Griffith Business School organised the first International Summit on Leading Digital Innovation for Sustainable Future last week.
The event welcomed more than 50 participantsincluding thought leaders and directors from QLD Health, successful startups and SMEs, as well as academics with diverse disciplines from University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Curtin University and many more.
Data-driven industrial revolution provides significant opportunities for technological innovations to contribute towards a sustainable future. The summit focused specifically on digital Innovation for collaborative and circular economy, leadership for transforming organisations, and managing wellbeing during a crisis.
Keynote panels led the ideas for each stream. Speakers included Noel Ainsworth (Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries), Jessica Day (IdeaScale) and Damian Green (eHealth Queensland). There was also an amazing showcase of digital innovation projects including Sebastian Binnewies (App Factory), Rhetta Chappell (Regional Innovation Data Lab), Miriam Carter and Mark Ryan (Griffith MBA project), and Siiri Hatakka (Everledger).
A key message shared across all these presentations was the importance of collaboration in harnessing the rapid pace of technology change for sustainable development goals. Everyone has a role on the mission to achieve real impacts for the society, economy, and environment.
Head of the Department of Business Strategy and Innovation said the interactive workshops showcased the use of digital technologies to address current and emerging global challenges and provided a unique platform for sharing and discussing cutting-edge results and latest developments.
“The summit harnessed new connections and ideas to create impacts in Sustainable Development Goals. It was a great opportunity for networking, engaging, and formulating new projects in emerging topics.”
The afternoon session focused on co-creation of new ideas, alliances, and collaborations to take some real actions for tangible outcomes that contribute towards the UN’s SDG. The three concurrent thematic workshops included: ‘Circular and collaborative economy’, ‘Leadership for transforming organisations’and ‘Managing wellbeing during a crisis’
Jessica Day, Ideascape.
Noel Ainsworth, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Damien Green, eHealth Queensland.
Education graduate Yasmin Atwani didn’t speak a word of English when she started school, but went on to attain an OP1 and win a scholarship to Griffith to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.
Education lecturers Prof. Beryl Exley and Dr Ben Williams with Yasmin Atwani
Yasmin recently won the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) Queensland Pre-Service Teacher Award for 2020.
The award recognises the best and brightest teachers of tomorrow.
“It’s nice to end my degree on such a high,” she said.
“The award is a real honour – they choose one pre-service HPE teacher in Queensland who has done well in their prac placements and undertaken a range of extra-curricular activities that promote health and wellbeing.”
Despite juggling her studies and a series of intensive practical placements, Yasmin still found time to give back.
Amid COVID lockdowns, she was the face of Griffith University’s Wellness and Leadership Initiative, creating weekly mental health and wellness videos for students.
Yasmin also volunteered with the GUMURRII Unit, mentoring Indigenous Education students who returned to remote areas of Queensland during campus closures.
She is about to have her first academic paper published, co-authoring a research paper on the use of technology in physical education with her mentor at Griffith, Education lecturer Dr Ben Williams.
“I just feel so lucky to have had so many different opportunities during my time at Griffith,” Yasmin said.
The Honours College student has just graduated from the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and landed her first job. The freshly minted teacher will kick off her career at Mt Gravatt State High School next year.
“I was inspired to become a teacher after experiencing the transformative power of education throughout my own schooling,” she said.
“Having entered school not knowing a word of English to completing Year 12 with an OP 1, I was so grateful to all the incredible teachers who believed in me.
“In my classroom I want to inspire my students to challenge the limits.
“As my Year Two teacher once told me, “Where you start doesn’t have to decide where you finish”. Those words have stuck with me…that is the power of education.”
Yasmin chose Griffith because of its reputation as a global leader in education and the hands-on opportunities offered during the degree.
“Griffith has an immersive, real-world focus and it also offers opportunities to grow beyond the degree through programs like the Griffith Honours College,” she said.
Dr Ben Williams
“The greatest highlight is walking away after four years with a passion for teaching that has only grown each year.
