the strong commitment of both regional governments and private sector leaders to drive clean energy developments and deepen cross-border cooperation.
GEN-A’s threefold mission—knowledge sharing, networking, and real-world impact—was reflected in a dynamic program that tackled pressing questions: Why are there still so few successful green IPPs in Asia? How can collaboration among utilities, businesses, and investors be improved? What is China’s role in enabling the region’s transition?
Mr Noorul Arifeen Zuberi, Senior Advisor, China Three Gorges South Asia Investment Limited (C-SAIL) stated:
“In a region as diverse as Asia, GEN-A offers an invaluable platform that connects ideas with action, opening new avenues to partner on innovative IPP models and cross-border solutions that drive sustainable development — all priorities are deeply aligned with C-SAIL’s strategic vision.”
Key themes explored during the conference included:
The barriers and potential of scaling green IPPs, including emerging business models for small-scale solar;
Innovative financing tools to overcome the challenges of investing in emerging markets;
The role of carbon markets and regulatory frameworks in enabling energy policy reform;
Case studies showcasing both promising and problematic experiences with green IPPs across the region;
The importance of constructive and pragmatic engagement with China, whose technology, financing, and global influence are critical to regional transition efforts.
Participants highlighted a number of valuable insights. While energy storage and legacy fossil fuel infrastructure continue to pose hurdles, the momentum for green transition is growing. New models of collaboration between utilities and IPPs are taking shape, offering pathways to unlock investment and accelerate clean energy deployment. However, progress on coal retirement remains slow, described by one participant as “steady but glacial.”
The launch of GEN-A marks the culmination of several months of preparatory work by the Griffith Asia Institute team, with strong support from regional partners. Bali, with its own ambitious clean energy goals and status as a policy pioneer in Indonesia, provided a fitting venue for this milestone event.
Looking ahead, GEN-A aims to become a central platform for collaboration on the green energy transition in Asia, serving as a hub for cross-border research, capacity building, and policy innovation. As the region faces a complex and urgent energy future, GEN-A hopes to empower stakeholders with the tools, insights, and partnerships needed to deliver real change.
Participants of the Innaugural Green Energy Network – Asia (Gen-A) conference.
Griffith University is set to provide financial and risk management education to Queensland’s public sector workforce following a new partnership signed with Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC).
Pro Vice Chancellor (Business) Professor Caitlin Byrne.
QTC Education will serve clients across state government agencies, government-owned corporations and Queensland’s 77 councils, with a focus on those in regional and remote areas.
Griffith’s executive education provider, Griffith Advantage, developed the program with expertise from the Department of Accounting Finance and Economics, and training will cover key financial areas including financial management, evaluating and developing business cases, project and change management and funding and investment.
Pro Vice Chancellor (Business) Professor Caitlin Byrne said the collaboration would ensure public sector professionals received the best possible training from Griffith’s finance experts.
“We are excited to partner with QTC to deliver impact education empowering supporting public sector professionals to make informed financial decisions which will benefit all Queenslanders,” Professor Byrne said.
“QTC Educationalso provides bespoke training for local councils which equips them with the knowledge they need to make informed and sustainable financial decisions for their local communities.
“Griffith University is committed to ensuring our programs achieve beneficial impacts on society and the communities we engage with, so we are pleased to be contributing to the QTC Education offering and supporting local communities around Queensland.”
QTC Acting CEO Susan Buckley said Griffith was chosen as the provider of core financial and local government training following a competitive selection process.
“For decades, QTC Education has enhanced the capabilities of public sector finance leaders and workers at all levels, empowering them with the skills to manage financial resources effectively,” said Ms Buckley.
“In partnership with Griffith University, the refreshed program will deliver an uplift in these capabilities, contributing to the overall financial health and sustainability of Queensland.”
To find out more about the available courses visit https://clients.qtc.com.au/education/
New UA Chair Professor Carolyn Evans.
Griffith University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans is the new Chair of Universities Australia (UA) succeeding University of South Australia Vice-Chancellor and President Professor David Lloyd.
The new Chair was confirmed at UA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in late May.
Professor Evans studied law, first at the University of Melbourne and then as a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford. Prior to her appointment at Griffith in 2019, she held senior leadership positions at the University of Melbourne, and she is a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia.
Throughout her career, Professor Evans has promoted the importance of universities combining excellence in teaching and research with a commitment to social justice and inclusion.
Outgoing UA Chair Professor David Lloyd.
She has been a member of the UA Board since 2023.
Professor Evans said it was both an exciting and challenging time to be taking over the leadership of Australia’s university sector and thanked Professor Lloyd for his dedication during the past two years as UA Chair.
“David has done a remarkable job as Chair during what has been a testing couple of years, and I want to acknowledge his significant contribution to Universities Australia and our sector over a long period,” Professor Evans said.
“Universities are critical to Australia’s future, and I am eager to work with our members, industry colleagues and parliamentarians to make our sector stronger for the benefit of all Australians.
“Now more than ever, our sector needs reliable and proper policy and financial settings to continue to provide the skills, knowledge and innovation our country needs to grow and prosper in the years ahead.”