“I’m leaving with a degree, but also a network of colleagues and mentors that will continue to shape my identity for years to come.”
Yasmin’s mentor at Griffith University Dr Ben Williams said Yasmin was destined for a bright future as an educator.
“Yasmin is always curious, she genuinely has a passion for learning and wants to give back,” he said.
“She’s going to be an incredible asset to any school she joins.
“For her, it’s not just about doing the job, it’s about how to do it better.
“I can’t wait to see the contribution Yasmin makes to the profession.”
As Australia China relations continue to dominate headlines this year, Griffith Asia Institute (GAI) Director Professor Caitlin Byrne said she was incredibly pleased to see their program recognised by the ACAA.
“A flagship program developed and delivered by the Griffith Asia Institute in partnership with Peking University over the past decade, Asia Future Fellows fosters understanding, dialogue and collaboration between Australian and Chinese students, academics and emerging leaders,” she said.
“It is an important dimension in Australia’s broader relationship with China, at a time when the political relationship if experiencing some challenge.
“For those involved it is a critical opportunity to expand their horizons and build the skills, knowledge and capabilities that will support their career prospects into the future.”
GAI Event and Project Manager Natasha Vary
GAI Events and Project Manager Natasha Vary was singled out for her contributions, winning a Judges Citation for her work on the Asia Future Fellows program.
“This program supports student exchange and mobility, which is critical for our Asia Pacific future,” she said.
“Designed exclusively for undergraduate students, 12 Griffith University and 10 Peking University students come together each year during two, intensive one-week programs held in Brisbane and Beijing.”
Dr Jiangli Di
Individual 2020 Australia China Alumni awards went to Dr Jiangli Di and Professor Changjun Bao.
Dr Jiangli Di, the Deputy Director and Researcher/Professor of the Women and Children’s Health Monitoring Department of China Women and Health Centre of China CDC, was named the winner of the 2020Australian Ambassador’s Award for Women in Leadership.
Dr Jiangli completed her PhD through Griffith’s Centre for Environment and Population Health (CEPH) in2016.
During the pandemic she contributed to planning and the effective execution of successful COVID-19 response strategies in three outbreak centres in Wuhan, Beijing and Xinjiang.
Professor Changjun Bao
Professor Changjun Bao is Senior Epidemiologist and Chief of Department,Jiangsu Province Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and was recognised with the 2020Australia China Alumni Award for Research and Scienceaward.
Professor Bao completed a Master of Science in Public Health at Griffith in 2008.
He is a public health scientist who combines his expertise in epidemiology, zoonotic infectious diseases, and strategic leadership to prevent and control pandemics.
Through SARS, H1N1, H7N9, and COVID-19 outbreaks, Professor Bao has directed and managed these emergencies to safeguard the health of the Jiangsu population.
A program that pairs pre-service teachers with children impacted by family violence is proving to be life-changing.
A group of 13 pre-service teachers gathered each Wednesday afternoon to mentor 15 children, ranging from Prep to high school.
Education student Annabelle Bamford-Mareroa
First-year Bachelor of Education student Annabelle Bamford-Mareroa said volunteering for the Homework Club had a profound impact on her.
“My student and I came a long way – at the beginning of the six weeks, she wouldn’t speak, but now she chats away about her pets and school,” she said.
“Being a mentor at Homework Club has been mind-blowing.
“We provide a safe space for these kids and really focus on building trust. Once those things are in place, then they are able to learn.
“It’s also changed my whole career path – I’m keen to do postgraduate study and more research in this space.”
Education student Caroline Waugh
The Queensland Department of Education ran several workshops for students on trauma-informed teaching strategies before the Homework Club launched. It was an experience fellow Bachelor of Education student Caroline Waugh said was invaluable.
“It was a completely eye-opening experience for me,” she said.
“The training we received and the skills we’ll take into the classroom after we graduate are so valuable.
“To see how the kids have blossomed has been wonderful, and to know I can make a real difference as a teacher is really good.”