Self portrait by 2025 Archibald Prize winner, Associate Professor Julie Fragar
A major exhibition celebrating five decades of artistic excellence and cultural significance has opened today at the Griffith University Art Museum.
Showcasing more than 190 works that trace the evolution of Australian artistic practice, Collecting the Future: 50 Years of the Griffith University Art Collection will immerse visitors in a display of early video art, political posters, contemporary Australian Indigenous art, photography, painting and sculpture.
Curated by Lizzie Riek, herself a Queensland College of Art and Design (QCAD) alumnus, Collecting the Future traces the changing social and cultural contexts within which the University and the Art Collection have operated since their foundation in the 1970s.
It features works by some of Australia’s most influential artists and outstanding Griffith University alumni including Vernon Ah Kee, Davida Allen, Christopher Bassi, James Barth, Gordon Bennett, Cressida Campbell and Michael Zavros.
Griffith University Art Museum Director Angela Goddard
It also features a powerful 2017 self-portrait by 2025 Archibald Prize winner and QCAD alumnus and staff member Associate Professor Julie Fragar.
Griffith University Art Museum Director Angela Goddard said the exhibition had been curated to highlight the pioneering works of an array of inspirational artists.
“It’s a spectacular salon hang of works from our extensive collection,” she said.
“From the very beginning, the Collection has looked to the future, nurturing artistic innovation and emerging practices through the acquisition of early career works by alumni, many of whom have gone on to achieve national and international recognition.
“Today, it is a legacy for future generations of students and artists and an important record of Australia’s artistic history.”
Collecting the Future also highlights the crucial role donors have played over the past five decades in building this nationally significant collection and enhancing its cultural impact.
The exhibition runs from 29 May to 16 August 2025 at 226 Grey St, South Brisbane.
New research finds “perks” for hospitality workers may be, in some cases, masking the fact many still aren’t receiving legal entitlements such as fair pay and conditions.
Perks for hospitality workers are informal, non-contractual benefits such as free drinks, free meals and discounted services that are provided at the discretion of employers.
More than 44 per cent of respondents in the study said they never or rarely received overtime pay or time off for public holidays, and more than 49 per cent said they did not regularly receive legally mandated breaks.
Griffith Institute for Tourism lead researcher Dr Olivier Oren.
Griffith Institute for Tourism lead researcher Dr Olivier Oren said perks could be contributing to a positive workplace atmosphere, however the culture of perks could be exacerbating non-compliance in the industry.
“The provision of perks can mask serious issues such as overwork and wage theft,” Dr Oren said.
“The normalisation of informal rewards and goodwill gestures can blur the lines between legal entitlements and informal benefits, leaving workers uncertain about their rights and their employers’ obligations.”
Survey respondents were primarily under 35 years old, and worked in hospitality positions such as line cooks, café attendants and wait staff.
National data showed 58 per cent of women made up the hospitality workforce in Australia, however more men than women participated in this study, suggesting a gendered imbalance in participation that warranted further investigation.
“Workers have said they would prefer benefits such as fair pay, work-life balance, respect, and legal compliance over informal perks,” Dr Oren said
“Workers who received a written and signed agreement before starting their job were much more likely to receive their entitlements.”
Researchers from Griffith, Western Sydney University and The University of Queensland have launched a new study, The International Hospitality, Tourism and Travel Employment Survey, which is being conducted to better understand the work conditions of hospitality staff and aims to improve working conditions, policies and support for employees and employers alike.
To be involved in the new survey, participants must be at least 18 years old, be currently working in the hospitality, travel and tourism sector and currently live in Australia.
In a demonstration of social responsibility and leadership, Griffith Business School is proud to once again support the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, with a team of senior leadership staff members and alumni taking part for the third consecutive year. On Thursday 19 June, these leaders will trade their warm beds for a night on cold concrete, helping raise vital funds and awareness for Australians experiencing homelessness.
This year’s Griffith Business School team led by Professor Caitlin Byrne, Pro Vice Chancellor (Business) also includes:
Professor Martin Berka, Dean (Academic)
Professor Andreas Chai
Professor Alberto Posso
Associate Professor Alexandr Akimov
Professor Robyn Cameron
Chrystal Coughlan, PhD student, former GBS Student Leader and St Vincent de Paul volunteer
Alvin Yap, former GBS Student Leader
Their commitment reflects the School’s deeply held values of responsible leadership and community engagement.
“Homelessness is not a distant issue, it is happening in our communities every day,” says Professor Caitlin Byrne, who has been a regular participant since 2022.
“In Queensland alone, we’ve seen a 22% rise in homelessness since 2017, which is nearly three times the national average. Events like the CEO Sleepout are a reminder that we all have a role to play in addressing this crisis.”
The annual CEO Sleepout, led by St Vincent de Paul Society, is more than a symbolic gesture. It raises critical funds that go directly toward services like emergency accommodation, food, healthcare, and pathways out of poverty for vulnerable Australians. Last year, the event raised over $8.9 million nationally.
Professor Martin Berka, Dean (Academic), said participating in the Sleepout was both humbling and necessary.