Education student Kyla Withers
For fellow Education student Kyla Withers, the project instilled confidence that she had chosen the right career path.
“This year really has been one for the record books, but this project has helped me to understand that I can do this, that I have what it takes to be a teacher.”
“I became a teacher to make a difference in kids’ lives, and a project like this is how you do it,” Dr McKay said.
“We’ve had amazing feedback from the kids and their parents.
“The kids come along excited to work with their mentors and it’s a two-way street – our students are developing amazing skills.”
Dr Tasha Riley
Dr Riley said the Homework Club pilot highlighted the benefits of schools, universities and community organisations working together.
“I’m really interested in meaningful partnerships with community organisations like Beyond DV. It can be transformative for everyone involved,” she said.
“Griffith has a strong focus on social justice and that is enacted on the ground with projects like this.”
Beyond DV founder Carolyn Robinson
Carolyn Robinson is the founder of Beyond DV and a Griffith University education alumnus.
The former teacher said the trauma of domestic violence had a profound impact on children.
“It’s a lack of confidence and the feeling that they are different to their peers,” she said.
“These children have experienced situations where they have not felt loved or safe.
“The idea for the Homework Club actually came from a need from some of our parents who approached me to see if I knew of any tutors who would help their kids – they were falling behind and struggling to engage at school.”
Ms Robinson said the pilot program has had an extraordinary impact.
“It has been greater than anything we could have ever expected,” she said.
“The pre-service teachers are developing new skills andchanging the trajectory of these kids lives.”
The Green Gown Awards recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by Australian universities and are considered the most prestigious recognition of best practice within the further and higher education sector worldwide.
“We are extremely proud and honoured to have won the 2020 Green Gown international awards category: Learning, Teaching and Skills category,” she said.
“The category recognises sustainability excellence in the learning and teaching space, which is core to our program.
“Our submission focused on the transformational journeys of current MBA students and alumni and the impact their learning journeys have on their professional and personal lives.”
Griffith submitted two entries in the Learning Teaching and Skills category, with judges awarding the prize to the University’s ‘The road to Tri Hita Karana’ submission.
Tri Hita Karanais a Balinese philosophy denoting three ways to happiness through attaining harmonies of people with people, nature, and the spiritual.
Griffith’s submission suggested the philosophy could be applied to the United Nation’s 17 Sustainability Development Goals alongside three ways of happiness and well-being and said the Griffith MBA was built on the same principle in the form of the three values that it stands for.
“Winning this prestigious award is true recognition of the exceptional learning and teaching efforts of our Griffith MBA staff and a celebration of the remarkable students and alumni that choose to study with us,” Associate Professor Schleimer said.
The Griffith MBA will now advance to the international stage of the competition. This year marks the first time the Learning, Teaching and Skills category has had an international component.
More 2020 honours
In what has been an extraordinary year for Griffith Business School, the MBA was recently ranked Number One overall in the Corporate Knights 2020 Better World MBA Ranking.
Griffith’s MBA program was identified as the top program in the world for the first time in the 18 year history of the Corporate Knights ranking, in recognition of its clear focus on sustainability across course content and faculty research, and an improvement in gender and racial diversity among faculty staff.
“Our MBA embraced sustainability as the core of business thinking and acting long before the majority of businesses realised it was crucial to operating successfully,” Associate Professor Schleimer said.
“We are creating value through social, financial and environmental approaches that lead to sustainable businesses and communities. and we are preparing global citizens, with a special focus on the Asia-Pacific region.”
The Griffith Business School MBA achieved the stellar ranking from a field of 150 MBA programs around the world, having previously ranked in the Top Five for the past two years.
A landmark new report by Griffith University and Transparency International Australia sets out how Australia should build a stronger, fairer, more accountable system of government.
Led by Griffith University, the Australian Research Council funded assessment included contributing researchers and authors from across Australia, desktop research, two national attitude and experience surveys, five stakeholder workshops and 50 face-to-face interviews.
Lead author Professor A J Brown from the Centre of Governance and Public Policy.
“Despite increased trust in the performance of governments during COVID19, citizen belief that corruption in government is a problem has also risen from 61% in 2018 to 66% in late October 2020 — confirming the imperative for action,” according to lead author, Professor A J Brown from the Centre for Governance and Public Policy.
“The lack of a federal anti-corruption watchdog is confirmed as the biggest institutional gap in our integrity system.”
“However it is not a silver bullet — we need political consensus on a strong national commission, but also action to strengthen the integrity of politics and government at all levels, including more effective regulation of lobbying, checks on undue influence, and fairer, more honest election campaigns.
“We also must value the contribution of whistleblowers and public interest journalism to the integrity of our democracy.”
Welcoming the final report, lead partner Transparency International Australia CEO Serena Lillywhite said: “Australians are loudly demanding that our politicians and public servants act with honesty, transparency and integrity.
“The assessment strongly endorses the need for a strong, independent Commonwealth integrity agency with scope to review criminal or non-criminal conduct that undermines integrity of public decision-making, and points the way forward for new, best practice investigation and public hearing powers.”
“While Australia has a strong past record for integrity in public decision-making, democratic innovation and multi-agency frameworks for controlling corruption, Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index confirms we’ve been slipping.”
“This comprehensive blueprint for Australia to have a strong anti-corruption and pro-integrity framework shows us the path towards a fairer and healthier democracy,” Ms Lillywhite said.
A remarkable group of nine Griffith University undergraduate students have been named as 2021 New Colombo Plan scholars.
Ramzi Matta
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is an Australian Government initiative which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.
Newly announced NCP scholar Ramzi Matta will use his scholarship to learn how Taiwan manages crises and avoids risks, specifically looking at how its relationship with China has produced economic gain without becoming overly dependent
“There is an undeniable risk of conflict across the Taiwan Strait which would affect the lives of millions and be disastrous to nations prospering from the region, such as Australia,” he said.
“Remarkably, Taiwan has been effective at managing crises, from constant security concerns to its handling of the SARS and COVID-19 outbreaks.
“I was born into a diverse family, with a Parsi mother and a Lebanese father, who fled the civil war which has since destroyed the prosperity of Lebanon,” Ramzi said.
“Family conversations routinely turned into discussions about world-politics and conflicts, which…drove my desire to shape Australian foreign policy as a career.
Anthea Moodie
“It also provided a unique perspective on the importance of avoiding crises and the need to understand cultural perspectives.”
Anthea is keen to learn more about how sport provides opportunities for those from marginalised communities in Fiji to engage, connect and excel.
“I have commonly witnessed people of my culture who are gifted in sport fail to realise the opportunities presented before them,” Anthea said.
“Like Australia, Fiji’s national identity is deeply rooted in sport.
“Through my NCP experience, I will examine Fijian sporting programs to better understand how the outcomes of students from disadvantaged backgrounds can be improved across Australia.”
Alexander Blackborough, Anna Twomey, Cheyenne Apap, Dean Cosgrove, Joshua Saunders, Melissa Osborn and Pearl Hoile join Ramzi and Anthea as NCP scholars for 2021.
“I have a great love for Southeast Asia after my two years in Thailand and Myanmar and look forward to bringing this passion in this important leadership role,” Joshua said.
“Australia’s relationship with ASEAN is of particular significance as we move into a future shaped by the effects of COVID-19 on the global economy.”
“In a year when international activities have been challenging to say the least, it’s great to see nine Griffith students receiving these prestigious awards,” Professor Todd said.
“I have no doubt that these new NCP scholars will have a truly transformative experience as have those who have gone before them.
“I am delighted to extend the University’s congratulations to them and wish them all the very best.”
Alexander Blackborough
Anna Twomey
Cheyenne Apap
Dean Cosgrove
Melissa Osborn
Pearl Hoile
Dr Lara Herrero, research leader at Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics, has been honoured with the Creating Change Award at the 2020 Gold Coast Women in Business Awards.