“As leaders in business education, we have a responsibility to not only teach economic and social principles but to live them. Sleeping out, even for just one night, helps us better understand the urgency of the housing crisis and reinforces our commitment to driving real-world change through research, policy, and community action.”
Team GBS at the 2024 CEO Sleepout
The School’s involvement doesn’t end with one night. Through research initiatives like the Social and Affordable Housing Research Cluster, Griffith Business School actively investigates long-term solutions to the housing crisis. The School also fosters a culture of responsible leadership among students and alumni, many of whom are engaged in volunteering and community work during and beyond their studies.
PhD student and former GBS Student Leader Chrystal Coughlan is a passionate supporter of Vinnies. “Being part of the CEO Sleepout and helping raise funds for such a vital cause is a powerful way to give back,” she says. “Griffith Business School’s focus on social responsibility has shaped my career and personal mission.”
A team of high-achieving Griffith Business School students has earned international recognition, placing among the Top 10 Finalists at Harvard University’s Global Case Competition, one of the world’s most prestigious finance competitions for university students.
Competing against more than 1,000 teams from leading universities across the world, including Stanford, the London School of Economics, and Harvard itself, the Griffith team, aptly named the Kangaroo Capitalists, represented Australia with distinction. Their submission, Fuelling the Future: Ferrari’s Road to Dominance, was a comprehensive pitch advising Ferrari on the hypothetical acquisition of global tyre manufacturer Pirelli.
Led by Jake Lawrence, alongside teammates Sin Yik Ong, Leyton Hilmer, Sizzan Vahora, and Thomas Skorupanovic, the group impressed judges with a professional-grade pitchbook and a suite of well-researched financial models. Their placement in the finals, held on Harvard University’s iconic campus, cements Griffith Business School’s growing reputation on the global finance stage.
“Competing against some of the most prestigious universities in the world was humbling and motivating,” said team captain Jake Lawrence.
“From advanced Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) structuring to live valuation modelling, the competition gave us the opportunity to apply high-level finance and defend our analysis in front of esteemed bankers and high finance professionals, all within a practical, fast-paced environment. It stretched us academically, challenged our thinking, and inspired us to lead with purpose.”
While the competition was a focal point, the team immersed themselves in a full program of academic and networking events hosted by Harvard. From technical finance workshops, such as a masterclass on advanced M&A and Valuation led by Danijel Lipovac, CFA , to career reflections from Grant Freeland, former Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group, every session left a lasting impression.
Beyond Harvard, the Griffith team made the most of their time in the United States. Whether it was sailing down the Boston River with students from Norway, discussing markets with future Goldman Sachs analysts, or exploring Times Square alongside peers from Germany, the team sought every opportunity to broaden their global perspective and network with future leaders of finance.
Their experience also sparked a new initiative with Jake working to launch an international student-led investment fund, a not-for-profit initiative that will recruit top student talent, offer real-world finance experience, and reinvest its returns into the student community.
“This competition was more than just a challenge, it was a turning point,” said Jake. “We’re proud to represent Griffith Business School on a global stage, and even prouder to be bringing that experience back to build something that will benefit others.”
The team’s success was supported by Dr Akihiro Omura, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, who provided mentorship and academic guidance throughout the preparation process.
“I’m proud of Griffith team’s growth in strategic thinking and financial modelling. Their initiative to engage in such a rigorous extracurricular challenge shows commendable drive and reflects our strong, competitive presence on the world stage.”
Griffith University and ANZ have today announced a strategic partnership which will focus on advancing research and training in Queensland.
The partnership, which also includes the University of Queensland, will help build a future-ready workforce equipped to support the future needs of students and ANZ customers.
ANZ’s collaboration with Griffith University will centre on technology, cybersecurity and agriculture.
Griffith University’s strengths in digital innovation, fraud prevention, and cybersecurity are important to ANZ’s work in continuing to invest in security measures and capabilities, helping protect our customers and the community from the ongoing threats of scams and financial crime.
Vice President (Industry and External Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Harch
Griffith University Vice President (Industry and External Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Harch, welcomed the partnership with ANZ, a testment to the power of purposeful collaboration between industry and universities to deliver system-level impact.
“By combining ANZ’s scale and ambition with Griffith’s expertise in cybersecurity and fraud, digital innovation, and agriculture technology, we are creating a blueprint for future-focused workforce development and sovereign capability,” Professor Harch said.
“Together, we’re building the digital and ethical infrastructure Queensland needs to prosper in an increasingly complex global economy.”
ANZ Managing Director Queensland and Suncorp Bank Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Rush said: “We are deeply committed to unlocking the full potential of the Queensland economy, and our strategic partnerships with both universities are a testament to that vision.
“These collaborations allow us to tap into Queensland’s deep well of academic expertise and emerging talent across key areas like cyber resilence, digital innovation, ESG and sustainable financeto help shape practical solutions for the industries and communities we serve. Together, we’re building a Queensland pipeline of skilled talent, boosting student’s readiness for the jobs of the future, right here in the Sunshine State, as well as unlocking insights that will help drive progress across some of Australia’s most critical economic sectors,” he said.