The highly prestigious Women in Business Awards of Australia recognises and honours exceptional businesswomen and industry achievers who are making a difference across Queensland.
“I am both honoured and humbled to receive this award in recognition of my research expertise and leadership in helping to create change that is good for the environment and community,” Dr Herrero said.
“Research is a team effort, and I am fortunate to lead a remarkable team of scientists who have contributed greatly to this work so far. I am very grateful to my team and the Institute for Glycomics and Griffith University for the ongoing support.”
Dr Lara Herrero with her Creating Change Award
Dr Herrero’s research focuses on vector-borne diseases; primarily mosquito-transmitted viruses which cause a range of clinical manifestations including encephalitis, arthritis, arthralgia and myalgia.
She is particularly interested in alphaviruses associated with arthritis such as chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Ross River virus (RRV), having suffered from RRV arthralgia herself.
“We have discovered a potential new treatment for viral arthritis which has successfully completed phase II clinical trials and is now entering phase III clinical trials,’’ Dr Herrero said.
Director of the Institute for Glycomics, Professor Mark von Itzstein AO, said the award was very well deserved for a research leader who has so aptly demonstrated the importance of translational research.
“It’s wonderful to see our researchers recognised for their many years of hard work and research efforts, which mostly happens behind the scenes and out of the spotlight.
“On behalf of everyone at the Institute for Glycomics, I would like to congratulate Dr Herrero on this outstanding achievement. We are very proud!”
The annual Women in Business Awards of Australia initiative was created to honour women who possess vision, innovation, entrepreneurial drive, leadership, individuality and tenacity, with the ultimate goal being to present role models for other women to aspire to.
A new report is calling on the G20 to fund ‘Nature-based Solutions’ that address three main risks to humankind: biodiversity loss, climate change and global pandemics.
Professor Brendan Mackey, Director of the Griffith Climate Change Response Program and Co-Director of the Whales and Climate research
“There’s a proven link between the current pandemics we are facing and biodiversity and climate change, and that nexus is forest conservation,” Professor Mackey said.
“Conservation of the most carbon-dense and biodiversity-rich forest ecosystems not only protect the biodiversity of plants and animals, it stores carbon in the trees and soil helping prevent global warming. Protecting tropical forest also acts as a natural quarantine zone, restricting the spillover of potentially harmful viruses from wildlife into human populations and livestock.”
He said COVID-19 had demonstrated the cost of imbalances between people and nature.
“Unfortunately, current economic stimulus packages launched by many G20 nations in response to the COVID-19 crisis could reinforce negative environmental trends, leading to further irreversible damage to both ecosystems and the climate, and to the possible outbreak of new pandemics.
“The members of the G20, constituting most of the world’s people, economic and trade activity, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, and COVID-19 cases — have a critical leadership role to play in ensuring this doesn’t happen.”
The report, commissioned by Foundation 20, Campaign for Nature and the Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology (SEE), found that integratingNature-Based Solutionsasa core elementofG20 nationseconomic stimulus packagesis the most promising pathway to achieving the G20 summit’s key objective of safeguarding the planet.
“The economic impacts of the pandemic are severe. Stimulus packages are therefore indispensable — but they need to be to be based on sustainability and climate action to help avoid dangerous climate change, increase the resilience of our societies and help avoid future pandemics,” said Professor Li Zhang, Secretary General of SEE.
The G20 recommendations for ‘The Nexus Report: Nature Based Solutions to the Biodiversity and Climate Crisis’
Professor Mackey said that the opportunity remains for the G20 leadership to turn Nature-based Solutions into an integrated multi-lateral response.
“Our report provides guidance on how Nature Based Solutions can provide “triple win” solutions by addressing this nexus of climate crisis, biodiversity extinctions and pandemics.”
The report recommends the G20 sends a strong message to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on the need for more effective cooperation in adoption and scaling of Nature-based Solutions as a multi-purpose solution for climate mitigation and adaptation, as well as the conservation of biological diversity.
“To achieve this triple win, global leaders must secure an agreement at the UN biodiversity conference, CBD COP 15, to protect at least 30 percent of our planet’s land and seas by 2030 and set a concrete and ambitious restoration target,” said Brian O’Donnell, Director, Campaign for Nature.
Bolstering employability by developing transversal skills and attributes that employers are seeking in graduate applicants, Dahlia Bar is currently completing a Remote Global Internship with the Australian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong (AustCham) as part of the Griffith Asia Business Internship (GABI) Program, a 20 credit point Griffith Asia Institute elective course delivered during Trimester 3.
Dahlia is among 29 Griffith Business School students currently attaining Global Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experiences by participating in the GABI Program and remotely working with host organisations based in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea and Malaysia. Example internship placements include ANZ, AustCham, Boron Molecular, Crossroads Foundation, Dale Carnegie Training and Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ).
Participation in the Global WIL experience for Dahlia, a Gold Coast based International Business and Government and International Relations student, is supported by New Colombo Plan virtual mobility funding. Defined within the Asia-Pacific region, GABI aims to increase industry, cultural and language experience, while fostering professional networking opportunities. Dahlia shares her motivation to join the initiative by highlighting three key goals.
“I wish to apply real-world understanding to my double degree and gain greater insights into other cultures and how to conduct myself in a global business environment. This opportunity will also assist me to pursue my interests in leadership, global business and politics, and environmental sustainability.”
In preparation for the Remote Global Internship, Dahlia completed the Asia Ready Program, along with in-country orientation activities, including introductory cultural and Cantonese language classes. She has also attended a range of online Hong Kong industry briefings presented by AustCham, KPMG, TIQ, Uber and Wharf Hotels.
“While I felt nervous entering my global internship, the Asia Ready Program has given me greater confidence, awareness and the skills I need to succeed in this experience. I feel more prepared to take on my internship now that I understand the cultural dynamics, regional environment and have insight into the local language.
Hearing from previous students in the program and professionals in the region, and understanding the program expectations, resources and support has given me a comprehensive guide of how I should expect to navigate and conduct myself throughout.
I found the language training and diverse speakers a really unique and powerful addition to the program which I received a lot of benefit from.
I also enjoyed the AustCham orientation day – interesting business insights that provide perspective on Hong Kong and the global business environment.”
Recently commencing the Remote Global Internship with AustCham, Dahlia is enthusiastically increasing her Asia literacy and engagement capability and has already realised great value from the experience, acquiring new skills and knowledge while working on a range of different projects, activities and tasks.
“Now that I have commenced my placement with AustCham Hong Kong, I have been essentially immersed into the organisation and the Hong Kong business environment.
I attend committee meetings across a range of business sectors, helping me to gain a deep understanding of the business culture, issues, interests and environment across different sectors, from small to large organisations. The preparation and orientation before my internship really helped me find my footing.
I am enjoying working with AustCham and have already found many opportunities to learn and enhance my skills as I navigate the remote internship.”
By developing work-ready graduates with a competitive edge and understanding of Asia, GAI looks forward to continue supportingstudentsthroughout the 2020 RemoteGlobalWIL experience. As highlighted by Dr Andrea Haefner, GABI Course Convenor, “It is great to see that students are still able to engage with Asia, learn about a new culture and work with an overseas company during unprecedented times. Global WIL offered remotely can provide access to international experiences for a diverse range of students who previously might have not been able to join.”
“We are extremely proud and honoured to have won the 2020 Green Gown international awards category: Learning, Teaching and Skills category,” she said.
In what has been an extraordinary year for Griffith Business School, the MBA was 
Bolstering employability by developing transversal skills and attributes that employers are seeking in graduate applicants, Dahlia Bar is currently completing a Remote Global Internship with the Australian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong (AustCham) as part of the 
I found the language training and diverse speakers a really unique and powerful addition to the program which I received a lot of benefit from.